Basically, I might be able to purchase something to drive when I don't need the truck but still need space. I'm currently finding a lot of decent, higher mileage BMWs for decent prices.
I KNOW we've got some BMW folks on here. What I need to learn are the "better" models within each series.
For example, take the 3 series. There are 318, 325, 328. The, there are the letters, I, CI etc. Could you folks give me a rundown on what's what?
Then there's the 5 series. 525, 528, 530, 540. See the examples below.
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/2456114472.html (http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/2456114472.html)
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/2438693710.html (http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/2438693710.html)
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/2456114472.html (http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/2456114472.html)
http://asheville.craigslist.org/cto/2456690262.html (http://asheville.craigslist.org/cto/2456690262.html)
I know this one would need work, and I'm likely not willing to jump into something I don't know much about.
http://asheville.craigslist.org/cto/2452464829.html (http://asheville.craigslist.org/cto/2452464829.html)
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/2456902200.html (http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/2456902200.html)
Tell me about the 7 series too, they're gonna be out of range for the most part, but I have found a couple examples like the two below that would be possible in the next few months.
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/2436872886.html (http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/2436872886.html)
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/2450099002.html (http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/2450099002.html)
Then, there's the less common ones around like this:
http://asheville.craigslist.org/cto/2456796822.html (http://asheville.craigslist.org/cto/2456796822.html)
I would prefer the size of the 5 or 7 series over the 3 series. What is TOO much mileage? Which engine/trans combos are most reliable? I prefer manual transmissions too, are they better or worse than the autos?
Also, I see prices all over the place for similar seeming models. Why?
Thanks folks!
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on June 23, 2011, 02:37:58 PM
For example, take the 3 series. There are 318, 325, 328. The, there are the letters, I, CI etc. Could you folks give me a rundown on what's what?
http://www.usautoparts.net/bmw/repairs/codes/models.htm (http://www.usautoparts.net/bmw/repairs/codes/models.htm)
Well I think you are on to the Model series already 3's, 5's, 6's, 7's, and like that. There is also a new 1 series, as well as the X series, and M series.
Generally the last 2 numbers designate the engine size. I have a 320i sitting in my driveway. So its a 3 with a 2.0 liter engine and its fuel injected. That's what the "i" designates. Once upon a time that was a real feature, but these days everything is injected.
Here is a list of those designations that you see on the trunk.
i Fuel Injected
is Fuel Injected â€" Sports. Sports package, with better suspension, sway bars, etc..
ic Fuel Injected â€" Cabriolet, Convertible models
e ETA model. Built by BMW as efficiency-minded cars during the 1980's
es ETA â€" Sports, ETA model with sports package.
Ci Fuel Injected â€" Coupe. This designation is used on most modern BMW's
Csi Fuel Injected â€" Sports Coupe.
iT Fuel Injected â€" Touring. BMW's station wagon.
iX Fuel Injected â€" All Wheel Drive.
Ti Fuel Injected â€" Touring Compact.
Tii Fuel Injected â€" Touring International. Used only on early cars.
M Motorsports. M3, M5 for example, BMW's hot rod.
L Luxury (formerly). Basically a normal car fitted with full leather and all options, i.e. L6, L7
L Long wheelbase (currently).
I have little to contribute but maybe I can ask some questions on Journeyman's behave.
ARe there any particular years (or generation) to avoid due to some major known issues? 1st model year with problems yet to work out? Which powertran combo/year stands out from others within the same series? I am sure there plenty of opinion on these.
The 6 series has the sexiest roofline of any sedan...
ever. ;)
Quote from: ducpainter on June 23, 2011, 05:50:05 PM
The 6 series has the sexiest roofline of any sedan...
ever. ;)
I knew there was something Id agree with you on. I have a deep set M6 lust.
Quote from: D Paoli on June 23, 2011, 05:26:48 PM
I have a 320i sitting in my driveway...
