e92 coupe - purchase and mileage question

[belloni]

Hi all,

I've decided to buy the 325i-330i coupe however I have a question!

So i'm looking at a saving of £2,000 if I chose a model with nearly 100k miles, or spending the £2,000k to get one with with roughly 60-80k miles.

Do you think it's worth the saving or not? I only do about 8,000 miles a year.

See below, the first is the more expensive one, second is the cheaper option (guide line only, I may not actually buy these particular ones)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

[belloni]

Yeah ideally i'd like the 330.

I've just messaged the seller if the gear box oil has been done (100k car).

The steering wheel looks a bit hammered, will it cost alot to change it aesthetically?

[belloni]

Unfortunatly I only love the shape of the e92 coupe! Thanks though.

So would you say, save my money and go for the cheaper 100k version?

[belloni]

Please bear in mind that all my searches include the iDrive which may be why?

Is it severly lacking performance low end enough to be a problem do you think? I'm coming from a heavy A3 1.6 so i'm used to slow moving!

[belloni]

My A3 is really sluggish and the power just isn't there when I need it, which is frustrating to say the least if the situation requires it.

I'm not actively looking at auto by the way, that just happens to be the case with the links, i'm not fussed by auto or manual.

So based on your help so far, if it's 325i find a manual. If it's a 330i, auto or manual. The 330i at 100k miles is OK considering the mileage i'll be doing?

[belloni]

p1tse - I believe they are all that "low" so no changes there. The spec looks good, iDrive, auto lights/wipers etc.

Thanks for all the help so far, really appreciate it.

When it comes to reselling, which I can imagine me doing so in say about 2-3 years, I guess the mileage may be an issue then? As like you say, people get hung up on it.

This one seems like a good 325i, low mileage and heated seats and manual -
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Argh, can't decide! Leaning towards saving the £2,000 money mainly, and getting the cheaper one out of the lot...

[belloni]

mocca said:

Funnily enough I was looking at that 330 and thinking what good value it was, spec looks decent too. I'd definitely be having a look at it were I in a position to change. Having owned a 330i e46 and had a mate with a 325i, i'd say always hold out for the 330 as the gulf in performance was notable but i seemed to get better mpg. The difference in official figures in this case is minute any way.

I'd echo the comments on buying on condition rather than mileage - E90s in general seem really strong and wear well, 100k wouldn't bother me.

Did you actually go and view it? It's had only one lady owner also, which is good (I think!). She's only 20 miles away from me, so hopefully go see at the weekend if I can.

[belloni]

Me again! As the seller is a bit and miss. Just a feeling I currently have, so incase that goes..."tits up". What about the below? Starting to think, I really, really want it in this colour! Also, as it's a 325i, but the engine is 3.0L, based on what i've been told that means it will have ED features, so another plus.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

[belloni]

p1tse said:

That looks nice with nice spec

But for me I think I would always hold out for a 330i

I would compromise on colour over engine

Have you driven either?
Also autos go well with bigger engines these days

But if that's what budget gets you a 325 is still a nice motor
What are you coming from?

Based on the help from previously, recommended if I do pick a 325 to get a manual, but for 330 - get an auto. Havn't driven either yet.

Coming from a 2007 A3 1.6, so sluggish and heavy

[belloni]

xxChrisxx said:

Updated N52 engine didn't get put in til midway through 07 on the saloon, not totally sure about the coupe.

I'd double check its actually the 3.0.

Yeah that's what I thought, kinda just assumed the autotrader information was gathered automatically (never sold a car before on there).

I'll enquire. Why can't there be a lovely blue/330i/iDrive/Cream leather!

[belloni]

Smuler said:

Blue with cream, 330i and a manual. Perfect




http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Thanks for checking mate.

That's not the same blue! It's also out of my price range unfortunatly, £8,500 being my max.

[belloni]

Unfortunatly I missed out on the 330i - 100k miles car...

It's getting quite tight due to personal circumstances that I need a car sooner then I thought, so not sure how long I can hold out for a 330i.

I know the below is a 325 and automatic, but what do you guys think?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

One thing it doesn't have full service history, only part which puts me off a bit.

This one, I spoke to the guy, and mentioned the bonnet, which if you look at the pictures clearly isn't sitting correctly. His reply was "The bonnet is sitting fine"...should I be worried he thinks this?!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...