Buying A Used BMW

[richamer1]

I am looking to purchase a used 3 or 5 series around a 2000 and have a couple of questions. Are the 3 series front wheel drive and the 5 rear. Also I believe that the 99 to 05 3 series are the same body style is this true. And are there a group of years around 2000 that the 5 series was the same body style ?

[Shami khan]

according to me , there is not too much diffidence between 03 and 05 series. the thing which were talking about tires its also nearly same.
please have a look below there is a new BMW x5.

[Chris V]

Originally Posted by richamer1

I am looking to purchase a used 3 or 5 series around a 2000 and have a couple of questions. Are the 3 series front wheel drive and the 5 rear. Also I believe that the 99 to 05 3 series are the same body style is this true. And are there a group of years around 2000 that the 5 series was the same body style ?

For future reference...

There will be a future FWD BMW 1 series, sharing it's platform with the MINI, but until then, there are no FWD BMWs. The 3 series is a RWD car, just like all other BMWs.

And yes, the '99-05 3 series is known as the E46. There was a mid-cycle refresh about 2002 that was mostly cosmetic. The 5 series of that era was known as the E39, and it was sold from 1995-2003 (with the mid cycle refresh happening in 2001).

As with most cars of this type, buy the newest you can afford, to get the most updated parts.

[lasauce91]

Every bmw's are front wheels drive...
if you want confort and modern car look at the e46 or the e39 ( 3 and 5 series ), if you want a pure car with sport sensation look at the e36 ( 3series born in 1992 to 1998)

[Bergerbimer]

I own BMW 525 2003

It's facelift model, in 5 series models 2001 and above are facelift, in 3 series facelift 2003+

[stevenfletcher]

Before buying to a used car,Please check the following points :-

First check the engine
Average of the car
Working condition
Spare parts Available
Conditions of tyres


Thanks

[sandyspares]

Originally Posted by stevenfletcher

Before buying to a used car,Please check the following points :-

First check the engine
Average of the car
Working condition
Spare parts Available
Conditions of tyres


Thanks

How affordable are BMW spares ? and should I always considers scrapyards and stick to new spares ?

[unitedmotorsco]

If you are fond of used cars and always prefer to buy a used vehicle instead of a new one
The condition of used cars
The mileage of used cars
Check the car under consideration for fluid leaks
test drive of the vehicle
checked by a competent mechanic before you purchase

[MoveWheels]

Originally Posted by richamer1

I am looking to purchase a used 3 or 5 series around a 2000 and have a couple of questions. Are the 3 series front wheel drive and the 5 rear. Also I believe that the 99 to 05 3 series are the same body style is this true. And are there a group of years around 2000 that the 5 series was the same body style ?

BMW has only all-wheel-drive or rear-driven.

Yes, 99 to 05 3 series are the same body style if it is BMW E46.
But as for 5 series, 95 to 03 are the same body style, it's BMW E39. By the way, the next 5 series model was also prodused in 2003, this is BMW E60.

[Chris V]

Originally Posted by lasauce91

Every bmw's are front wheels drive...)

Um, no. The ONLY FWD BMW is the European, 2 Series Active Tourer sold since 2014. There are no other FWD BMWs.

[JordyStepho]

Can't be overstated, check where the car is parked for any sign of oil stains.

[CruAutomotive]

If you're looking to purchase a used BMW 3 Series or 5 Series from around the year 2000, both models are rear-wheel drive by default. BMW is known for making rear-wheel-drive cars because of the better handling and driving experience they offer. Some versions do come with all-wheel drive, typically labeled as "xi," such as the 330xi or 525xi. As for the body style, the BMW 3 Series from 1999 to 2005 belongs to the E46 generation, which kept the same general look throughout those years. There was a slight facelift in 2002 that updated the headlights, taillights, and bumpers, but the overall body style remained consistent. For the 5 Series, you're looking at the E39 generation, which was produced from 1997 to 2003. Like the 3 Series, it also went through a minor update in 2000 with changes to the grille, headlights, and some interior features. Both the E46 and E39 are well-regarded models, known for their balance of performance and luxury. If you’re considering one of these cars, just make sure to check for common issues like cooling system problems and suspension wear to ensure you're making a reliable purchase.