On my way back to the BMW world

[N111K RB]

Hi all,

Thought it would be best to introduce myself on here before starting my advice thread.

I used to own an E60 530d 2003 which was remapped and was one hell of a car, unfortunately the arrival of a company car forced the 5 series in to a corner and every time I drove it another fault appeared costing me time and money, I made the hard decision of parting after only 6 month, ever since I've had the need for another vehicle but as I don't have the space for a second vehicle I have held off.

Anyway mu partner has just started a new job which involved doing a 100 mile round trip, two days a week. She currently owns a 1.3 auto smart forfour which was her first car and was great for the short trips she was making but isn't suitable to do motorway journeys, especially as she isn't entirely confident on motorways having never really needed to travel them.

So she wanted a 4 x 4 size vehicle for added safety and comfort, after test driving a few choices including the nissan juke we was having a hard time finding something that was fitting the criteria and that we both actually liked.

As it was for the both of us I decided to look at BMWs again, it had to have a boot big enough and open to fit our dog in (she doesn't like estates) this left the x series vehicles, after ruling out the X5 due to the size and not being hugely keen on the older shape which was in our price range and the x1 due to the low spec in our price range I started looking at X3s, interestingly get a lot of stick online however most of the actual owners seem to like them.

After searching for a while and doing research I decided I wanted another 3.0d if possible.

I came across a X3 on a 57 plate with 66000 miles which was a 3.0sd, after viewing the vehicle and driving it I decided it was what I wanted and would be suitable for my partner (luckily she loves the way it looks and the size of it) not often they are happy with size .

This particular one needs a bit of love, nothing scary but I am a perfectionist so I offered low and settled at a good price.

Any advice towards my new purchase would be great, I am collecting it next week.

Nick

Pictures of the previous and the next one. Worth noting the X3 is not an Approved Used vehicle.

[sid10]

Nice looking car ! With most cars I would check the tyres if they are all the same brand , check the dates or date code in a oval on tyre first 2 numbers are the week in the year , second 2 are the year . If they are premium tyres they will have a BMW star rating on them which is a good sign the car has been looked after , also check for even wear on all 4 get down on your knees to check as these cars have a knack of eating transfer boxes if they have the wrong size tyres or none BMW specified tyres .
    Service history also important as with it having the full fat twin turbo engine oil changes are a must , I think you can get a BMW warranty on the car but it is quite expensive although it will help you to get to sleep on a night !
Good luck .