Author Topic: Thinking of purchasing a BMW 323i  (Read 5390 times)

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Mr.Mazza

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Reply #15 on: April 09, 2014, 01:19:06 am
Have to agree with cooling system issues. If you need a hose replace it all, including the coolant tank, please trust me on this. The German car companies cannot produce anything made of rubber or plastic that lives as long as the rest of the car. I know it seems like a terrible generalization but it's true.
Roverman.

If someone made replacement fittings of alloy they would be pretty great engines.
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cyrusb

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Reply #16 on: April 09, 2014, 01:55:34 am
I have found over time, that giving advise about which car to buy is very similar to telling someone who to marry. It's a heart thing. But I know a story about a guy who inherited a BMW, and a year later he realized he had paid too much for it.
2005E Fixed and or Replaced: ignition, fenders,chainguard,wires,carb,headlight,seat,tailight,sprockets,chain,shock springs,fork springs, exhaust system, horn,shifter,clutch arm, trafficators,crankcase vent.


Blltrdr

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Reply #17 on: April 09, 2014, 03:06:26 am
Had the car checked out today. Pretty minimal list of things to fix. Valve cover & oil filler pipe gasket replacement, washer fluid motor replace, differential, trans and engine fluid/filter change, fuel filter and a new set of tires in the next 10k miles.

Everything I can do myself. I didn't really care for the tires while test driving as they seemed kind of loud, buying a new set is not a big deal or deal breaker. The tires are 10 years old and the car has being parked for long periods of time isn't great for them either. Car tires have improved a lot in the last 10yrs also.

I like the car, drives and handles well.
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GreenMachine

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Reply #18 on: April 09, 2014, 03:31:01 pm
From what you wrote, the repairs and tires are minimal ... If you like the car,, go ahead and buy it...You know what you want.
Oh Magoo you done it again


Blltrdr

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Reply #19 on: April 09, 2014, 04:44:23 pm
I got online last night and priced out everything needed that was on the inspection checklist including a new set of Continental Extreme Contact DWS tires/mounting/ alignment and some special tools including a code reader that plugs into a socket in the engine bay. $1500 + about 30hrs of my labor to install parts and detail car.

Had a long conversation with my father-in-law yesterday about the car. He has owned a few 3 series over the years. He told me if he found one like this where he lives in New Orleans that he would buy it without hesitation, throw a few grand at it to dial it and sell his Honda Accord. I trust his opinions, has been at this life thing just a bit longer and isn't doing to bad at it either.

A few members have mentioned that there are problems with the cooling system. The shop manager yesterday said not to worry. There are a few versions of this car, so maybe they corrected it early on if there was a problem. The 323i started selling around 9/98 and this car was built 10/99.

Very comfortable car. Great ergonomics and control layout.
2003 Classic 500 5 spd
2009 HD FLHT Police 103 6 spd
1992 Kawasaki ZG 1200 Voyager XII


GreenMachine

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Reply #20 on: April 10, 2014, 01:36:07 pm
There ya go..and don't forget to show us a pic or 2 after u have her nice n spiffy....
Oh Magoo you done it again


Blltrdr

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Reply #21 on: April 10, 2014, 04:00:58 pm
Yes a couple pics for sure. I'm really more excited for my wife. She has driven her Corolla for 21 years with no complaints. She has worked hard the whole time we have been together so I think a little commuter car upgrade is in order for her.
2003 Classic 500 5 spd
2009 HD FLHT Police 103 6 spd
1992 Kawasaki ZG 1200 Voyager XII


Blltrdr

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Reply #22 on: April 19, 2014, 03:58:39 pm
So finally have a picture to post of the car. I can't purchase the car till June when the owners new car arrives.
2003 Classic 500 5 spd
2009 HD FLHT Police 103 6 spd
1992 Kawasaki ZG 1200 Voyager XII


GreenMachine

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Reply #23 on: April 19, 2014, 04:14:04 pm
Sweet...Now a little patience on your part...Did u give him a down payment? 
Oh Magoo you done it again


Blltrdr

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Reply #24 on: April 19, 2014, 04:38:22 pm
Sweet...Now a little patience on your part...Did u give him a down payment?

The owner is a customer of mine. I am just finishing up one of many projects slated to be done on her house this year. She seems receptive to taking some of the labor cost from this job and putting it towards the car purchase. The deal is set between us it's just that she ordered a custom Lexus which won't arrive from Japan until June and this is her only car. I have plenty of patience but I am more worried that my wife's Corolla has less.
2003 Classic 500 5 spd
2009 HD FLHT Police 103 6 spd
1992 Kawasaki ZG 1200 Voyager XII


REpozer

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Reply #25 on: April 19, 2014, 05:53:19 pm
She ordered a Lexus(Toyota)after owning a German car.You are getting rid of a corolla (Toyota ) that has given many good years.
Can you back out of the deal? Sorry , don't want to be " that guy" I hope the Beammer gives you years of trouble free service .
I might try to purchase a BMW from the early 90s down to the 70s before the electronics got ridiculously complicated.
We all have strong opinions, that is one of mine.
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Blltrdr

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Reply #26 on: April 19, 2014, 06:00:18 pm
She ordered a Lexus(Toyota)after owning a German car.You are getting rid of a corolla (Toyota ) that has given many good years.
Can you back out of the deal? Sorry , don't want to be " that guy" I hope the Beammer gives you years of trouble free service .
I might try to purchase a BMW from the early 90s down to the 70s before the electronics got ridiculously complicated.
We all have strong opinions, that is one of mine.

Haven't read anything about electrical problems with this model or any other 3 series for that matter. Part of the problem owning one of these cars is paying to have someone do all the maintenance on them. I plan on doing all the maintenance on this vehicle.
2003 Classic 500 5 spd
2009 HD FLHT Police 103 6 spd
1992 Kawasaki ZG 1200 Voyager XII


REpozer

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Reply #27 on: April 19, 2014, 06:14:09 pm
My son was considering looking for California Beamers 90s on down( for price and relative mechanical simplicity ) to drive to Alaska . Thats when I started doing some home work on German style cars.
I was sharing my concerns as I would with a friend. The new Beamer may the best car you ever purchased and I already regret sounding negative.
Happy motoring and thanks for asking for opinions.
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Blltrdr

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Reply #28 on: April 19, 2014, 06:46:06 pm
I have been doing plenty of research and really haven't found that many things negative. I think the biggest problem is the auto shops and dealerships that rip people of who drive these types of cars.
2003 Classic 500 5 spd
2009 HD FLHT Police 103 6 spd
1992 Kawasaki ZG 1200 Voyager XII