BMW 3-Series Coupe (2006 - 2013) 325i SE 2d (2007/07) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Flashy but classy - the car was Space Grey with full Black Leather trim and 19 inch BMW optional alloys.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They loved it.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No - now I'm aware of the issues regarding the timing chains on this era of petrol engined BMW I wouldn't buy another - mine had full history, 6 stamps in the book and regular fully synthetic oil changes - this fault should not have occurred at 5 years old with 90k on the clock if it's supposedly a life time part.
What are you likely to buy next?
Probably something with 4 wheel drive - be better prepared for winter.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£7,400
When did you buy the car?
June 2012
Did you get a good deal and why?
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Bought the car from BCA Auctions Manchester - 90k with full history needing a set of tyres, wheels refurbishing and a cosmetic scuff on the rear bumper.
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Great in the dry - scary in the damp - lethal in the wet! Felt really fast and powerful - sounds awesome above 4000 rpm.
What's it like to park?
Easy - long car but front and rear parking sensors made it easy.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The timing chain slipped - tensioner. The car ran perfectly, it didn't go into limp home mode but the engine management light would come on every now and again! I was told this was a known problem however BMW said it was a lifetime fit part - Independant garage quoted £2500 to remove engine and replace chain and tensioners as it was on the rear of the engine block!
What's most practical about your car?
Plenty of room in the rear for two teenagers to travel long distance in comfort - previous car was a Saab 9-3 convertible which had very little rear leg room. Decent sized boot too - 3 large cases fitted in with no problems.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Fuel gauge and fuel warning light - guaranteed to light up your life every 250 miles or so.
