Looking to buy my first BMW advice

Pazzify · 11-13-2015, 01:19 AM

Morning guys,

As the title suggests looking to purchase my first BMW, always wanted one since the old man had an E30 we use to work on.

Looking at the 325i or 330i, petrol and hopefully an M Sport. Problem is they do seem to be quite rare so am willing to travel around.

Have come across this one http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01511118610580

Just wanted some tips as to what I should be looking out for when viewing? And should I be worried that they changed the exhaust etc as I've always been told to stay away from modified cars. Advice appreciated and look forward to contributing on the forum once I have my first E90!

bishbosh · 11-13-2015, 03:10 AM

Seats look a little scruffy but maybe that's to be expected on a 9 year old car.
Looks like the radio has been changed too.

Wobble · 11-13-2015, 03:13 AM

Hi I'm selling my 325i m sport saloon,November 2007,47,600 miles,completely standard, send me a pm if you need anything,it's in the classifieds,will be updating it today

Leah1 · 11-13-2015, 03:52 AM

That looks nice

Pazzify · 11-13-2015, 04:09 AM

Thanks guys, does look like a nice car and yes the leather looks a little scruffy which I don't mind to much as I'm sure I can scrub it up.

Looking to speand between 5k-7.5k which does not stretch far for an M Sport.

Do you think i'm best looking at an SE with 60k miles or an M Sport with 90k miles? What sort of issues should I look for?

Mark e90 · 11-13-2015, 04:45 AM

Don't settle for a scruffy interior, there are plenty tidy ones out there plus in my experience exterior cosmetic issues are easier to sort as a done interior can be a done interior no matter how much you clean it. just make sure you budget for any paintwork that needs done and negotiate it off the cars price. I would stay away modified cars try and get a nice clean stock car. I would say for your budget you should definitely be able to get an m sport with around 60-70k miles. I would say stay away from the SE models as they can be hard to sell on. You should be able to get a very nice low millage car for that money but definitely budget for the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket, I have just replaced these on my car. Also check under the bonnet of any car you view to check for these leaks as chances are they will need done and it's another way for you to get more money off the asking price.

The0pportunist · 11-13-2015, 04:55 AM

What are those 2 round things near the arm rest?

Pazzify · 11-13-2015, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark e90

Don't settle for a scruffy interior, there are plenty tidy ones out there plus in my experience exterior cosmetic issues are easier to sort as a done interior can be a done interior no matter how much you clean it. just make sure you budget for any paintwork that needs done and negotiate it off the cars price. I would stay away modified cars try and get a nice clean stock car. I would say for your budget you should definitely be able to get an m sport with around 60-70k miles. I would say stay away from the SE models as they can be hard to sell on. You should be able to get a very nice low millage car for that money but definitely budget for the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket, I have just replaced these on my car. Also check under the bonnet of any car you view to check for these leaks as chances are they will need done and it's another way for you to get more money off the asking price.

Brilliant, thanks for the advice, am struggeling to find an M Sport with 70k miles on the clock within my budget but fingers cross something pops up. Most of them within 100 miles of me seems to be around 6k with 90k miles done. Seen a couple lovely condition SE models but ideally an M Sport would be nice.

Pazzify · 11-13-2015, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The0pportunist

What are those 2 round things near the arm rest?

Good eyesight! I didn't even notice those. Not gone and seen the car yet but it would be interesting to see what they are.

The0pportunist · 11-13-2015, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pazzify

Good eyesight! I didn't even notice those. Not gone and seen the car yet but it would be interesting to see what they are.

Perhaps a port for your USB/AUX so that you dont have slam the armrest over wires?

Pazzify · 11-13-2015, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The0pportunist

Perhaps a port for your USB/AUX so that you dont have slam the armrest over wires?

Would make sense considering it looks like the owner has put in their own Sat-nav etc. Off topic but LOVE that colour on your BMW.

Think I'll avoid this one for now and see hopefully something else will pop up as so far no luck

smuler · 11-13-2015, 07:08 AM

C'mon, as I said on the other site, Scotland isn't that far

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...t-2006/3943232

Pazzify · 11-13-2015, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smuler

C'mon, as I said on the other site, Scotland isn't that far

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...t-2006/3943232

You got to stop posting that, it's not fair! If that was closer I would be round there in a flash! Scotland to me is 500 miles+

MightyMouseTech · 11-13-2015, 07:47 AM

And I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more..........

