About to buy....

[Dreammeister]

Hi everyone,

It looks like I'm about to become a first time BMW owner and was hoping to get some answers to a couple of questions I have. I've come over from the dark side of Porsche as I am due to become a dad very soon, so something more practical is in order.

I am looking at buying a 325i SE with standard spec on a 55 plate with 87k miles (e90).

Apparently the car has been maintained as per the service schedule, would this mean that things like the cambelt would have been changed by now, and at which service would this have occurred?

Are these cars generally still desirable in the current climate - ie. if I needed to sell in a year's time would I have problems, or am I better off with something like a 320d?

Are there any known major/minor issues to look out for, I am not having an inspection done but the car has cleared the HPI check with flying colours (I'm buying privately).

Can anyone recommend an after-market warranty company or is a BMW used car warranty the way to go?

Many thanks in advance...


DM

[E30M3SE]

They do not have timing belts, they run timing chains which in theory are good for the life of the engine.

[mike325112]

Dreammeister said:

am I better off with something like a 320d?

No

HTH

Do you do more than say 12k? If not its probably not worth the expense of a diesel. If your looking at petrol then a straight six will probably be a better bet after your porker.
My mrs is expecting at the momment, I'm looking to go back to petrol as my mileage has come down a lot and I want some power. (To be used responsibly of course)

[Dreammeister]

Thanks - I'm going to be doing around 7k miles a year, maybe even less.

Does anyone have any recommendations re: warranty options?

[Dr_Rick]

On an 'about to buy' basis, this question would be relevant I think to any. Given the current 'climate' and the fact that the used prices are starting to pick up (possibly, I've heard this from different people, but could be corrected), the key question relates to how flexible dealers are at the moment.

Are BMW likely to shift £3,500 off a used car, for a sale? Or am I trying my luck? I've seen just the car I want (and can afford to run) but it's £3.5k outside the budget. Now I could take the easy option and go look elsewhere or change spec, but if the sages of PH think the dealer may cave under the pressure of a bit of haggling I'll give it a go. I know the saying of 'if you don't ask, you don't get', but is this too far?

Dr Rick

[ITP]

I'd say standard spec will make the car difficult to sell on. People want options on these.

[Dr_Rick]

ITP said:

I'd say standard spec will make the car difficult to sell on. People want options on these.

Quoting from the advert:

Standard equipment:
Multi-func wheel
Remote alarm
Roof rails
First-aid kit & triangle
Auto-dim interior mirror
Headlamp washer system
Rain sensor
Auto Air-con
Dynamic cruise control
Extended interior lighting pack

Additional equipment:
Elec folding exterior mirrors
Ellipsoid spoke 18" wheels
Leather interior
Media package - BMW Pro
PDC (F&R)
Seat heating (F)
Sport steering wheel
Sun protect glass
Visibility package
UK delivery

So, the question, would that constitute a package that would resist haggling (on a 330d)?

Dr Rick