[ekuLUKEkul]

Hi everyone, long time lurker, first time poster.

So very soon I plan on being in the market for a 330d. I'm just saving up some more, and thinking of going for a three year finance if I can get a good deal.

I am after either an e90 or e92, originally the coupe was all I wanted but after looking at the saloon more it has grown on me a lot, especially the modding potential for the future. Ideally I'm after an M sport model, leather, xenons, possible Idrive but adds a fair bit to cost, so I might just leave that if I cant find anything and maybe upgrade the stereo to a touch screen at some point in the future. And it must be a manual, I know a lot of praise goes out for the auto but I really enjoy manuals.

So I just want opinions, what should my budget be to find one that's going to be in good condition? There are a few around £7-8k that look nice but I always worry about buying a shed.

So any advice on things to look out for, any extras that are a must? And generally how they are to live with would be great! I'm just trying to gain a good understanding of them so that I don't fall in love with the first one I see if I could have done better.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[larrysing]

Originally Posted by ekuLUKEkul

Hi everyone, long time lurker, first time poster.

So very soon I plan on being in the market for a 330d. I'm just saving up some more, and thinking of going for a three year finance if I can get a good deal.

I am after either an e90 or e92, originally the coupe was all I wanted but after looking at the saloon more it has grown on me a lot, especially the modding potential for the future. Ideally I'm after an M sport model, leather, xenons, possible Idrive but adds a fair bit to cost, so I might just leave that if I cant find anything and maybe upgrade the stereo to a touch screen at some point in the future. And it must be a manual, I know a lot of praise goes out for the auto but I really enjoy manuals.

So I just want opinions, what should my budget be to find one that's going to be in good condition? There are a few around £7-8k that look nice but I always worry about buying a shed.

So any advice on things to look out for, any extras that are a must? And generally how they are to live with would be great! I'm just trying to gain a good understanding of them so that I don't fall in love with the first one I see if I could have done better.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

I can't advise on car prices in your area (I'm USA, so...) but one standard of advice for any new BMW owner would be to MAKE SURE YOUR CAR HAS A WARRANTY !!

These cars are EX-PEN-SIVE to fix. Unless you have mucho $$$ sitting around for repair costs or have access to cheap BMW labor, please do yourself a great favor and make sure you have SOME sort of good warranty.

I learned this lesson by "cheaping out" on a warranty which failed to cover a $2655 repair. I quickly cancelled that warranty and bought one which covers the car for most anything.

Good luck !!

[ekuLUKEkul]

Thanks for the reply

Wow really?? I don't know if I'm being naive but I don't know anyone in the UK with a warranty, regardless of car. Anyone from the U.K. who can shed some light on this for me?

What repair was it for $2655 if you don't mind me asking?

[larrysing]

Originally Posted by ekuLUKEkul

Thanks for the reply

Wow really?? I don't know if I'm being naive but I don't know anyone in the UK with a warranty, regardless of car. Anyone from the U.K. who can shed some light on this for me?

What repair was it for $2655 if you don't mind me asking?

Here are all the deets:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...34&postcount=1

[ekuLUKEkul]

Man, that doesn't sound good at all. Hope that was the only major issue you have had!

Would an independent garage not have been a good option and cheaper?