Thinking about buying a 3 Series need your help

[sherdog]

Hey dudley821, Hey dpnguyen,

Yes I have certainly considered these options...Ideally I would like to stay as close to 30 as possible (at the absolute maximum)...And I am like both of you in that i enjoy the bells and whistles...I could get an '02 325i with all the bells and whistles for well within my price range, on the other hand if i wait just a bit longer and save a little more I could probably swing an '02 330 CI which is what I drool over 12 hours of the day..lol...I am sure the 325 would be just fine, I think it's knowing for me that I just might have been able to swing the 330 that is killing me...I think once I drive them both I will be able to make my decision much easier...I have allot of expectations of this infamous "330" with "225 horse"...so we'll see if she qualifies "in my opinion" of the extra $$$....

But again you guys are right on the money....the logical thing to do would be to go for the 325...but when it comes to buying a BMW...our emotions tend to take control of our brains rather than the other way around...

Jeez, I almost feel like I need someone to hold my hand to make sure I make the right decision here...I would ask the woman but she would rather i spend the money on shoes..so she's out of the question..lol

I'll tell you what...As i come across what i perceive to be decent deals I'll post them up and you guys tell me what you think..

 

[dudley821]

If you're buying from an individual you could easily get an 02 330Ci for under 30k, if you're buying from a dealer that's a whole nother story. I just bought my 01 330Ci about 2 months ago for just under 23k from an individual, I never looked at dealers though, so I'm not sure how much more expensive they are. Good luck and have fun looking, now that I have my car I miss looking for new cars (I just love shopping for cars) so enjoy it while it lasts .

 

[Maxer]

I'm also trading up from an A4 1.8T. The 325i is much beefier and more fun to drive. So whichever model you pick will be a noticeable improvement. Even though its got a smaller engine, the 325i can hang pretty well...someone else posted this link to this article already, but I couldn't locate the thread. Here's a quote:

"Despite the lowest engine-power rating here, the BMW ran third fastest from 0 to 60 and tied for third fastest in the quarter-mile sprint."

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article_id=7785&page_number=1

If you're looking to spend under $40K, and want new, the 325 may be the smart choice.

Good luck![driving2]

 

[HornyHornet]

The 325 is definitely spritited to say the least. My heart was set on the 330 but price limited my purchase. Initially, I drove the 330 and was amazed. When the numbers didnt match what I wanted, I considered a 325 with more options. I can say that I was definitely surprised and impressed. The free reving nature of all BMWs really account for the amusing driving experience. I am totally satisfied with the 325. Although I did notice slight power difference-stop light performance mainly-once you get going it was like driving the same vehicle. You wont be dissapointed whit any decision. HH

 

[sherdog]

Thanks guys,

This makes me feel much better now knowing that regardless of which one i choose i will be more than satisfied...It's good to hear that others have experienced this similar dilema of where the tradeoff comes in between price / performance....I am sure the 330 is awesome, and quicker!...but I really need to determine what is more important and feasible to me...
If I find a decent deal on the 330 i'll probably go with it, but I am trying to be as open-minded about this as possible....

ok time to get back to work..(car hunting that is)

 

[cordelli]

Can you tell the difference? Easily. When the 330 was in the shop and we got a 325 as a loaner, there was a difference.

Would that have mattered to us if we had the 325? Nope, it was a great car on it's own. If we for example had a 325 and got the 330 as a loaner, we may have felt it was too much poer, not needed, the 325 was fine (as it is), etc.

Don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[sherdog]

Thanks Cordelli,

I'm coming across so many on the net but they're all converibles...if i go with the 330CI it will definitely have to be from an individual as the prices i'm seing from dealers are astronomical...

So I could get a brand new '04 325i LOADED (PP, SP, Leather, Xenons) for like 32, or i could get an '02 330CI with decent mileage for somewhere under 30..decisions decisions....


Oh and hey this transmission problem i keep hearing about (apparently built in France)...did this effect only the "steptronic" engines?...were the 5 speed's also effected by this?

