decisions decisions...
Discussion
tricky one, this...
for my day to day runabout i have a fab Audi A2. Lovely thing, very clever, very light, huge fun
younger sis has 97 328i touring. 40k miles on clock, mint (brg metallic, tan leather, climate, computer etc). only her and husband as owner from new (I was there when they bought it from bmw dealership in colchester), full service history.
Do I change from the intellectually satisfying A2 to the fun/grunt of the 328i? The bmw is closer in spirit to my fun-car (89 AM V8 Vantage).
Decisions decisions...
Oh, they want about 9k for it -- apparantly thats about the autotrader price. Sounds right?
for my day to day runabout i have a fab Audi A2. Lovely thing, very clever, very light, huge fun
younger sis has 97 328i touring. 40k miles on clock, mint (brg metallic, tan leather, climate, computer etc). only her and husband as owner from new (I was there when they bought it from bmw dealership in colchester), full service history.
Do I change from the intellectually satisfying A2 to the fun/grunt of the 328i? The bmw is closer in spirit to my fun-car (89 AM V8 Vantage).
Decisions decisions...
Oh, they want about 9k for it -- apparantly thats about the autotrader price. Sounds right?
Simple decision Jon: Buy it! Only one I could find on autotrader with slightly lower miles was £11k at a dealer. The're superb cars, go for it.
Oh, and nice car Jon, one of the most handsome masculine creations on 4 wheels - does it come it out to play much & are you bringing it to Pistonfest? Love these cars, would be great to see one up close...
Oh, and nice car Jon, one of the most handsome masculine creations on 4 wheels - does it come it out to play much & are you bringing it to Pistonfest? Love these cars, would be great to see one up close...
Ta for advice.
If dealers are selling for 11k, then a buy price of 9k sounds spot on to me.
Any weak areas on the car to watch out for? I guess there is no point going to a rude local BMW dealer for servicing (and the one in colchester was incredibly unhelpful last time I was in there). Anyone have any recommendations for *good* servicing in mid/north essex area?
Dunno if i can make it to pistonfest, will have to consult diary and other half! If I do, I'll bring Big Green Monster.
If dealers are selling for 11k, then a buy price of 9k sounds spot on to me.
Any weak areas on the car to watch out for? I guess there is no point going to a rude local BMW dealer for servicing (and the one in colchester was incredibly unhelpful last time I was in there). Anyone have any recommendations for *good* servicing in mid/north essex area?
Dunno if i can make it to pistonfest, will have to consult diary and other half! If I do, I'll bring Big Green Monster.
No major things to look for. the fact you have known the car from new is worth all the advice in the world, now its been used and by who, accident history etc.
You should not be put off by one dealer in the network the majoraity are helpful and v.friendly! and BMW's older than four years get a discount off there service bill of around 20% so you can get it kept in tip top condition and keep its proper history.
You should not be put off by one dealer in the network the majoraity are helpful and v.friendly! and BMW's older than four years get a discount off there service bill of around 20% so you can get it kept in tip top condition and keep its proper history.
jhoneyball said: ok have had the results of the leakage test:
cylinder 1 10%
cylinder 2 5%
cylinder 3 10%
cylinder 4 15%
cylinder 5 6%
cylinder 6 7%
Sounds OK to me Jon, would think thats about average for the age / milage. I believe most of the major Nikasil liner issue arose relatively early in the engine's life, so if it made the milage it has without problems its probably OK. Of course, now I've said that the head gasket will go and it'll throw rod.
Looking forward to (hopefully!) seeing the Vantage. I love these cars - dreamed about owning one as a kid...
well the dealer says that the results are ok, and its over 20% before they get BMW involved. Also the car doesnt have the stuttery idle and high oil consumption which are big indicators of the problem. So I've gone ahead with the car. At least I have a set of figures with the dealer (same one since new) so I can have it checked again next year and see if there is any difference.
I prolly wont be at pistonfest, unforch. But if you are in the area (essex/herts/cambs area) let me know some time
I prolly wont be at pistonfest, unforch. But if you are in the area (essex/herts/cambs area) let me know some time
jhoney ...
lol ! nooo.. dont do it, i have an A2 and yes, they are stonking fun. Juts drove mine back from Portmerion this we. One word, light weight.
I am thinking of swapping mine for an M5 or 530D but even swapping for one of those two giants its a hard call cos the A2 is so much fun and so damm practical... esp. at >45mpg
lol ! nooo.. dont do it, i have an A2 and yes, they are stonking fun. Juts drove mine back from Portmerion this we. One word, light weight.
I am thinking of swapping mine for an M5 or 530D but even swapping for one of those two giants its a hard call cos the A2 is so much fun and so damm practical... esp. at >45mpg
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff