Help on BMW info

[duff]

I have never owned a BMW and I am currently looking at a 2001 325i for my son.

It has 160K miles,
The only thing I found was the rear differntial had some fresh oil on the bottom but the seals were not leaking.

Is 160K miles high for a BMW
anything else to look for

Thanks for the help

Duff

[HyeTide]

Have a pre purchase inspection done before you buy, ask for repair history paperwork . GL

[notallthere]

if you were closer I'd tell you to take a look at mine its going to be going up for sale I was going to try to sell it earlier this year but I decided to keep it for a little longer I have all the receipts for work done and its only 130k on it

but back to the point the motor seems to last forever just check the rear suport member they seem to have issues and the tops of the rear springs too the like to rust at the top and crack

over all pre sale inspection at a bmw dealer = money well spent

[01BMW325]

I have a 2001 325ci with 106,000, and now I am starting to have things fail. In the last 6months (water pump,powersteering) make sure you get an inspection done first.

[Manolito]

I bought a '97 328 when it was about that age and 175k miles. It is now 13 years old with 255k miles on it and it looks and runs great. My daughter has it at college and it is the envy of many of her peers who have much newer cars.

That being said, if you buy a BMW that old, you had better be prepared to buy a few parts on line and spend at least a half-day a month turning a wrench. I have my other daughter's 328 (160k miles) in the garage right now waiting for some more parts. I just had its secondary air pump rebuilt ($125) and I still need to replace the check valve between the exhaust manifold and that pump (another $125). It also needs a new thermostat housing ($20) because the original plastic housing has warped and never sealed properly after I replaced the water pump and thermostat last year.

The 255k mile 328 got a new PVC valve and hose, new power steering hoses, and a new valve body rubber boot as she passed through on her way to Portland for her summer job. When she passed back through on her way back to college this fall, it got a new cam position sensor, a new VANOS oil line, a new radiator, new coolant reservoir, and all new coolant hoses.

None of this stuff is difficult, and it is not terribly expensive if you buy the parts on line and put them on yourself, but if you are planning on paying someone else to do all the wrenching, brace yourself and find a good BMW specialty shop.

Of course, I am talking about work I do to my e36s, and you are buying an e46, but I would expect that as the miles roll up, repairs will be similar. My e46s have less than 100k miles on them and have been quite trouble-free so far other than windows and sunroofs.

[GDJ]

I have to agree with the previous posts: Get a mechanical inspection. Being 9 years old, your insurance company probably won't require it or ask, but a good inspection will save you years of heartache and a empty wallet.

Some of the things on these cars you can do yourself in your garage (if you have one) and you are somewhat handy with tools. Do shop around online, because parts can vary widely from one store to another, and doing some good searching can net you a good deal on parts.

Now my 2¢:

160,000 on a 9 year old car is a bit on the high side, but it's not really bad. if the price is right, then by all means go for it, pending a inspection. If the inspection yields minor stuff, then buy it. IF there is some major issues, or simply alot of issues with the car, then pass.

[jamesjohn012]

Its a good deal but check all the conditions and choose the best...

[Big Evil]

Repairs are a normal part of buying an older car, as everyone said above. But go in with your eyes open have it checked out. Most of the time the beemers last far longer than any of their counterparts and are more than worth fixing when they do occasionally break. I've had 5 and the reason I stick with them is a '76 535 saved my life one night when I got broadsided in the drivers side door by a drunk. That alone is worth the expense.

[pauldustin10]

Hi... Ensure all the possibilities and opt for the best and its a good work...

[richard66]

depend on the condition

[mykeyb68]

I have a 323i that i bought with 140k on it, i bought it in tip top condition i now have 290k on it and i only have done minor repairs to it.

i really do believe it depends on the condition of the car.