Need help, questions reguarding ultra high mileage 325is

[E36Forever]

One of my friend's Girlfriends has a 94 325is Manual Stick shift with 225k miles on it, has a recent new clutch, and the car still drives nearly as well as a new one off the lot.

They are interested in selling it to me now, not exactly sure on the asking price yet but thinking a little over $2000 for it because of the high mileage. I've driven the car a couple times before and feels perfectly fine. They've taken full care of it, with full maintmance records and all inspections done on the car, Its pretty much been babied.

Now heres my question, would 2G's be worth it for that kind of mileage? Knowing the fact that most BMW motors need rebuilding around the 200-300k mileage range. Plus, how long's their manual trannies last? I have yet to find out if the Tranny has been rebuilt or not yet.

I would love ot hear all the advice you guys would have for me, and like what other questions I should ask.

Anything would be greatly appricated

Thanks in advance

John

 

[nadroj]

the manuel will last longer than you, and as long as it has beeen serviced properly it should be good, also it depend on how the body and other stuff looks on the price

 

[Big Daddy]

Almost any running car is worth 2k, but you need to be aware that the motor could go anytime or could last well over 300k. Does it need shocks, springs, brakes, etc? If it is as described by you I would give 2k for it!

 

[E36Forever]

another reason we're lookin at 2 grand is the car has a ton of scratches on it, mainly on the passanger side, the owner accidentally brushed some tree branches one night with it.

Plus some of the light bulbs in the gauge cluster and AC controls are out, I think one of the rear dome lights are out too, another reason we're talking cheap here, but those little things I can deal with easily.

From what I've read, the motors should show signs of getting tired when performence, horse power, and gas mileage take a nose dive, I've talked to one BMW mechanic and he said the motors tend to show those symptoms for 1-3k miles before they completely go out, Because of lost compression.

I know basic engine blocks, heads, and cooling system, bearings, and lube, how much more difficult would an I6 BMW motor be to rebuild than a basic V6 Chevy block? I'm currently a UTI student in Sacramento learning auto mechanics, I've met quite a few people who may be able to help me out in the long run when it comes to equipment for the rebuild point.

But, i'd prefer the motor lasts as long as possible before that time comes, I know i'll be reaching the rebuild point some day down the road if I do buy the car.

Anything else?

Edit: Oh, the shocks feel fine in it so far, dunno about the brakes, but I can do those on my own if needed. Those little questions I havn't asked them yet, next time I talk to the owner I'll ask, along with another list of questions i'm pretty much writing down right this moment.