Buying a used e70 35d..

[crystalworks]

Just my opinion... but find one with every option you want. And then wait longer so you can find one with every option you want in a condition you are happy with. Then pay as little as you can, though you will probably pay more than you could with other cars.

We looked for 6 months until we found one with cold weather package, sport package, nappa interior/dash, Nav, 6 DVD, HUD, running boards, comfort access (love this), yada yada. Missing 3rd row, soft clost doors, 20" wheels (was optioned with 19's and no flares), the active comfort seating, which I later found out can't be had with the nappa leather... which makes sense now that I think about it. We paid $14000 OTD from a small dealer. And the reason... it was a 2010 with 136,000 miles on it.

Took a chance on it because I can work on them, it had every option we HAD to have and then some, and the dealer had some recent records for EGR cooler, front brakes, etc. as he used it as a travel vehicle. I figure any used BMW will need $2000 worth of maintenance in the first year. So far we've owned it almost a year, put 10,000 miles on it, and have spent ~$900 as of yet not including $1100 in 20" wheels/tires and the wider fender flares.

Anyway, long story short. My wife loves the car because of all the stuff it has in it. Get what you want, and you will be happier in it. Settling always leaves you wanting. But that's just my approach to car shopping, the enjoyment factor trumps the money every time.