Advice with buying a BMW 325i

adam277 · 03-15-2018, 03:49 PM

Hi guys!
I'm in the market for a new BMW because due to the winter weather some grandad went straight into the back of my lovely E36 BMW 323i with only 80k miles on it.

Due to my age the 330 is out of the question unless I can get it for peanuts as my insurance will be crazy. So I thought I'd just get the same engine size just newer. So here come the questions...

I was originally interested in a 2.0 litre engine but I've heard a lot of bad things about them and there seems to be a lot of them advertised online. Am I right in avoiding these?

Also I'm kinda put off getting a diesel because my commute is only 12 miles each way and I've had a few issues with my van due to short trips. Will I have the same problems? I've also heard they again aren't as reliable as their petrol counterparts.

Finally! is the motor I am looking at getting OR one very similar.
https://www.hampshiremotorcompany.co...641.1520298218

I also really like this as its a diesel with stupidly low mileage!!!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...had=New&page=1

I want to get one under 90k mileage. Mainly because most on autotrader are high so stands to reason I get a low one it will last longer. Are there any Plasticy bits that tend to disintegrate after a certain amount of years like the e36 and that cooling system?

Also I believe the 56 plates are still the N52 engines? Be great if someone could confirm that.
I want to stick to auto because I'm lazy, should I change the fluid straight away or are these sealed for life type things? I know its a low mileage car but I'd rather play it safe.

Finally! It would be great if someone who knows these cars could check the ad and give me their thoughts on it.

To me it looks like a mint car with low miles.
I have many more questions but my mind has gone blank so I'll stop here and read the forum more! Thanks for reading!

Zen_Driver · 03-15-2018, 05:18 PM

Hi Adam, I just bought a 325i simply because I wanted to hear the 6 cylinder engine, that and every man and his dog seems to have a 320/318. Best decision I ever made.

That example you're looking at looks lush, mine cost just under 5k and it is better than I could have hoped, so if that one is well looked after it's a pretty good deal. Great looking motor by the way. Hope you get it!

Chappers 71 · 03-15-2018, 05:56 PM

E92 325i SE auto, good choice

wallsmk2 · 03-15-2018, 06:08 PM

MOT history check says it failed on rusty brake lines so check these have been done. I'd suggest a torch and a bit of cardboard to lie on to check for oil leaks under the car as these are unlikely to be covered by the supplied warranty. Check the diff isn't wet and the half shafts into the diff at the rear are dry. Check for leaks at the back of the engine - rear main seal (gearbox onto engine) and the oil pan which are both costly ( a little bit of misting of oil is fine - it'll be obvious if really bad).

Oil leaks from the top of the engine are common too especially from the oil cooler/oil filter area and the valve cover (very common due to snapped bolts). If you see oil running from the top of the cam cover onto the valve gasket then this is likely the eccentric shaft position sensor seal (front and requires the removal of the rocker cover) or the valvetronic motor seal (back, easy). These are DIY but can be expensive due to the labour. So yes, they leak oil and then some!

On these engines the head bolts can shear. A good bolt to check is the one near the oil filter housing. If it's not there then it's likely other have sheared too. If the middle bolts have gone you may find mayo in your coolant bottle so check this. google for pics

Other than oil leaks, the engine tend to be quite reliable. If it's a cold day then you will see a lot of condensation from the exhaust, it's just they way they are. Once the engine has been idling for a while, give it a quick dab on the accelerator to check for puffs of smoke. The valve stems seals can drip a bit of oil which I think is normal but it shouldn't look like the Admiral Kuznetsov. The lifter noise can also be loud when cold or left to idle but will subside after a run.

excuse the rambling

Wavey 335i · 03-16-2018, 07:05 AM

I have owned a 325i M Sport before my current 335i.

I loved it and it was amazing if you are content with the power, but the 325d has alot of potential after a remap, you can do the same with the 325i 3.0 block but alot more costly to do the 330 conversion.

If your not fussed about the engine sound go for a 325d. Eventually when finance and circumstances allow, go for a 335i or 335d, both good cars in their own ways.

My reveiw on the 325i 2.5 block is personally I've had no issues as long as ive kept maintenence in check, insurance was cheaper over the 3.0 block and road tax wasnt too dear either for the car and my age at the time was 21. Now I'm 25 in a 335i which is currently FBO and soon to be around 6 - 700 bhp after I do the planned mods in the next few weeks. It is still my daily but I dont drive to work no more so its ok I guess.

adam277 · 03-16-2018, 09:00 AM

Thanks for the helpful replies.

One concern is if these cars are quite low? Does anyone know.
I have a fat dad that will sometimes use the car so if it's like mx5 level low I may have to reconsider getting it. Be great if someone who is a bit chubby can comment on this.

