04-05-2007, 10:40 AM
Cooling issues are fixed with updated parts, if they havent been done already. Figure ~$300 for everything. New set of shocks (bilstein, koni, etc) and rear shock mounts are ~$600, again if this hasnt already been done. The rear subframe issues, while they exist, *I* think are largely propogated by forum fanbois and are a much smaller issue for 99.9% of the car owners.
The things I didnt like about mine was the early (2.5L) cars had this awesome self destructing interior feature - kinda cool, but it drove me batshit, it was just falling apart. The later (2.8L) cars seem to be less prone to this - i dont know if BMW made changes, or they're just generally newer. Also, the bushings were pretty much toast at 120-130k miles. What I did like was the drivetrain... really smooth. Cruise at 85-90 on the highway all day and get 30mpg, comfortable but still handled well.
I had a chance to drive a 325is that had fresh shocks/bushings, camber plates and an interior that wasnt falling apart in Atlanta while I had mine - night and day difference - it was really nice. I had made an offer on the car but it sold before I got my shit together to go put a deposit on it.
The things I didnt like about mine was the early (2.5L) cars had this awesome self destructing interior feature - kinda cool, but it drove me batshit, it was just falling apart. The later (2.8L) cars seem to be less prone to this - i dont know if BMW made changes, or they're just generally newer. Also, the bushings were pretty much toast at 120-130k miles. What I did like was the drivetrain... really smooth. Cruise at 85-90 on the highway all day and get 30mpg, comfortable but still handled well.
I had a chance to drive a 325is that had fresh shocks/bushings, camber plates and an interior that wasnt falling apart in Atlanta while I had mine - night and day difference - it was really nice. I had made an offer on the car but it sold before I got my shit together to go put a deposit on it.