buying a bmw 2003
 

hi,
i am going to the dealership this week to buy a 2003 bmw 325 or hopefully 330,

i am calculating around 550 for the loan per month and i would like to ask you guys what other expenses for a bmw should i think about,

like do oil change costs more ? what kind of fuel do i have to put in, is regular unleaded fine? what parts usually breakdown that i should watch out for ?

any other help would be great, thanks a lot because i wnat to know if i can afford one : (

thanks !!

sorry i forgot to mention, i also wanted to ask you guys if it's worth spending a bit more to get the 330 instead of the 325 or 325 is a better value ?

thanks

just one simple rule...everything is more expensive .....gas, oil changes, etc....everything....

If you can, stick with the 5 series. They tend to be build better. The 3's are there nomal car, kinda like the differance between a lexus and a toyota. Both are built well, they just put more love into the lexus. I don't think there is much differnce between them, no one even notices the differance, people just see a "3-series" or a "M3" the only thing I would pay more for would be a 335i -turbo, or a 330xi or 325xi, where the x is all wheel drive. I personaly, am not really impressed with the 3 sereis, not even the new one, I don't know what it is... I would stick with a slightly older 5-series, I think they look a lot nicer and are built better. When I have the money, I'm going to get a 5.40i 6-speed, it's what the M5 is based on and it's got about 300hp. I know you are concerned with fuel econonmy, so you should stick with the x.25i. If you don't mind automatic, then you should have a look at a Lexus GSXXX I think you would be impressed with the fit and finish, and lexus is the most reliable car manufactures, and their service is second to non. Sorry I didn't get a chance to look at the BMW, I just can't seem to find the time.

Steve.

oh ya..
Gas, I would only use Sunoco 94
Oil, just do them yourself, they are not that hard, and then it would cost you the same as anything else.
Service will be more expencive, I think they charge about $110/hour and eveything is at leat 2 hours. So if anything goes wrong, the part + the labour will cost about $1000.00

edit: there is a Lexus GS300 in your area for 22 500 ish, take it for a test drive.

BMW has two different ways of changing your oil.....theirs

Oil Service - Change oil, oil filter, micro filter/ air filter, and some other stuff ( Cost : $100-140)
Oil Change - Change oil, and oil filter ( Cost : $50 - 80 )

one more thing..... labour rates start from $55 and go up too $110

Simple rules when owning a BMW:

1) Haggle Haggle Haggle when purchasing. Get everything you can out of the sales guy. If you need assistance of who to go to, which dealership, let me know, I can point you in the right direction.

2) Sunoco 94 is a myth. Sunoco 91 and Shell 91 will suffice. Use Sunoco 94 only if you have aftermarket ECM upgrade tuned for 94.

3) Oil change... it's easy. 15min job. Learn how to do it yourself. Or bring it to me. I can do them for half the cost of the dealerhship. Do it every 6-8000km depending on your driving style and where you are... (Toronto, stop n go traffic = 6-7000k. // Mostly straight highway driving, less braking... you can do 8000k.) 25,000k oil change as spec'd by BMW is horse doo doo.

4) Anything to do with E46... go to www.e46toronto.ca - it will be your friend and your lover. I co-own the forum. (Rick... hope it's ok for the shameless plug) We have some members from the Ottawa and Montreal area... so they can help you out or point you in the right direction locally as well.

5) Mods? Parts both aftermarket and OEM, Tires, Rims, Suspension... ask me first. I hate seeing people pay for over priced products.

Any other questions, you can PM me or feel free to ask. I'm happy to help out.

And in case you're wondering, I've had mine sine '03 at 77,000km and I've been to the dealership only twice. Knock on wood.. she has been very good to me. I do all my own installs and most repairs.

if you want a BMW from one of the best BMW Dealerships in Ontario then just let me know, after all i do work for them:smilie_da

Oh? which one do you work for?

I worked for Parkview before and have pretty links with Durham and BK Motors.

That's an awesome looking car christyles. love the stance.

christyles, nice car! I really like what you have done with it. :smilie_da

Thanks 964carrera and crazyae.

thanks a lot for all the help guys, i am still waiting to sell my eclipse, it's harder than i thought, but once that's done i will definitely follow your advices.


thanks again, i really appreciate the help !