_Ascension_ · 11-13-2015, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

And I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more..........

Would only need to walk 500 miles, could then drive the other 500 back

MightyMouseTech · 11-13-2015, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ascension335i

Would only need to walk 500 miles, could then drive the other 500 back

Only if you buy it.

Pazzify · 11-13-2015, 10:12 AM

Have seen a nice 320i M Sport anyone got an opinions on them? Or am i just bein inpatient and should wait for a 325 or 330i....

smuler · 11-13-2015, 10:38 AM

Big appreciation for the guys with the Proclaimers' jokes

I wouldn't drop an engine size, for the want of waiting.

On P/heads, you had a whole list of cars you were considering, what happened to those??

It doesn't seem to hard to find some "doon sooth"

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...cars&logcode=p

http://www.qualitypartxltd.co.uk/use...01511068489535

http://www.zonecarsuk.co.uk/used-car...01511138670213

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...4500&logcode=p

Pazzify · 11-13-2015, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smuler

Big appreciation for the guys with the Proclaimers' jokes

I wouldn't drop an engine size, for the want of waiting.

On P/heads, you had a whole list of cars you were considering, what happened to those??

It doesn't seem to hard to find some "doon sooth"

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...cars&logcode=p

http://www.qualitypartxltd.co.uk/use...01511068489535

http://www.zonecarsuk.co.uk/used-car...01511138670213

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...4500&logcode=p

Yes the high miles are putting me of slightly when I can see ones with 70k odd miles for the same price just to far away to travel, or I then come across an SE with 60k miles that looks just as nice.

Think it comes down to the drive now and I need to stop being indecisive, drive an SE and an M Sport and then pick one....

Pazzify · 11-13-2015, 11:23 AM

See there are some really nice SE models around

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...e-2005/4973004

smuler · 11-13-2015, 11:36 AM

2 pics only made me a little suspect of the ad, but assuming I've no reason to be, then, yes, I think that is potentially a nice one!

BMW Warranty and full BMW service history. Very big pluses.

Not dissing this seller as he writes well, but make sure warranty is the yearly one as my understanding is that monthly cannot be transferred.

Drive it, as I've said if YOU aren't bothered about the sport seats/suspension low miles would be better.

Aragorn30d · 11-13-2015, 12:25 PM

I found when i was looking there was certain spec that i didnt want to do without.

I wanted Xenons as they're expensive and difficult to retrofit, i wanted MSport because the SE models look horrible, have nasty front seats and require lowering, whereas stock MSport ride height is quite acceptable and i couldnt face the hassle of getting the bumpers and seats changed, and i wanted "not Silver".

I'd take the spec and condition over a mileage number on the dashboard.

11-13-2015, 01:19 AM	#1
Pazzify New Member 5 Rep 28 Posts Drives: E90 325i Coupe Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Bournemouth, UK iTrader: (0)	Looking to buy my first BMW advice Morning guys, As the title suggests looking to purchase my first BMW, always wanted one since the old man had an E30 we use to work on. Looking at the 325i or 330i, petrol and hopefully an M Sport. Problem is they do seem to be quite rare so am willing to travel around. Have come across this one http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01511118610580 Just wanted some tips as to what I should be looking out for when viewing? And should I be worried that they changed the exhaust etc as I've always been told to stay away from modified cars. Advice appreciated and look forward to contributing on the forum once I have my first E90!
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-13-2015, 03:10 AM	#2
bishbosh Colonel 848 Rep 2,002 Posts Drives: F30 335d Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Sheffield iTrader: (1) Garage List 2014 BMW 335d [0.00]	Seats look a little scruffy but maybe that's to be expected on a 9 year old car. Looks like the radio has been changed too. __________________ if I've helped - an Appreciate would be, er, very appreciated!
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11-13-2015, 03:13 AM	#3
Wobble Lieutenant 12 Rep 405 Posts Drives: E91 Bluewater 325d m sport Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Cheshire iTrader: (0)	Hi I'm selling my 325i m sport saloon,November 2007,47,600 miles,completely standard, send me a pm if you need anything,it's in the classifieds,will be updating it today
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2015, 03:52 AM	#4
Leah1 First Lieutenant 28 Rep 323 Posts Drives: 320d m sport Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Space iTrader: (0)	That looks nice
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11-13-2015, 04:09 AM	#5
Pazzify New Member 5 Rep 28 Posts Drives: E90 325i Coupe Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Bournemouth, UK iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys, does look like a nice car and yes the leather looks a little scruffy which I don't mind to much as I'm sure I can scrub it up. Looking to speand between 5k-7.5k which does not stretch far for an M Sport. Do you think i'm best looking at an SE with 60k miles or an M Sport with 90k miles? What sort of issues should I look for?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2015, 04:45 AM	#6
Mark e90 Captain 111 Rep 716 Posts Drives: BMW e90 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	Don't settle for a scruffy interior, there are plenty tidy ones out there plus in my experience exterior cosmetic issues are easier to sort as a done interior can be a done interior no matter how much you clean it. just make sure you budget for any paintwork that needs done and negotiate it off the cars price. I would stay away modified cars try and get a nice clean stock car. I would say for your budget you should definitely be able to get an m sport with around 60-70k miles. I would say stay away from the SE models as they can be hard to sell on. You should be able to get a very nice low millage car for that money but definitely budget for the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket, I have just replaced these on my car. Also check under the bonnet of any car you view to check for these leaks as chances are they will need done and it's another way for you to get more money off the asking price. __________________ BMW 325i M sport - Custom stainless exhaust ( 335i set up ) - Piano black interior trim - Gloss black kidney grills - Ferric grey 18" MV3 alloys -
	Appreciate 1 Quote

