Which One To Buy?

[Flamewerks]

Hi Guys,

I'm looking at getting either a 1985 735I or a 1986 325E. The 3 series is $1600 and and the 7 series $1000. There are a couple of others in this price range, so I guess that sounds about right? From what I've read they both are reliable cars, especially the 3 series. I haven't seen either one, but anything particular to these cars I should make sure is in good condition?

I don't consider myself mechanically declined at all, but I don't want to spend moe time fixing it then driving it, and it'll get driven quite alot, so any tips on which one would be best and of lowest maintanence?

Thanks

[porscheguy9999]

Well seeing as I work in the service department at a BMW deaership (detail) I have firsthand knowlage of BMW's. Well the 735i is most definatly an automatic and so may have some transmission problems and you would want to have the transmission fluid changed (like $200-ish?). Parts get more expensive as you go up the model ladder. Parts for the 735i will be costlier than parts for the 325. If the 325 is manual, then the transmission will be better in terms of mechanical do odads. Plus the 325 is newer. My choice is the 325 because you'll get much better MPG (regardless of auto or manual tranny) and it'll be cheaper to have matenence. But both will have over 150k miles I'm sure, so be wary ad in this case a BMW probably isnt the best choice. I'm looking at them and I have $7000 to spend (I'm 18 and buying with my own money, not parents) and the pickin's are still slim. If you need a car now, get a more common car like a Civic or somthing. But if you really want a BMW, I would reccomend you wait until you have more to spend. But my choice is the 325 simply because its the best choice presented, not the best choice of all though.

[Flamewerks]

Thanks,

I currently have a '78 924, but that's undergoing bodywork, so I need something else. I'm from Germany, so I can't drive around in a Honda or anything. My ego would kill me!

Anyway, I'll take a look at the 3 series and a couple of other ones, see how it works out.

[porscheguy9999]

Oh I didn't know you were from Deutschland. I bet you can get a better BMW than those above for the same price. Plus BMW's are domestic to you, then parts for them will be cheaper probably. Perhaps an older Alfa Romeo? Front wheel drive isn't as fun, but you might be able to get a good one for cheap. Plus they're nice. I'd take one over a BMW anyday because I only see an Alfa (and they are always old, like mid-1980's) once or twice a year. Because as you may already know, Alfa Romeo doesn't sell cars here. So anyways, try finding as new a BMW as possible.