Sunday, November 27, 2005 - 10:16 pm, by: Avin Luther(Lex_luther)
I am currently looking for a car for a good friend, Female, early 20's, not much driving experience. She is pretty set on getting a 3 series BMW, but i doubt she will find one for her budget that will be reliable. Anyone know of any common faults to look out for? Or anywhere special in Melbourne to look for one apart from the usualy places
Monday, November 28, 2005 - 07:54 am, by: David Vaughan(Davidv)
In about 1998, surprised that I had to replace my front brake discs on a Xantia after 65,000Km, I was told by the brake place "Be happy. BMW 3 drivers are lucky to get 55,000".
I have no independent confirmation on that comment and have never otherwise looked at old ones.
Monday, November 28, 2005 - 12:27 pm, by: Peter Nitschke(Pen)
A lad I know was thinking of a lower priced 3 series, but a mate of mine who is a bit of a BMW guru suggested that the cheaper ones will have been flogged a bit, done a lot of k's and parts/labour are expensive.
Monday, November 28, 2005 - 01:38 pm, by: David Vaughan(Davidv)
Put her in a used is200. If she can not afford the price, she can not afford the maintenance on the BM. Mind you, it has probably been flogged as well. Maybe she will get lucky with something.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005 - 11:24 pm, by: Kris Antczak(Lexus_v8)
Avin,
Prior to buying my Soarer, I was looking at buying the 2 door 95/96 318is....5 Speed, and i must say....i was extremelly disappointed with the power....quite gutless in fact.
Also, i was informed that when the brakes go, it was going to cost approx $700 to replace (don't take that as given, as this is second hand info).
Wednesday, November 30, 2005 - 01:24 am, by: Benny Gammelmark(Oldfield)
I've had a BMW (the E30). Year 1990 I think. Anyway, it was the old model.
That is the most expensive car to have I've ever owned. Just service and parts kills you. If they have beed driven "as a driver's car" then they also fall apart. I had my steering rack replaced after 50,000 km.
Other things that failed: PS pump Headlight wipers Aircon Roof lining was loose when I bought the car
Only almost-saving grace was the engine. It was a beaut to use/hear.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005 - 10:31 am, by: David Vaughan(Davidv)
The ES300 is a soggy car to drive but I suppose it will be reliable. Front wheel drive as well. Was she after the BMW for the badge or did things like RWD and driveability matter? If the car was important, I can not see an ES300 satisfying.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005 - 08:59 pm, by: Avin Luther(Lex_luther)
it will definelty NOT be a DRIVERS car, unless i borrow it for a day or so! It will be best if the car is NOT too powerful, just A-B in city traffic, and she is a fashion designer so image (the badge, and a nice looking car) are important.
Well she has found a "clean" one so i will go check it out tomorrow. Any other things to look out for? so far we got
Friday, December 07, 2007 - 03:18 am, by: Dave Billings(Waveman1717)
Older Beemers are CRAP!! They feel like they are made of cardboard the way the dash rattles. I've had 2, never never again!! Now the newer models is a different story, if you like paying $400 for an oil change!
I've driven a few 90s 318i's and they were gutless, loud, and felt really cheap. THey have dated really badly I reckon. What's her budget? IS200 sounds like a good choice and it is more modern then the 90's beemer (lookwise at least, engine is crap, but still better than the beemer one). 90's ES300 would be good too, although that is basically a Camry with Lexus badges... If she likes hatches, and wants a brand, but doesn't care about driving enjoyment at all, maybe a Merc A class? There has gotta be some pretentious car out there