BMW Repair: BMW 1999 328I Sedan, kelly blue book, kelly blue book value

Question
Hello,

I have a friend offering me a 1999 BMW 328I Sedan really clean looking and 85K miles on it. I have not taken it in to a mechanic to have a once over yet but wanted to ask you what would in your opinion be a fair price range, and secondly, My dad's close friend had a Jaguar and replaced the engine with a Chevy 6cyl engine and it worked out great for them, can you do that on other foreign cars such as BMW or does the engine shape etc not allow for that?
Any advice on what I should be wary of to check for especially on a used BMW I would appreciate too

thanks!

Michelle

Answer
A couple of things......

First, to determine price, use the Kelly Blue Book value.  Go to www.kbb.com, and enter the particulars on your car.  You should look at "Private Party", in "Good Condition".  With the features, miles, and your location, that should be the price you are going for (assuming it's in good condition.)

Second, DEFINITELY take it to a good mechanic who knows BMW's to get it checked out.  There are several things on BMW's that are much more expensive to keep up (like their suspensions).  A good BMW mechanic will know what to look for, and also know which particular things that car had that needed to be checked.

Third, be CERTAIN that you can afford this car.  Not the purchase price, but the 2X-5X maintenance cost that a similar size/year/mileage "regular" car would cost.  Include the aspect that you will be out of a car while your Bimmer is being repaired.

These cars are great cars as far as handling and performance, but that comes at a price.  And in a 11 year old car, that price will be additional maintenance.  A '99 328 w/85K sounds great, and may be great, but you WILL spend a lot on maintenance.  I'm not trying to talk you out of it......only to make sure that you're willing to put up with the extra costs and hassles for what you like about it.

Finally, engine swaps.  No.  Not since the '80's have any cars really been able to swap engines.  The Jaguar engines were so bad in the 80-90's that a lot of engineering was spent developing the chevy swap.  It is impossible in any recent cars, due primarily to the extensive electronics and software.

Good luck with your decisions.