BMW 323CI...any comments on this car?

[damthatbeaver]

Hey all...just looking for a new daily driver. I teach outside of Calgary and need something that is somewhat dependable and fun to drive. I do take the NSX to work at times in June...but they are allowing the Senior High students to now park in the staff parking area......and my Cadillac (daily driver...or horror trip) just sucks! I can pick up a convertible 2000 323 CI for around $9,000 (I do not want to go too much higher)...so...any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks

Dam

 

[MakeMineRed]

That year 323Ci is a Rear wheel drive car. I don't know if that effects your snow driving. A good set of snow's, however, will do the trick as they are very competent with snows tires.

You really can't go wrong with a 3 series. Their six cylinder engines are among the best in the world. BMW's have a directness to their steering found on many mid/rear engine layout cars. The fun factor is definately there.

On the other hand, they are expensive to maintain. Be SURE you have the service history and everything is in order. My parents would not let me have a BMW when I was in school for that exact reason. That didn't mean I couldn't have something fun...I had to make due with Audi A4's, Saab 9-3's and Mistubishi Eclipses.

My last BMW was a 2005 330i ZHP (M handling and exterior packages) Definately on the top 5 of my all time favorites right up there with my E55 and NSX.

There has been a recent recall on the rear suspension. Because of the massive amount of camber on 3 series, they have been known to have control arm issues. Make sure your car has been checked (I don't know if your year was effected but there is a good possibility)

 

[MaxGeek]

EDIT: Delete

 

[RamVA]

Great, great cars, but given your circumstance I'd get an Audi.

 

[WillErickson]

Great, great cars, but given your circumstance I'd get an Audi.

I assume you say this because Audi's are available with awd (not all Audi's are awd). I'll drive a well balanced rwd car with snow tires over a 4wd anything with all seasons any day of the week. 4 wheel drive might be great for accelerating, but snow tires will aid acceleration, braking and handling when the roads get slick. Plus you don't suffer the weight/fuel economy/piggish understeer penalty of 4wd the 300 days out of the year the roads are dry. Also 4wd creates one more set of mechanicals to break.

Presumably Dam already knows this and that's why he's considering a BMW.

 

[BBYJGTC]

Have it checked over by a dealer or BMW specialist. My wife bought a 2004 325Ci about 8 months ago. I love the looks and how it performs but we are finding out that they eat parts rather quick. It is going to need new front lower control arms(bushings going bad) at $400 each side. The supposedly go through them every 30-60k miles. It will need the Vanos rebuilt(their version of Vtec) coming up. We need to update the water pump, coolant expansion tank and thermostat housing(typically go bad around 70k miles).
I love the car but at the same time none of this is cheap. Get on a BMW forum and find out what the common problems are and then try to find out what has been taken care of and what hasn't before buying. Then it is just up to you to decide what you are willing to do.

 

[jonas1jp]

Oh man. Where do I start. I looked at 3-series for years, always wanting one but scared to buy them from the huge variance of feedback I got from owners. I finally pulled the trigger on a 2002 325iT (yes, the wagon). It had every option available except for navigation. Great looking car, I might add - the sport package does a ton for the looks of these. It was 2007 when I purchased it as my daily driver, CPO with 80k miles on it. First, the backup sensors went out. Covered by the CPO warranty to the tune of $900. Then the sunroof broke; another $700. The A-pillar was letting in water. Took it to the dealer three times and paid over $600 to get it fixed; mostly labor. In the last 4 months I owned it, the water pump, fan, coolant tank, front lower control arms, front wheel bearings, thermostat, 3 of 4 window regulators, a release switch in the gear shifter, and the left front HID bulb all were replaced. I'm sure I'm leaving a couple things out, as I turned the paperwork in with it when I traded it. It was such a love/hate relationship. Loved the way the car drove, handled, and looked. BUT, I can't sugar coat a turd. It was junk. I know it may not be fair to boycott the brand due to one bad car, but it is highly unlikely I will ever purchase another BMW. Lexus rules.