Hi Everyone,

Newbie here. I'm looking for a wagon for my wife and our soon to be child. I've got a few questions on the 325it that hopefully you all can help me with:

1) Is the 2.5 motor in all the 3 series wagons the same? Why didn't they ever put the 3.0 in it? Were these 2.5's the previous generation motors?

2) Anythng to look out for on these cars?

3) I'm also considering a M-B C320 or a Lexus IS300 Sportcross, does anyone have any opinions on either of these? Unfortunately, my wife wants an auto, otherwise the 325 would be a no-brainer.

4) Also, if anyone knows of anyone selling, I'm looking in the $20k neighborhood.

TIA

Henry
hanknum@yahoo.com

Hi Everyone,

Newbie here. I'm looking for a wagon for my wife and our soon to be child. I've got a few questions on the 325it that hopefully you all can help me with:

1) Is the 2.5 motor in all the 3 series wagons the same? Why didn't they ever put the 3.0 in it? Were these 2.5's the previous generation motors?

2) Anythng to look out for on these cars?

3) I'm also considering a M-B C320 or a Lexus IS300 Sportcross, does anyone have any opinions on either of these? Unfortunately, my wife wants an auto, otherwise the 325 would be a no-brainer.

4) Also, if anyone knows of anyone selling, I'm looking in the $20k neighborhood.

TIA

Henry
hanknum@yahoo.com


Not a wagon owner, but I like them none the less.

1. the 325 engines are the same throughout the e46 lifespan. It makes 184HP with double vanos so it is not the previous generations 2.5L. I'm not sure why they didn't use the 3.0L
2. Since they are based on the 3series platform. The usual problems will be there. (front control arm bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, window regulators, sunroof clips, etc)
3. Have her drive one to see which one she prefers. MB and Lexus make good cars as well. My wife now prefers BMW's since we bought her 325i due to the way it handles and steers.
4. 20K is pretty reasonable, but expect a little higher mileage @ 40k. ebay and autotrader will be a good source.

I'd get a wagon in a heartbeat, but my wife hates how they look.

I have a 2001 325 xit and my mechanic told me that he hasn't seen problems with the front control arm bushings or rear trailing arm bushings in the all wheel drive models. As to the other issues, I bought my car with 66k on it and now have 74k miles and I haven't seen those problems.

As for pricing, 20k should get you a 2000 model with mileage in the 60-75k range in a provate sale - dealer resales would run $3-4000 more.

Good Luck

I have a 2000 323iT that now has 86k on it and I haven't had to do control arms...yet. I did get a new thermostat and brakes.

If you can find one from a dealer that is CPO, that you are golden.

Had I known that I could have gotten a 5 series for close to the same price (+-20000) I would have jumped on that...bigger engine and more bells and whistles...

My wife loves ours and they are super cool to see on the road

good luck finding one....

I have the 2005 325iT and we love it! It only has 5000 miles on it so we don't have any experience with any issues, yet.

I think it is a great car. It is a 325i with a bigger trunk, in essence.

For what ever reason they do not sell the 330 in the wagon. In Europe you can get it and I am 100% sure that car would be bitchin! I would have gotten it in a heartbeat if they were availible here in the US. Maybe someday, as soon as the SUV craze is over and people see the adavantages of wagons. PLus I think they are stylish! Expecially the bimmers.

We were looking at used origionally, and the prices quoted above are about right on. Follow eBay and the Autotrader and you will see the trends. Lurk through the message boards to educate youself of some of the nuances of the 325 model. Overall, if you find a car that was maintained properly (not just by the BMW maintenance periods) you will have a great car.

You could also get a year or two older 5 series wagon for that price too. They are pretty sweet in their own right as well.

Good luck!

Thanks for the input guys.

Looks like this thread pulled out some first time posters (my second, so I'm way ahead of you guys :D ). I guess us wagon guys are "sleepers" just like the cars.

holla