[Mark e90]

How strict is your budget though ? Looking at some just above 7k on auto trader which look very nice and remember price is always negotiable have a look at these 3 all of which i would say could be had for 7k or even less.....



http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...s?logcode=visc
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...s?logcode=visc
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...s?logcode=visc

[paulf61]

I wouldn't worry about mileage too much, as long as it's been looked after and maintained well it shouldn't matter.. Personally if I was in the market for another BMW i'd make sure i'd settle for one that ticks all the boxes in terms of engine/colour/spec and compromise on the mileage slightly. Unlike what I did and buy the first one I saw (mainly for the low mileage) to which I've learnt that low mileage cars can still have their problems..

Hope this doesn't put you off, just my opinion.

Paul

[Pazzify]

Thanks for all the advice guy's really helps!

Didn't get a chance to go see the cars I wanted as my mate was working. However thought I'd still go test drive a couple cars to get a feel for them even thought I didn't want these cars.

Tested a 325i SE and M-Sport and 330i SE, and I can assure you that i will 100% be going M Sport even though I only tried the 325i version. The drive felt alot more comfortable and the seats were exactly what everyone been saying, very nice drive. The SE was a nice drive at first but doesn't compare to the M Sport. As well as the M Sport being such a better looking car.

Didn't notice that much of a difference between 325i and the 330i in terms of speed, maybe a bit on the mark, but i guess that because I didn't drive the 330i M Sport.

Going to spend the next couple days now seeing what M Sport I want to go see and my mate has the day off ready to go for a car hunt at the weekend, I've had enough of buses and getting lifts, want to get back into a car!

[Wavey 335i]

https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-...e30/1140648222

Have a look.

[Pazzify]

Originally Posted by parves

https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-...e30/1140648222

Have a look.

Very Nice

Little bit out my price range though, max 7k at the moment.

[Wavey 335i]

Originally Posted by Pazzify

Very Nice

Little bit out my price range though, max 7k at the moment.

Let me know, was planning to keep the car so sorted out all the bodywork, and obviously done some mods to the headlights and back box. But other then that its pretty much standard. Just well looked aftered example. Only selling because I'm doing more miles now and need a diesel can't afford to have two cars.

And the price is negotiable.

[smuler]

It is very nice, because it's a pre LCI coupe
And black (my fave colour) and manual.


Re: your test drives, I don't see why a 330i SE should be slower than a 330i M Sport, assuming they both used the same transmission. Maybe a sportier suspension car feels faster or it's running better tyres?


So as you're sold on a M Sport (very sensible) this might be a steer you towards a 325i M Sport being easily within budget and perhaps with lower miles too. And a manual.

[Pazzify]

Originally Posted by parves

Let me know, was planning to keep the car so sorted out all the bodywork, and obviously done some mods to the headlights and back box. But other then that its pretty much standard. Just well looked aftered example. Only selling because I'm doing more miles now and need a diesel can't afford to have two cars.

And the price is negotiable.

Yes it is a very nice car, not too keen on a coupe though. I think they do look good but a pain when you have kids. Had a coupe before and always said next car will be 4 door. Won't be surprised to see your call sell quickly though!

Originally Posted by smuler

It is very nice, because it's a pre LCI coupe
And black (my fave colour) and manual.


Re: your test drives, I don't see why a 330i SE should be slower than a 330i M Sport, assuming they both used the same transmission. Maybe a sportier suspension car feels faster or it's running better tyres?


So as you're sold on a M Sport (very sensible) this might be a steer you towards a 325i M Sport being easily within budget and perhaps with lower miles too. And a manual.

Honestly not sure why it felt fast just kinda "did" maybe the placebo effect of being in an M-Sport made it fell quicker.

Yes 100% sold on an M-Spot now, 325i are in the budget, however have seen a couple 330i so will have a look as to what I want to go up and see at the weekend Looking at spec more then Miles. Would like it with a sat-nav (feels more mordern personally) but no luck with that extra yet. Am talking with Wobble about his 325i just have to see if he lowers price.....

