Discussion
Main problem to watch is Vanos, search this site, or any bmw site, or google and you'll find tons of info.
Insurance can be quite high, as can main delaer servicing (and watch for recent changes to warranty conditions if it still has Approved Used Warranty)
Economy pretty good, low 20's round and about high 20'2 or maybe more on longer motorway runs.
Very nice car to own, effortless power and goes like stink when you nail it. Can cost a bomb if/when it breaks!
Insurance can be quite high, as can main delaer servicing (and watch for recent changes to warranty conditions if it still has Approved Used Warranty)
Economy pretty good, low 20's round and about high 20'2 or maybe more on longer motorway runs.
Very nice car to own, effortless power and goes like stink when you nail it. Can cost a bomb if/when it breaks!
Best all rounder there is mate!. Nice and docile when you want it to be, then when you want to you can keep up with, and often leave behind, the best of them!. I've embarrassed many a exotic car owner.

Just make sure its a well looked after example. As already mentioned the VANOS units can spell trouble but, without trying to curse myself, mine has done 97,000mls now and hasn't missed a beat or had any VANOS trouble at all. I think that's down to regular filter changing.
As with all cars ,spending to the top end of your budget will secure the nicest example. Although mines high mileage it is truly concourse so don't be put off by mileage. I'd suggest buying on condition and history. Also being the type of car that it is, check for accident damage the check again!. Have a look under the front of the car for the belly pan, If its not there...usually a sign of damage or hard driving/grounding out on bends and or roundabouts. Inner wings are another sign of this also. Just as it folds round into the engine bay (below the bonnet seal) they should be nice and straight (vertical).
Servicing from a main dealer IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE !!!!. How does £170 for an oil change grab you including the 4Plus scheme. Oh and there was my last service, an inspection 2. From BMW they wanted £800.
Fuel economy I find is very good (well its better than my 6 series by far), seen as I live in the centre of London and on a run I've even managed 34mpg.
I have dropped you an e-mail so feel free to contact me as I know other things or questions pop into ones head when your talking away with a fellow owner.
In a nutshell you will not be disappointed with it.
Happy motoring!

John.
(M3john)
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