[TheBMWnewbie]

Hello everyone,

I signed up to this website hoping I could get some advice. I am thinking about buying a 2008 (08 plate) 325i SE coupe with about 40,000 miles on it (£13,500). It has quite a few additional perks like bluetooth, 19" alloys, leather seats, parking distance control etc. Plus it is an approved used one from BMW.

Is the price reasonable?
Has anyone encountered any reoccurring problem with these vehicles?
Any alternatives if the car actually has problems?
Whats the maintenance on it like?

Thank you

[fortygreen]

Can't comment on whether the price is right but can comment on the model as owner of a 2007 325i Coupe, a very early 3.0L (N53 engine and efficient dynamics) manual example. Have owned for 4 years now, so that says something - it's a lovely drive. The detuned 218bhp version of the N53 feels quite docile, but actually it's pretty quick if you rev it hard through the gears. There are two weak points to consider. One is the piezo injectors, high pressure fuel pump and coils are notoriously prone to failure - you will find loads of threads about this in the forum. Many cars have had replacements under recalls/warranty/goodwill. Best to get a comprehensive extended BMW warranty for about £300 or so per year. The second problem area is the ride on run-flats, especially if you keep those silly 19" wheels. Mine is on 18" (still a bit silly!) rims and changing to non-run-flat Michelin PS2s was a big improvement. The latest PS3s feel even better. Otherwise, the car has been a delight to drive and own. BMW servicing intervals are calculated by the car, so it works out pretty economical to run. It is also very economical on fuel.

[e90-dave]

Economical on fuel? Mine does 25MPG!

[Torobimmer]

Originally Posted by e90-dave

Economical on fuel? Mine does 25MPG!

maybe because you're driving a MT?

previous poster prob had an AUTO.

I myself use MT and get just about the same avg as you...

btw im on n52 NA engine 325i/2006 Pre-LCI. I can use more power with 335i but at the time when i got this car (4yrs ago) the huge 335i fuelpump issue was all over the internet. so i settled with more economical and due to low engine problem rate compared with 335i, therefore 325i.

45k miles later. zero issues.

[fortygreen]

Just to comment what I meant by "very economical", my N53 325i is MT and I get 30mpg at worst (winter, commuting in London suburbs) and typical best is 39mpg (Bucks-Cornwall), though once I managed 41 on a hot day with a following wind. Mixed driving is somewhere inbetween - the on-board readout likes to settle on 35.7 for days on end if I don't reset it.

Wonder if the original poster took the plunge?