Longevity (to keep or not too) - 2007 BMW 323i Exclusive (E90) 150 000 km

[dtalbot777]

Hi all

Firstly this is my first post. So apologies if I am breaking any forum rules that I may have missed.
About me: I love my BM. I know absolutely nothing about mechanics...

So onto my question (I searched but could not find much on this topic, again if I missed the thread please point me in the direction and we can close this one).

Question
I am at a cross road weather to look at getting a newer lower mileage BMW, purely with the concern of something going horribly wrong mechanically, or keep this incredible vehicle out of motorplan. In your expert opinions should I be losing precious sleep with a BMW with this kind of mileage and year (again I know very little about mechanics)?

I am happy if maintenance will end up costing 4-5k a year, and the tyre and brake costs. I am mainly concerned about unforeseen "major" faults (ie. costly ones).

Consumption is a bit of drag at 10-13 km/litre with mostly traffic driving I do. I can live with this as I only intend on doing 15 000 km a year.

The car itself is in excellent condition with a full service history. Still smells new!! NO JOKES. I took over ownership from my father who really drives his cars, well, like an old man! :roflol: I don't the back seats have ever been used

I have booked a quality check with Garage 808 next week. But not sure what questions to ask.

Sorry for the long winded thread. Look forward to your comments.

 

[ngoako7]

Hi,

So based on what I've observed with my 320D Auto which now has 198 000km, you will need to look out for the following wear items:
-Suspension Bushes
-Stabilizer links
-Shocks
-Brakes(you'll need to replace discs/pads at some point)
-Battery
-Water Pump(can last, but seems to usually pop @ around 200 000 km)

That's what I can think of off the top of my head. All the best with whichever option you end up choosing, BMs are to be enjoyed so enjoy it. :joy:

 

[herr bmw]

hi there
welcome to the forum,introduce yourself and post some pictures of your car in the show room section,we love pictures:rollsmile:

anyway,back to your questions,i say keep it as you know who bought it and drove it before you got it,asking what could go wrong is difficult,how long is a piece of string,nobody knows.

best would be to keep your hand on it and if something needs to be done,do it,keep the car in top notch and ,that way it will cost less

323 is a great car,i had one and only got rid of it as i had a deal of a life time on a 330d,strangely enough still see my old 323i in the area i stay as the new owners parents stay around the corner,spoke to him and he raves about the car

remember anything mechanical can give problems,even newer cars with less kilos on

hope this helps,now for the pictures:thumbs:

 

[samman325]

remember anything mechanical can give problems,even newer cars with less kilos on

+1
Better the devil you know i believe. Also, as stated, you know the background and history of the car and this is a MAJOR plus point.

Besides the regular services, the occasional preventative maintenance of trouble prone items (water pump, bushes)(i must add that these are not high cost items) will see you doing many many problem free kilometers in this car.

I think she's a keeper bt if you do decide to sell, let me know.

 

[BMWM3]

I would have thought things like cam belt and new clutch would be most expentive parts as car ages? p.s. am also no mechanic, so dont flame me.

 

[RAArmstrong]

No cambelt on a BMW :fencelook:

 

[BMWM3]

No cambelt on a BMW :fencelook:

One less part to worry about on the beemer . Comming from a Golf GTI and when i had to replace that part outside the dealers pvt machanic - was a full days mission and very tedious.

Also had the old shape Audi TT off motor plan, when the cluster went i descided to sell as was quotes and requested 8k.

 

[dtalbot777]

Thanks ALL for the advice...

I, however, made a very critical mistake and went into a BMW dealer to get the exact model of my vehicle. A rookie mistake for a BM fan.

Well to cut the story short I'm getting a demo 118i auto with sunroof (lots of extras). Almost working out to a couple hundred more than I'm paying now. 2014 with full motorplan till 100 000km or 5years. Almost a no brainer, just for that...

Stoked, picking up tomorrow. Also removed the parrot (Mki9200) from my current car to sell (will post in classifieds).

Will introduce my toy on the introductions...

 

[Rayzor]

:bravo: good move :thumbs: