BMW 3 series Sedan (1994-2001)?

Question

Your thoughts?

Gas efficient?

Nice drive?

Safe?

Comfortable?

Any specific year/model I should look at?

What price should I be expecting? What would be considered cheap?

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Beware of the 4 cylinder motors, they had a profile gasket that was known to fail.  Which means entire removal of engine head to repair!  IF it has been repaired already with the improved part and proper anti-freeze, it is okay.

If it is a 6 cylinder and has a timing belt, make sure when that has been changed.

Safe, yes.  Comfortable, yes. Nice drive, yes. Gas efficient, not bad if you do not get the motorsports (M) models.

PRice: Watch what they are bringing on ebay and what they are asking on Craig's list and Auto Trader. That will give you an idea.

Advice: Try joining a BMW forum on yahoo groups or related. You can talk to owners who will tell you about their cars.

Good luck and hope you find what you are looking for!

Answer 2

I own a 2000 323i and I can truly tell you that I love it and its been a great car!  

Gas Efficient: Hmm.. well not lying to you.. i fill her up at around... well here in Miami, FL the gas is between NOW 3.99 up till 4.15 a gallon... i fill her up with aboutt 60-70 dollars... pretty expensive and thats that it doenst require premium gas.  But depending on your driving habits it will last your roughly 5-7 days.  

Nice Drive-  I just put some tires on it and changed the brake pads and rotors and aligned it and honestly it drives great i love it the handlings awesome.. and with its DSC (Dynamic Stability Control... or traction control) your always in control of the car and you will.. in my expieriences... NEVER have the car budge to a side while turning hard or taking a sharp turn or corner.

Safe:  Ive had another BMW it was a 2003 BMW 745Li yes its a lot bigger car than my 3 series but i was involved in an accident in my 7 series where i got rear ended and it wasnt to bad on my car.  I needed a new bumper... on the other hand the Dodge Ram that rear ended me looked like there was no way to fix it... I cant tell you if so far its safe because ive never been in an accident with it but with 4 airbags(front and front side) and BMW's Crumple Zone design and just the safety of a BMW im almost sure that is going to be a perfectly safe vehicle.

Comfortable: Well this depends on how it is that the driver is to sit... im 6 foot tall and i need the seat far backk.. so usually those who sit behind my seat are not to comfortable back there but the ones that sit behind my passenger usually are...  and the passenger in front them selves...

The price range-  I paid about 20 thousand for mine (used) but that was back in 2002-2003.  one now in 2008-2009 should cost you more than 8 to 9 thousand.  Dont know if you consider that cheap?

GOOD LUCKK hope you find the car that you will truly like!!

Answer 3

why dont you just do a tiny bit of research?  look on craigslist for bmws in that year range, and read the wikipedia article on the "e36".