Are you having problems with your BMW 3 Series? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest BMW 3 Series issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the BMW 3 Series in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.
Jack Gallagher is considering buying a used BMW. He wants a four-cylinder automatic sedan or hatch and has a budget of $25,000. He's a senior living in the country and his needs are ease of driving and parking, comfort, and low running and repair costs. NEW The 320i was the entry-level model in the 2009 3-Series
Choosing the right car can open the door to the executive floor, or confirm your corner office and that overdue promotion to the big league. Just as the right suit, tie, shoes or watch send a message to management, so does the right car.Working on the basis that you should always dress for the job you want, not the one you have, there are some impressive buys around in the prestige class. And, better than anything, a smart second-hand purchase is a great way to reward yourself.You still need to think about the obvious stuff -- maintenance and repair costs, insurance, fuel economy and resale value -- but driving a tasty import doesn't have to mean a second mortgage. Buying near-new, with just a couple of years on the clock, can open the doors to some impressive cars.Here are three that tick the boxes for the Carsguide undercover crew:(Search for hundreds more choices)HOT TIPSIf out of warranty use a brand specialist mechanic. If you can find a manual you're sure to save even more. Prestige cars cost to maintain so budget for this.2009 BMW 323iEngine: 2.5-litre 6-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed autoThirst: 8.8L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSA BMW badge is enough for many people and it needn't break the bank. The upmarket E90-model 3 Series sedan has balanced and subtly arresting style. The 323i (or the E92 325i if you spend $50K) gets a six-cylinder engine and earns more street cred than the four-cylinder 318i and 320i. It's not cheap to own or run, but the 323i still has lots going for it. It has room for four adults, is an exhilarating drive with solid handling, and even the fuel use isn't too bad. A thorough service history is mandatory and new owners are expected to continue this trend.2009 Lexus IS250 PrestigeEngine: 2.5-litre 6-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed automaticThirst: 9.7L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSAn underestimated car that's perfect for first-time executive buyers. This particular example is the desirable 2009 upgrade model and gets extra kit such as the heated and cooled front seats and satnav. The IS is similar in size to a 3 Series but more focused on comfort and equipment than performance or rip-roaring cornering. Lexus builds beautiful cars and owners report very good customer service.2009 Mercedes-Benz C280 AvantgardeEngine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl petrolTransmission: 7-speed automaticThirst: 9.4L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSThis C-Class variant is a cut above the 1.8-litre petrol and 2.1-litre diesel models that sold best in 2008-10. Its 3.0 V6 gives punchy performance, at the cost of a greater thirst, as well as a distinctive exhaust note. There is commendable safety and reasonable equipment, although it's not a match for the Lexus.
As the dealer has offered to recheck the car that is where you should start. It would seem that there is a fault with the strut or a bush in the suspension and the dealer can check those things. If that doesn't produce a resolution then you could approach BMW directly.
It's unlikely to be the battery, as you've proved when the fully charged one didn't fix the problem. BMWs of that model had problems with the ignition switch and I would suspect that that's your problem. Next time it happens rapidly turn the switch on and off several times and see if you get any response. If you do it's the switch that is your problem.
As a guide you could use the value of locally delivered cars. A 2006 335i sedan has a listed retail value of between $21,000 and $25,000, and a trade value of $17,000 to $20,500. Locally delivered BMWs generally have a comprehensive list of standard features that cars in other markets don't always have, so you need to compare the standard features of your car with those of a car sold new here. The other thing that can affect the value of an imported car is its history. Where has it come from, what has it done, has it been in a crash, is it a genuine car. I would think your car would be worth less than a locally delivered car, and I would value it at $12,000 to $18,000 depending on the condition and the mileage
I would urge caution; it's an old car and has done a lot of kilometres. Have it checked by a mechanic who knows the brand before you do the deal. A friend who was a trained BMW mechanic and also sold them at a BMW dealership once told me that anyone buying a BMW should have an exit strategy. In other words, he was saying don't own them too long and get out of them before they become too expensive to own. You say you want to own it two years maximum, I would say that's as long as you should own it.
The Mazda6 is very good and great for the price but the Mercedes C-Class wagon is a couple of steps further up the ladder and an excellent car if you have the money.
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