[Uncle Bulgaria]

Nice car, but I'd rather get something with less than 60,000 miles, built in Sav Nav / Idrive, and bought direct from the owner.

Two reasons for the private purchase: I prefer to look the owner straight in the eye and work out whether he's the type to have looked after it properly; and I have seen so many dealer cars in the past where the car just seems to have had more wear on the steering wheel than the mileometer would suggest.



But it isn't easy - especially when so many private owners start off advertising their cars for a couple of thousand quid more than cars on a BMW main agent forecourt.


But thank you, once again, for pointing the car out - it does look like an enormous bargain.

Best wishes

Originally Posted by jester77

Would this not be right up your street? (apart from no nav)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ge/1?logcode=p

[gIzzE]

Originally Posted by Uncle Bulgaria

I live in South West London, where the road surface is full of holes and speedbumps.

Over the last ten years, I've regretted buying an E46 MSport touring (and an E55) purely because of the way they thump and bump over the roads locally. Take them down to the nearest Nurburgring and go round bends at 100mph, and there's no better choice. But on my normal weekend they were just a pain in the back.

Over the same time I've had two E39 SE Tourings, an S500, and my current 325i SE, and they've all been comfortable at low and high speed. I don't do The Ring, so logically I don't need "Sport" suspension. "Normal" settings should be fine.

I have also had SE and Sport E39s and E46's and on those cars the SE is softer, however, in the case of the E9X cars the M-Sport soaks up rough roads and speed bumps better than the SE, as long as it is on the same wheels.

We tested this to death about 3 years ago.

Take our a 318d or 320d on the standard 17" sport wheels to see what I mean.

[Uncle Bulgaria]

Thank you very much for this - I'll take your advice and get out there and do a couple of test drives.
Much appreciated.

[Uncle Bulgaria]

I've now widened my search to include 325i and 320d (and I've given up on 335d and 335i).

Looking to buy in Feb / March - probably from some lucky soul taking delivery of a new 3 series.

Private purchase only, sub-60k, SE spec preferred but may consider M Sport.

My kids don't like lemon leather, nor alcantera.

Happy to pay the premium for a more highly spec-ed car (Pro SatNav / panoramic roof, electric seats etc.)

Originally Posted by Uncle Bulgaria

I am looking to buy a three litre touring to replace my 2005 325i 4dr saloon.

Serious search, cash immediately available, although I am looking for something in Jan / Feb / March, so I can work with your dates if you're trading in.

Must haves:
Three litre engine
2005 / 2006 / 2007
Sub 60k mileage
SE spec

Desirable
Pro Sat Nav

Deal-breakers:
Lemon leather or alcantara (due to rugrats)
M Sport (I don't do tracks to justify the hard ride)
Dealers (I only buy privately)


Happy to travel from Wimbledon to anywhere in England for the right car.

[Sir_Pigley]

I would compromise on the SE/ M Sport or Dealer Private before compromising on the 3 litre engine.

335d Sliver

65k miles

manual 325d

330d SE

[CleverCarBuyer]

Hi there

I run a business that specialises in sourcing BMWs to order for our clients. We don't consider ourselves as dealers(!) but I do understand and respect your preference for private sale. Nevertheless if you feel you could indeed do with some extra help please don't hesitate to get in touch. Good luck in your search!

best
Mark

[330i07]

Originally Posted by jester77

Would this not be right up your street? (apart from no nav)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ge/1?logcode=p

Could be the lighting but is it me or does the passenger door in the second picture stand out a bit?

Possible repair?