Wifey's car is a 325CiC, owned it for 5 years, '01 with 90K. Very nice driving car, definitely a firm ride. Maintenance has been realitively low cost because I can do all of the work. But parts are expensive compared to MBZ, and the M3 parts are almost double. While they are more high performance, I would not own one for that reason.

The '01 was a more updated car than previous itterations. '04 was another face lift, again in '07. I would not want any of them over a 100K miles. Up to, but not much over. A gas car does not have the longevity of a diesel, but they run well if properly maintained.

Ours has always gotten amsoil eurospec at 6-7K OCI's. It is sludge free with zero consumption. Trans got changed out to synthetic at 70K, works great. If they are not done then they are generally run 'till they quit, somewhere just over 100K. That's the 'life expectancy' of the trans oil, according to BMW. Not an issue with a stick.

There are some very nice examples of '01 to '06 3-series at good prices. Look for low miles and records. They are a great driver. I bought the used 325 and a new 04 C240 at the same time. There is no comparison, the bimmer is twice the car the benz was. Traded the benz off in about 30 months, we still have the bimmer.

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Chris Brown
"OC", So-Cal
1979 240D, 122K, 4spd, Colorado Biege w/Tobacco, Pwr Roof, AC, Cruise, Becker Corona - SOLD
Past Benzos: 71 250 • 83 240D • 84 190E • 04 C240 • 11 GLK350 • 13 c250 Coupe
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