Basic BMW education

[the_Journeyman]

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/2438693710.html

http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/2456114472.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://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/2450099002.html

Then, there's the less common ones around like this:
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

[derby]

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

[MendoDave]

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).

[Goat_Herder]

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. 

[ducpainter]

The 6 series has the sexiest roofline of any sedan...

ever.

[rgramjet]

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.

[Pip]

I have a 320i sitting in my driveway...

E30?

[MendoDave]

E 21

[Pip]

The 6 series has the sexiest roofline of any sedan...

ever.

+11tyb

E 21

Love me some E21. Pics? 

[aaronb]

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. 

[MendoDave]

Love me some E21. Pics? 

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.)

[Pip]

 

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.)

[Dietrich]

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...

[MendoDave]

[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.

[Howie]

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.