2003 - 325i

[lawsarus]

Dear Sifus,Im a fellow Malaysian working in Middle East, Bahrain. Im planning to get my very 1st bimmer here as petrol (1 liter = RM 0.90) n cars r really cheap. Was looking at 2001/2003 330ci but mileage is very, very high, over 150K. All interior were badly maintained, cracked leather seats, This afternoon the 2nd hand dealer called n invite me over to view a 2003 325i. Lady owner, 100K mileage, all electronics r working fine. She told me that her car is fully maintained by local BMW deal, Euromotors, which attracts me. She even asked to call the local dealer to check on her history of service.Im just wondering wat important parts that should have being changed for that kind of mileage or what questions should i be asking. Thanks all

 

[B33mEr]

Most important is the cooling system (radiator, expansion tank, top and bottom hoses, thermostat and etc) ... check the service history if they have change any if not all of the parts above ... next check if the car has ever had a gearbox oil change ... Also pls check if the car had a inspection I and II done at the dealer..

Further info on inspection I and II:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index.php?title=BMW_E46#Inspection_I_.2F_Inspection_II

 

[lawsarus]

Thanks Beemer.

How much does it cost to undergo inspection I or II in malaysia, just wondering.

 

[lawsarus]

Through phone the service dept actually r not allow to release any info but was kind enough.

Just found out that his last service was the inspection II @ 78,000km two years ago and has not went back to the dealer since. is it a bad or a very bad thing? Claiming her car was fully service by dealer was a crap after all.

So wat do all sifus thinks?

thanks

 

[bxnut]

Should check the gearbox through the diagnostics. Not sure how the roads are over there, but dont think many potholes. Cooling system should be in good condition, given the heat there. Also air cond, cooling coil etc. Hpw much does the car cost over there?

 

[jarance]

Through phone the service dept actually r not allow to release any info but was kind enough.

Just found out that his last service was the inspection II @ 78,000km two years ago and has not went back to the dealer since. is it a bad or a very bad thing? Claiming her car was fully service by dealer was a crap after all.

So wat do all sifus thinks?

thanks

It not crap lah.. When under warranty, most people get it service at authorised dealer.

the car is 6 years old.. So for 4 years, it was serviced by authorised dealer. last 2 years by somebody else. There should be a record also if the workshop is professional in their work.

 

[speedrats]

Buy new. No headache.

 

[lawsarus]

bxnut,
Car is cheap here. I got mine for Bahraini Dinar 4,500.00 (BD1 = RM 9) about RM 40,500. Petrol also cheap (1 liter = RM 0.90). During summer it could get as high as 50C n winter about 10C or less.

The country has drainage system at all, just a 10 mins heavy downpour can result to various areas flooding in turn result to potholes too (but not that bad lah, can fight with malaysia).

 

[lawsarus]

speedrats,

Easier said than done. If i can afford a new one, i wouldnt be asking questions here. Not everyone can afford a brand new bimmer like u.

Anyway, thank u for ur input.

 

[B33mEr]

Through phone the service dept actually r not allow to release any info but was kind enough.

Just found out that his last service was the inspection II @ 78,000km two years ago and has not went back to the dealer since. is it a bad or a very bad thing? Claiming her car was fully service by dealer was a crap after all.

So wat do all sifus thinks?

thanks

Bro, the best way to determine the condition of the car is to take it to another BMW dealer (or a reputable BMW indie mech) and have them check the car properly. It might cost some money to do the inspection but it's worth the money and effort... If the dealer won't let you do that, there is something wrong then.