Newbie Intro
 

Hello Everyone,

New to the BMW scene. Been a lurker for a while and this seem to be a great forum.

Recently decided I wanted a Bimmer, e53, 3.0 in particular. I'm in a dilemma. I looking at two e53.The first one, 2003 78K miles but looks like it has been thru World War Z but seems to run great. The check engine light is on. Needs brakes. rear driver door won't open from inside or out. No service records . The second 2004 150K, looks good, original owner, all service records. I'm leaning towards the second because I can get a great deal on it. What can I expect to go wrong at 150K miles ? I don't mind paying a little more for the lower mileage but from the looks of the car it doesn't appear to be well cared for. I don't mind turning a wrench as a matter of fact I enjoy it. Thanks, Any advice would be appreciated.

welcome to the forum...

you will be turning wrench on either of the two - but the one without records and abused will take more turns of the wrench and a lot of unknowns... if that one can be had for a super considerable discount, than you may consider it - otherwise, the higher mileage but with a known history is more desirable unit...

good luck!!

Welcome aboard!

In your situation I'd highly recommend opting for the 04 w/ records simply because you have somewhat of a reference point to start from. Even with a detailed history, you'll still have plenty to wrench on! Also, as Im sure you've already noticed, The 04-06 (known as the facelift models) have a slightly different front end than models produced up to 2003.

Keep looking. Both of those sound like a problem child. Lots of $$ and lots of your time if you turn wrenches for yourself or, lots of $$ for the guy you pay to do it.

There are always deals to be had, but at what cost? Patience, grasshopper.

Just lurk the local car lots and ads on CL. Something better will come up.... Right after you give up, or buy something else... LOL!

Welcome newbie. I would choose the well-maintained with higher miles, especially when you can use the mileage to your advantage.

Someone on this page has an '05 4.8is w/105K for $14K. I don't know them or vouch for the car or person. I know you specifically said you wanted the 3.0, but if the price is right, and they mentioned it was maintained, easy decision! Good Luck!!

I paid just under that for an '06 X3 MSport..

Thanks for your replies. I saw the post regarding the 4.8. Logistically it doesn't make sense for me. I'm in South Florida and the 4.8 is in CT. I actually looked at a 2003 4.4 today. So I am leaving my options open for the v8.

I'm very leery of buying a vehicle without first seeing it. I think all of the professional "used car salesmen" are here in S Florida. I've been following one of the fellow members post of buying a vehicle that was misrepresented to him. I like dealing with an actual owner. How do you trust a dealer on CL when they post their ad in "for sale by owner only" section. Aren't they lying to you from the beginning? I have gone to look at a few of the dealer vehicles. Almost all of the cars I've looked at have been in so called "excellent" condition. But when I get there to look at them, they look and smell like a babies diaper exploded in the car. I've come across a dealer that actually showed me a clean Car Fax but when I looked under the hood I can see a panel has been replaced , and see over spray. I'm sure a lot of accidents go unreported and are not included on a Car Fax. Guess I'll keep looking. Sorry for the rant.

Not a rant... It always pays to be diligent, keep looking don't settle and be sure to get a PPI. Last thing you want is someone's abused leftovers...:(

Well it depends how much the vehicle is.. I got mines at 156k 2004 4.4.. Spent under 150 for plugs and oil change and some cleaning up.. So far so good.. It was 1 owner dealer maintained. Just make sure they they have some kind of a maintenance and repair record. I could have bought one with 98k miles.. but it went for double the price I paid.. It did not make sense to me to pay double for ~50k less miles..