11-13-2015, 04:55 AM	#7
The0pportunist Major 481 Rep 1,268 Posts Drives: F30 335i Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: London iTrader: (0)	What are those 2 round things near the arm rest? Attached Images
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11-13-2015, 07:08 AM	#12
smuler First Lieutenant 51 Rep 306 Posts Drives: E46 M3 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Wales iTrader: (0)	C'mon, as I said on the other site, Scotland isn't that far http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...t-2006/3943232
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11-13-2015, 07:47 AM	#14
MightyMouseTech Major General 4338 Rep 6,196 Posts Drives: 13 135i 6MT LeMans Blue MSport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0)	And I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more..........
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11-13-2015, 10:12 AM	#17
Pazzify New Member 5 Rep 28 Posts Drives: E90 325i Coupe Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Bournemouth, UK iTrader: (0)	Have seen a nice 320i M Sport anyone got an opinions on them? Or am i just bein inpatient and should wait for a 325 or 330i....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2015, 10:38 AM	#18
smuler First Lieutenant 51 Rep 306 Posts Drives: E46 M3 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Wales iTrader: (0)	Big appreciation for the guys with the Proclaimers' jokes I wouldn't drop an engine size, for the want of waiting. On P/heads, you had a whole list of cars you were considering, what happened to those?? It doesn't seem to hard to find some "doon sooth" http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...cars&logcode=p http://www.qualitypartxltd.co.uk/use...01511068489535 http://www.zonecarsuk.co.uk/used-car...01511138670213 http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...4500&logcode=p Last edited by smuler; 11-13-2015 at 10:51 AM..
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11-13-2015, 11:23 AM	#20
Pazzify New Member 5 Rep 28 Posts Drives: E90 325i Coupe Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Bournemouth, UK iTrader: (0)	See there are some really nice SE models around http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...e-2005/4973004
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2015, 11:36 AM	#21
smuler First Lieutenant 51 Rep 306 Posts Drives: E46 M3 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Wales iTrader: (0)	2 pics only made me a little suspect of the ad, but assuming I've no reason to be, then, yes, I think that is potentially a nice one! BMW Warranty and full BMW service history. Very big pluses. Not dissing this seller as he writes well, but make sure warranty is the yearly one as my understanding is that monthly cannot be transferred. Drive it, as I've said if YOU aren't bothered about the sport seats/suspension low miles would be better.
	Appreciate 1 Quote

11-13-2015, 12:25 PM	#22
Aragorn30d Lieutenant Colonel 175 Rep 1,596 Posts Drives: E90 330d Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Fife iTrader: (0)	I found when i was looking there was certain spec that i didnt want to do without. I wanted Xenons as they're expensive and difficult to retrofit, i wanted MSport because the SE models look horrible, have nasty front seats and require lowering, whereas stock MSport ride height is quite acceptable and i couldnt face the hassle of getting the bumpers and seats changed, and i wanted "not Silver". I'd take the spec and condition over a mileage number on the dashboard.
	Appreciate 1 Quote