[anonymousmoose]

So, I'm getting a lot closer to buying an E90 here in Perth Australia. My wife and I had a look at a lot of options. I like big cars and an Audi A6 was my personal first choice. My wife wanted a small car like an Toyota hatchback. As we only need one car and not two, we did a lot of searching and we both agree the BMW E90 is suited for both. Its small enough for my wife to learn to drive in and large enough for me to be very happy.

Now; when looking at 2006 E90's, are there any tips from owners what I can look out for when I seem them at the dealers or private sellers garages? Any tell signs of wear and tear that could be an issue? I am only interested in 6 cylinder models with the exception of the 320d. Most likely a sedan as the coupes are above budget.

Also; would buy guys advise I hold onto my current car until the F30 hits the market? The E90's may come down in price.

[JamieA]

I have posted in your other thread about some of these issues. Re holding on to your current car, the F30 won't get here until mid 2012, which is a fair while to wait.

[anonymousmoose]

Thanks again Jamie. Worth noting. Auto Classic BMW WA has a Diesel, $48,700 drive away. Perhaps I should look into it and offer then $43,000 drive away. I've heard good things about the fuel economy in the diesels.

[QLD]

Personally I wouldn't be buying a Euro car that is 5 years old - pretty much buying someone else's rubbish.

I had an Audi A4 just prior to my current car... one year after warranty expired the TCU on the auto went at only 70K kms (an extremely common problem on Audi CVTs it seems)... $4,400 fix - anyway cut a long story short, I complained to Audi Australia and got it fixed under goodwill for $420.

During this nightmare period I spoke with a couple of Audi techs (Independants) and they said that Audi, BMW and Mercs were all high risk after 5 years and around 120Kms... general rule of thumb factor in around $5 to $8K worth of repairs from 5 to 8 yr mark due to known issues.

- BMW Turbos... well known and documented for problems...
- Fuel Pumps... well documented issues...
- Steptronic Gearboxes... well documented issues.

Google is your friend.. here's one link from probably 2 or 3 thousand to get you started.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/autom...bmw_trans.html

A BMW out of warranty, 5 years old and 90,000 kms on clock - absolutely no way would I touch it.

If you can't afford a new, or near new BMW - still under factory warranty, I would buy a Toyota, Honda or some other new car which offers you and your wife complete peace of mind, and a generous new car warranty.

[anonymousmoose]

Originally Posted by QLD

Personally I wouldn't be buying a Euro car that is 5 years old - pretty much buying someone else's rubbish.

I see your point. What about if the car is low KMs? Say 50,000km for an 2006?

I did a lot of research and the CVT gearbox is the reason I crossed Audi off the list. Quattros come with another type of gear box but I'm not a big fan of the B7 and the A6 is too large for my wife. Mercedes Benz C class... well forget it. Lots of horror stories on the next. The new ones seam better but too expensive and the BMW is better IMO anyways.

I havent found too many problems with E90s so far, going on what owners say.

A friend of mine has an 05/04 330ci convertible. He says besides routine maintenance, no issues so far. Bought it with around 40k on the odometer.

[bcoz]

As mentioned in the Expiring Warranty thread, you can get an independent vehicle inspection from most state auto clubs.

Get the inspection after you identify a suitable car but before you pull the trigger. The report may help you negotiate a better price if there are wear&tear/minor issues, or to steer clear if there are any major problems.

[anonymousmoose]

Originally Posted by bcoz

As mentioned in the Expiring Warranty thread, you can get an independent vehicle inspection from most state auto clubs.

Get the inspection after you identify a suitable car but before you pull the trigger. The report may help you negotiate a better price if there are wear&tear/minor issues, or to steer clear if there are any major problems.

Thanks! I will be finding a BMW specialist to have a look for sure!

[bmwaddiction]

Absolute rubbish. BMW's are awesome cars - there is a reason why they cost so much, its to do with resale and reliability.

BMW with a full service history is a solid investment. Definately NOT someone else's rubbish.

