Buying a 220k mile car....bad idea?

[camcc]

I've seen a really cheap 325i convertible, cheap because it's got 220k miles on the clock. Cylinder head was done 6 years ago and engine rebuild (new piston ring and big/little end bearing etc.) 18 months ago.

Would buying this be a bad idea? I was thinking of running it into the ground then swapping out engine..any thoughts?

[Steve-E30]

As long as it has good service history i wouldnt have a problem with it to be honest , As long as it still drives right also

[munky30]

If it has a good service history its not really high mileage for one of these cars.

[pnd]

220 k with an engine rebuild if done right probably drives as well as a much lower mileage car, I would be more concerned about the rest of the car and do you really want a convertible?

[camcc]

do you really want a convertible?

Well I really wanted a early 2-door but most of the ones i've looked at have been crap/rotten and non SE specs. This cabby has all the bells and whistles + m-tech 1 kit which I would sell and make some money back.

Just the mileage that concerns me but so far the response here indicates that I shouldn't be worried providing there is a sound service history.

[E30BeemerLad]

buy on condition and credentials, forget mileage or age

[BreadBin]

I just got a 525i off Spadge with 248k on the clock - I've driven cars with less than half the mileage that didn't drive anything like as good.

[camcc]

Wouldn't a car with this much mileage be very underpowered, or is this only if it's not been serviced properly in the past?

[Simon13]

with that milege they are either good or a sack of sh!t, only way to know to go look and drive it

[kam-325i]

Wouldn't a car with this much mileage be very underpowered, or is this only if it's not been serviced properly in the past?

Not really........

All will lose power with age, but BMW engines seem to be built to last......there will be some power loss, but not a lot, my 325i has 170k on the clock, and it still gose strong....

[camcc]

Well the current owner has had it 14 years so i'm hoping that means he's an enthusiast and has cared for it. I will probable go drive it (and will let you know)

[hubble]

Just coming up to 219,000 and still pulls like a train
Provided it's been well looked after and maintained you won't have any trouble.

Bullet proof engines

[Brianmoooore]

There's no problem in building an engine that will do 500,000 miles, it's just that with most manufactuers, the accountants have a greater say than the engineers.
At BMW, things are different!

[1993E30]

I agree with simon13, its either good or bad, we have no idea - each car is individual, drive it and see?

[hubble]

There's no problem in building an engine that will do 500,000 miles, it's just that with most manufactuers, the accountants have a greater say than the engineers.
At BMW, things are different!

How true.

[irish-e30]

Yeh and lovin it!! wouldnt drive anythin else! although lads i duno about the newer bmw's..... i think from the E36 they launched it at people with less money, they got cheaper,,,,, makes you wonder about the car parts!

I duno how do people feel on this? Im not talking about all bmw's but newer ones, as in the 316 318, but not any M technik's

[Simon13]

the key is maintenance and some love along the way to high milege

my high milege touring 220,000miles also has not been such a happy experience it seems to bite me on the a*se everytime i try to fix it. I've had it 6 months and i've had to re build the top half of the engine, new cam rockers etc. Overhaul the suspension, top mounts shocks, control arm bushes. Numerous electrial faults - dodgey instruments broken heaters, electric windows and sunroofs, rear wipers, shagged front wings, change the carpet and add a glove box etc! The list has been endless. BUT!! it's going to the ring in 3 weeks and it handles on rails and the engine is pulling like a train again (for a 325!) Slowly after 6 months of pissing about it's a good car ready for another 100k.

It's now in the garage again having some new brake pipes, it obviously doesn't want some braided lines for the ring!

After all of this i'm thinking what is the point? who wants a 200k 325i touring? even if the engine and mechanicals are rock solid again and it's a non rotton shell? whats it worth? beause after the ring i might off load it buy selling or breaking it and sorting the alpina at last!

[schuey]

my first IS has 218k on the clock when I got it,ran sweet as!

[pnd]

expect to spend some money on it though if someone hasn't spent a lot recently, As for power the fastest 325 I have ever driven was a d plate 4 door with 270,000 on it albeit with a rebuilt engine. Also if you want a good early car with history I know of a gloss black four door 325 that will be up for sale shortly pm me for details.

[Jesus325iTouring]

To give you an idea,I had my Tourer on the rollers about two years ago,mileage was around at that time about 220,000 ish and was pushing 130bhp at the flywheel, 40bhp down from factory.
With I was told with some serious underfuelling sorted it should go back up to around 150bhp.Thats leaves 20 horses that have left the stable and aren't coming back,not too bad really.The guy running the rollers said mechanically speaking the engine was very good.