I am not advertising. I am just giving my advice based both on experience and facts.

If you are really interested in purchasing a pre-owned BMW, particularly the e-36 320i, by all means get one! I will not discourage you by saying the "high-maintenance" you have to endure when having one nor by giving you the weaknesses the particular model has, simply because there is no single car manufactured in the market that is perfect. Moreso, if it's a pre-owned. I can’t comment on the fuel consumption since your choices are really demanding.

Not just because parts and even service are priced higher compared to Japanese, that doesn't mean an average joe can't do anything about it. There will always be alternatives. CASA is not the only place for a euro---Which unfortunately, gives the impression of euro cars like BMWs are for the rich people only. There is Han Manila (QC) and Wheels inc. (E.Rod.)

Han Manila is known for their cheap price and labor. They are the original dealer of BMWs in the Philippines way back in the 50’s before the Alvarez’s took over in 90’s (correct me if I’m wrong). Although they are not selling cars anymore, Han manila, maintains its quality of service. Just a while ago, I brought my e-36 there because of my busted signal lights. I couldn’t gamble anymore with the offers from Banawe and other talyers to experiment my baby and find out what’s wrong after hours of troubleshooting. Stupid I was, the electrician from Han just said it’s a single fuse problem. If I brought my car to a BMW CASA, say, Autohaus Libis, who knows how much I would pay. Who cares though when the secretary just winked at me and said ok na ho yan (sabay abot ng Php100 sa electrician hehehe). Wheels Inc. on the other hand lost its rights to sell BMW because of the demand of the latter, with it, its quality of service. But things changed, the service area is under a new management and as a customer I was happy, more than happy, secured. Both parts and service are cheaper by percentile! You have to go there to see for yourself. (Because if I did tell you, that would be advertising hehehe). These are just some of my experiences that keep us away from CASA. BTW, we are maintaining 2 BMWs.

Ok, I admit it. Maintaining one is high, but is it tolerable? Well, with our economic status being in the middle, it is. My e-36 is also a pre-owned bought at a price tag the same as its brand new Japanese counterparts. Now, am I satisfied? As long as I turn heads everytime I take it in the streets, as long as it doesn’t give me that much of a headache (considering its almost 10 years old), a little more than 10-15% increase on parts and service is a small price to pay for the prestige and fulfillment I get from having a pre-owned BMW.

Ultimately, the choice is yours bro! God bless on your hunting and hopefully you get a BMW! ;)