As long as the car has been properly maintained (and many Beemers get babied and pampered by their owners) you should have no issues purchasing a high KM or 5-6 year old 3 series.

Save your money and do not worry about the car being 5 years old or over 100 thousand KM. Make sure it has proper service history from BMW/reliable independent AND then get it fully inspected prior to purchase.

A couple of hundred invested at this stage can save you tens of thousands by being a bit more brave and going for a higher km car. Get proper advice, choose carefully, don't listen to jibberish.

[QLD]

Originally Posted by bmwaddiction

Get proper advice, choose carefully, don't listen to jibberish.

Indeed...

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

There will be rubbish examples and there will be pristine examples that will serve you and the next owner, many years to come.

Get a vehicle inspection, look after it with regular servicing and you should have a trouble free ownership experience.
That said, things will deteroriate over time so just factor in higher maintenance costs than you would if purchasing a Toyota/Holden etc.

If I were in your position, I'd go with something like this, low km 06 330i with M sport pack, asking $42k http://************/4g3pyo3

[anonymousmoose]

Originally Posted by bmroxm5

There will be rubbish examples and there will be pristine examples that will serve you and the next owner, many years to come.

Get a vehicle inspection, look after it with regular servicing and you should have a trouble free ownership experience.
That said, things will deteroriate over time so just factor in higher maintenance costs than you would if purchasing a Toyota/Holden etc.

If I were in your position, I'd go with something like this, low km 06 330i with M sport pack, asking $42k http://************/4g3pyo3

Ja, I saw that one. Not a bad price. I was hoping high 30's and not 40's dollar wise. But it all depends on selling my caprice too. If I can find a buyer, I can be in a BMW in a matter of weeks. But if I cant, I may need to wait a few months until lease runs out on the Caprice. There's also a good one a Chellingsworth Porsche, a 325i full electrics (inc memory seats, idrive etc) for $39,000 sticker price. But its got a horrible colour which would bother me ever time I saw it :-(.

[David328M-Sport]

For every horror story, there is a good news story. We only ever hear or read about bad news so here is a good news story.

My 05 E90 325i has run beautifully since new since day 1. Nothing else to add except a few routine services, new tyres and BMS Powerbox. Just waiting for an F30.

My wife's 03 C180k has run beautifully since new since day 1. Nothing else to add except routine services & tyres.

Good news story never as exciting as a horror story. Sorry about that.

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

following David's trend,

my uncle purchased an X5 back in 03 (pre LCI), that hasn't aged very well, needing lots of maintenance, electrics failing, brake cables coming loose, driveshafts and mechanical bits failling prematurely.

my mum purchased an X5 back in 04 (LCI) and that has been superb, needing virtually zero maintenance apart from routine oil changes (which aren't that frequent by regular car standards) and touch wood is running like brand new.

But I guess the lesson here is that the update models always have the glitches ironed out, David got lucky I guess with his first off the line with the '05 E90.

[anonymousmoose]

Originally Posted by David325Australia

For every horror story, there is a good news story. We only ever hear or read about bad news so here is a good news story.

My 05 E90 325i has run beautifully since new since day 1. Nothing else to add except a few routine services, new tyres and BMS Powerbox. Just waiting for an F30.

My wife's 03 C180k has run beautifully since new since day 1. Nothing else to add except routine services & tyres.

Good news story never as exciting as a horror story. Sorry about that.

Thats the thing though, out of all the German mid-size Sedans, the BMW seams to have the best reports. Audi has the CVT issue, Mercs C class falls apart apparently (good to see yours wifes is going strong). The best review I've read is Lexus, but I cant see myself enjoying a lexus as much as a BMW.

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

What's keeping the 330i I posted off your list? Msport kit, 190kw, 50,000kms, nav and all that... Asking price of $42k seems cheap aswell!

[anonymousmoose]

Originally Posted by bmroxm5

What's keeping the 330i I posted off your list? Msport kit, 190kw, 50,000kms, nav and all that... Asking price of $42k seems cheap aswell!

