looking to buy a 3.25i need some help

[Komisor]

hey guys I'm new to the BMW community. right now i drive a Mazda RX-7, but I'm getting to the point where I've invested to much to use her as a daily driver. what I'm looking for is a 91-94 3.25i w/ 5 speed. I've already noticed that the 5 speed is kinda hard to find, and even harder with low mileage. one of my big questions is what is considered high mileage on a bmw? my dad uses a Volvo for commuting and that car has 300k and drive like brand new, do bmw's take high mileage pretty well? i also wanted to know if anyone knows of dealerships in the PA/NJ/NY area that has bmw's like what i want on a regular basis?
thanks
Komisor

 

[frolf]

BMW has made inline 6 motors forever! that being said, taken care of it willl out run that volvo your dad has.

5 speeds shouldn't be hard to find, and remmeber that the 1991 and the 92-95 325's are completely different. even from 92-95 there is a big technology variation. i think vanos was added in 93, but i can't remember.


good luck

 

[Komisor]

the volvo inline 4 is capable of well over 500k, the shop that works on ours has a few with 500+

i thought that bmw's inline 6 was good with mileage, but i wanted to hear it from other people

so if i'm looking for a 3.25i 5 speed what would you say is the best year for them?

what is vanos?

thanks for the help!

 

[fritchy]

Wow, Where in the Lehigh Valley do you live? I live in Tampa, FL for 3 years now, bu I am born and raised in Bethlehem/Allentown, PA and I know of a great place for used BMWs. There is a BMW mechanic/dealership in Allentown near the new BMW dealership place called Daniels. Daniels BMW is located at (1327 West Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA 18102). This place I am referring to i think is called Autolex (http://www.autolex.net). Autolex is on 15th ST off Tilghman ST a few blocks West of Daniels BMW. Go a few blocks West of Daniels BMW on Tilghman ST and make a right onto 15th St. This road will take you to RT 22, but if you get to the cemetary you've gone too far. This place is owned by a former mechanic at Daniels BMW. His cars purr.

If you are coming from Rt22, then get off at the 15th St exit W or S bound. If you aren't familar with Allentown, Rookie's is a great place to eat while your out and about. It is right across from Daniel's BMW. There is also a cool bar place with good food further down West on Tilghman St called Callighan's. If ever looking for the best cheese steak in the world go to LaBella's in Easton, PA. Here in Florida cheese steaks suck. But at least owning rear wheel drive cars (like bmw) doesn't.

Good luck and write back

 

[fritchy]

Also, I would recommend the later years of the e36 style like mine (1998). If you are going coupe then you can even get as late as 99. One thing better with the later years is the stock wheels are a lot nicer in my opinion, but more importantly, the later years are the perfected years. Since the e36 style started in the early 90s and ended 1998/ 1999 (coupes only), it would be best to get the latest year possible to better avoid any bugs. And the e36 has some known bug issues that are common to go wrong. I am not sure of them all, but this forum/board talks about them. Just read the posts in the e36 section and learn what you can. I can't back up my statement that the later years have less bugs, but it just makes sense to me. At least I hope since I own a 98. Mine only had 74500 miles.

Try getting a BMW book, like "You & Your BMW 3-Series: buying, enjoying, maintaining, modifying". This will give you professional knowledge insight. I bought my book at Amazon.com.