[BMNewbstar]

Hi everyone! As my username suggests, I’m new to the forums and BMWs in general. I’m in the market for a 2006 / 2007 325i E92 Automatic and was hoping to get some advice and insight. Apologies first and foremost if I’m asking (stupid) questions that have already been answered elsewhere - I’ve had a look at chichihibo’s thread on the same topic but was hoping you guys will be kind enough to answer my specific questions

Why 325i instead of 335i? Other than price and preference for lower km, it just comes down to the fact that I’m looking for something to cruise around in rather than a proper performance car. This is my entry into the euro market and as a young guy in his 20s, I figure buying a 325i first up leaves something to look forward to! I’ve test driven one and it has ample power for my needs...although I know that might change!

Here goes...

1. What should I specifically look out for when I’m inspecting cars in my range? I’ve begun reading up on known issues but was thinking there might be some telltale signs that I should keep an eye out for.

2. My understanding is that these BMW’s tell you when they need to be serviced but people in the know do oil changes more frequently. With a used car with anywhere between 50k - 80k km, would I be able to use the fact that it may be “close” to a service interval in order to negotiate on price?

3. 2006 vs 2007 - how much extra would you spend on a newer model if all else was equal? I’m planning to keep the car for at least five years. Ideal price is low to mid 30s.

4. The 07 model I’ve test-driven was on 19”s and had the M-sports suspension and sports seats. Please don’t hate me for saying this but I didn’t find the ride uncomfortable or anything but I did find the steering to be quite heavy / stiff (which is something that bugs me about my Civic and can’t be justified as unlike this Bimmer, it doesn’t provide for a nice drive). However, I’m sure I’ll grow to love this - and I’m sure it’s something car enthusiasts love - but am I right in assuming this is mostly a product of the large rims? I’m going to test drive one with 17”s just for comparison’s sake. The other thing that has made me consider is the relative difference in price between tyres for 19”s and tyres for 17”s...although 19”s obviously look sickk.

5. How easy is it to upgrade the navigation? Just searching up on it right now but thought I’d throw that question in there as it might be more difficult to upgrade a 06 / 07 model. I see a fair few posts about “coding” etc. to make changes to the iDrive system

6. What are the checks I should do on this car other than a PPI (SouthernBM or Active Motorwerke, thanks Stuart for the recs), PPSR check and ensuring it’s not a repaired write-off?

7. Allianz Extended Warranty - this seems to be the universally preferred warranty. Should I get it and what should I budget in for it i.e. what’s a fair price?

Sorry for the long thread and thanks in advance for putting up with my newbie questions . Thank you!

[John_01]

I'm by no means expert in car buying, but these are my thoughts:

1. Probably its hard to identify many issues on a casual inpsection. You can have a good look at the panels for the normal ways of identifying crash damage. Other expensive things are normally transmission faults and oil leaks. You should listen to the engine idling with the bonnet up to see if it makes a very loud ticking noise. All of the BMWs have a rattling/ticking noise to some degree but if its very loud it can indicate engine problems especially on the 2007 and earlier cars. Expensive to fix.

2. Its quite common for BMWs to have oil change service service after 2 years and up to 20,000km in many cases. In my opinion its far too long, but if considering a car with such history you should look for evidence of oil change service either at the dealer or reputable BMW specialist. Some workshops will substitute cheap inferior oils which could be a problem after a lot of km.

3. I don't know, but I personally I'd choose the car with lower km and better history.

4. 19" tyres will make the steering a bit heavier, although I think you should blame the civic. Its just because you are not used to driving a proper car with decent steering feel, but that can change.

5. Not worth the $$$. It would make more sense to buy a Tom Tom and keep the standard iDrive.

6. I think that's a very good idea because maintenance problems can cost a lot. You need to give yourself the best chance of buying a decent car in the first place.

7. If you find a good car and a good mechanic it may be cheaper to take your chances. I am not sure if you can get Extended warranty on a car of that age anyway.

[pavo335]

No offence but if you can only afford a second hand 325, my advice would be buy something else.

[BMNewbstar]

Thank you for taking the time to write up a detailed post, John_01, very informative. I'll definitely keep an ear out for the ticking noise when I inspect some this weekend.

pavo335 - why do you say that? It's not like I'm looking at a 116i! I just feel the 335i would be excessive for me. I know I can manage the ongoing costs of a 325i and I think in my price range, it represents a good quality and fun car. I can't help but think that the E92 is such a beautiful car and I'm relieved that it drives as well as it looks!

Anything else I should be looking at? Thanks!

[pavo335]

Originally Posted by BMNewbstar

Thank you for taking the time to write up a detailed post, John_01, very informative. I'll definitely keep an ear out for the ticking noise when I inspect some this weekend.

pavo335 - why do you say that? It's not like I'm looking at a 116i! I just feel the 335i would be excessive for me. I know I can manage the ongoing costs of a 325i and I think in my price range, it represents a good quality and fun car. I can't help but think that the E92 is such a beautiful car and I'm relieved that it drives as well as it looks!

Anything else I should be looking at? Thanks!

cause you'll drive it for a while and say 'shit i wish i got the next model' the interior is way better and the performance (stock) is in another league.

imho the 325 is a try hard car, it screams 'hey look at me in the BMW' again imho for the same money i'd look at a pissat or golf first.

[John_01]

Originally Posted by pavo335

cause you'll drive it for a while and say 'shit i wish i got the next model' the interior is way better and the performance (stock) is in another league.

imho the 325 is a try hard car, it screams 'hey look at me in the BMW' again imho for the same money i'd look at a pissat or golf first.

haha.. Thats good one!

Seriously though, 325i is quite lacking in torque so it doesn't give the same feeling as driving a turbo charged car or even a Ford falcon for that matter. Personally I enjoy the 325i because I am like using manual transmission. Its no slower than typical Euro and Japanese cars like Golfs and Mazdas so I think its fine as a daily driver.

[pavo335]

no offense intended, i just dont see why you would pay the BMW premium for a car that IMHO is no better, kinda like buying a 1m over a 135, only difference is a badge and some suspension bits

[Zen]

Originally Posted by pavo335

no offense intended, i just dont see why you would pay the BMW premium for a car that IMHO is no better, kinda like buying a 1m over a 135, only difference is a badge and some suspension bits

lol here we go..

[pavo335]

Originally Posted by Zen

lol here we go..

Ask one of 'em. I betcha they start blubering like a 10 year old girl 'oh but daddy you dont understand I REALLY want one' and say crap like 'its a beast and the best car on the planet', but fail to explain whats different to a stock 135 with a mild toon and some m3 suspension bits

mind I think i need some new material, what about only bald fat old farts drive M3's

[MrBBQwer]

Originally Posted by pavo335

cause you'll drive it for a while and say 'shit i wish i got the next model' the interior is way better and the performance (stock) is in another league.

imho the 325 is a try hard car, it screams 'hey look at me in the BMW' again imho for the same money i'd look at a pissat or golf first.

I agreed with pavo335.

As a previous owner brand new 2007 E93 325i. I did said the same thing " Should have bought 335i " after I drive 325i for a year.

I guess if ppl in younger age, they prefer more BHP

[Jin.ActiveMotorwerke]

Why would the interior be any different?
Both 325i and 335i can be optioned to have exactly the same interior. No one can tell them apart just by looking at the interior.

Originally Posted by pavo335

cause you'll drive it for a while and say 'shit i wish i got the next model' the interior is way better and the performance (stock) is in another league.

imho the 325 is a try hard car, it screams 'hey look at me in the BMW' again imho for the same money i'd look at a pissat or golf first.