Any Car Buff's In The House? Test Driving a BMW 325i
 

I'm test driving a 2003 BMW 325i tonight through tomorrow night. I currently have a 2001 Infiniti SUV but with the gas prices soaring up, I'm thinking about making a lateral move and getting a car so I can save some gas money. I did a cost analysis over the next four years and even in the modest increase in paying off the car, I'd still save on gas and not having to buy another car for four years.

Question is this: Has anyone had a 325 before? How is the reliability? Any problems? I'm used to the $50 oil changes so that doesn't bother me, but rather the potential bigger maintenance problems? Overall, is there a recommendation on whether or not it's a good car? In the brief drive I've had it, I love the handling and performance while the interior is just "eh".

Is this the flood damaged car?

You spend $50 on an oil change? Why?

It'll do if you don't have a motorcycle.

The 325i? Isn't that like the Ford Focus of luxury vehicles?

Great car and it might get you as many chicks as an Audi and a bike.o:-)

By the way I think you are spending way too much on oil changes, in CA with a Jag that has to be done at the dealer (unless I want to buy special equipment) I only spend $35

Nope, different one. I got a Car Fax on this one and everything is perfect.

Not looking to get it to get chicks but what do you know about the car?

you're not using synthetic.

The 325 is a great car, How many miles? BMW's get quite expensive to maintain.

Well yeah if you get suckered into a $50 oil change.

It has 60k miles and it's a 2003.

I had a 2005 325 and it was the best car I ever owned. BMW has a warranty that you can buy that would cover all repairs to 100k miles and all routine maintenance just as far. Then you wouldn't have to pay for anything.

I can't recommend this car enough, they are awesome, run forever and are a blast to drive.

Another thing that concerns me is that it is rear wheel drive and I live in KC. I'm guessing I'd have to put about 300 lbs of packaged sand (weight) in the trunk to help in the winter. Does anyone have experience of a RWD car in the winter?

No you won't, there's electronic gizmos today that old skool cars didn't have.

I bought one for my wife last year, it's a 2002 though. I LOVE driving it, it's truly awesome, a real drivers car. I'd trade her my loaded Chevy truck for the bimmer in a heartbeat. I could tell you about all the extra built-in goodies but that would be one long post.

And the cheapest oil changes I've found have been just over $100....

This post has been encouraging. I really like my current car but I'm tired of the gas prices.

Oh, I forgot to add that you only need to change the oil every 15,000 miles, the car actually tells you when. Even if they're more money you only have to do 1 compared to most cars needing 5.

I had a Firebird a few years back. It had traction control, and did surprisingly well in snow. I'd say there was 1-2 days each winter when I just couldn't go out, though. Mostly for fear that I'd get stopped on an incline and not be able to get going again.

Did you always fill it up with premium?

Thanks, Red. I currently have a QX4

Yes.

I have a Trans Am with an LT1 in it and its rear wheel, I live in Iowa and drive in the winter... no wrecks yet. I don't add any sand bags or anything either, I just don't drive like a dumb ass.

BMW 3 Series Consumer Reports info on a 2003 325i:

Better, Good, Neutral, Bad, Worse

Engine Major: Better
Engine Minor: Neutral
Engine Cooling: Neutral
Transmission Major: Good
Transmission Minor: Good
Drive System: Good
Fuel System: Neutral
Electrical System: Worse
Climate System: Bad
Suspension: Good
Brakes: Good
Exhaust: Better
Paint/Trim: Neutral
Squeaks & Rattles: Good
Body Hardware: Bad
Power Equip.: Bad
Audio System: Good

Used Car Verdict: Neutral

$50 oil change? WTF? I use synthetic(Mobil1)in my car. $22 for a 5 qt. container at Walmart. I do it myself.

If your looking at a 325i consider the Infiniti G35x or other 4wd sedans for winter conditions.

Preach on Brother Skip. :thumb:

One of Mrs. Radar’s friends has a 325i convertible that she’s been driving for several years. Only problem I know of is when a bearing went out in her rear end.
She wouldn’t let on, but I’m sure it was painful. ;)

as the saying goes.... if you have to ask about maintenance costs for German cars.
ie. Mercedes, BMW, Porche, Audi .... you can't afford it.

Honestly, standard maintenance costs on a BMW is just as much as any other new car, its when you break something big is when it gets expensive. But, the same can be said about most new cars. As far as oil changes go, a BMW is no more than any other damn car, its only oil and a filter. If your paying $50 for an oil change, you are NOT getting ripped off. Whom ever is paying less is just getting a killer deal or doing it themsleves. If you're putting synthetic into your car, its not cheap. You figure roughly $5 a QT for full syn, x6 qts, which is what most 6cyl or larger engines need, you've already spent $30 in just oil. Add the cost of the filter and the mechanic, and you'll see that $50 isn't that bad of a deal.

and if you break something, let me know. I work right next to a BMW/Porsche dismantler, i drive passed wrecked BMW's every day when i come to work, and i may be able to get you a good deal.

My car has a v6 and it takes 5 qts. As I already mentioned in this thread, I buy the 5qt. Mobil 1 container from Walmart for $22 and do it myself. Yes, if one should feel the need to take it up the arse, they can go to a quick lube and get a synthetic oil change for $50+.

So Biff wants to be a buff huh?
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:.../02/george.jpg

Please keep in mind that, while its great you do it yourself, not everyone can or wants to do it themselves. So, for a shop to do it, $50 is not that bad for a full syn, and a lot of cars take more than 5Qts. My 5.0 Firebird takes 8qts. His Infiniti probably takes more than 5Qts as well. Though i wouldnt be surprised if the local Pep boys only puts 5Qts in his engine, since that seems to be the industry standard.

Hang out with Biff?

and the smart German car owners know this.... those places are full all the time. for parts/repair.

The rear wheel drive at winter time is really scaring me off so I think I may pass on it. If it was a xi instead of a i it'd be different. Thanks for everyone's input. I really appreciate it!

Yep, the place is dirty and unkept, but busy all of the time.

My Volvo shop does oil & filter on my XC70 for $29.00. Don't know what this $50 oil change you seem to love so much is but you don't need to pay that at least not in Phoenix.

What are they asking?

Vail, I doubt you are getting synthetic for $29. I pay that much to change it myself, with synthetic.

Probably filling his motor with Valvoline. ;)

The Cost of Synthetic Oil is generally around $25-30 for 5 or 6 Qts, so they may be giving you regular oil. In San Diego, typical oil changes are about $35. When you start adding synthetic oil, special filters etc it goes up.

:p