Decision made - 325i

Decision made - 325i

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Discussion

crankedup

Original Poster:

25,764 posts

244 months

Sunday 23rd July 2017
quotequote all
Following on from my M3 mini disaster wife and I have at last agreed on our new (used) daily runner. Looked at jags, Fords and VW before deciding a BMW 325i SE four door fits the bill.
Tomorrow looking at the car which is 2009 with 74,000 miles up, BMWFSH priced at £7750 which obviously need to shave a little off.

The car has no spare wheel, can you advise which wheel size I need please (space saver). Currently it has 17" fitted which I assume are the standard fit.

It is a automatic with the optional paddle shift, although I doubt we will use the paddles just stick it in drive and go. But any issues with the system I should look for?

Any other comments / advise.

Edited by crankedup on Sunday 23 July 14:38

twokcc

832 posts

178 months

Sunday 23rd July 2017
quotequote all
Although BMW say auto box is sealed for life ZF recommend that the oil/filter sump is changed between 50-75k miles or 8 years which ever comes first.
Had my 2009 325d auto done earlier this ear cost of £400 inc VAT and labour at an indy, just something to bear in mind.
If cars got idrive will be able to see when life left in front/back brakes although it doesn't seem to be that accurate. Mine was showing 7k miles on front when I bought it done 20k miles and still showing 3k miles left. Rears done at about 55k miles and believe that was first change.
Some comments on PH about water pumps may be worth doing some research before viewing
Only expenditure I had has been for the 2 water thermostats but think that is a problem for the diesels only(cat doesn't regenerate unless water upto temp).
Bought a alloy spare from ebay which is 17" but even 2nd hand are not cheap (about £100) not needed it in 3 years of ownership, just for peace of mind as I've replaced runflats with normal tyres.

Think the idrive changed in 2009, newer one is better so may be worth looking for although you probably wont have much choice if want a petrol.

Edited by twokcc on Sunday 23 July 16:25

Thermobaric

725 posts

121 months

Sunday 23rd July 2017
quotequote all
You could just keep a couple of bottles of tyre Slime and a compressor in the boot to save lugging around a spare wheel.

crankedup

Original Poster:

25,764 posts

244 months

Sunday 23rd July 2017
quotequote all
twokcc said:
Although BMW say auto box is sealed for life ZF recommend that the oil/filter sump is changed between 50-75k miles or 8 years which ever comes first.
Had my 2009 325d auto done earlier this ear cost of £400 inc VAT and labour at an indy, just something to bear in mind.
If cars got idrive will be able to see when life left in front/back brakes although it doesn't seem to be that accurate. Mine was showing 7k miles on front when I bought it done 20k miles and still showing 3k miles left. Rears done at about 55k miles and believe that was first change.
Some comments on PH about water pumps may be worth doing some research before viewing
Only expenditure I had has been for the 2 water thermostats but think that is a problem for the diesels only(cat doesn't regenerate unless water upto temp).
Bought a alloy spare from ebay which is 17" but even 2nd hand are not cheap (about £100) not needed it in 3 years of ownership, just for peace of mind as I've replaced runflats with normal tyres.

Think the idrive changed in 2009, newer one is better so may be worth looking for although you probably wont have much choice if want a petrol.

Edited by twokcc on Sunday 23 July 16:25
Thanks, just the sort of advise I'm looking for, all noted thumbup

crankedup

Original Poster:

25,764 posts

244 months

Sunday 23rd July 2017
quotequote all
Thermobaric said:
You could just keep a couple of bottles of tyre Slime and a compressor in the boot to save lugging around a spare wheel.
Indeed, but I'm old school and prefer the spare wheel scenario.

iSore

4,011 posts

145 months

Sunday 23rd July 2017
quotequote all
Look on Ebay, and find a wheel like yours. If no tyre, a decent part worn, wrap the whole thing in a bin liner and keep it in the boot as I do.

crankedup

Original Poster:

25,764 posts

244 months

Monday 24th July 2017
quotequote all
^^^^^^^
Yup, hate that slime repair stuff and it ruins the tyre.

Thermobaric

725 posts

121 months

Monday 24th July 2017
quotequote all
FYI, the Slime brand stuff doesn't ruin the tyre. Can just be washed out unlike some other brands.

crankedup

Original Poster:

25,764 posts

244 months

Monday 24th July 2017
quotequote all
Thermobaric said:
FYI, the Slime brand stuff doesn't ruin the tyre. Can just be washed out unlike some other brands.
Thanks, shows I am old school when I mentioned tyre ruination, it was the slime from twenty years back and that stuck in my mind when I mentioned it.

bmwmike

6,958 posts

109 months

Monday 24th July 2017
quotequote all
Does anyone know how a tub of slime plus a compressor compares to a can of tyre weld? I am struggling to decide which to go with.