Should I buy this BMW?

[ballmode]

Classified ad


I've been reading Bimmerforums.com they said the most common E46 (1999-2006) 3 series problems are the moonroofs, power windows and bushings from the lower control arms.

This car has just gotten new belts, AC, temp, and water pump...

Kbb.com says it should sell at $9000, so is this a good deal or just keep what I got?


1995 Acura Integra GSR, 118k miles

 

[nakedfrog]

I've always found KBB to be too high.

 

[ballmode]

I'm gonna try to get 8k out of it

 

[thomsbrain]

If you can only afford an $8K car, you can't afford the maintenance on a BMW.

 

[dirtboy]

I hope you got money in the bank, cause only a rich man drives a used BMW.

 

[alimoalem]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
If you can only afford an $8K car, you can't afford the maintenance on a BMW.

QFT. with its mileage around your integra's, you should definitely stick with what you have

 

[Capt Caveman]

I agree with the others. Just keep what you got unless it has a lot of problems.

 

[overst33r]

Keep what you have. That is the first year E46 for the states. Personally I would never buy a first year car for obvious reasons. Edmunds says ~$8300 with the options listed in the ad. If you are going to buy it start from 7500ish and work your way to 8000 if you feel the car is in good condition. If you don't plan on doing your own wrenching, plan on spending 200-500 per inspection every 30K miles, PLUS the cost of labor and parts that need to be replaced. Like somebody else said, you may be able to buy a BMW, but can you afford it?

 

[luckysnafu]

At 100k, I would check out the following items on the car: suspension, shocks/struts, control arms and bushings, were the O2 sensors ever changed, any door window regulators broken, things like that. I would also check to see if the inspection maintenance schedule was followed. There should have been an inspection I at 90k. At that mileage the suspension components are probably nearing the end of their life cycle or are already gone. From the pictures, it looks like it has the sports package, which has stiffer/lower springs and suspension, a 3 spoke steering wheel and sport seats. I think if you can talk the seller down to 8000 you will have a pretty good deal, but as others said, be prepared for high maintenance costs. I am changing the control arms and bushings on my car (2000 323i) this weekend and it cost me about $400 just in parts. Good luck and if you have more questions, check out www.e46fanatics.com *I am not responsible for causing you to spend money modding your car by visiting that site*

 

[MaDDinGO]

The rear subframe has been a big issue with the early model years for this car... def check that out cause that's a huge repair.

You'll find lots of info on this if you google it.

 

[ballmode]

Thanks guys, I don't think I'm gonna actually sell my integra, it has nothing wrong with it. I have been reading the bimmerforums and e46fanatics and I personally would rather spend the 200-300 dollars more per parts on modding my integra or saving up for a better car.

Insurance plays no factor since they are similar quotes if anybody was also throwing that into the equation.

Thanks for your help ATGearheads

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
If you can only afford an $8K car, you can't afford the maintenance on a BMW.

Yup, this is correct.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: dirtboy
I hope you got money in the bank, cause only a rich man drives a used BMW.

Or a stupid man. My first car was a 1984 BMW, because I wanted to be "different". What a mistake that was...was great when it ran, but EVERYTHING went wrong with it.