E90 330 coupe potential purchase advice please.

[richcorsavxr]

Planning a car change, and searching the bmw used site this came up.

http://usedcars.benhamwolvesbmw.co.uk/showroom/3-S...

Just after a little advice on the following as information I've searched for is little indifferent. So....

What should I be looking for when I view, i.e common faults with the car, things to test?

The claims of an average 38 mpg, is this achievable on a 'normal' 28 mile commute on A roads? Not a deal breaker but we all like to save a few penny's when we can.

Boot size, on the odd occasion I take my niece and/or goddaughter (both nearly 2) on outings, will we be able to comfortably fit a push chair in the boot? Also thinking about it will a car seat fit in the back?

BMW Professional navigation system. What is it? Again lots of info on the net but with different answers.

Enhanced Bluetooth telephone functionality, again what is it, I understand you can connect your phone but what's the reason for it being enhanced?

Finally negotiating, I'm rubbish at it but I wouldn't mind saving a few quid. How much do you think I can 'knock them down to' I have a p/x worth about £6000 trade in price. Any tactics to use or dealer talk I should ignore?

Many thanks.

[richcorsavxr]

Say I was to swap over from run flats to normal tyres, would this affect the tyre sensor if there's one?

Think I'll be popping over to the dealer tomorrow to take a look and hopefully do a deal.

[richcorsavxr]

A little update.
Just seen the car, looks lovely the alloys need refurbing but we were a £1000 off agreeing a deal. Not sure weather to hold off and make an offer in a few days.

[richcorsavxr]

Smuler said:

richcorsavxr said:

A little update.
Just seen the car, looks lovely the alloys need refurbing but we were a £1000 off agreeing a deal. Not sure weather to hold off and make an offer in a few days.

I saw this car on sale well before christmas, so it suggests they are struggling to sell it. Price was higher then by 1k maybe more.
I think they should refurb alloys as a matter of course as it's an approved used car. make sure you get a copy of the Approved use check if you do buy.

I agree with your tactics.

Interestingly the price tag in the windscreen was over 18k. I was told it's an Internet speacil at the online price. Defiantly going to wait a few days.

[richcorsavxr]

helix402 said:

This is what a wheel refurb will cost:

http://www.lepsons.com/prices/

Shat! Defiantly get them done as part of the deal.


Although I'll probably catch them on the curb a week later.

[richcorsavxr]

Quick update: had a courtesy call today and as I was in the area popped down and made an offer.

All being well I pick it up Saturday, genuinely excited.

Thanks all for the help. I will be checking the report before I hand over the cash.

[richcorsavxr]

Another question.
I want to connect my iPhone 5s to the car to play music, but I would like the track listings displayed on the centre screen. Is it possible? There are usb cables to connect the phone but reviews say It won't display the track listings. Or can I do it via the Bluetooth?

[richcorsavxr]

Last update:
Picked it up first thing Saturday. What a car, love it. All positive comments from friends and even a random stranger at the petrol station today.
A few little surprises it plays DVDs (not sure why, but it does) welcome lights on the door handles (how cool), I'm sure there's a few more surprises I haven't discovered.
The Bluetooth plays music off my phone, which I'm very happy about.
Mixed driving im averageing 32 mpg which I'm more than happy with.

Only two very minor let downs, the sound system could do with a little more punch, that's not to say it's bad but I feel it's missing that little something.
I would have like to hear the engine abit more in the cabin, a few friends tell me it sounds lovely when standing outside, but I guess we have to compromise on that 'refinement' manufactures talk about.

Overall very happy, it's one of the few cars I've owned that I try to find random excuses to take it out.

[richcorsavxr]

trippy86 said:

Sounds like a great purchase. I'm looking for a 330i myself but in the E93 convertible form.

Whats the sound of the engine like on full throttle, does it have the typical beemer straight six howl? And does it actually sound like a diesel at idle, now that they have Direct Injection?

And lastly does the manual box work well with that engine from your perspective?

Thanks

I looked at the convertible myself but couldn't find the spec I wanted for my budget.

Engine I want to retract my earlier statement of let down that it was to quiet. Its actually pretty perfect, not to in your face but but there's enough to make you smile. I can't compare it to a typical straight six because the only other straight six I had been in was the 130i and that was years ago when it was first released.
At idle I wouldn't say a diesel sound but I did think they maybe a problem as there's a faint whine (could be me being over cautious on a new purchase)
I'm glad I went for the manual gearbox, my previous car had the dsg paddle shift gearbox and although had its good points it was also very boring and non engaging drive. I think first gear maybe a little bit short but other than that I'm happy to be using my left arm and leg again.

The sound system is the only let down, on full volume I can still talk over it ( okay I need to raise my voice a little but still disappointing)

That may or may not have been helpful, I'm truly crap at explaining/ answering questions. Get one, just go for it. For an everyday car this is near perfect in my eyes (I may change my mind when the snow comes lol)