Anyone had a BMW 3 series?

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Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 3:02 pm

A friend of mine is setting up a business, and needs to sell his BMW 318is Coupe. Its 1.9 litres, with the m-tech body kit and lowered suspension.

Here's a similar one, but without the body kit, on Ebay..

I must admit I'm very tempted, as my Diesel Merc is dog slow and 7 years older. The price is right, and it has aircon and all the other bells and whistles that easily impress me.

Anyone had one of these? Any good, or a pain in the ass?

Baiting Guru Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Posts: 2922

Keep the Diesel Merc-those things last forever, and with petrol prices going up you can convert a diesel to other fuel sources etc. Look at the bigger picture, cost, insurance, nickability, chavenvy etc etc.

My uncle ran an original M3 he liked it, but then he could afford that and a Lotus Espirit, a 911, a 968, an original AC Cobra and a race team running VW Golfs. He's a car nut!!! Very Happy

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:05 pm

Keep the merc - there's enough chavs in Weatherfield Wink

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:15 pm

I had one of these. Was a 99 model.

Excellent car, bought a Lexus after it and sometimes am sorry I did.

You will never have any problems with it (although if you do please don't sue me, I'd hate to get one of those Barristers on my case)

One thing though is that this model is looking a little dated now with the new one just out but if that doesn't concern you then go for it.

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:26 pm

/\/\ see that's what I want to hear! Something along the lines of 'The enhanced poontang factor will make you irresistible to women', not 'Keep your nice sensible diesel, you can run it on chip oil when the oil runs out'.

I dont do a lot of miles, so I'm not too bothered about mpg and stuff. Insurance needs looking into though, it is a bit 'please steal/scratch me'.

Baiting Guru Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Posts: 2922

Roycropper wrote:

'The enhanced poontang factor will make you irresistible to women'

Maybe in Weatherfield!!! Laughing

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 6:57 pm

Pray the radiator header tank doesn't burst
Pray the automatic gearbox doesn't need attention anytime soon, or ever for that matter
Pray you don't smash a headlight
Pray the electrical extras don't start playing up

Other than those minor considerations, a very smart looking car that drives well. Almost well enough to be forgiven when it takes large bites out of your wallet.

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 7:29 pm

I've got 2 BMW's so i'd certainly tell you to go for it, do some checks though obviously, how much service history etc etc. Insurance wont be too bad depending on your circumstances. These cars are bullet-proof if they are looked after well. This car is only a 4 cylinder so dont get too excited about finding too much power under the bonnet..that shape is an E36 btw. oh and http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/home/index.htm is always worth checking out.

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 7:31 pm

No No No No No!!!!

Please, Roy! Don't do it!

I am getting rid of my 323i tonight. It was a 2000.

Let me tell you a list of things that happened:

3 window regulators had to be fixed- Price per regulator was $350-$400. Three of them are bad again, but I never bothered to get them fixed again, as they still work somewhat. I do not roll down 3 of the windows for that reason.

The driver�s side rear door does not open. Price to fix- $650-$700.

The passenger�s side rear door has a part that is messed up.

Nearly 10 headlights, tail lights and blinkers have gone out. Again, not cheap when they go out that often.

Problem with the engine a while back, $850 to get fixed.

Not too many people can balance to tires on a BMW, they take a special tool or some crap. Very expensive to have done.

The thermostat is messed up. It costs $300 to fix.

The sunroof has broken twice. $400 to fix.

Oil changes are not cheap, though you don�t have to get them done as often.

Tons of little electronic things mess up. Very expensive to fix.

Tires are expensive.

Please Roy, get something else. I have owned one personally. Tonight I say bye to it. Rides well, but not worth the upkeep and maintenance. You can get a much more reliable car for the money.

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 8:17 pm

Cheers, Jojo, sounds like you should send a lad on safari in one, as a special punishment.. Laughing

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