what are major, common issues for 2000 bmw 325i?

Oil separator, depending on your locale, and steering components are the most annoying issues that arise. Everything else is pretty darned good if maintained. Let me know if you need more details.

Thanks! I'm considering buying this for my teenager from a friend. Since I know she's taken great care of it I'm tempted. It has 130,000 miles and I'm just concerned about expensive parts like transmission going out. It sounds like you have a 2000?

Actually I have a 2001 e39 sportwagen. Both of my sisters have 2001 e46's, very similar to the one you described. We do almost all of our own repair work and LOVE the marque. At 130K, this one is just getting broken in. The tranny usually is good for 400K, depending on maintenance and how it was driven. If it is a manual, all the better! The clutch may need to be replaced as needed, which is between 50 - 120K and is decent as far as repair bills go. Aftermarket and OEM parts are readily available.

The list is endless. If it's auto stay far far away as they are prone to "no-reverse" transmission issues. Most common problems overall (that maintenance won't prevent), water pump, window regulators, crankcase ventilation system (aka oil separator), and subframe damage. Of those, the subframe had a recall and is the MOST important thing to check. The fix can be expensive. With that said, I own a 2000 with 105k miles and it's been great to me, but I do maintenance ahead of schedule :)

And silly me, how could I forget the Vanos. Common problem on almost every bmw made prior to the e60 models.

What is the cost to replace the vanos? Has there been a recall that may have been fixed already?

I forgot about the vanos, which was replaced with the dual vanos in 2001. The regulator is about $150, if I am not mistaken. The water pump replacement is simple and should have been done at 65-80K, when the plastic impellers were replaced with the steel version. Plastics go bad over time. Black Magic Tire Shine keeps it refreshed. Get yourself a Bentley manual, if you choose to buy this car, and be sure to hit up this link www.bimmerfest.com

Thank you so much !! I love this car !!

Getting your hands dirty is half the fun! I hope you thoroughly enjoy yourself!

i found a 2000 bmw 325i and has 111,000 miles on it. he hasn't replaced anything on it but test drive was great! just needs an elignment. only concern i have is the triangle in the middle of the gauges is on? owner wants $6,500.

The entire ABS, CBC and DSC control system has failed. Continue driving cautiously and defensively. Avoid hard brake applications. Please have the system checked by your BMW center as soon as possible. - That is straight from the manual