Greetings, never owned a BMW, currently own a 1999 VW Passat. Am about to look at a 1997 328i Sedan, 4 door, automatic, 73000 miles, premium sound, clear CarFax, factory paint, factory, CD changer, green exterior with gray interior, looks clean through photos, price = $9,900.00

Sounds to good to be true (meaning it usually is). As a naive newbie, what things should I be looking for in this car on my inspection? Will definitely be taking it to a mechanic. Any particular problems with this model? Reviews at edmunds.com were OK, a bit lower than for other models, with multiple complaints about electrical system problems. Any other thoughts or ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Mark

They are great cars. The price does sound too good to be true! Your best bet is to take it to a mechanic who knows BMWs. If you do get it, start off with doing an inspection 2.
Good Luck!

Ask the previous owner for the service records, or try to find out where it was last serviced. That can tell you a lot of valuable information. Also, bring the car to a BMW dealership to look at it. You could even ask them to do an inspection to have it be considered a certified pre-owned BMW. This may cost you some money, but it also may save you a great deal of money in the end.

Take that car to a collision center or dealer!!!! I bought 98 328i without having someone look at it to was carfax clean and a "good deal" it had been wrecked in the front has I found out after I had been in a collision w/ it myself in the front also!!!! Nothing more discouraging than seeing bondo flake off the car, when it was "clean"!!!