Decision... Decisions....

[Onyx]

So the insurance finally paid out (after writing my 2.0 FSi off) and i now have a R60k deposit... Have my heart set on a 2nd hand 3 Series BMW, and thus far this is what has caught my eye!
A touring would be great, but not many out there?!

Your opinions/advise welcomed and appreciated!

• BMW 3 Series 320i Sportpack R 179 900
- Le Mans Blue , 87 000 km , Petrol, Sedan, 4 Doors, Manual 6 speed, RWC on Delivery, Sunroof, Sportpack, Absolutely spotless.

• BMW 3 Series 320i 2.0L R 189 000
- Red , 86 000 km , Petrol, Sedan, 4 Doors, Manual 6 speed, 1 Owner, RWC on Delivery, Crimson Red Leather Dakota BlackM Sport ModelSport seats for driver and front passenge rInterior trim finishers Aluminium Glacier Silver Front fog lamps M Sports Suspension Steering wheel M LeatherM Aerodynamic kit High gloss satin chrome Anthracite roof lining M-Star spoke 193 M, Fr 8Jx18, 225/40R18, Rr 8.5Jx18, 255/35R18Trailer Tow Hitch Glass Sunroof, electric with sliding and vent function Park Distance Control (PDC) Rear

 

[P1000]

Those prices seem a bit steep for that mileage if you ask me...Year models?

 

[XMAX]

if thats your price range then you can get alot more for that money.

you could go with a diesel which will kick that 320i butt all over the shorts and freeway and still be more frugal on fuel.


If you have your mind set on a petrol, then try to get a 6pack. maybe a 323i or 325i. they have some nice punch and still not heavy on fuel.


Then theres another option of going with a 5 series. you could get a few decent E60 5 Series for that price.

If I had the money, Id definitely go look for a 5 Series cos theyre just such awesome cars.

 

[akash]

Yepp P1000 is right, i paid R179 000 for my E90 323i sportpack full house

 

[KING_RSA]

You have to look elsewhere

Those prices are high IMO

 

[Onyx]

They're both 2008 models...

That was a quick search on Autotrader.co.za. Think i should do a bit more hunting!

---

Yepp P1000 is right, i paid R179 000 for my E90 323i sportpack full house

Out of interest, where did you do the source your vehicle from?
BMW dealership or elsewhere?

 

[001asp]

if thats your price range then you can get alot more for that money.

you could go with a diesel which will kick that 320i butt all over the shorts and freeway and still be more frugal on fuel.


If you have your mind set on a petrol, then try to get a 6pack. maybe a 323i or 325i. they have some nice punch and still not heavy on fuel.


Then theres another option of going with a 5 series. you could get a few decent E60 5 Series for that price.

If I had the money, Id definitely go look for a 5 Series cos theyre just such awesome cars.

Exactly what he said.

 

[Sith]

Also suggest you look at the e60 Fives, they are lovely cars. If petrol not a big issue, try find a 545, you won't regret it.

 

[Bayn46]

320d would be much nicer than the 320i, not that the 320i is bad, the diesel has a ton more kick.

If you have a good look you can find a 323/325 for around the same price and those are running 6cyl engines, the power difference is noticeable (good value for the price difference) and the engine itself is much nicer and more lively.

 

[Onyx]

320d would be much nicer than the 320i, not that the 320i is bad, the diesel has a ton more kick.

If you have a good look you can find a 323/325 for around the same price and those are running 6cyl engines, the power difference is noticeable (good value for the price difference) and the engine itself is much nicer and more lively.

Thanks will look into it...

Currently checking out:
autotrader.co.za
BMW.co.za
BMW-cars.co.za

Know of any other sites?

 

[Venda Boy]

320d would be much nicer than the 320i, not that the 320i is bad, the diesel has a ton more kick.

If you have a good look you can find a 323/325 for around the same price and those are running 6cyl engines, the power difference is noticeable (good value for the price difference) and the engine itself is much nicer and more lively.

Thanks will look into it...

Currently checking out:
autotrader.co.za
BMW.co.za
BMW-cars.co.za

Know of any other sites?

what about this one

Bmw 335i 2007 84000km white R298990.00 Full House very good deal

Club Motors Fountains

 

[msm]

Your opinions/advise welcomed and appreciated!

• BMW 3 Series 320i Sportpack R 179 900

• BMW 3 Series 320i 2.0L R 189 000

Short answer, neither of the above. Just phone another BMW dealer and ask them how much they would trade in the above cars for - you'll be in for a reality check!

As stated already try a 6 cyl E90 or E60 in that price range.

 

[Onyx]

Your opinions/advise welcomed and appreciated!