[smuler]

Not sure if this has been raised in any of your threads, but earlier 325s were 2.5 l whereas at some point, I think as early as 2007, they became 3.0l ; essentially just a detuned version of 330. Maybe that narrowed the performance gap, a bit?


I

[Wobble]

Originally Posted by smuler

Not sure if this has been raised in any of your threads, but earlier 325s were 2.5 l whereas at some point, I think as early as 2007, they became 3.0l ; essentially just a detuned version of 330. Maybe that narrowed the performance gap, a bit?


I

Yeah that's right,mine that I've listed on the classifieds is a 57 plate 325i m sport that's a 3 litre,and as you say a detuned version of the 330i m sport,I test drove a 330i m sport before I bought my 325i m sport and couldn't tell the difference,only difference was the 330 was more money & my insurance wanted more

[Wavey 335i]

A friend of mine has a SE 325i with the same N52B25. He drove mine and said it feels faster. As above it is probably a placebo effect, but mine sure does handle much better then his SE being an M Sport, only downside is having to really slow down for the speed bumps...

[Pazzify]

Morning all!

Got a couple cars lined up for this weekend. After speaking to my insurance company looks like I can only go for the 325i, they seem to want quite a bit for a 330i.

Two options

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01504172688604

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01511038393273

Both lovely cars, both same kind of spec, I'm guessing I should be looking at the Newer Car?

Also saw a nice coupe, just wondered if anyone has a 3 Series Coupe as well as kids and if it a problem or not?

[Mark e90]

Blue one looks a very clean car that would be my pick of the two.

I wouldn't bother with a coupe if i had kids.

[Wobble]

Blue one has got 20,000 miles more than mine has got,plus mine has also got paddle shift,and I'm only wanting £500 more 👍

[smuler]

Originally Posted by Pazzify

Morning all!

Got a couple cars lined up for this weekend. After speaking to my insurance company looks like I can only go for the 325i, they seem to want quite a bit for a 330i.

Two options

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01504172688604

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01511038393273

Both lovely cars, both same kind of spec, I'm guessing I should be looking at the Newer Car?

Also saw a nice coupe, just wondered if anyone has a 3 Series Coupe as well as kids and if it a problem or not?

Black, if I am reading correctly, is about to need MOT. you would want that passed, no (notable) advisories before considering it.

Blue, I thought by then it had changed to a 30l, so check this if relevant. Looks to have RFTs, unlike (I think) the black so not so nice I think to drive.

Not sure I would place 18 months newer with higher mileage as automatically better than older with lower mileage. I think it will come down to individual condition and what parts need replacing in the short term.


*Coupe has the obvious disadvantage of 2 doors...BUT based on STANDARD features on mine:-

split folding rear seats, making a more practical vehicle than these 2 which don't appear to have this OPTION.


Plus on mine, to assist access there's a switch moves the front seats forward so even old people can get in back easily


Coupes are not so bad.

[smuler]

Oops, forgot to add to my post.

*try other insurance companies for 330i quotes
**aren't these above your budget, I thought there were 330s nearer this price?
**wasn't there a chap on here, selling one not much more. That seemed better??

[Wobble]

Originally Posted by smuler

Oops, forgot to add to my post.

*try other insurance companies for 330i quotes
**aren't these above your budget, I thought there were 330s nearer this price?
**wasn't there a chap on here, selling one not much more. That seemed better??

If your on about a 325i m sport saloon,that's mine in the classifieds,just done over 47,000 miles with paddle shift and a host of extras including cruise & Bluetooth phone & lighting pack, and with it being the 57 plate it's the 3litre version,I've said I'll let it go to another member for £8000

[Pazzify]

Originally Posted by Wobble

Blue one has got 20,000 miles more than mine has got,plus mine has also got paddle shift,and I'm only wanting £500 more 👍

Haha if I had the money I would! Just bought a new house and having to swap my insurance over means I can't go that extra £500..

