Advice to newbie

[Quickie]

Supp guys.

im hoping you can point me in the right direction here.
Im looking to purchase the families first BMW.

Here's a little bit of background:
The vehicle (say 80%) of the time going to be used by the wife, to work and shopping.
Its not going to raced and modified.
It has to be an auto and hatchback (her requirements)
Pref less than or close to 100k on the clock with FSH.
Not coded and accident damaged.
Budget R100k -cash-plus minus

My option
318ti

I have read through a few threads now that the 318 does have 2 engine derivatives. a cool one and a not so cool one (sorry for my ignorance here), it went on saying that valve stem seals, crank sensors etc have to be replaced close to the milage im looking at (100 000km)

I have saw a 2004 318ti AUTO the other day, car looked clean- body straight, interior neat (needs just a clean). Engine however seems a bit noisey- (like noisey tappets on a honda). So this is my first concern...

Also what other problem areas do i look for.
I heard the gearboxes are quite bulletproof if looked after...

 

[Twinz]

With that budget you can also look at the e87 120/d or e90 320. :thumbs:

 

[Quickie]

With that budget you can also look at the e87 120/d or e90 320. :thumbs:

I had a look at the 1 series- the auto's seem really pricey and those that do fall close to my budget have really high kilo's.

I would not really mind one off them.

 

[Raybimmer]

One series :thumbs:
It will also be easier to sell later .

 

[Quickie]

Okay guys, i made an appointment to check a 318ti 2004 model, Auto, the weekend.
The car has about 110 000kms on the clock and the guy wants R85k
FSH, silver, Looks good on the pic.

and most importantly teh wife likes it.

Is there anything in particular that you guys can point me in with regards to me checking it out.

Are there rust areas of concern?
If its all in order, i can call the dealerships with the VIN number and ask for a bit of background, right?
Im a bit of a novice on gearboxes especially AUTO, any advice on what to check for when driving - Jerks, if it over revs, MTF etc.
interior electrics switches.

 

[Twinz]

I gather you are excited about this particular car but i would continue searching.

 

[Mo63]

I gather you are excited about this particular car but i would continue searching.

I agree :thumbs:

 

[Rolf]

Like Twinz already pointed out, the BMW 116i or 120d should be best option

Motor virtually undestructable! Modern car and lots of fun

 

[Gizmo]

Rather look at a touring over the hatch as it has 5 doors and far more versatile, lots of e46 318i tourings available, plus it doesn't look like the ass end of donkey!

325i touring is a better choice over the 318i touring if you have the money.