Under Appreciated & Over Depreciated: 2005 BMW 325i Coupe
Let’s talk about the BMW 3-series market. E21 generation cars (1975-1981) are all but gone from the roads, E30 generation cars (1982-1990) have become classics and demand a premium, and E36 generation cars (1990-1999) are picking up in asking price as well…so what’s a cheap BMW lover to do. Go newest, my friend. Head up to the E46 (1997-2005) generation and enjoy the thrill of simple mechanical parts and comfortable speed at a bargain price. Find this 2005 BMW 325i Coupe with 5-speed offered for $3950 in West Covina, CA via craigslist.
From the seller:
2005 BMW 325CI
fuel: gas
odometer: 224350
title status: clean
transmission: manual
RUNS GOOD
BODY’S GOOD (not perfect)
INTERIOR IS GOOD
GOOD PROJECT CAR (the price is right)
NEEDS TO SEE IT TO APPRECIATE
ONLY OFFERS IN PERSON (with cash)
BRING YOUR OWN MECHANIC (no warranty)
LOW BOWLERS (will be ignored)
5SP TRANSMISSION
224k miles (no problem with 5sp)
LED LIGHTS IN AND OUT
$1000.00 RECENT MAINTENANCE SERVICED
$3950.00 OBO
See a better way to drive something under appreciated but over depreciated? tips@dailyturismo.com
My bowling score is pretty low, so I guess I’ll be ignored.
Just gotta break 100.
And I don’t have enough strength to throw the ball hard enough that it’s still in the air when it hits the pins.
e46 is a darn good starter strain of the BMW smack
As the owner of a 01 E46 5 speed wagon who has already done the head and is about to replace the complete engine……at about 180 000 miles, I would do a leak down and compression test no matter the price. I’m a 5 speed freak but these can get expensive parts and service wise chop chop. I love my wagon and so I will replace the engine and wouldnt mind a coupe but caveat emptor leakdown
Couldn’t agree more. I regret selling my wagon, but the steering went out. The whole system broke rack, pump, and even the shaft had an issue. Every time I see an E46 wagon I want to buy it. One day I will own an E46 M3, but they are starting to get too expensive.
Seems like a good deal, and if the engine fails a LS swap would be reasonably straightforward.
You know, years ago I would have loved this, but now they feel like very soft luxury cars when I drive them. Looked at a manual converted E46 wagon last week and old me would have been all over it, but it just didn’t have any fizz for me. I guess that’s what a few years in an old Alfa will do.