Buying a 330CI

[Celicagts]

HI,
I am new member to this board. I have been checking out the board for a while and have come to respect the opinions of it's members. As a result, I am currently considering the following dilema. I have always loved BMW's, and always wanted to purchase one, but could never afford one now. I have a 2002 celica gts, which I am willing to trade in for a BMW, but I am wondering if I can actually afford one. I can afford the payments, but many BMW owners around me (AZ) have warned me of the expenses of services, such as changing the oil ($50), brakes ($500) and other such expenses. So in all honesty, I was wondering if owning a BMW is a wise investment over the Celica, which is an extremely reliablt car. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[MrElussive]

Welcome to the forum. BMW's typically are expensive to maintain, but they are worth every penny. You get free scheduled maintenance for the first 50,000 miles (I believe it's 48,000 or 50,000 miles), which includes oil changes and such. The only costs you need to worry about in that time are regular wear-and-tear, such as tires, brakes, etc. And I really don't think a brake job costs $500 unless you have to change the brake pads AND the rotors. Either way, a BMW is worth every penny and if you love to drive and you really want the 330Ci, then definitely go for it.

 

[codex57]

Brakes are included in BMW's maintenance program. Think Infiniti would added brakes to their program out of sheer generosity? While under warranty, cost to maintain is negligible. It'd be safe to change the oil yourself (easy to do cuz the oil filter is up top, no need to jack up the car) in btw the scheduled oil changes. After the warranty, if you take it to an independent BMW mechanic or do the basic stuff yourself (brakes can be done yourself), the costs aren't that bad.

 

[mscoins]

BMW provides no-cost warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This includes all scheduled maintenance. Having owned a wide variety of cars during the past 42 years, the 2004 330Ci is by far the best built, best engineered and most-fun-to-drive car I've experienced. Keep us posted as to your decision.

 

[MrElussive]

Brakes are included in BMW's maintenance program. Think Infiniti would added brakes to their program out of sheer generosity? While under warranty, cost to maintain is negligible. It'd be safe to change the oil yourself (easy to do cuz the oil filter is up top, no need to jack up the car) in btw the scheduled oil changes. After the warranty, if you take it to an independent BMW mechanic or do the basic stuff yourself (brakes can be done yourself), the costs aren't that bad.

Ooooh, I didn't know brakes are included...Mercedes doesn't even include brakes in the warranty. Recently, Infiniti sent out a letter to all G35 Coupe automatic transmission owners stating that brakes are now covered under warranty. Manual tranmission owners (which has the Brembo brakes) are not part of this warranty. And every time the pads wear down and need to be changed, the rotors need to be changed with them.

 

[flashinthepan]

Buying a 330CI

I think you have an issue of BMW electronics here IMO.

BMW Motors are known to last a long long time, other components IMO are equally good compared to Japanese.

My experience:

I owned and 2000 Acura TL and a 97 Honda Prelude, both great cars !, my BMW has a far more solid & secure feel to it even at 90 MPH, my Acura was close but not quite as confident feeling as my BMW, my Prelude was very shifty and light feeling at higher speeds - not a good freeway car at all.

I encourage you to test drive very intensly..you will find these cars can really be pushed, especially in the corners..its phenominal.

Good Luck !

 

[Celicagts]

Thanks so much for all the help so far. I have another question though(I am sorry). Most of my friends and dad think that I should get a used one, perhaps a 2001, which will be a lot cheaper. I was wondering what you guys thought. Also what does one go for and what are some problems I should expect. Thanks again.

 

[Average Jae]

Manual tranmission owners (which has the Brembo brakes) are not part of this warranty. And every time the pads wear down and need to be changed, the rotors need to be changed with them.

lucky you have a lease eh?

as per getting a used one, i say go for it. bmw certified ones are great, altho a bit more expensive over a non cert, but you get 2 additional years and 50k more on your warranty resulting in 6 years from original purch date, and 100k miles covered. not too shabby.. i also like the headlights before the 04 face lift..

but since the bimmers seem to hold their value, if you plan on keeping the car for a long time, buying a new one might be a good option, but not too many are in a 10+ year plan like myself