Finances & my current car. I prefer to find a buyer first before taking another car on-board unless I can find a super good deal. I still prefer to spend about $35,000-$38,000 for a 323 or 325 06/07 then $42,000 on a 330i. I know its a good deal yet budget needs to be taken into consideration. I might give the chap a call at the end of the month if its still for sale, inspect it and make an offer for around $38k but I doubt he'll except.

There are plenty of good deals out there on ever better BMW's but if its out of my budget, I gotta live without it. We can 'afford' a more expensive car but we choose to stick with our budget if that makes sense? Plus I got a nice expensive swiss watch hobby where I like to put all my spare cash (oh yet, my wifes loves that one... not)

Truth is, a 330i will be a super car yet I'm not a heavy footed driver. I got a Caprice V8 and drive it like a grandpa (so my friends sometimes say). But I dont want a 4cly as I do like to have some power when I need it. Would I live a 330i/335i, heck yes. Would I really need it, probably not.

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by bmroxm5

There will be rubbish examples and there will be pristine examples that will serve you and the next owner, many years to come.

Get a vehicle inspection, look after it with regular servicing and you should have a trouble free ownership experience.
That said, things will deteroriate over time so just factor in higher maintenance costs than you would if purchasing a Toyota/Holden etc.

If I were in your position, I'd go with something like this, low km 06 330i with M sport pack, asking $42k http://************/4g3pyo3

that's a nice pick, is an 05 though. Says

MY10/05, one owner, first registered 05/06

Still a good buy.

[QLD]

Originally Posted by anonymousmoose

I still prefer to spend about $35,000-$38,000 for a 323 or 325 06/07

OK if you insist on getting one... here you go - just for you.

Tell him you want it delivered at that price.. shouldn't be an issue.

BMW 325i E90 MY2006 MOTOR SPORT PACKAGE 2.5lt 6 Cyl Automatic steptronic SPORT Sedan and in Excellent Condition,Full Motor sport package with 18' M-Sport alloys M-Sport Sports seats,Body kit sports suspension Park distance control, alloys,Sunroof, Sports Electric Seats,Bluetooth phone system with voice recognition, Sapphire Black Mica with Black leather and dark woodgrain trims,Low Kms Log Books, BMW Service History,comes with 1 Year extended warranty included.

We Offer Finance/Lease Packages at Very Competitive Rates, Trade Ins Welcome, We Ship Vehicles Australia Wide, RACQ Approved Dealer.

NOTE Price is drive away and includes all GOVT charges and Stamp duty.

Great Value Excellent condition.BMW 325i E90 Executive MY2006 Low km Motor Sport Package sedan with Sunroof!

$36,950 = 07/06 build - 91Kms - Black - sexy....

http://www.gassportscars.com/view.ph...Sedan/4556752/






.

[anonymousmoose]

Ta, a bit too high KM and it will cost a bit to get over here too. Ive seen a few here in Auatralia. I will not let emotions dictate when I buy, I'd rather wait until something comes along I like eveything about. It took me a while to find my caprice back in the day. Waited and waited. Then I got one I really liked. Just I'm a bit bored of it now and it's too big for my wife to drive.

[QLD]

Originally Posted by anonymousmoose

I'd rather wait until something comes along I like eveything about.

OK goodluck with your search.

[anonymousmoose]

Originally Posted by QLD

OK goodluck with your search.

Thanks. And I appreciate everyone's input here. Much better then expected. I'll keep everyone posted and keep the advice coming.

I may very well call up about the 330i. You never know what a private seller will go down to. And our local dealers are always turning over stock. Autoclassic had a few new used stock on the weekend. They had a 320d but 5k over budget and be interior was optioned pretty plane.

[David328M-Sport]

Originally Posted by bmroxm5

But I guess the lesson here is that the update models always have the glitches ironed out, David got lucky I guess with his first off the line with the '05 E90.

As well as first off the line with my E36 320i as well as first off the line with my E46 323i, except for the fan belt that broke BUT I was aware that something was amiss but didn't do anything about it - my fault there.

So 3 times lucky with 3 good news non stories.

Hoping for a 4th next year!!!