Does anybody know anything about BMW's? We are currently looking to replace our 1995 Sunfire, and came across a 2001 325CI. Its in great shape, 2 sets of tires and rims (winter tires), no damage anywhere that I can see, drives nice (except for the winter tires). We are assuming that routine maintenance will be higher, but anybody have any first hand experience? The reviews for this model and year appear to be good, 8.8 out of 10. Thanks, Daren

Higher, try quadrooling it. But, they are great car. Not sure about that model in specific, but you can't go wrong with a Beemer.

I like the early 70s models, like the 2002 or the 3.0CS. Bavarias are nice too if you like a 4-door. They run like swiss watches. Newer ones are kinda spendy but from what I've seen are close to swiss watch quality too.

had a couple older ones ('93). easy to work on still back then. ran great. parts tended to be expensive sometimes though. my sis has a newer 325. loves it too. good cars.

I am a die hard BMW fanatic...along w/my SS....I have owned about 7 of them over the last 15 years...while some parts may be more expensive, the number of times they have to be replaced, in my experience, has been less...my 1990 535i which I still have is going strong at 175,000miles, althought the paint has started to oxidize some....anyway, they make great cars and they are definitel fun to drive...good luck.

I've never owned one, but a friend of mine did and I heard complaints from him about the high cost of replacement parts- and he did his own mechanic work!

For what it's worth.

I've got an '89 635. Good car but buying parts from a BMW dealer is very expensive. Also BMW's have a way of doing everything backwards or in a complicated way or just to be different. Sometimes annoying!

I've got a friend who's a BMW fanatic and he had an E46 (like you're looking at) which was a 330d. Brilliant car and he absolutely loved it. Only a few things went wrong on it and it drove like a dream.

I bought a 96 Z3 roadster about 18 months ago and just love it. I haven't had to replace anything major yet, just normal oil/filter changes.

http://dalesplace.com/images/bmw/bmw03_small.jpg

My wife, who view(ed) cars as appliances, fell in love with her 2001 325 CIC (convert) when she drove it. Truely a nice machine. The straight 6 is wonderfully smooth. She opted for the 5-speed and the car has the sport suspension. Amazing brakes. Quick reflexes. Very high limits.

The thing is complex but we've had no real issues with the car at all. I have heard they can suffer from electrical problems but, aside from an alt that appears slightly undersized when using the heated seats with the high beems on, we have no other concerns. Gets acceptable mileage - the computer reports around 23 or 24 city/highway combined.

The only thing I wish we had done is opted for the 330 instead of the 325. The 330's, in addition to having more HP/TQ, are geared higher so they don't RPM as fast. The 325's really spin at highway speeds. Again though, since the 6 is soooo smooth it's really not too bothersome. The 330's also get slightly better mileage. If it were for me it would be the 330. She is perfectly happy with the 325. I bounce it off the rev limiter on a regular basis (well, when she lets me drive it) in 1st gear and sometimes in 2nd - it's easy. She doesn't even know (or care) that it has a limiter and doesn't ever work that hard.

You can buy parts on line to save some money - the dealers are expensive. Uses synthetic oil and the computer doesn't want you to change it for 15k miles. You can do it yourself and there are some CT like BMW forums and those folks know how to reset the computer when change the oil.

One really couldn't ask for a nicer small car. Does everything well.

Dan

Just to be clear...yes...parts from the dealers are ridiculous...but there are many mail order places that are 40% cheaper, even after shipping....I still own 3 of them (90 535i, 96 740iL, 99 323iC vert) and love em....