Buying First BMW Used

[Vision]

Hi everybody.

I'm getting ready to buy my first BMW. It's for work and this one needs to be cheap. I'm searching my area for the lowest mileage, 2000+, 3 series coupe for around 12k.

One question is, how do BMWs handle mileage? Does anyone know how much you can expect out of them?

Since I know nothing of BMWs, is there a huge difference in all the different types of the 3 series?

Thanks

 

[guenthfa]

I just purchased a used 1994 325is with AT and 160K miles. On the highway cruising at 75-80mph the fuel milage gauge read 27MPG. Normal "around town" driving seems to be around 20mpg. PLease remember this is from the dash mounted gauge and I don't know how accurate it is.

 

[Big Daddy]

If you get a 318 you can expect 30 - 40 mpg depending on which year you get. I had a 91 318is that got 40+ mpg on the highway when driven easy. If you are talking how much mileage they get as far as the life of the motor is concerned, consider that we have members with well over 200,000 miles and I personally got over 300,000 miles with an 84 733i.

There are differences in the series, a 318 is a 4cyl, a 325 is a 2.5 liter, etc. As far a mileage from the 6 cylinders, I believe they are all pretty close to the same.

 

[Vision]

What type of total miles can you get? If I buy one with 100k on it, is there still a good amount of life in it?

 

[Big Daddy]

As long as it has been maintained. Have an bmw shop, not necessarily a dealer, look it over for you. If it has been maintained it has another 100k plus in it!

 

[Vision]

Thanks.

A BMW shop around the corner charges $80+ for a synthetic oil change they recommend every 5k.

Do you see any problem getting one done anywhere every 3k with conventional oil?

 

[Big Daddy]

No problem, I do change my oil every 3-7k depending on how I drove over the time period, and I use Mobil 1. It costs me about $50.00 to change it myself. I prefer synthetics over dino, but if you use the correct weight and change it often you should be fine.

 

[Vision]

Thanks...I'm curious. What is it that creates such passion for you about BMWs?

 

[Big Daddy]

For me...simple...the Utlimate Driving Machine, they handle so very well and my roadster is smooth and full of torque!