 

[sherdog]

ok guys,

was on Autotrader today.....came across this and was wondering what you guys think...sounds good to me but your opinions have proven to be invaluable!

http://autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?r...dvanced=n&start_year=2001&=&color=&cardist=41



Price $29,900
Mileage 6,401
Exterior Color Orient Blue Metallic
Interior Color Tan
Body Style Coupe
Doors Two Door
Engine 6 Cylinder Gasoline
Trans. 5 Speed Manual
Stereo Harman Kardon Sound Sys
Fuel Type Gasoline
Drive Type 2 wheel drive - rear
Stock No. C1679
VIN WBABN334X2JW53522

Comments
Heated Seats, Park Distance Control, Sport Package, Certified Pre-Owned.
The difference between a BMW... and a Westchester BMW. Proud winner of BMW's exclusive Center of Excellence Award.

Options Installed
Driver Air Bag; Anti-Lock Brakes; Air Conditioning; Alloy Wheels; Cruise Control; Passenger Air Bag; Rear Window Defroster; Power Seats; Power Door Locks; Power Mirrors; Power Windows; Power Steering; Side Air Bag; Sunroof/Moonroof; Tilt Wheel

 

[rjp325i]

One thing to keep in mind is the value at trade in or sell time. A large part of the difference is returned if you get rid of the car a few years down the road. If you keep the car forever it means nothing. Just another item to think about. I don't trade in or sell vehicles often so I went all the way with a 330i w/ZHP etc. A 3.35% interest rate seemed good so I got more car and options.

 

[Kirby]

...

Oh and hey this transmission problem i keep hearing about (apparently built in France)...did this effect only the "steptronic" engines?...were the 5 speed's also effected by this?

It affects only the Steptronic (automatic).

 

[sherdog]

Thanks RJP, Thanks Kirby!

I am hoping to keep this car forever....which is why i am not sure whether to go new or used...how in the world did you get a 3.35 interest rate?..that is awesome!

i heard the "Elite" rate right now from BMW is 4.5% which means the dealer will probably tell you he can get you 5.25..lol

Hey Kirby what did you think of that deal on the 325CI?...Think it's worth checking out?

 

[Kirby]

That seems like a pretty reasonable price, especially since it's CPO & you get a good warranty with it. Since it's at a BMW dealer, CPO and has only 6400 miles, it's probably clean. But I would still run a VIN check on it to see if it has any stories to tell.

 

[jcrosi]

Yahoo

Just called the 1-800 number and finally some movement. "In production with an estimated completion date of 03/31"

Maybe with some luck, should have by end of April - Live in Upstate NY - Just Maybe

Damn, still have to sell the A-4 ---------Anyone interested:

1998, A-4, 2.8 Quattro, Winter Package, Sport Package, 61, 000 miles, Automatic Starter, Heated Seats, Bose Sound System

 

[sherdog]

Hey Kirby,

Should i just run the vin through carfax?...

 

[Susie520]

Yes, do the full report for like $20.00. Susie

 

[guitarman]

Yes, do the full report for like $20.00. Susie

I think for $25, you get a 1 month subscription to carfax. So, you can run as many VINs as you want for the month.

 

[sherdog]

Nice!!!!!!!

is it just me or does it seem kind of odd that an '02 has only 6K on it and was traded in?..is there any way i can find out where the dealer got the car from?....aside from asking them?

will car fax tell me this?

 

[guitarman]

The mileage concerns me a bit too. Carfax will tell you if the car was leased, owned, or fleet, and if it was sold at an auction.

 

[Blue]

that '02 CPO with 6k miles would sell for about $33k out here

I just picked up a '01 CPO 325i with 24k - they were asking $30k, I got it for $28k @ 2.9% and I feel like I got a good deal. I am happy, and that's all that matters

Dealer should just tell you (along with paperwork proof) if it was titled, bought, traded-in, used as a loaner car, exec car, etc. You can always confirm what they tell you with a VIN search to make sure they're being honest.

The truth is, with new car warranty plus CPO warranty, who really cares? You have plenty of CYA insurance!

 

[sherdog]

Great point!..I will definitely follow up on this...did you guys happen to see in the add (based on the accesories, power this and power that, if that means it has premium package..i saw "sport package" listed but did not see "Premium package" listed...


OK just called the dealer up and he said the car was a "Bronze Hat" owner...and i was like what are you talking about and he said that it was owned by a "BMW Employee" from North America"...and then he said that he saw another saleseman putting a sold sign on it...he took my number and said he would call me if the guy didn't fall through....does this sound shady or no?