Re: bmw-digest V9 #231

["John Ward" <jtward@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

>Date: 29 Sep 98 22:46:08 EDT
>From: Adriano.S.deRose@domain.elided (Adriano S. deRose)
>Subject: Re: bmw-digest V9 #231
>
>Im looking to buy a 325es - my problem is I can't find one with low ( less
than
>80K miles) I found an 87 with 100K but im a little hesitant to because
thats a
>lot of miles.  In terms of BMW's and longevity would you think there is a
big
>difference between one with say 70K and one with 110K ?  Also the ad didnt
>mention price for the car -- what should I consider reasonable --
supposedly
>it's in "great" condition. Im new to this BMW thing so please forgive my
>ignorance.
>
>
>Since im writing anyway I might as well ask -- i want to spend no more than
4K
>- -- is this car a good choice?
>
>
>thanks,
>
>adriano


Adriano, finding a mid 80's E30 325es with under 100k on it will not be an
easy task. Most of these cars are high mileage by now. If you look long
enough, you will always be able to find that "special" car. If it has
extremely low miles on it then the owner/dealer will charge a premium for
it. $4k should get you an acceptable rust-free car. For a car as low mileage
as you're looking for, you'll probably have to add a grand or two to that.
Quite frankly, I don't think the mileage is all that important. What is more
important is the service that was done to the car, how well the owner took
care of it (if it looks rough on the outside then it'll probably help give a
good indication of its mechanical condition), and WHAT KIND of mileage was
put on it. I have a theory.... for every 1 mile of city driving, it's got
the same effect on the car as about 3 miles of highway driving. You can find
one with maybe 60k on it, but if it's a 1986 or so you can pretty much guess
every one of those miles were city miles. (unless the car wasn't driven for
a long period of time, which can have it's own effects) If the car is late
model but has a bunch of miles on it, then it's pretty obvious they are
highway. All that stop and go is way harder on the transmission, sitting in
traffic on a hot day stresses the engine more, etc) What I am saying is the
difference between 80k and 100k on a car of that age is a moot point. Look
at the condition and less at the mileage. The E30 is a very durable car,
especially with the "eta" engine. With a reasonable level of care (routine
oil changes, etc) it should go at least 200k with no problem, and most
likely more than that. (250k is not unreasonable) Naturally there are
exceptions to every rule but this is based on what I've seen from a lot of
owners. My '92 325i (E36 body) is approaching 122k. Certainly higher than
average for a '92, but runs just as well as any other I've seen. A good car
is meant to be driven! It kills me how so many people put their car away for
the winter or shove it in the garage cause they're afraid to drive it.
Sooner or later you will depart earth no matter what (with or without your
car) then what good will it be? :-)  The most awesome car in the world is
worth nothing if you aren't going to drive it.  Anyway, Just be sure to ask
plenty of questions when shopping and take your time. (if you can) Join the
BMW CCA (you'll save enough on parts to pay for the $35/yr membership plus
you get the Roundel which is an awesome mag) What you don't pick up from
there you can learn either on this digest or to some extent on the bmw
newsgroup. (alt.autos.bmw, I say that last line because there are a lot of
off topic posts and debates going on over there but that's a different
matter..) Best of luck!!!

Regards,

John

1990 750iL 55k
1992 325iA 121k
BMW CCA #150800

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