E30? [evil]
E 21
Quote from: ducpainter on June 23, 2011, 05:50:05 PM
The 6 series has the sexiest roofline of any sedan...
ever. ;)
+11tyb
Quote from: D Paoli on June 23, 2011, 06:21:02 PM
E 21
Love me some E21. Pics? [bow_down]
the displacement rule doesn't always holds true. the e30 325e had a 2.7l, e36 323i's had 2.5l, late model e21 320i's had 1.8l, the current e90/e92 135/335i's have 3.0l (w/single and twin turbos) and the current 328i's have 3.0l NA motors, the original e34 540i's had 4.0l v8's (unless the motor was swapped under warranty, do not buy one of these, cylinder liner mat'l did not play well with US gas), but e39 540i's had 4.4l engines, etc, etc.
i have owned the same 1997 e36 328i since 2001. it currently has 190k on it and runs like a top. the WI winters are starting to eat the body, though. i was thinking about replacing it with a late e46 330i, but the wife is having some employment issues, so i'll keep her another year.
Quote from: The Zombie Pip on June 23, 2011, 06:50:41 PM
Love me some E21. Pics? [bow_down]
No picks yet. It's an unfinished project car right now. It needs paint, and hopefully just some minor engine work. The interior is in really good shape though. It will get a new stereo/Nav system and some window tint and not much else. Lately I have. been spending all the spare money on the house so it's just been sitting.
So it's been a back burner project with the house and two other cars to operate and maintain. (Sometimes the Benz gets a little expensive.)
[laugh]
I understand the Benz thing. I had to get rid of mine it was so expensive.
Good luck with the project car. (And please start a thread, that I may live vicariously through your restoration.)
I am having the exact same question at the original poster lately... I've been driving a 1998 318ti for the last 11 years and it's been great..but thinking of upgrading lately. Wondering what models to specifically avoid. Really like the 5 series wagons...
[quote au thor=Dietrich link=topic=50182.msg918693#msg918693 date=1308892082]
Really like the 5 series wagons...
[/quote]
These new Wagons are the cats pajamas. I have a 2000 Mercedes E 320 wagon. It does everything, and its not bad looking. The 5 series wagons look smaller than the E class wagons, and I have a friend who says that her BMW wagon was too small, but That depends on what you want. I'm sure it's nice though.
Anyway I wouldn't mind having a new E 350 wagon or maybe an Audi wagon. Those dodge wagons also look cool but I'm sure they are not as nice inside as the Mercedes. I also get around 30 MPG on the highway with it. It has a 220 hp V6 with a nice tight transmission. Seems to be the right compromise for me. The engine is silky smooth and I know it would do over 100 MPH all day long if you could do such a thing in the U.S.
Its been a great car for us.
Avoid early models with I drive, particularly the early 7 series. Get the car up on a lift for a proper inspection and also have the car scanned for codes. It would be nice if you can avoid run flat tires, but that is near impossible. Make sure you leave money in the bank for maintenance and repairs. As said before, the aluminum 4.0 V8s had cylinder problems in the US.
Quote from: howie on June 24, 2011, 03:28:10 AM
Avoid early models with I drive, particularly the early 7 series. Get the car up on a lift for a proper inspection and also have the car scanned for codes. It would be nice if you can avoid run flat tires, but that is near impossible. Make sure you leave money in the bank for maintenance and repairs. As said before, the aluminum 4.0 V8s had cylinder problems in the US.
True dat! A couple of weeks ago I had to drive a Z4 with "upgraded" (read: even stiffer) suspension and run flat tires for 500 miles. It was like driving with concrete wheels. My back still hasn't recovered.
sac
Quote from: howie on June 24, 2011, 03:28:10 AM
As said before, the aluminum 4.0 V8s had cylinder problems in the US.
Not just the 4.0L V-8's. Some of the Nikasil coated 3.0L V-8's had the same problems, but I think that was mainly limited to the E34 line. Once they went to Alusil, the problem seemed to disappear.
