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jrbudman
10-07-2020, 10:47 AM
Hi all! I just joined the forum last night. So I've always owned Toyota/Honda but I want to get my first BMW & I would love to get a ZHP. I have my eye on one & I'd like to get opinions on if it sounds like a good deal or too much $ for what it is.

This one is an '05, MT, supposedly very well maintained, black on black, 138k miles on it. The seller wants at least $10,000 for it. I just looked at one that is the same car but with 168k miles on it but that one was only $4500. I was a little wary of the mileage and this being my first bimmer so I passed on that one. Does $10k sound like a lot for such a car (assuming it's in as good condition as the seller says)?

Thanks for the help and I'm glad to be a new member!

Jason
fredo
10-07-2020, 10:59 AM
Welcome, Jason. If the car with 138k miles really needs nothing then I would consider it. You may get a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) at a BMW shop to avoid surprises later on.
t.er
10-07-2020, 05:07 PM
For such a big price difference I wouldn't completely discount the 168k mile car. If the seller has service records of all common wear items done fairly recently (such as the cooling system, all the rubber bushings, gaskets) then it could be a good buy. Just be sure to inspect the car thoroughly, including the RACP ("subframe") for cracks as it can happen to higher mileage cars.

I bought mine at ~188k miles, and it did have a bunch of slow oil leaks but the bushings and most of the cooling system was fairly new. Unfortunately, I did have a crack on the RACP

Edit: Sorry, and oh yeah... welcome!!!
Oli77
10-07-2020, 05:49 PM
Welcome Jason. Like the peeps above mentioned, you really need to have the car checked out by a BMW shop or the like. They know where to look for leaks, for cracks, and for pending repairs that could cost you. Look for rust, weird smell, smoke etc.. You can't easily see underneath our cars because they are low, someone with a lift could really help you out big time, and it's worth it.

These cars can go a lot more than 200 k miles if you take care of them. This is one of the main reasons that attracted me to this brand. Do you have good shops for this kind a work around you?
BMWCurves
10-07-2020, 06:32 PM
https://i.imgur.com/WIZD7mh.gif
Oli77
10-07-2020, 06:37 PM
^ good one!
johnrando
10-07-2020, 07:14 PM
Welcome! I have not kept ul with prices that closely, they seem to be in a wide range., hope you find a good one.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk
malapane
10-15-2020, 03:32 AM
Hello Jason,

I may have bought that $4,500 one with 168k that you looked at. Was it in Kentucky/suburban Cincinnati?
joeybananaz18
10-15-2020, 04:48 AM
Hello Jason,

I may have bought that $4,500 one with 168k that you looked at. Was it in Kentucky/suburban Cincinnati?

listed on CL? sounds very familiar
malapane
10-15-2020, 05:38 AM
Yes, I think listed on CL only. Listed on about 9/30 or 10/1.
fredo
10-15-2020, 06:12 AM
This must be the one.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?23323-Not-mine-2005-BMW-ZHP-330i-black-brown-interior
malapane
10-15-2020, 06:41 AM
This must be the one.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?23323-Not-mine-2005-BMW-ZHP-330i-black-brown-interior

Yes, you are correct. :)
jrbudman
11-04-2020, 12:25 PM
Yes, I think listed on CL only. Listed on about 9/30 or 10/1.

How do you like it so far? I found another one in Covington Ky. 138k on it, but very clean. Pretty sure I over-payed for it buuuuut what can ya do.......
jrbudman
11-04-2020, 12:27 PM
Welcome Jason. Like the peeps above mentioned, you really need to have the car checked out by a BMW shop or the like. They know where to look for leaks, for cracks, and for pending repairs that could cost you. Look for rust, weird smell, smoke etc.. You can't easily see underneath our cars because they are low, someone with a lift could really help you out big time, and it's worth it.

These cars can go a lot more than 200 k miles if you take care of them. This is one of the main reasons that attracted me to this brand. Do you have good shops for this kind a work around you?

I know there are a few BMW dealers around here but I don't know about any smaller shops. I'd rather stay away from the stealerships. I guess I'll find out soon enough.

BTW, is there a preferred place to buy oil change kits for these online?

Thank you!
Oli77
11-04-2020, 07:03 PM
Wmart has great prices on mobil1 oil and filters.
jrbudman
11-05-2020, 10:19 AM
Wmart has great prices on mobil1 oil and filters.

This look like the right oil/filter? Both of these are at WalMart.

37425

37426
Oli77
11-05-2020, 05:13 PM
Yes and yes, the oil weight kinda depends on where you live (temperatures).

Here (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?942-The-Oil-Thread)is a great thread to read.
John in VA
11-05-2020, 05:41 PM
I'd feel better in you used this filter, available through many sources: Mann HU9254X, BMW part # 11427512300

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-oil-filter-e36-e46-e60-e39-hu925-4x
jrbudman
11-06-2020, 04:57 AM
Yes and yes, the oil weight kinda depends on where you live (temperatures).

Here (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?942-The-Oil-Thread)is a great thread to read.

I'm in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Yeah, I've read the first several pages of the oil thread. I'm not an oil guy so I don't really get why if BMW says to use 5W-30 that it's still okay to use 0W-40 or any of those other weights listed. I'd rather go with the BMW oil but it's closer to $10/qt now I think, but if so many here on the forum use that Mobil 1 0W-40 & I can get it at WM for so cheap..........well that kinda answers it for me! ;)

I'll go with the Mann filter tho, thanks John in VA!