Mecheng88

Looking through Craigslist I found a Black 2002 BMW 325i. The car only has 109,000 miles and from the pictures it looks to be in pretty good condition. Only downfall is that it is automatic but I can deal with it. The question I have is the car really worth buying? I was browsing different repair sites and the only downfall were the window regulators and brake pads. A lot of reviews say the parts and repairs can be expensive but I also have people that can get me a mechanics discount on parts. Plus I can browse the internet for OEM part dealers that sell parts for cheaper.

So the questions that I have are:

-Should I spend $8900 for this car when KBB says $9458 in excellent condition?
-Will I end up hating myself for spending money on a car that needs constant maintenance?
-The car came from an auction, so should I be cautious about that?

Link for the car:

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/ctd/2001482034.html

I know some people also have Carfax accounts so maybe I can get a history of it through one of you.

The VIN is: WBAET37462NJ22341

This is also my first European car so any advice would help.

I am also big on car maintenance so that should help with keeping it going.

joenationwide

If you are handy with a wrench and can do the maintenance yourself, its not going to kill you financially. If you can't turn wrenches, its a greater risk for you. The E36 (92-99 3 series) is easiest to work on, but the E46 (2000-2006 3 series) is only slightly more complex. Regular mechanical stuff is no more difficult though.

Window regulators only cost $5 to fix but its a pain in the butt job. Again, you can DIY or pay $250 to get it fixed. The plastic bushings that hold the motor in place go bad. But if you take it to a shop, you might get charged for a regulator and motor ($400) until they figure out the bushing is bad.

Never heard of any problems with the brake pads. They are super easy to change out, and they are not Honda prices, but they are certainly not expensive. I think a set of front axxis ultimates are around $40.

If you are interested in it, spend some time searching on bimmerforums.com. Its the best bmw site.

Mecheng88

Thanks for the info. I would have never thought of the plastic bushings until I actually open up the panel. That's probably the one great things about working on cars. Sometimes its the most basic stuff that can cost you. Definitely heading over to bimmerforums.com to get more info.

MissmyE30

Personally I'd pass. at 109k things are going to start going wrong pretty quick depending on how OCD you are. Do you have maintenance records? at 109 you'll probably need new VANOS seals (check for Beisan systems and Dr. Vanos for your options), some cooling system stuff (water pump, exp tank, thermostat etc) some suspension stuff (control arms, bushings, springs/shocks). What are your plans? just DD duty? I'd suck it up and look for a manual 330 and if you really wanted to be baller, a ZHP.

Niburu

I've replaced the thermostat and waterpump, both rear tailight bulb carriers, and 1 window regulator on my '01 325i, I am at 104K
no problems with anything else
$8900 is a little pricey for the auto in my opinion, I picked my car for a little less then that 3 years ago

Mecheng88

Just a daily driver to replace my outdated Honda. Maybe some small things like wheels, suspension, etc. The maintenance records is what I am currently worried about. The dealership said they got it through an auction. I'm going to do a walk around and put it on a lift to inspect the car. The other option is take it to a BMW dealership and see if they can do a full check to see what needs to be done. I knew the cooling system maintenance might pop up soon. Not too OCD about some stuff, just making sure I knock it out before it causes bigger problems.

Mecheng88

Yeah, if he's willing to lower in price then that will be good. Right now I'm trying to gather as much info through VAdriven and bimmerforums.com.

MissmyE30

https://www.vadriven.com/forums/import-europe-67/e46-bmw-somd-nova-366836/

No? If it's just a DD I'd consider this for the price. Looks like a lot of the popular mods (MTech II) and routine maintenance have been caught up on. VANOS has been addressed, the Beisan seals are good stuff and will last a while. The Stewart (he spelled stuart) water pump is about 200 bones by itself and should last the rest of the remaining life of the car.

Mecheng88

The mileage is what is currently breaking the deal. I'll start making further decisions once I get to see the car in person this Sunday. But that one in the F/S thread looks nice.

Acrytet70

Look out for maintenence on the cooling system as well. My car started to act up at 130.. And no having early records, I just replaced everything.
Runs like a dream now, but did have to kick out some cash.. Its a 02 530.