Confused about BMWs.

[annemaria]

Hey all,

I recently moved to Dubai and I have always been a BMW fan, but because of my financial situation, I can only afford to spend 40-60K on a car. In this budget on Dubbizle or other websites, I could find 320i-325i 2005-2007 models with 70-80k mileages.

So my concerns are;

1) How costly is it going to be to maintain the car? (Service costs etc, how much will it cost a minor or major service in a garage, not AGMC)

2) Will it worth it to get a 2006 BMW 320i when I can buy for the same price a 2010 Honda Accord?

Is it a good price for 320i 2005, 75k km, full service history with AGMC, 43k AED. What do you think?

Thanks a lot! I would really appreciate your comments.

[vorah]

First and the foremost welcome to BMW community, secondly please dont compare Accord with 520i. You can never get that umph, punch, driving pleasure, control, respect, style, design, safety, confidence in any Japanese car as you can get in any BMW. You are simply comparing a wrong league. I am not saying as im also BMW fan or im speaking in BMW community, but truly i mean it as i realized this over time.

Buying used car here in Dubai, my personal choice would be buying car ONLY with full service history with AGMC or with any other competent workshop like Tony edwards or Munich motor. You can give a call to these both BMW specialist and get an idea on service cost before you take a dive. Good luck and go for Bimmer anyday.

[annemaria]

Thank you very much for your reply vorah.

After reading lots of reviews and forums, I am inclined towards a low KM, 2007 325i with a full service history of course. As far as I read, it causes less problems compared to 330 or 530 and performs better than 320. Would you agree with that?

Also what is the main difference between a 2006 or 2007 one? Because I keep reading E46 vs E90, but I cannot seem to understand which's the better choice.

[individual]

Hi annemaria (sounds German?)

there is no difference in a 2006 or 2007 Series 3. There was a facelift in 2008 (new front, back and navigation system).

Comparing a E46 vs E90 would mean your choice is between a 2004 and March 2005 model. (Limousines only. The convertable and coupe were built longer)

you won't have any more problems with a 325 compared to a 330/530. The engine is the same! Both are the 3l engines from BMW. The 325 has only less HP.

Enjoy!