Advice on used BMW please

Have never owned a BMW and have come across one we like. Its a 3 series, 2005 with 66, 000 miles. Full service history in main dealers . Car is in excellent condition. It has a sports spec also .....anyway price is €5, 900.


ANY OPINIONS WELCOME....JUST NERVOUS! SORRY FOR CAPS, NOT SHOUTING....STUPID PHONE!

Was looking at something similar myself. Any views on what to look out for. Many thanks.

[broken link removed] or 3 Series E90 (2005 - 2012 )?

Honest John reviews are always worth reading.

Hello,

While BMWs are expensive to buy, my own experience has been excellent.

You may find the discussion forum linked below of use, it specialises in BMWs and has hundreds of Irish owners willing to help you with any questions you may have.

www.bmw-driver.net/

Have had two 3 series BMW, 06 and 09 over three years, never a days trouble. both diesel. petrol ones are harder to get taken as a trade. yes, they are expensive but worth it for the looks you get off people alone!!!

However the 06 would be a newer smoother design than the 05 (more angular lines) so Id shop around for a 06 unless u like the older look of the the 05, some do!!

Hi Feena, we have a 2006 318i in the family. The thing about BMW is that they sell you a dream. They will be no more reliable than average and worse than many. Our one has failed twice with coil pack failure, €200 fix. This is a very common failure on the petrol models this vintage. Diesel models also have a lot of potential issues, worst one being ingestion of some parts into the internals, expensive fix, potential new engine.

That said it is a good drive and comfortable and of course you do have that badge on the bonnet. A 2005 could be E46 version or later E90, if you don't know the difference I suggest a little more research. If E90 look for steering wheel controls and rear parking sensor options... Our SE spec has sunroof and leather which is nice to have as well. Good luck.

e46 or e90 ?

Full main dealer service history is a must. Anything else walk away. The diesels especially need a1 maintainance otherwise are pretty troublesome. Dpfs and turbos especually.
People buy these cars but cant afford to run them. Thus lax maintainance.