2002 BMW 325i 180,000 MILES?

I was thinking about buying a 2002 325i it has 180,000 miles for $6,995 is this a good deal? should I be worried? and if i do purchase what should I expect to pay for maintenace and to ensure my car will last a while?

The answer to most of your questions is this:

Is this a good deal? - depends on the spec but on first glance - No.
Should I be worried? - On a 180k 7 year old car? 20k+ miles a year? Yes. Yes you should.
Maintenance costs? - depends if it was ridden hard and put away wet. But any 180k mile car is going to take some keeping on the road...

Just curious how a 180k e46 holds up. What's the paint and interior like? Anything broken? How does it drive?

I will test drive it tomorrow morning but the car looks brand new its in mint condition if it wasnt for the mileage I would think it was new, I just want to know what would I have to look at repairing soon? Or how long do the e46 usually last I heard about a few transmission problems with the e46

Um, well at 180K a lot of "maintenance you will have to do" depends mightily on what's already been done.

I would check the wiki for info.

I would also contact a BMW specialist mechanic and arrange a thorough inspection of the car, unless you are knowledgeable enough to do one yourself.

For starters, you could ask when the last time the following services were done:

- Cooling system (complete: radiator, thermostat, water pump, expansion tank)
- Fuel filter
- Fluid change (engine oil, transmission fluid (AT or MT), differential fluid)
- Braked components (disks, pads, fluid)
- Control arms, bushings, struts, rear shocks

If you get a "Uh, uh..." for any of the above, ask for service records. Poor service coupled with this mileage is not going to end well for the purchaser.

I would allow about $2,000 in annual maintenance costs for the car.

hey, was just wondering (i know it has been some time) but did you purchase the 180k 3 series? I am looking at the exact same thing right now, just can't decide on whether or not it is worth is. looks pristine, seller says his mechanic said the same thing.

Originally Posted by MMME30W

Um, well at 180K a lot of "maintenance you will have to do" depends mightily on what's already been done.

I would check the wiki for info.

I would also contact a BMW specialist mechanic and arrange a thorough inspection of the car, unless you are knowledgeable enough to do one yourself.

For starters, you could ask when the last time the following services were done:

- Cooling system (complete: radiator, thermostat, water pump, expansion tank)
- Fuel filter
- Fluid change (engine oil, transmission fluid (AT or MT), differential fluid)
- Braked components (disks, pads, fluid)
- Control arms, bushings, struts, rear shocks

If you get a "Uh, uh..." for any of the above, ask for service records. Poor service coupled with this mileage is not going to end well for the purchaser.

I would allow about $2,000 in annual maintenance costs for the car.

you hit it on the head 100% very very well said

Originally Posted by scttmrrs

hey, was just wondering (i know it has been some time) but did you purchase the 180k 3 series? I am looking at the exact same thing right now, just can't decide on whether or not it is worth is. looks pristine, seller says his mechanic said the same thing.

I'd ask to see service records and hire a bmw merch of your own to look it over.you don't want to get the car and then find out you have alot of things to fix. the posters above amount of 2,000 in maint a year is dead on.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3201718043.html

This is the link to the car. Any opinions? The carfax is flawless, just purchased it. was serviced every 3-6 months for 10 yrs. only 2 different owners. Was used as a company car for highway miles mainly.

She sure is pretty! (I gotta thing for black cars) Looks real nice, keep us posted on how well she holds up! Good Luck and ENJOY!

I just bought a 2002 with 109k on it for $7,100

Don't buy it.

Originally Posted by kindawg

I just bought a 2002 with 109k on it for $7,100

Don't buy it.

You got a deal! I paid $8,995 for my 2001xi last month with 126k on it!

Originally Posted by bmw325

Just curious how a 180k e46 holds up. What's the paint and interior like? Anything broken? How does it drive?

Mines at 184k miles. Both front seats looks worn as ****. Other than that the rest looks good. Paint still looks freaking amazing for how old it is to.

2001 330i SP 5spd, 138K miles, except cracks to plastic parts around replacing windshield, the car looks new. No problem going 125mph on I-10 through NM. After replacing the leaky valve cover gaskets, the SA told me the tech said the cleanest engine (inside) he has seen. Of course Mobil 1 at 5K since new, but now 10K between change. I'm getting lazy. I could find an instant buyer, but I love this car so much I will keep it until it dies.

Right.

Even high mileage isn't problem, IF maintenance was done like supposed to, and all necessary parts were changed before they broke completely.

Automatic transmission?
$3500 if it fails, and many do.