BMW 3 Series Problems

As a trade-in a 2002/3 318i would be worth $3000-$5000, if it was sold privately it would be worth $5000-$7000, so the cars you're looking at are in the right price range, and the mileage is about average. The 2.0-litre motor is perfectly fine for highway travel; it will happily cruise on the speed limit and have some left over for comfortable overtaking when needed.

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.

It's around 1000kg, but I would suggest that you consult a towbar manufacturer like Hayman-Reece to get a more accurate rating.

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.

Take it to an independent mechanic who specializes in BMWs or European brands and have them assess the problem for you. The quote from the BMW dealer would suggest that they want to replace the gearbox, but an independent mechanic might be able to repair it at a much-reduced cost, and even if the gearbox does have to be replaced it will be cheaper.

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.

The response of carmakers amazes me at times. VW's current problem with its diesels is enough to tell you that some carmakers don't care about their customers once they've bought their cars and taken them home. It seems they then don't exist. BMW's response to you smacks of this attitude; I'd call it arrogance. It's not acceptable, as you say. Take the car back to the dealer and park it in their driveway and tell them to put up with it, or justify to your satisfaction that it is something inherent in all their cars. It sounds to me like it could be a bush problem, or a shock absorber issue. Whatever the cause it should be fixed.