BMW 3 series - 2004/5

Ionkontrol

I have one and they are cracking motors.

Lithian

Although you can get one for £2-3k or so, they do still have reasonably high running costs. While you'll probably want to take it to an independent mechanic and be able to buy service parts online it will still be a noticeable amount more expensive than something a bit less flash.

By all means they are cracking cars but go in with your eyes open

Also that adds another type of warning flag, people are buying these cars and then realising they can't afford to run them so there are some very ropey examples showing up these days, hopefully the later models shouldn't suffer this as much but finding a well cared for example should be priority #1

albionrovers

If petrol, then 6-cylinder 320i 2.2 170 bhp . . .worth the extra . . silky smooth

harveybobbles

albionrovers wrote: »

If petrol, then 6-cylinder 320i 2.2 170 bhp . . .worth the extra . . silky smooth

Plus they have the running costs of a 318.

december

I'm aware that it's going to cost us more to maintain and in insurance, my ideal choice would be something small and economical but following an accident I'm disabled and need something to fit my wheelchair and which is more comfortable. I am going to have a chat with our mechanic to see how much extra things like services etc are going to cost, but we also have a cheaper car (Pug) so at least we won't be running 2 expensive ones

gilbert_and_sullivan

A good indy can keep these cars running at very low cost.

The family owned Diesel 3 series cost little to maintain as it was serviced properly and regularly by a good indy, and meself in between.
Quality aftermarket parts are readily available from many sorurces at fair cost.

Take them to the main dealer for servicing?, prepare to bend over.