Home and Auto Any Car Buff's In The House? Test Driving a BMW 325i - Page 3

Marco Polo · 06-30-2008, 05:50 PM

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".

Radar Chief · 07-01-2008, 09:44 AM

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.

StcChief · 07-01-2008, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

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.

ToxSocks · 07-01-2008, 09:58 AM

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.

ToxSocks · 07-01-2008, 10:00 AM

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.

**BigMeatballDave** · 07-01-2008, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Jesus

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.

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+.

**chasedude** · 07-01-2008, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dartgod

"I'd love to be a car buff. ... What do you have to do to be a buff?

So Biff wants to be a buff huh?

ToxSocks · 07-01-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefDave

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+.

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.

**HemiEd** · 07-01-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dartgod

"I'd love to be a car buff. ... What do you have to do to be a buff?

Hang out with Biff?

StcChief · 07-01-2008, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Jesus

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.

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

Marco Polo · 07-01-2008, 11:24 AM

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!

ToxSocks · 07-01-2008, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StcChief

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

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

vailpass · 07-01-2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Jesus

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.

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.

ferrarispider95 · 07-01-2008, 11:59 AM

What are they asking?

**HemiEd** · 07-01-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vailpass

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.

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

Radar Chief · 07-01-2008, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiEd

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.

06-30-2008, 05:50 PM
Marco Polo Veteran Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 41°59.4′N 87°39.6'W Casino cash: $3968908	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".
Posts: 2,540

07-01-2008, 09:44 AM	#31
Radar Chief Wearing ballistic dog goggles. Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: In the box. Casino cash: $2961503	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.
Posts: 25,531

07-01-2008, 09:58 AM	#33
ToxSocks Needs more middle fingers Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Diego Casino cash: $2103063	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.
Posts: 65,925

07-01-2008, 10:00 AM	#34
ToxSocks Needs more middle fingers Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Diego Casino cash: $2103063	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.
Posts: 65,925

07-01-2008, 11:24 AM	#40
Marco Polo Veteran Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 41°59.4′N 87°39.6'W Casino cash: $3968908	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!
Posts: 2,540

07-01-2008, 11:59 AM	#43
ferrarispider95 She reads at a sophomore level Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: KANSAS Casino cash: $10004945	What are they asking? __________________ www.steerplanet.com Show Steers Directory and Forum www.emporiaks.org Free Emporia, KS Apartment Rental Listings
Posts: 1,493