03-15-2018, 03:49 PM	#1
adam277 Registered 3 Rep 4 Posts Drives: e37 Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: essex iTrader: (0)	Advice with buying a BMW 325i Hi guys! I'm in the market for a new BMW because due to the winter weather some grandad went straight into the back of my lovely E36 BMW 323i with only 80k miles on it. Due to my age the 330 is out of the question unless I can get it for peanuts as my insurance will be crazy. So I thought I'd just get the same engine size just newer. So here come the questions... I was originally interested in a 2.0 litre engine but I've heard a lot of bad things about them and there seems to be a lot of them advertised online. Am I right in avoiding these? Also I'm kinda put off getting a diesel because my commute is only 12 miles each way and I've had a few issues with my van due to short trips. Will I have the same problems? I've also heard they again aren't as reliable as their petrol counterparts. Finally! is the motor I am looking at getting OR one very similar. https://www.hampshiremotorcompany.co...641.1520298218 I also really like this as its a diesel with stupidly low mileage!!! https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...had=New&page=1 I want to get one under 90k mileage. Mainly because most on autotrader are high so stands to reason I get a low one it will last longer. Are there any Plasticy bits that tend to disintegrate after a certain amount of years like the e36 and that cooling system? Also I believe the 56 plates are still the N52 engines? Be great if someone could confirm that. I want to stick to auto because I'm lazy, should I change the fluid straight away or are these sealed for life type things? I know its a low mileage car but I'd rather play it safe. Finally! It would be great if someone who knows these cars could check the ad and give me their thoughts on it. To me it looks like a mint car with low miles. I have many more questions but my mind has gone blank so I'll stop here and read the forum more! Thanks for reading! Last edited by adam277; 03-15-2018 at 04:06 PM..
	Appreciate 1 Chappers 716167.50 Tweet Quote

03-15-2018, 05:18 PM	#2
Zen_Driver New Member 4 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 2006 325i saloon Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Romford, UK iTrader: (0)	Hi Adam, I just bought a 325i simply because I wanted to hear the 6 cylinder engine, that and every man and his dog seems to have a 320/318. Best decision I ever made. That example you're looking at looks lush, mine cost just under 5k and it is better than I could have hoped, so if that one is well looked after it's a pretty good deal. Great looking motor by the way. Hope you get it!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-15-2018, 05:56 PM	#3
Chappers 71 Major General 6168 Rep 5,845 Posts Drives: Beige G31 540ix m sport Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Kent, The Garden of England iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 G31 xdrive 40i ... [7.67] 2006 E92 335i SE [9.50]	E92 325i SE auto, good choice __________________ G31 40ix M Sport E92 335i. E36 328is coupe E39 540i V8 6SP manual E34 3.6 M5. E34 525i sport. VW Jetta Mk2 GTI 16v. 1679cc 1967 resto-cal beetle
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-15-2018, 06:08 PM	#4
wallsmk2 Lieutenant 28 Rep 403 Posts Drives: e91 325i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: exeter iTrader: (0)	MOT history check says it failed on rusty brake lines so check these have been done. I'd suggest a torch and a bit of cardboard to lie on to check for oil leaks under the car as these are unlikely to be covered by the supplied warranty. Check the diff isn't wet and the half shafts into the diff at the rear are dry. Check for leaks at the back of the engine - rear main seal (gearbox onto engine) and the oil pan which are both costly ( a little bit of misting of oil is fine - it'll be obvious if really bad). Oil leaks from the top of the engine are common too especially from the oil cooler/oil filter area and the valve cover (very common due to snapped bolts). If you see oil running from the top of the cam cover onto the valve gasket then this is likely the eccentric shaft position sensor seal (front and requires the removal of the rocker cover) or the valvetronic motor seal (back, easy). These are DIY but can be expensive due to the labour. So yes, they leak oil and then some! On these engines the head bolts can shear. A good bolt to check is the one near the oil filter housing. If it's not there then it's likely other have sheared too. If the middle bolts have gone you may find mayo in your coolant bottle so check this. google for pics Other than oil leaks, the engine tend to be quite reliable. If it's a cold day then you will see a lot of condensation from the exhaust, it's just they way they are. Once the engine has been idling for a while, give it a quick dab on the accelerator to check for puffs of smoke. The valve stems seals can drip a bit of oil which I think is normal but it shouldn't look like the Admiral Kuznetsov. The lifter noise can also be loud when cold or left to idle but will subside after a run. excuse the rambling
	Appreciate 2 Chappers 716167.50 AndyVR12.00 Quote

03-16-2018, 07:05 AM	#5
Wavey 335i Legend 33 Rep 350 Posts Drives: Individual E92 335i FBO Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: London iTrader: (0)	I have owned a 325i M Sport before my current 335i. I loved it and it was amazing if you are content with the power, but the 325d has alot of potential after a remap, you can do the same with the 325i 3.0 block but alot more costly to do the 330 conversion. If your not fussed about the engine sound go for a 325d. Eventually when finance and circumstances allow, go for a 335i or 335d, both good cars in their own ways. My reveiw on the 325i 2.5 block is personally I've had no issues as long as ive kept maintenence in check, insurance was cheaper over the 3.0 block and road tax wasnt too dear either for the car and my age at the time was 21. Now I'm 25 in a 335i which is currently FBO and soon to be around 6 - 700 bhp after I do the planned mods in the next few weeks. It is still my daily but I dont drive to work no more so its ok I guess. __________________ Follow me on Instagram @W8VYG
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-16-2018, 09:00 AM	#6
adam277 Registered 3 Rep 4 Posts Drives: e37 Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: essex iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the helpful replies. One concern is if these cars are quite low? Does anyone know. I have a fat dad that will sometimes use the car so if it's like mx5 level low I may have to reconsider getting it. Be great if someone who is a bit chubby can comment on this.
	Appreciate 0 Quote