Originally Posted by smuler

Black, if I am reading correctly, is about to need MOT. you would want that passed, no (notable) advisories before considering it.

Blue, I thought by then it had changed to a 30l, so check this if relevant. Looks to have RFTs, unlike (I think) the black so not so nice I think to drive.

Not sure I would place 18 months newer with higher mileage as automatically better than older with lower mileage. I think it will come down to individual condition and what parts need replacing in the short term.

*Coupe has the obvious disadvantage of 2 doors...BUT based on STANDARD features on mine:-
split folding rear seats, making a more practical vehicle than these 2 which don't appear to have this OPTION.

Plus on mine, to assist access there's a switch moves the front seats forward so even old people can get in back easily

Coupes are not so bad.

I didn’t actually realise that the Saloon does not come with folding rear seats which is interesting. This is the coupe I was looking at http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01511148694732
Yes I have looked at other insurance companies and it not soo bad but I will lose my no claims discount. Yes these are £500 over budget but I think I would be able to haggle them down to my price! The 330i M Sport are too expensive and a lot more milage plus the insurance means the 325i looks viable at this time, not to say that the next car would be a 330i though!

[smuler]

Originally Posted by Pazzify

Haha if I had the money I would! Just bought a new house and having to swap my insurance over means I can't go that extra £500..



I didn’t actually realise that the Saloon does not come with folding rear seats which is interesting. This is the coupe I was looking at http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01511148694732
Yes I have looked at other insurance companies and it not soo bad but I will lose my no claims discount. Yes these are £500 over budget but I think I would be able to haggle them down to my price! The 330i M Sport are too expensive and a lot more milage plus the insurance means the 325i looks viable at this time, not to say that the next car would be a 330i though!

Okay, so 7.5k is the absolute max and 325 is the engine you are going for.

This coupe is a SE but a full check on the spec gives it as having sports seats, so for me the main weakness of a SE has gone and coupes in any form look better too. Spec is much better with nav and xenon lights for example. 17ins wheels should give you a better ride, good for kids

On paper, it's the best of the 3 inmho

*but as coupes are now on the radar, have a look and see if the extra 500£ you have could get you an even better one.

[Pazzify]

Originally Posted by smuler

Okay, so 7.5k is the absolute max and 325 is the engine you are going for.

This coupe is a SE but a full check on the spec gives it as having sports seats, so for me the main weakness of a SE has gone and coupes in any form look better too. Spec is much better with nav and xenon lights for example. 17ins wheels should give you a better ride, good for kids

On paper, it's the best of the 3 inmho

*but as coupes are now on the radar, have a look and see if the extra 500£ you have could get you an even better one.

Yeah I have had a look at other Coupe and it interesting to see alot of the SE still have the Sport Seats and Xenon Lights etc which is good, think I'm sold on that part now! Will go view this Coupe at the weekend and see how it is, if not will then see what I think of the Saloon. Thank you for all the help!

[Wobble]

Originally Posted by Pazzify

Yeah I have had a look at other Coupe and it interesting to see alot of the SE still have the Sport Seats and Xenon Lights etc which is good, think I'm sold on that part now! Will go view this Coupe at the weekend and see how it is, if not will then see what I think of the Saloon. Thank you for all the help!

Hi bud just to let you know I've now listed on eBay & other sites,if you want to view,no pressure let me know,all the best
http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/351584327576

[Pazzify]

Morning guys,

Just thought I'd update you!

I finally have my BMW

After viewing a few decided to go for the e 325i Black Coupe, the spec was just too good to miss!. 60k miles on the clock and FSH being done every couple years shows it been looked after. The leather is immaculate as well which is a bonus as a couple a i saw where showing to be worn.

Glad to finally being part of the club and look forward to making the car my own, thank you for all the help guys!