[Higgs1]

My brother is a Marine and just got back from Afghanistan last week. He's home until next week and wanted to buy a car while he was home, so he doesn't have to fly back and forth every time he has leave.

Long story short, he found this 2006 325i in Connecticut (we're in MA) and we plan on going to go look at it tomorrow.

Can someone tell me what I should look for as far as the clutch is concerned? I have an 06' 330i so I'm pretty familiar with the rest of the setup, but I can't drive stick so I'm an automatic (hold the hate please).

The car is listed here for $15,900 and only has 69k miles on it, has every option from premium, cold weather, sport, and comfort access and navigation. He loves it and I would really love to help him get it, but need some advice on anything else to look for.


I know the engines in the 06 325's are almost bulletproof as my 330 has close to 90k miles and have very few issues, hoping this car will be good for his long journeys back and forth from base in North Carolina to Mass.

Thanks guys

[ti8589]

I never buy the cheapest of anything, just saying.

[Higgs1]

Originally Posted by ti8589

I never buy the cheapest of anything, just saying.

I'm not saying he wanted the cheapest. He was looking for a manual + combo of the options he wanted. This has all of those and at a good price with lower miles. That is all.

[Pistonslap]

Hi there,

as for the clutch condition, a quick road test should show any signs of excessive wear. Look out for the clutch slipping (engine free reving in gear), hard to select gear, abnormal noises and very hard pedal.
I personally find pressing the clutch pedal half way is sufficient in a BMW manual as it is self adjusting. This is just a guide.

This engine is also known for having some high oil consumption issues, caused by piston and rings not sealing correctly.
Not the end of the world, but can be pricey to repair.
Have a look at the exhaust tail pipe on start up for Blue smoke and extremely black exhaust tips, also oil residue on rear of car, extreme case.

Otherwise a great car as you would know owning a 330.

Hope this helps, good luck with your car hunting.

[BoricuaE92]

Originally Posted by ti8589

I never buy the cheapest of anything, just saying.

Just saying...

[BoricuaE92]

Originally Posted by Pistonslap

Hi there,

as for the clutch condition, a quick road test should show any signs of excessive wear. Look out for the clutch slipping (engine free reving in gear), hard to select gear, abnormal noises and very hard pedal.
I personally find pressing the clutch pedal half way is sufficient in a BMW manual as it is self adjusting. This is just a guide.

This engine is also known for having some high oil consumption issues, caused by piston and rings not sealing correctly.
Not the end of the world, but can be pricey to repair.
Have a look at the exhaust tail pipe on start up for Blue smoke and extremely black exhaust tips, also oil residue on rear of car, extreme case.

Otherwise a great car as you would know owning a 330.

Hope this helps, good luck with your car hunting.

+1 Good info

[rivera156]

Originally Posted by BoricuaE92

Just saying...

Lmao!!!! +1
Que come mierda... Just saying

[Castle]

Originally Posted by rivera156

Lmao!!!! +1
Que come mierda... Just saying

+1

[Higgs1]

Originally Posted by Pistonslap

Hi there,

as for the clutch condition, a quick road test should show any signs of excessive wear. Look out for the clutch slipping (engine free reving in gear), hard to select gear, abnormal noises and very hard pedal.
I personally find pressing the clutch pedal half way is sufficient in a BMW manual as it is self adjusting. This is just a guide.

This engine is also known for having some high oil consumption issues, caused by piston and rings not sealing correctly.
Not the end of the world, but can be pricey to repair.
Have a look at the exhaust tail pipe on start up for Blue smoke and extremely black exhaust tips, also oil residue on rear of car, extreme case.

Otherwise a great car as you would know owning a 330.

Hope this helps, good luck with your car hunting.

Thank you for the help! Went today, he test drove it, I went over it to ensure everything functioned correctly. They had all maintenance records, it was super clean and everything was great. Only thing was it needed 4 new tires, got them to include 4 Dunlop Wintersports and he'll be buying 4 new summer tires and rims next week.

He's really excited and I appreciate the help provided here. I'm sure you'll see him soon on here looking to start modding, already has the bug!

[Pistonslap]

Congratulations on your new purchase. I am glad I could provide some help.
Wish BMW's, cars in general, were that cheap in Australia.

Enjoy your new beast