• BMW 3 Series 320i Sportpack R 179 900

• BMW 3 Series 320i 2.0L R 189 000

Short answer, neither of the above. Just phone another BMW dealer and ask them how much they would trade in the above cars for - you'll be in for a reality check!

As stated already try a 6 cyl E90 or E60 in that price range.

I hear you... The hunt continues!

 

[prospect]

Do not buy a 320i or you'll be sorry. I paid R160k for a 2006 325i, exclusive pack, 58000km last year. Traded for a used 330D M Sport which I also managed to get for R5k above trade at BMW.

 

[Onyx]

Do not buy a 320i or you'll be sorry. I paid R160k for a 2006 325i, exclusive pack, 58000km last year. Traded for a used 330D M Sport which I also managed to get for R5k above trade at BMW.

Yeah have rather turned my attention to a 320d, 323 upwards.
Found LOADS of vehicles with just under 100 000kms on board - should this be a concern?

What kind of costs are associated with motor plan extensions?

 

[msm]

Yeah have rather turned my attention to a 320d, 323 upwards.
Found LOADS of vehicles with just under 100 000kms on board - should this be a concern?

What kind of costs are associated with motor plan extensions?

The 6 cylinder petrol BMWs are pretty reliable and relatively cheap to maintain, compared to a motorplan KM extension. Just have the car checked out properly before you buy to ensure you're not stuck with a lemon.

Also do your maths before considering a motorplan extension. For example, extending another 20K KM will be in the region of R20k or so. That might get a single service only for a petrol model. Yes, it does buy a bit of piece of mind, but I'd rather put that money in the bank for a rainy day, as contrary to "BMW dealership" belief, these cars don't fall apart once they hit 100K KM.

There's also lots of reputable independent places out there that can service these cars. Once again, just make sure you have the car checked out properly before you buy - there's even guys on the forum that can help you with this (e.g. Gizmo, etc).

Unfortunately, I can't comment on the E90 320d. However, I've had 2 3.0d's (E39 530d and E53 X5 3.0d) and both have been relatively issue free (apart from injectors that needed cleaning).

 

[menno11]

Check out Motorlease too, they have some nice BMW's

 

[Onyx]

Yeah have rather turned my attention to a 320d, 323 upwards.
Found LOADS of vehicles with just under 100 000kms on board - should this be a concern?

What kind of costs are associated with motor plan extensions?

The 6 cylinder petrol BMWs are pretty reliable and relatively cheap to maintain, compared to a motorplan KM extension. Just have the car checked out properly before you buy to ensure you're not stuck with a lemon.

Also do your maths before considering a motorplan extension. For example, extending another 20K KM will be in the region of R20k or so. That might get a single service only for a petrol model. Yes, it does buy a bit of piece of mind, but I'd rather put that money in the bank for a rainy day, as contrary to "BMW dealership" belief, these cars don't fall apart once they hit 100K KM.

There's also lots of reputable independent places out there that can service these cars. Once again, just make sure you have the car checked out properly before you buy - there's even guys on the forum that can help you with this (e.g. Gizmo, etc).

Unfortunately, I can't comment on the E90 320d. However, I've had 2 3.0d's (E39 530d and E53 X5 3.0d) and both have been relatively issue free (apart from injectors that needed cleaning).

Thanks bud appreciate the advice.
3 weeks without a car now (like having your legs chopped off!)
Guess once I've found something I'll seek out the advice and know-how of you guys...

---

Check out Motorlease too, they have some nice BMW's

Thanks for the heads-up!

Seems their site is down at the moment:thinking:

 

[XMAX]

you should also look on the Gum. There are quite a few dealerships that advertise on the Gum.

Gumtree,
Carfind.co.za,
Junkmail Cars,

All good sites.


The guys on this forum speak from experience and will only give you the best possible advice cos they have no personal agendas, and have first hand experience with these cars. They will tell you whats the better options, but its up to you to decide.


Sure, there are a few e90 320i owners on this forum who are more than happy on this car. Just like them, its your personal choice in engines, fuel economy and power need.


My personal opinion is that the 6 cylinders or diesel E90s are excellent cars. you should try to find one with as low mileage as possible, so that you can have it under motorplan for longer. The flipside to this is the price tag. I guess some serious shopping will yeild the required results, but its not going to be easy.

Also, I understand your predicament about not having a car and i really feel for you.With that said Dont rush into buying a car just because you need one. No matter how badly you need it.


You wont go wrong with a BMW. Just make sure that when you put your signature down for the deal, that youre absolutely happy with it, cos its yours for a few years, and you have to sit in it every morning and go to wherever you go to. It should make you smile just thinking about driving, let alone actually driving it.


I hope this helps. If not..... Sorry I wasted this 2 minutes of your life.

 

[AshG108]

well you can look around and probably get more on other sites, alot of dealers are advertising on gumtree