another 330xi, buy or not?

[LX-biker]

Hi BMW lovers! May be one more BMW enthusiast will be soon here.
I found in the one dealership 330xi 2001 160k km (~100k miles).
Everything looks OK. Drives OK too? but very difficult get use clutch because very short activation travel when engaging to move on 1st gear from stop. Is it my problem or problem with the car?
Shifting between other gears is OK when driving, no slipping. I has no problem with that when drove other BMW (323, 328, 330xi).
Tomorrow I will show car to my mechanic but will see under by myself too.
My questions are:
1. Is the cluth a part of safety (should be repaired before I pick up the car) or/and part of drivetrain? I got 4 years drivetrain warranty for this car.
2. How to check in garage AWD system, or that is part of drivetrain 2.(no snow or rain hopefully now even in Canada)
3. What I should check except suspension freeplays, brakes, leaks, fluid levels etc standard things.
4. How much worth extended warranty for electrical and AC if required.

Thanks in advance, any opinions wellcome!
LX

[MunG35]

100k miles is a bit high for a 330 esp. a 2001, i would make sure it was really well maintained b4 i bought it, just my 2 cents

[LX-biker]

Thanks munG35. Dealer have all records.
And many people said 200k miles should be no major problems if maintained well.
Car feels better than other 330xi with 120k km (previous similar post) and engine works better than other BMW 328 with 79k KM.

[MunG35]

if it all checks out, go 4 it

[LX-biker]

Thanks again munG35!
What we found:
-front right stabilizer link need to be replaced (part of safety)
-left front ball joint, (part of safety)
-wet rubber pipe on the front between radiator and the engine bottom (oil pan), looks like steering fluid line.?
Most unexpected was (by me) is leaking rear differential. Oil in exaust, fuel tank and subframe. They (dealers) said it just one seal, will be replaced before I pick up the car.
Have anybody replaced rear differential seal in BMW before 160k km? My honda with the same milege have no leaks! And no rear differential too

Ok. I took 1-2 day to decide go or not....
Many RWD 5 sp. BMW around but not xi.
What do you think?

[kazzoo]

Buy one with less miles and problems.Go with your instincts.

[MunG35]

yeah, dump that xi find one with about 60k miles, but i must warn you 60k is when the problems hit... just what i have learned from all my friends with bimmers and their parents.


If you're gonna get a nice car, wait it out and make sure it's the right one, it'll be well worth the wait and the money you put into it

[LX-biker]

Thanks man, I hear about 60k miles or ~100k km from somebody. But I hope it all mostly about electrical and balljoints. Biggest trouble with my honda was headlamp bulb replacement.
I will wait for a good car but patience is somewhat over, and dream becoming sickness from some point...I may start modify my honda suspention/wheels, but don't know if I will like it after... Sell the car with sport suspention for the same money later? not good.
But BMW you can test right away with different suspensions! Cool.