Are you just looking at older models? How much money are you looking to spend. Maintenance history is important, the newer cars run a very long oil service interval, 15000 + miles between oil changes. Following this interval even with sinthetic oil often leads to engine sludging above 100K. A BMW over 100K is going to need to have some money spent on suspension bushings & cooling system work. BMW uses alot of plastic parts in the cooling system that get brittle and crack over time.
I would recomend avoiding al 8 cylinder cars. They tend to be more expensive to maintain and all generations have some common problems that can get expensive to repair. My personal recomendation would be a E39 5 series with either the 2.5 or 3.0 M54 engine. These were build from 2000 - 2003, common problems are brocken headlight adjusters, failed DSC modules, cracked radiators & crankcase vent valve issues.
Hope this info helps, good luck on the search.
Thanks for the info! Is the 3.0 M54 an inline 6?
JM
yes
I always wanted a 633 or 635 csi. They had bad motors. Perocities in the heads. Truly a collectable and sexy car , nice ones can still demand 15-20k+and they are 30+ years old now. [thumbsup]
Quote from: ducpainter on June 23, 2011, 05:50:05 PM
The 6 series has the sexiest roofline of any sedan...
ever. ;)
E24 or E63?
E24 then.
Way out of my budget but WANT!!!
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/2457909730.html (http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/2457909730.html)
JM
Quote from: ducpainter on June 30, 2011, 04:13:59 AM
Dunno...
633 vintage.
One of the all time most beautiful cars ever. [thumbsup] Had one. Would love to get one again if I could find one in good shape.
Quote from: MadDuck on July 01, 2011, 09:42:11 AM
One of the all time most beautiful cars ever. [thumbsup] Had one. Would love to get one again if I could find one in good shape.
I was working in a high end euro body shop at the time those cars were new. None of the others compared to that car...and the available pics on the web don't do it justice.
What about diesel 3 or 5 series, the ones with common rail injection? That would be the last two gens of either series ... If you want BMW ...
You could also go VW way with a Touareg in diesel or Passat ... roomy and efficient ... and believe it or not, FUN
If you don't beleive me, ask lethe ...
Quote from: Darkmonster620 on July 04, 2011, 05:22:13 AM
What about diesel 3 or 5 series, the ones with common rail injection? That would be the last two gens of either series ... If you want BMW ...
You could also go VW way with a Touareg in diesel or Passat ... roomy and efficient ... and believe it or not, FUN
If you don't beleive me, ask lethe ...
I think recent models would be out of the budget JM specified. Though I'm intrigued by the diesels as well.
Quote from: swampduc on July 04, 2011, 06:08:44 AM
I think recent models would be out of the budget JM specified. Though I'm intrigued by the diesels as well.
I meant E46 and some E90 3 series or E60/61 5 series ...
In the US we did not get any E46 or E60 diesels. Only E90 & E70's have been imported, they are good cars though. Great fuel economy & power.
Oh!
didn't know that part ... But early E90s should be available in his price range
Quote from: Darkmonster620 on July 04, 2011, 05:22:13 AM
What about diesel 3 or 5 series, the ones with common rail injection? That would be the last two gens of either series ... If you want BMW ...
You could also go VW way with a Touareg in diesel or Passat ... roomy and efficient ... and believe it or not, FUN
If you don't beleive me, ask lethe ...
I think a common rail diesel of any of these would be well too new for consideration. Not sure how long BMW has been doing them but VW only started in '09, at least in the Golfs, not sure about the bigger cars.
The diesel in the current 3 series sounds like a fun engine but I think it only comes in automatic. :P
BMW also had VP44 radial pump, as in your VW in the E46 and previous gens 5 series also ...
VW has, from what I've gathered, both systems in use, radial pump VP44 and CRi ... Tuoaregs in L5 had CR and V10 had CR also ... the 1.9L ones, at least here, have CR and older ones VP44 ...
