Hi everyone, I am looking at buying my first BMW, a 2003 330XI from a local independant BMW service center. The car has the sport & premium package and has 47,000 miles on it. The car looks like new, it was a lease, great carfax report, one owner. He is asking $25,000 for the car.

My question is, what kind of maintance should/could I be in store for? I already know about a tune-up around 60,000 miles. Also what should I be looking at as far as tell tale signs of problems? and does this sound like a good deal?

Thanks for any replies.

:woot: You're not entirely correct concerning bimmer service schedule is actually 30,000 miles. Schedule I, Schedule II maintanance oil changes and tune-ups at 100,000 miles. I drive a 00 323i and I've just arrived at the 195,000 mile mark. I get my scheduled maintanance done every 30K, oil changes every 7.5K, tune-ups every 100K, alignments every 15K, and my rotors, pads and sensors every 60K. These are the items I currently service to keep my bimmer dream alive and healthy. Attached is a link for bimmer maintanance. http://www.baydiagnostic.com/inspection.htm; and http://www.gms.cc/maintenance.htm; Just my two and a half cents worth. Happy Motoring...
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Thanks for the information. Brings up another question, is general maintance much more expensive compared to a domestic car?

:woot: I really don't know how to answer this particular question. Generally speaking I would have to conclude that it cost the same for foreign or domestic automobiles. Foreign and domestic automobile makers recommend general maintanance for all vehicles. Most people do not follow the suggested general maintanance schedule. BMW recommends 30K for general maintanance but you don't have to follow their suggestion. Ford recommends 30K, 60K and 90K general maintanance for their vehicles, but most folks wait until the car breaks down before they visit for service. My wifes 2003 Lincoln Navigator goes in for service just like my bimmer. The independent service center I take my car too, services all types of vehicles because manufacturers recommend general maintanance. I haven't missed a single general maintanance appointment and they generally run between $200-$250 dollars a pop just to find out whats wrong or going to go wrong. Just my two and a half cents worth. Happy Motoring...
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