New to the forum - looking to own a BMW

lilbimmer

lilbimmer

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Hey guys I am new to the forum. I am looking into buying a 2001 330ci/325ci in the next few weeks. I found this one on yahoo autos and thought it was a really good buy. Take a look at it and let me knowwhat you think. I am waiting to get the vin# to get a carfax report. For those in the DC metro area, can you recommend a good mechanic/dealership to have a car i am interested in checked out. Also, what are some of the things I must have checked out?

This car is relatively clean. The door lining on the drivers side needs "glueing", but I think that is minor.
http://used-cars.autos.yahoo.com/usedcars/detail/index.html?cid=automobiles-1126576189-482967&dst=25.53&rsr=bWFrZT1CTVcmbW9kZWw9JmNsX3k9MjAwMSZjaF95PTIwMDEmY2xfcHJpY2U9JmNoX3ByaWNlPTI1MDAwJmNsX21pPSZjaF9taT01MDAwMCZjaz1zcG9ydCthbmQrcHJlbWl1bStwYWNrYWdlJmd1cj01MCZjc3o9MjA3ODEmY2Vfc2w9JnZ0eXBlPWF1dG9zJm1rPUJNVyZtbz0mc3VibWl0PVNlYXJjaA--http://www.bmwboard.com/forum/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=6
 
Zchild

Zchild

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[thumb] Welcome to the board lilbimmer, I looked at your link and it looks exceptional. I would suggest getting it checked out at J&F Motors on Four Mile Road in Arlington, VA. They can be reached at (703) 671-7757. I know they offer car recommendation services in which they will check the car out from stem to stern and provide you with a puirchase recommendation. I use them from time to time to service my bimmer. My ride is way past waranty therefore I steer clear of the stealerships and only use the independents. I recommend you join BMW Car Club of America and the National Capitol Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America it will save you money on parts and some labor at the stealerships as well as some of the independents. I just re-glued my interior trim on my drivers side, I purchased my 2000 bimmer brand new in 1999. Happy Motoring, I'd just see if they are willing to move a little on their price. Happy Motoring...
[driving2]
 
Tom

Tom

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Welcome aboard, the door liner issue is a very common problem among the E46(1999-2005 3 Series).

I believe there is a recall out there for the cooling system. Make sure the original owner took care of that. Also it would be ideal if they provided basic maintenance records such as oil and brake changes.

At 49,000 miles you have about another 10,000 miles before the next major Inspection. As I recall that will range between $450-650.
 
lilbimmer

lilbimmer

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Thanks guys. If I go ahead with this car my first offer would be $20k flat and go to $20.5k. The front tires may need to change relatively soon. also the right rear light bulb is dimmer than it should be - even when the brakes are pressed. it does have new michelins on the back - not really sure why he did not stick to the oem continentals. he says he does have all the service records though. he is the second owner and bought it @ 14k miles.
 
lilbimmer

lilbimmer

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Zchild said:
[thumb] Welcome to the board lilbimmer, I looked at your link and it looks exceptional. I would suggest getting it checked out at J&F Motors on Four Mile Road in Arlington, VA. They can be reached at (703) 671-7757. I know they offer car recommendation services in which they will check the car out from stem to stern and provide you with a puirchase recommendation. I use them from time to time to service my bimmer. My ride is way past waranty therefore I steer clear of the stealerships and only use the independents. I recommend you join BMW Car Club of America and the National Capitol Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America it will save you money on parts and some labor at the stealerships as well as some of the independents. I just re-glued my interior trim on my drivers side, I purchased my 2000 bimmer brand new in 1999. Happy Motoring, I'd just see if they are willing to move a little on their price. Happy Motoring...
[driving2]
Click to expand...
Hey is that near by Bimmer Sales Ltd. on four mile run dr.? I have been looking at BMWs down there for a couple of weeks. There seemed to be a BMW service place not too far from them.
 
Zchild

Zchild

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[thumb] They are physically one and the same place. Bimmer Sales Ltd office actually sits inside of J&F Motors building. They however aren't connected to each other. All of the Bimmer Sales Ltd. cars sit on the right side of the J&F lot. Ask Bob about inspection of bimmers before you purchase, you might get a deal because of the proximity of the offices. Happy Motoring...
[driving2]
 
lilbimmer

lilbimmer

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Zchild said:
[thumb] They are physically one and the same place. Bimmer Sales Ltd office actually sits inside of J&F Motors building. They however aren't connected to each other. All of the Bimmer Sales Ltd. cars sit on the right side of the J&F lot. Ask Bob about inspection of bimmers before you purchase, you might get a deal because of the proximity of the offices. Happy Motoring...
[driving2]
Click to expand...
Cool! Maybe if Bimmer Sales receive one that I like within the next week or so I would ask J&F to take a look. My eyes are still on that 330ci posted on yahoo though! Hey, quick question....what size oem tires does the 330ci come with w/o the sports package. I test drove one that had 205x17 and thought they were not as wide as thety should be.
 
Zchild

Zchild

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#10
[thumb] I live in southern Maryland and occasionally travel to Up-state New York on business. My boss works in Rome, NY. Therefore I must brave the roads and weather for at least for trips a year. I say all that to say that I have never personally needed anything other than All-Season radials. I have a great affinity for the Toyo Proxes 4 All-Season radial as well as the Pirelli P-Zero Nero M&S. These two tires have performed exceptionally in every condition from deep snow, dry pavement and wet roads. I don't happen to believe that Maryland gets enough snow to warrant dedicated snow tires with the exception of extreme northern Maryland along West Virginia. I ran a few comparisons over the web comparing different tires rating everything from snow traction, dry pavement, road noise and wet traction. The two aforementioned tires rated at or above in every category including price and quality. That's my two and a half cents worth... Happy Motoring.
[driving2]
 
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