Considering a 2002 325xi 6 speed

[salguod]

I'm looking for a new, inexpensive daily and have found a 2002 325xi 6 speed with 200K that looks like fun. I'm curious what problem areas I ought to be aware of.

I owned a 1996 318ti for about 2 years and 25K miles a few years ago. It had 263K on it when I sold it. I had gotten familiar with some of the common problem or maintenance areas with the E36 (coolant pipes, lower control arms, window regulators, sunroof mechanism, etc.) The owner of that car was a friend, so I knew the history (coolant pipes & window regulators had been done recently), but this 325xi is at a dealer so I probably won't have any history.

I've poked around a bit for information and will continue to do so, but thought I'd post a question while I do. The car's an hour away, so I want to gather as much info before I go as possible.

It sounds like they have the same coolant pipe and lower control arm needs as the E36. Hopefully I can verify when they have been done, but I doubt it. Also similar possible oil leak issues (my 318ti was leaking a quart every 300 miles from the oil filter housing when I got it).

A big one I saw mentioned was torn metal at the rear suspension. Would this 325xi potentially have this issue? If so, what should I look for?

I just signed up at E46Fanatics too.

Thanks!

[MarcoZandrini]

BMW fixed the rear suspension mounting points metal fatigue issue by 2003.

The car needs to undergo a pre-purchase inspection performed by a reputable indie shop that specializes in bimmers. The inspection will cost between $150-$200. Why? All used cars have issues. The inspection will tell you what needs to be fixed. Have the shop write down the cost if each repair. Use that info to get a better price. Find a reputable indie shop at wwe.bimrs.org.

[salguod]

I appreciate that suggestion, but the car is an hour north of Columbus, OH in a small town that's not likely to have an indie BMW shop. In fact, bimrs.org lists no shops within an hour of my house or the car. I'm sure there are good BMW shops in Columbus, however, they just aren't listed on that site.

If the metal fatigue was fixed by 2003, would that mean this 2002 might have the problem? If so, what do I look for?

In general, I'm not concerned about fixing relatively minor things like replacing coolant pipes and control arms. I am concerned about major items like potential metal fatigue failures.

Thanks