BMW's...I think I want one.

TheDean

TheDean

TheDean

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There seems to be a great deal of really well cared for BMW's out there! Quick search reveals an '06 316M Sport, 60k miles, and stunning condition. Full BMW servicing up until 55k miles. http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1923616.htm

I was considering a number of cars around 8/9k, but why bother when I could have a really nicely looked after BMW for not much more.

Budget - Could stretch to £12k. Thoughts on models/years and what to watch out for/common issues?
 
My wife had a 318 from new which I made her sell and get one with a proper engine. It was not that bad but if you can find one I would try to get a 320
 
I'm not seeing all these well cared for BMWs personally. What makes you think they are all so well looked after? You can't tell that at all from that advert, all you can see is that a dealer has covered it in polish and tyre shine.
 
paradigm said:
OP wants a badge, not a BMW.
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Not really...

Perhaps he wants the build quality? Perhaps he likes how it looks? Perhaps he likes the image it gives?

Fair enough, he'll miss out on the performance and the driving pleasure of a BMW, but:
A) He's not paying for that
B) Maybe he's not bothered about this?

I like a nice big 6 pot engine as much (probably more) than the next guy, but i'm not naive enough to think that everyone should want one, because the truth is most people don't care.

EDIT: OP, perhaps look into a 320i? They have better performance and basically no difference in running costs AFAIK. It's much better suited to the car than the 318i engine. I know they did a 170bhp and 150bhp variety of the 320i but not sure when it switched over - i expect someone will be able to help with this!
 
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paradigm said:
Sums up the thread.

OP wants a badge, not a BMW.
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...and there's nothing inherantly wrong with that. I'm not going to say your wide of the mark, but it's not just about that. I have always admired them, but thought they were a lot more expensive than they are. Turns out I can afford one and not have to take out a loan. The interiors look awesome and comfy and the 2.5L engines seem to return very good mpg.

What are thy like for re-mapping? I met a chap on a stag last weekend who said he could do mates rates on any re-map...
 
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The only thing, in general, to remember about a BMW and other premium vehicles, is that the running cost/purchase price ratio is much higher than with a typical Ford or Renault. A £10,000 BMW will cost more to own, usually, than a £10,000 Ford. You seem to be new to the idea of a BMW, so I would recommend that you create a little spreadsheet documenting the servicing costs (you can phone BMW for a quote), the tyre costs (check the sizes on camskill.co.uk), fuel costs (MPG will be on VCAcarfueldata.org.uk), insurance, depreciation over your projected ownership period, and any cost of finance. Add a buffer for any failures and you'll get a better idea of what budget you will need :)

BMW ownership is great, but you need to be prepared for the sods-law single month where you pay insurance, tax, MOT it, fix a niggle, service it and buy new tyres, and you're shelling out several thousand pounds!
 
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DMS claim they can return +20bhp from the 3.0 with a remap

if you're thinking of remapping a 2.5, just buy a 3.0. actually, just buy a 3.0. it's much more lively, and doesnt cost any more to run.
 
TheDean said:
...and there's nothing inherantly wrong with that. I'm not going to say your wide of the mark, but it's not just about that. I have always admired them, but thought they were a lot more expensive than they are. Turns out I can afford one and not have to take out a loan. The interiors look awesome and comfy and the 2.5L engines seem to return very good mpg.

What are thy like for re-mapping? I met a chap on a stag last weekend who said he could do mates rates on any re-map...
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:/ I'm confused...

i thought you were looking at 2.0L 4 pot ones?

The 2.5's are in the (early?) 325i and are 6 pots, which have higher running costs.
 
Saytan said:
DMS claim they can return +20bhp from the 3.0 with a remap

if you're thinking of remapping a 2.5, just buy a 3.0. actually, just buy a 3.0. it's much more lively, and doesnt cost any more to run.
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When you say "+20" I presume you mean adding 20mpg onto what will be approx 35mpg combined?!
 
Saytan said:
no

20bhp.

like it says.

buy something else, you have no idea what you're getting into.
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Yes, that's true, but it's something I want to explore. I couldn't deal with a 20mpg vehicle in a recession, ture, but I'm not writing them all off just because I don't know anything about them. Time to learn!
 
TheDean said:
Yes, yes...calm down. I was expecting you to be a bit more kind Fox. Lest we forget, you were new to the world of BMW once...
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Ok ok, was just a bit of banter!

So, what are you looking for? 2.5l 6 pots, 3.0l 6 pots, 2.0L 4 pot 318's/320i's?
 
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