How many miles is too many for a 2003-2005 BMW 3 series

Asked by hollandfall Jan 13, 2015 at 02:51 PM about the 2005 BMW 3 Series 325i Sedan RWD

Question type: General

I'm looking to purchase a used BMW. I'm going to try my best to get a 2005, but if I
can't I'm going to at least get an 2003 or 2004. I was wondering how many miles is too
many? I know BMW's are complex cars & I don't know much about cars in general. So
I don't want to go in knowing completely nothing.

I've heard that the 2000-2005 model is very reliable and a great car. It's still in style
and everything. But if I ran across a 2006, is the maintenance up keep more costly?
What would I be getting myself into? What are the differences? I'm not rich or wealthy
by any means. I'm a college student on a fixed budget. I'm just looking for a small
compact car that's stylish. If you think a BMW is too much to handle, then please
leave other suggestions. Thanks!

12 Answers

150

Hi Holland, I concur with Tom's advice. I bet his advice has a heavy tone of his own experience on owning a bimmer. I used to own a 2002i many decades ago. Bimmer parts are very expensive. Unless you have inherited a fortune from a rich uncle. Stay with a Toyota. Better yet a Corolla until you have finished your education and found a well paying job. Make sure you have the car inspected by a qualified mechanics. Use no more than 14,000 mi per year as a yardstick for acceptable usage gauge for a reasonable used car. Good luck in car searching.

3 people found this helpful.
20

Is 211000 miles too many miles for an 2003 Bmw yes or no

2 people found this helpful.
150

To all who own, had owned or want to own a bimmer, my humble advice to you all is to stay away, period. Yes, it handles very well and it's considered fast cars, engine size to engine size. Go to YouTube and search for Scott Klamer. He is a very experience and practical auto mechanic or search for the Car Angel. They will unequivocally tell you to buy Toyota or Lexus. I have owned all the German brands over a period of 45 years along with Toyota and Lexus. I'm keeping two Lexus and aToyota. The critics and journalists give their opinions based on how one desires to drive on a track given the optimum driving conditions. Majority of car owners don't drive in a similar conditions.

3 people found this helpful.
20

is 123k miles alot for 2013 BMW 3 Series 328i Sedan 4D? Please response, im thinking to buy one.

2 people found this helpful.
20

If its what you want Buy it ! You only live once !

2 people found this helpful.

I have a 2004 325i and it has been a wonderful car. It has never left me stranded or just broke down. Upkeep maintenance is expensive so you need to be able to afford the "Brand". Might be better to lease one and not have to worry about long run ownership. There are original parts I am just now needing to replace. Many mechanics have told me this year and style has a very good engine. I have never had any electrical issues either. Again, great car, fun but yes upkeep is expensive.

10

Mine is a 2001 325i and I have a 171k on it and it runs flawlessly and my log on hwy is 30-31 a75 mph.It doesn't burn as drop of oil.It has never left us stranded,I do all my own mechanical work, so far.Starter,fuel pump,water pump,all ignition parts,etc .I will keep buying bmw cars my next one will be a x5 for more space.

1 people found this helpful.
10

I own a 2003 325i BMW passport. Even though the car is nearly 20 years old, it keeps up with the best of them in speed. It's very true that " unless you plan on spending the money for up-keep you should steer away ( no pun intended) from owning any used BMW, or any used car for that matter. I bought mine used in 2016 and so far I have replaced every component of the cooling system, (water pump, thermostat, upper and lower hoses, radiator, coolant reservoir fan clutch, fan shroud housing and serpentine belt) Like any used luxury BMW, once you hit the 150k milestone you'll want to start changing out those parts all together. Once one part fails on that car then all parts in sequence begin to fail. However, once you've made the investment, the car runs unbelievably well. And it still hold it's prestigious appearance. ( Get lots of offers and compliments) stubbornly I've held on to my car because it runs so we'll, However, not that I advocate racing but I've smoked a few mustangs, Acuras and Benz drivers in retrospect. I've owned a lot of cars in my days and I honestly have to say that this is the best vehicle and machine I've ever owned or driven. The only other parts of the car (other than the coolant system) that I've had to replace are the front and rear window electric gears ( I hear they common wear out over time in that model) , the passenger side steering "A" arm, a halogen headlight left side? Tail light left side, battery (not uncommon) and key fob battery and reprogramming. My advice is that if you're not a serious BMW driver this may not be the car for you, however if you are, this will be an easy decision as you are aware of the performance that you can expect once the investment is made. I personally know how to remove and replace many items on this particular model through research and experience so I am able to save a lot of cash on labor. Keep in mind that you'll want to utilize a BMW authorized dealer for it's mechanical abilities when necessary because they specialize in those cars and can explain most issues and repairs even before a diagnosis. It is an awesome car by all means and well worth the expense.

1 people found this helpful.
10

I have a 2000 323ci with 240,000 miles on it and it still drives well.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

3 Series

Looking for a Used 3 Series in your area?

CarGurus has 1,176 nationwide 3 Series listings starting at $1,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Robert Charlson
    Reputation
    3,950
  • #2
    apbimmer98
    Reputation
    3,100
  • #3
    Abu Luca
    Reputation
    2,980
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used BMW 5 Series
19 Great Deals out of 321 listings starting at $4,500
Used BMW M3
8 Great Deals out of 90 listings starting at $15,995
Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class
98 Great Deals out of 1,455 listings starting at $3,799
Used Lexus IS
25 Great Deals out of 311 listings starting at $5,900
Used BMW M5
56 listings starting at $26,800
Used Dodge Charger
38 Great Deals out of 645 listings starting at $4,888
Used BMW X3
43 Great Deals out of 1,013 listings starting at $4,995
Used Ford Mustang
65 Great Deals out of 1,259 listings starting at $4,995
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
30 Great Deals out of 496 listings starting at $5,700
Used BMW X5
47 Great Deals out of 1,134 listings starting at $3,995
Used Chevrolet Corvette
29 Great Deals out of 1,060 listings starting at $15,871

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.