Help!!! Need advice buying a BMW.
 

Hello E46 FORUM, I would really appreciate your advice in the following.

I'm looking in to buying a BMW and right now I'm trying to decide between a

* 2000 323i std 186000 miles for $6000
Or
* 2004 330i smg sport 90000 miles $11000

Which car would you guys recommend ? & why ?

My thoughts : ("One cost way less than the other but has a lot of miles.
The other is newer but cost more and has an smg transmission, which concerns me because I read somewhere it not very reliable and its a costly repair")

Thnx for taking the time to read my post. Every input is appreciated.

welcome, first i would suggest getting a PPI (pre purchase inspection) from an indy or someone who specializes in BMW's. 330i is far superior to the 323, and having an SMG trans is very rare for a non-m. It does have its issues and a costly repair if does crap out. its really what you can really afford, because it is close to the double the price, but you do have more than 100k less, and its 4 years newer. If the PPI checks out the 330 i would definitely get that

Thnx. Yeah I'm leaning more toward the 330i smg it seems fun to drive. I will definitely check into getting that PPI, about how much do you think it should cost ?

go for lower clicks despite auto. u'll have many more years of driving pleasure despite extra loot.

don't buy someone else's high-miler

I would continue to look around. The less costly vehicle is a big risk and the 330i has a GREAT engine but the SMG trans is also a risk. Assuming that you will be parting with $11k I would look for a 2003 330xi with a Steptronic transmission or a manual transmission.

Would stay away from the earlier cars if I were you.

Personally, I probably would not buy anything older that 2003.

Just search the subframe issues as well.

Also steer aware from any of the ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicles) as well. You should not have many in you state, but you never know where cars come from.

Search ULEV and you should find info. I believe you can tell pretty easily from under the hood?

I have a 2000 323i auto, its enough power for me in Hawaii. I think 6k for a 323i with 186k is way overpriced. I bought my 323i with 130k for 5.5k including two sets of wheels!

Let me put it to you this way... my 323i cost slightly less than that one, and it has 100,000 fewer miles.

Well I think location has a lot to do with price. I consider my car a steal at $5500.

Yeah, sorry, I was referring to OP.

mine
 

i got my 2000 323i 2 months ago for 6000. it has 119000 and its standard.