[kingjon]

Hi everyone,

I just put a quick introduction on the new members thread, but for those who haven't read it, I'm trying to get some advice for my first BMW purchase.

I'm looking for a second-hand (2005-06) 325 petrol. Ideally I'd like a 55-plate E90 M-sport, but I don't want to spend more than around 12-13k. Do you think this is unrealistic, and if so, should I consider an SE, or try to drop down to an E46 M-sport?

I really don't know too much at this stage - I've only previously driven an E46 320Ci, so don't yet have much to compare with (I'm just going with the fact that the E90s look better and have a few improved features), and I'd rather have the 2.5l.

I don't want an E90 320 as I believe this is 4 cylinder, so I'm a bit unsure what to get (what I can get) for that budget. Any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated, and please bear in mind all this is quite new to me, so take it easy

Cheers in advance,
Jon.

[AlanQS]

Try here to give you an idea.

The cheapest prices are around £15k - £16k but there should be room for manoeuvre.

[ShereKhan]

Defo go 325.

If you want nice big wheels, sports seats then get a M Sport.
If you are happy with normal wheels and flat seats then get a SE spec.

Some SE's do have sports seats and larger wheels further up the range (More £££).

All the 320's are 4 cyl. 325 upwards are 6cyl.

[PeteJ]

Do not buy from Eastern BMW (Edinburgh Mob)... Crooks in the highest degree!!

[threethirty]

Originally Posted by kingjon

and I'd rather have the 2.5l.

Isn't the 325i a 3 litre engine - ie a detuned version of the 330i?

[PeteJ]

Originally Posted by threethirty

Isn't the 325i a 3 litre engine - ie a detuned version of the 330i?

Ripe for chipping if thats the case!

[AlanQS]

The first E9x 325 was a 2.5 litre but I think it changed to 3 litres after ED came out in September 2007

[lolololol]

AFAIK the 325 / 330 and 335 are all 3.0 litre engines !

[willhollin]

Originally Posted by omaragha

AFAIK the 325 / 330 and 335 are all 3.0 litre engines !

[AlanQS]

Z4Beemer's 325i E92 has a 2.5 litre engine though I suspect that will change on the 9th May... eh Gordon?

[Swiller]

Go for a 330i mate. Nice and cheap, same prices as the 325i second hand and running costs etc. Better brakes, more oomph, cheaper than the equivelant diesels. Saloons much cheaper than the coupes. 12k got me a 27k on clock, 55plate, se, sep 2010 bmw warranty free servicing etc. Sports seats and leather, although not many fancies such as xenons, assisted steering and i drive.
Check out car supermarkets over dealers or "approved bmw". With a full bmw service history the car should be fine to go for a long time. You get a 4yr or 50k mile warranty with most of em new, which follows the car, not the owner.
let us know what ya get.

[booforty]

Stretch to a 330i if you can, there are deals to be had around your budget

[Wokka-man]

Hi, I bought a 325i M-Sport (07 model) from Ocean in Plymouth a month ago and I just love it. It is faster than a e90 320i but not hugely so. Yes, the ride is hard on 18"s with run-flats but it is livable, you soon get used to dodging the potholes on the nearside of the road. To confirm, 06/07 models were fitted with a 2497cc six pot engine and this was changed for a detuned 2997cc engine for the 08 model year ( with a decrease in Co2). If you are concerned about fuel consumption, I'm getting about 28-30 mpg in mixed driving and on a run to Kent on m-ways, even saw 35mpg. Finally, the smoothness and flexibilty of a six pot does it for me every time.

Good luck & let us know how you get on!

[Swiller]

Originally Posted by RR

Some I found:

http://www.cargiant.co.uk/BMW/3-seri...W-3-series.asp

http://www.cargiant.co.uk/BMW/3-seri...W-3-series.asp

http://www.cargiant.co.uk/BMW/3-seri...W-3-series.asp

There were a few others on the list, but without pictures. Their cars tend to be slightly above average mileage, but usually one owner from new, full service history etc. They get their cars from dealers who can't sell them because of maximum mileage policies.

+1 RR - cargiant are great..
Where i got my 330i from ^^. Bought 2 bimmers from em, and no probs with either of em. They had 6 330is when i bought mine, but stocks are now lower due to crunch. 330i complete no brainer over a 325i.

[kingjon]

Thanks guys for the really helpful advice. I've already been to Car Giant a couple of weeks ago - was really impressed with how much they had there.. I then went to a couple of dealerships and immediately had to write them off (the prices were 3-4k+ more than CG, even on those with similar mileage). As said in a post above, CG don't currently have a great selection, so it might be a case of hanging around for the right one to come up.

A couple more questions for you all - if i decide to go for the 330, is it worth looking into diesels? I don't do a huge amount of mileage at all, so can't justify it. Also, assuming i'm looking at 55-06 plates, what's the max mileage I should be looking at? I was looking for upto 45k but should I accept upto 60k (or even more)? I have to consider resale in a few years...

Swiller - can't believe you got such a good price! Was that from CG, dealership (i guess not) or private?

[Swiller]

yes kj, was from cargiant in december. Prices have gone up since then. Mine is basic spec, with leather and sports seats which is what i was after, automatic. Usual se trimmings with cruise etc. The equivelant car at a dealer was around 15-16k
Personally i would steer away from diesels as they are much more expensive than the equivelent petrol to buy second hand. (never really understood that).
For example a 330d was 14-15k at cargiant , same spec as my petrol.
I wouldnt worry about mileage too much in terms of reliability, but resale value yes. I would try and keep the car at under 80k miles when it comes to resale. So depending on how long you aim to keep it and mileage etc should dicate your mileage at the time of buying.
I would watch cargiant for new stock every couple of days. The good ones do go quickly. They are very good at taking down your requirements and ringing you when a car comes in to your spec before it goes out into showroom.
Autoquake similar ethos and similar prices.