Buying a 3 series

Hello to all!!!

I am selling my Toyota 1993 MR2 and buying a 323i Coupe. Could anyone give me any advice in relation to what to look for etc when buying a model such as this. Also I have been considering buying a 1995 325i instead of a 1997 323i. Could anyone give me there opinions on these two cars? My budget is around 7500, will this be adequate for a good example of either of the above?

Any help would be much appreciated in this matter.

Cheers

Sean

Sean,

The 325 is 192ish bhp, the 323 is a detuned 2.5 engine giving 170bhp, the 328 gave 192 ish bhp, all are great cars.

The big prob that some have encountered is the six cylinders between 96 to early 98 used nicasil lining on the block and there were problems leading to engine bore wear. If you supply BMW customer Services with a vin number/reg number they should be able to tell you if a new engine has been fitted under warranty. Some have and some haven't but whatever you get it should be great.

John

Hi ya,

I've just returned to BMW Ownership by picking up a 97 323i today

paid £10950 and this is what got for my money

P reg '97 323i Coupe - Leather, Cliamte Control, EW, WSR, EM, FBMWSH, Alloys and only 35500 miles on the clock

Hope the info helps

Hi,

18.4.03

I picked up a 1996 (N) 318is coupe for £5,000 1 month ago, bit high milage but A1 condition,

passed the MOT yesterday needing a tyre and a light bulb !!!!!

has 17" alloys as well.

Hope this helps.

The 323 and 328 are a more torque based engine as oposed to the 325 which will feel in driving a little more revy. The 328 is actually nearer 205bhp, but is put down as 193bhp in order to get underneath a tax band in Germany.

Either a 323 or 325 will be excellent, just make sure it has fsh. Bought for a member of our staff a 94L 320 coupe and he has been delighted with it, I found it a bit guttless compared to my car, but a 323 or 325 will make a big difference in performance terms. As for price differences I was looking at getting one about 6 months ago and could not see a great deal of difference in price between a 323 and a 328 and would recomend getting a 328sport if money could be stretched a little.  More power, identical fuel consumption and a slightly toned down m3 in styling, both inside and out. I saw them down to £9500 with under 50k on the clock and FBMWSH