Hi Scotty!

In July 2020 my friend purchased a 2001 BMW 325i (2.5L 6 cylinder RWD with automatic transmission) with 149,000 miles for $3000US from a dealer. The car looks and handles nicely but the engine is now running horribly. The cold engine, once started, only remains running for a second or two and then dies. He reports he must must greatly accelerate the car initially to get it moving. Once warmed up, the engine will die at stoplights if it idles for more than a minute or so. The car does not like to idle or travel slowly.

He has no current mechanic and the car was not inspected by a mechanic before purchase. The car has an unknown service history. He has no OBDII diagnostic data at this point, nor are there any warning lights lit on the dash. He is not knowledgeable about cars.

The engine air filter was inspected and found to be fine at the last oil change in October 2020.

I should also add that he had been fueling the car with 87 octane gasoline when it required 93 octane from its purchase date until a few weeks ago. The problem has been only slightly better since Winter has passed in Wisconsin, and in the few weeks since since he switched to high octane fuel.

He is considering going to the only local BMW specialist (looks reputable) he could find other than the dealer for diagnostics (likely $$$ labor rate) to evaluate the car and his options going forward (keep and fix or sell).

Based on your experience, how do your recommend he proceed with this car?

And, do you have any advice related to known problems on this specific car that he should know about.

Thank you very much in advance for your highly appreciated response!