2001 BMW 325 Convertible

Hi,

New to the forum and potential BMW owner.

I'm considering buying a 2001 BMW 325 Convertible but am wondering what to look out for before making any decision i.e. wear and tear engine wise, body etc.

Also, what would a service be likely to cost?

Thanks.

Most of the things to watch out for will be similar to the saloons and coupes, so track control arms are a wear and tear item as are the wishbone bushes.  Both will manifest themselves as the car feeling a bit wayward at speed or low level clunking on manhol covers and the like.  I'm guessing that the doors are similar to the coupe's and so the exterior door handle can give up the ghost.  Dealers will tell you that it means a new handle and bowden cables but the truth is that they can be easily and effectively repaired without replacement (unless you are buying from a dealer then insist its replaced).

As a softtop obviously the condition of the hood is critical because they are a pricey item to replace and any mishaps in the electric mechanism will be time consuming to repair.

Ask the seller about oil consumption.  The m54 engine fitted to these cars can have a bit of an appetite.  It doesn't really seem to spell trouble but its worth being aware of.  A half litre every couple of tanks of petrol is not unusual.  On my 330Ci it seems to have been helped by a switch from the BMW standard grade of long life oil (0w30 iirc) to mobil 1 5w30 at an interim change.  If you change grade then an interim oil change at about 7.5k mile intervals would be advised.  Mine hasn't budged on the dipstick in the past 2-3k miles or so where it needed topping up every third tank or so beforehand.

Thanks for the advice. Carzone is where I found the model I'm planning to view - http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car& carID=616854

635CSi wrote: That seems a tad overpriced imo, you could have this for only 3.5k more: http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car& carID=656804 They are no more heavy on the juice than the 325 and you can't beat it for value for money! I'd get the mileage checked though.

Thanks but I should have stated my budget was max €30,000 and I want to keep it under 3.0 litre (based on an accountants advice!). I'm also hoping to trade my current car so will probably have a better chance with a dealer.