I'd like to buy a used BMW 3 series but I don't know one from another. WHich model is best, and which year is best? Since I'm not going to do the repairs myself, I want one that will need repair the least. Is there a point (i.e. mileage) when a used BMW would start having mechanical problems? Thank you! - Janet
Which BMW 3 series is best? I'm looking for used BMW
- Thread starter janet
- Start date
![[;)]](/images/smilies/wink.png "Wink [;)]")
. But if you're referring to a regular 3-Series, I'd say a 2002 or newer 330 would do very nicely.
More help needed picking the right 3 series
I love all of your help! My budget is under $12 - 14,000. I am more interested in finding a more reliable car, than a higher performing one. Also, I don't know what all those numbers mean with regard to the model. I thought the 3 series was only numbers like 318i, or 325 ...like that. What are all of these other letters and numbers about? I'm confused! Thank you!
Janet
I love all of your help! My budget is under $12 - 14,000. I am more interested in finding a more reliable car, than a higher performing one. Also, I don't know what all those numbers mean with regard to the model. I thought the 3 series was only numbers like 318i, or 325 ...like that. What are all of these other letters and numbers about? I'm confused! Thank you!
Janet
Main difference between 323i and 330i would be the engine. The "i" designates it being a sedan.
E30 would be the platform its on. The current being the E90 and the previous being the E46. The "E" is the first letter of a German word meaning platform.
With a budget of $12-14k you might be able to find a 2000 323i or 325i, the only problem is that its going to have high mileage. You might however find a 1997-98 E36 328i or 325i within your price point. A good place to start would be cars.com or autotrader.com
E30 would be the platform its on. The current being the E90 and the previous being the E46. The "E" is the first letter of a German word meaning platform.
With a budget of $12-14k you might be able to find a 2000 323i or 325i, the only problem is that its going to have high mileage. You might however find a 1997-98 E36 328i or 325i within your price point. A good place to start would be cars.com or autotrader.com
![[:p]](/images/smilies/tongue.png "Stick Out Tongue [:p]")
), spend like $8k - 10k, and keep the rest to replace the brakes, fluids, etc. and clean it real nice. You'll have an awesome car on your hands. The 328i has a strong motor too.
Since you're looking at a 3 series, you'll notice that the back has a 3 digit number that starts with a 3. The 3 lets you know that's a 3 series. Take the 318. The 3 says it's a 3 series, while the 18 lets you know how big the engine is (generally). The 318 is a 3 series with a 1.8L engine. The bigger the number, the bigger the engine (more expensive and more prestigious). So, you'll know a 325 will cost more than a 318 if they're the same year, mileage, etc.
Since you're in the US, it's kinda simple. 318 is the 4 cyl. Pretty much all the other numbers are 6 cylinder cars. BMW is famous for it's 6 cylinder and that's prolly the one you should get. You'll see 323, 325, 328, and 330.
As for the letters after the 3 digit number, if you see "ci", than that's a coupe. "cic" is a convertible. "ti" is the little hatchback. Everything else should be the sedan.
I think there's a faq or something around here.
Since you're in the US, it's kinda simple. 318 is the 4 cyl. Pretty much all the other numbers are 6 cylinder cars. BMW is famous for it's 6 cylinder and that's prolly the one you should get. You'll see 323, 325, 328, and 330.
As for the letters after the 3 digit number, if you see "ci", than that's a coupe. "cic" is a convertible. "ti" is the little hatchback. Everything else should be the sedan.
I think there's a faq or something around here.
OK - Now I'm starting to understand. I should get a 6 cyl and pretty much any year would do? Is that right, or are there better years than others? Also, is there a mileage point where things start breaking down? I drive a Volvo now, and it was fine up until around 120,000 and then it's been one thing after another. I'm trying to avoid that. Any more suggestions? This has been so helpful!! Thank you!
Well the auto trannys tend to need replacement at around 120,000 miles and if you get a 323i or 328i as Tom said it's gonna have high mileage, high mileage means it's likely to be just at or on its way to needing that 3k tranny job. A well maintained E36 as suggested would do...
Or you can lease a new 325i, just remember your 14k will be gone in a few years and so will the car... worth it depending upon your ideals.
Or you can lease a new 325i, just remember your 14k will be gone in a few years and so will the car... worth it depending upon your ideals.
![[thumb]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_thumb.gif "Thumbs Up [thumb]"){kind=icon}
Janet, regarding your question about "Is there a mileage where things start to break down?" to some degree there is. A few things on the 3 series are somewhat predictable. The auto transmission was mentioned at 120K, although that's not a hard and fast "it WILL fail". It's just that people who have auto transmission problems seem to report them starting around 120K. The general opinion is that BMW auto transmissions don't last as long as perhaps a Chevy, Ford, Honda, etc.
Most of the European cars, whether BMW, Volvo. etc. use plastic radiator tanks. They tend to get brittle from heat and time, and then they crack. It's pretty common to need a new radiator after 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles.
Most of the European cars, whether BMW, Volvo. etc. use plastic radiator tanks. They tend to get brittle from heat and time, and then they crack. It's pretty common to need a new radiator after 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles.
You guys are SO helpful!! I am so thankful! Too bad all of you don't live in Seattle or I'd take you for a ride when I finally find my hot little BMW.
So I have another question. Is it better to get a manual transmission? If so, will I have fewer mechanical problems in general? And how do I know which models are manual? i.e. if "i" means sedan, what signifies manual versus automatic?
xox!
So I have another question. Is it better to get a manual transmission? If so, will I have fewer mechanical problems in general? And how do I know which models are manual? i.e. if "i" means sedan, what signifies manual versus automatic?
xox!
![[rofl]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_rofl.gif "ROFL [rofl]"){kind=icon}
![[:D]](/images/smilies/biggrin.png "Big Grin [:D]")
![[cheers]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_cheers.gif "Cheers [cheers]"){kind=icon}
[driving2]