But, he should be able to locate an early E90 330d for a good price ...
Quote from: Darkmonster620 on July 04, 2011, 06:52:33 AM
But, he should be able to locate an early E90 330d for a good price ...
IIRC, BMW only started bringing the current 3'er over as an oil burner a year or two ago.
DRKWNG,
Sorry but here we've have had it since E36 ... there lies my confussion with US market !!!
The US market is afraid of diesel unless it's a mammoth sized truck.
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on July 06, 2011, 08:25:14 AM
The US market is afraid of diesel unless it's a mammoth sized truck.
JM
too bad !!!
in Europe, diesels are becoming a majority and as an average, they have 40+% of the market ...
There's a kit for some cars, specially VW group cars, ... no words... you'd have to feel it to know what I'm talking bout ..
clean, silent and fast ... you could do, Miami ~ Atlanta on one tank and have some to still not have the light on
Yea, I'm a fan of diesels, and it I was buying a new car, I would check out the VW TDI models. I wish we had SMALL diesel trucks & SUVs like the Nissan Patrol, Toyota Hilux etc. I wish my Dakota was a diesel, rather than the fuel hungry gas V8 it is.
JM
But, you can get them ...OK, forgot, looking for 2nd vehicle, right?
Why don't you give a closer look at the used VWs?
I may check them out, but would like a larger sedan and the 5-series is just about right size-wise.
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on July 06, 2011, 09:44:17 AM
I may check them out, but would like a larger sedan and the 5-series is just about right size-wise.
JM
Passats have been available as diesel, not sure how easy to find one would be. They seem sort of rare.
Yea, I have seen maybe two or three, but they've been the newer ones that would be out of my budget. I do know that most of the diesel Jettas that show up at the local VW dealer are sold before they ever roll off the truck. In a word, they're popular.
JM
Running cetanes ...
That fast they go?
Yes, the VW oil burners are VERY popular because of their excellent efficiency and, the motors tend to outlast their gas counterparts with expected maintenance.
JM
My Dad's 325i head.
(http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb347/dapaoli/Shoes/head2.jpg)
(http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb347/dapaoli/Shoes/head1.jpg)
The result of a broken timing belt.
I have a feeling the pistons ain't too pretty.
Looks expensive.
JM
Quote from: howie on July 09, 2011, 03:29:08 AM
I have a feeling the pistons ain't too pretty.
Quote from: the_Journeyman on July 09, 2011, 07:19:41 AM
Looks expensive.
JM
It will be ... and not necessarly pretty either ...
how many miles were on that belt?
Quote from: the_Journeyman on July 06, 2011, 07:58:33 PM
Yes, the VW oil burners are VERY popular because of their excellent efficiency and, the motors tend to outlast their gas counterparts with expected maintenance.
JM
When I bought my Tiguan, I really wanted the TDI. The dealer told me that the demand for the TDI in Europe meant that the US Tiguans could only be had with the 2.0T. I'm betting the US diesel paranoia is also a factor as well.
[bang]
Quote from: aaronb on July 09, 2011, 03:42:13 PM
how many miles were on that belt?
I have no Idea.
Lets just say, too many...
Quote from: the_Journeyman on July 06, 2011, 07:58:33 PM
Yes, the VW oil burners are VERY popular because of their excellent efficiency and, the motors tend to outlast their gas counterparts with expected maintenance.
JM
+1
Very reliable (counter to what most people think of VW). And they drive pretty damn great for a FWD car with a huge chunk of iron hanging out front [laugh]
Found this locally, worth looking at?
http://asheville.craigslist.org/ctd/2513730633.html (http://asheville.craigslist.org/ctd/2513730633.html)
JM
If you can go, see, feel, drive ... and everything checks, including service records ... make offer ...
Well, I just called about it, and it sold on Friday. Dammit.
JM