[laujen]

Hi I am looking for a BMW 3 series but I have some very particular peferences that's making it hard to find one.

Here we go: BMW 325 or 330 E90 series @£6,500 Now here's the problem I have to go for 325 or 330 as they are the only ones with the chrome around the doors which I think really set the car off, Then I only want black with cream leather and wood surround. I know I'm really reducing my chances. Problem is I've seen a couple but they are always so far away, One that I really like is 2 1/2 hours drive. Does that seem a long way to go or would you think that is reasonable to find the right car?

Hopefully I will soon be able to post on here as the proud owner of a BMW !! Thanks

[rhysh1990]

To be honest as long as I was sure the car was right for me and had many high resolution photos of the car and the seller ensured me the car was as described i would travel the length of the U.K. Lol it all depends how long u are going to keep the car aswell but travelling for a car really doesn't bother me

[k9david]

With such specific requirements I think to get what you want you need to travel. For mine I travelled over 200 miles, Dorset to Linconshire, good luck

[russ9898]

I travelled 3.5/4 hours each way to pickup my e92. Like you I had quite a specific spec I was looking for, the car came up so I sacrificed a day to go and get it. No regrets at all and would happily travel again.

[MrPogle]

Warrington to Kirkcaldy. In the snow. Twice.

[Shorty1608]

2 1/2 hours isn't too far, like previously stated if you can get some high res pictures of the car and it all looks good then go for it!
I travelled 2 hours for my e92 and two weekends back just travelled Blackpool to Heathrow to pick my e91 up! The seller sent me some really good detailed pictures and a video of the car and gave me every confidence in it, if your narrowing your search to certain specifics then I'm afraid 9/10 times you will need to travel!

[OGM2LCI]

1st car I travelled 6 hours each way to buy
2nd car was 4.5 hours each way
3rd car was 3.5 hours each way
Current E92 5.5 hours each way

Everywhere is miles away from Plymouth!

Never regretted any of them, just as above make sure you get good pictures sent before and try and get pictures of MOT & service history with them..if the spec is right just do it!

[laujen]

Thanks to all your replies. I have emailed and asked for photos and if poss a video but 2 1/2 hours seems nothing compared to some of your distances travelled!! Can I just ask one question. The car is a 325i SE 2006. It doesn't have the i drive but on the sterring wheel is a button for the phone yet there is no mention of bluetooth in the ad description. Does that mean the phone capability is not available?

[IanS100]

Originally Posted by laujen

I have to go for 325 or 330 as they are the only ones with the chrome around the doors

I've never heard of anyone basing their choice of cars on whether they have chrome around the doors, personally I hate all chrome trim & prefer cars without, but each to their own and I hope you find what you're looking for.

If you can get the last 7 characters from the VIN No you can go online & check the exact build spec of the car, which will tell you if it came with Bluetooth etc.

[laujen]

Yes each to their own. The car I want is black which sets off the chrome nicely. Thanks for the vin advice

[Aragorn30d]

My cars black and i've deleted the small amount of chrome that was present (front grille) :P

[E90325iM-SPORT]

I think you are the only 1person on this forum with preferences above. Good luck .

[ben-e92]

You could still get an m sport then swap the chrome trim I'm sure a 100 people will bite your hand off to swap. I traveled 4 hours for mine after searching for 3 months to find the right one no regrets there. Also black with wood/creme isn't an easy combo to find as the wood/cream seems to be coupled with blue.

If you have found the one go get it you will only regret it later.

[laujen]

Thanks to all your advice I travelled the 2 1/2 hours last weekend and came back with a Black (with chrome surround!!) 2006 325i with cream leather and wood trim. I am a complete newbie to BMW ownership so I just wanted to know a few things about the service indicators on the instrument panel. I was told by the dealer before I left that the last service was at 85,000 (88,000) on the clock. However when I got back I could only find the last one up to 73,000. I have asked and they said they will end it to me. Interestingly though when I start up, the service indicator shows 5,000 miles/Nov 2015. So am I right in thinking that whatever comes first then this is when the service should be done so in my case Nov 2015?

Once this is done what should the parameters be for the next one? Is it annual and what mileage (I think I read somewhere 12,000?)

I have also had new front pads and discs done by my mechanic. I wondered why this didn't come up in the display but he said that the sensor was detached so I guess that explains that?

Thanks

[Dann]

I wouldn't get too hung up over the chrome trim and wood interior.
After all they are both available either from dealer, forum swaps/for sales or eBay.