drpje

I am in the market for a car. I currently own a 1996 BMW 328i automatic. My car has 93,000 miles and needs new shocks, brake rotors and pads. Rather than spend more money on my car I have decided to purchase a new car. I was considering a 2000 BMW E-46 328i automatic or the 2001 C320. I found a C320 for sale in the Dallas area. It is silver/grey with 24,000 miles and the selling price is $25,000 I have heard that with the 2001 C class cars there are problems with the electrical system. Is this true? The car for sale is still under factory warranty and I am trying to find out what repairs have been done. Does this seem like a good selling price for the car. Also what have been your experiences in comparing the 2000 BMW 328i automatic to the 2001 C320 in terms of reliability, and ride comfort. I will use the car as a daily driver and comfort is more important than performance. Thanks

Buellwinkle

That's about right for an '01, actually pretty good considering 24K miles. The seem to go for about 20K at Manheim auctions which is usually what dealers want to pay for tradeins. MB's have never been the most reliable brand, if that's important consider an asian or american car. I would say it's average reliability for a european car. If it's under warranty then it's also under free maintenance so enjoy that for the remaining term and then dump it if it doesn't work out. My C230 has not been very reliable, my buddies '01 C320 has been close to flawless. I would not say that electrical problems dominate the list, it's just one of many problems people experience. Also consider a brand new '04 C240, not as fast but brand new and Carsdirect shows it at under $29K with auto trans and sunroof. Then you get 4 years of free service, loaners and warranty + the new car smell. Also check carfax.com before buying any used car, they can tell you if it's had insurance claims against it like flood, fire, collision damage.

LorinserCClass

I would not buy a '01. I personally have been rather quiet of problems I had w/my car as it doesnt really bother me TOO much but honestly my car's electrical has been an issue since day one. My car sees the dealer sometimes 1-2 times a month for small minor annoyances. Since you are going to get an '01 most likely the warranty would be running out so after its over all your trips to dealer will be charged. I am not the only one that complaints about electrical issue either. Other things to happen to just 'fall apart' on my car that I will not get into. Dont buy '01 if you want used go to '02 maybe. Either way good luck =)