2002 325i Advice

rocketracer · Jan 4, 2011

i need a bit of guidance and advice on a car that i am going to view tomorrow.

2002 E46 325i (manual)
Black with grey interior
Sunroof
PDC
BMW Sat nav
BMW Car phone

my concern is the mileage which is 254000km's.

what should i look for when inspecting and test driving the car?

P1000 · Jan 4, 2011

Price? Check clutch, google for testing procedures. Suspension bushes are also high on the list.

rocketracer · Jan 4, 2011

P1000 said:
Price? Check clutch, google for testing procedures. Suspension bushes are also high on the list.

thanks for that will check that.

price is in the R90k region. will confirm final price after viewing.

P1000 · Jan 4, 2011

I think the price is too high. Here is a Ci version for sale on the forum with low mileage - they also keep their value better.

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=14932&highlight=325Ci

andrewbuch · Jan 4, 2011

also check for service history!!!! Very important.. if its well looked after then mileage is not a problem engine wise.

as P1000 said, suspension bits & bushes...

rocketracer · Jan 4, 2011

what would be a fair price to pay? 2 doors won't work for me. i am looking for a 4 door.

msm · Jan 4, 2011

rocketracer said:
price is in the R90k region. will confirm final price after viewing.

Price is too high for that mileage and year. I would say between R70k and R80k seems fair for that year/mileage. Extra's don't add much to the price, unless its a sports pack/individual.

I've seen similar high mileage 330i's for that price.

P1000 · Jan 4, 2011

http://search.autotrader.co.za/se-z...ounty=7&county=8&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&page=2

A quick search on autotrader and you will find that there is one advertised at R79900 with 165kkm on the clock (though this has probably been altered). So I'd say R70k for the one you are looking at. No more than 75.

rocketracer · Jan 4, 2011

thanks so far guys.

busy building a list of what to check. top of the list is negotiate a better price.

i've trawled a bit and had a look at a few others. all that i have viewed have not been up to scratch. i'm based in Durban, so i've only checked locally so far.

basically i have a R90k budget. i'm looking for a 325/320/318. preferably the 325 or 320.

P1000 · Jan 4, 2011

Why not a 330i? Fuel consumption is not really any different than the others, and there were plenty more sold, so you should have a wider selection. Also the prices are generally more sensible since more were sold...

andrewbuch · Jan 4, 2011

I would look for a clean Facelift 330i.. I got a pre face 318i & fuel consumption is high.. 330i is more fun to drive

rocketracer · Jan 4, 2011

i really wouldn't mind a 330i, if i could find a clean one. this 325 is also a f/l model.

whatever i do look at must be manual. i prefer that.

msm · Jan 4, 2011

P1000 said:
Why not a 330i? Fuel consumption is not really any different than the others, and there were plenty more sold, so you should have a wider selection. Also the prices are generally more sensible since more were sold...

andrewbuch said:
I would look for a clean Facelift 330i.. I got a pre face 318i & fuel consumption is high.. 330i is more fun to drive

+1 on the 330i, if you can find one. However, clean ones usually start at around R100k. Alternately, if you are not in a rush, try to save up a bit more for one - they are worth it.

P1000 · Jan 4, 2011

rocketracer said:
whatever i do look at must be manual.

Spot-on +1000

rocketracer · Jan 4, 2011

msm said:
+1 on the 330i, if you can find one. However, clean ones usually start at around R100k. Alternately, if you are not in a rush, try to save up a bit more for one - they are worth it.

i am currently driving around in a borrowed car. my 318Ti was written off. taxi drove into me on the 17th of December. that was a sad end to to my Ti. it was super clean and a joy to drive.

so i need to buy asap. i wouldn't mind waiting, but that could go on for a while. i won't rush blindly into anything though. so i am trying to exhaust all options available now.

Fordkoppie · Jan 4, 2011

Was the rear subframe tearing problem on the CI's a reality in South Africa?

Coisman · Jan 4, 2011

imp:
All I can say is your not getting your hands on my car :mmm:

Lunatik · Jan 5, 2011

rocketracer said:
msm said:

+1 on the 330i, if you can find one. However, clean ones usually start at around R100k. Alternately, if you are not in a rush, try to save up a bit more for one - they are worth it.

Click to expand...

i am currently driving around in a borrowed car. my 318Ti was written off. taxi drove into me on the 17th of December. that was a sad end to to my Ti. it was super clean and a joy to drive.

so i need to buy asap. i wouldn't mind waiting, but that could go on for a while. i won't rush blindly into anything though. so i am trying to exhaust all options available now.

sorry to hear that dude..... my car got scratched on the passenger side on the 17th of December to and it was my birthday.....

guess the 17th is not a good day for Ti's lol

rocketracer · Jan 5, 2011

quick update:

car also has electric seats
electric folding mirrors
price is is R79k

i drove it today, it goes very well. slight shudder under braking (disks might be warped). the car is in a very neat state for the mileage though. it's going in for a full mechanical checkup and valet.

the thing that put me off almost completely is (drum roll).............RUST on the A pillar.

it is going to the panel shop to have that sorted out, but i know about it already. i will be seeing the car again next friday, once it's all ready. doubtful though. and i never make a purchase when there is doubt in my mind....

P1000 · Jan 5, 2011

that shudder under braking is more likely lower control arm bushes.

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