What to buy?

KEAM · 12-15-2010, 10:57 PM

I'm starting to shop for a used e90 awd sedan and I'm looking for some opinions/feedback on what to buy. I currently have a 2006 Subaru Legacy GT automatic running a stage 1 tune which gets me about 290 flywheel hp, so that is my reference point. I run it stock sometimes as well, which is 250 hp.

I started looking at used 328xi's but wasn't excited about the 230 hp. I'm not that interested in swapping in the 330 intake system. I'd like whatever I buy to be around 250hp. I then started looking at the 06 330xi and noticed that is rated at 255, that seemed good to me. I like the power #'s and the look of the 335xi, but am a bit hesitant due to the problems I've heard of (but I don't know the details of which years were impacted the most) and for long term durability (i'm planning to go well over 100k miles with the car) going with a NA engine seems to be the safer way to go.

Reliability is going to be very important to me. I hate dealing with vehicle down time.

I'm thinking an automatic trans since this will be my commuter car and I do a fair amount of stop and go.

Budget is $24-27k and looking for miles less than 35k.

I'm a car guy, but just new to the BMW space, so I'm hoping to draw on your collective knowledge to steer my purchase decision.

Thanks

KEAM · 12-16-2010, 09:36 PM

Anyone? Someone must have an opinion. Is there a better forum to post this question in?

Thanks

07E92TT · 12-19-2010, 03:23 PM

get a 335xi that's certified preowned. There might be a couple issues but trust me it'll be worth it. I test drove a 328i and it felt very slow even compared to my 2.0t passat I was trading in, so I can only imagine what an xi would feel like.

lopealle · 12-19-2010, 03:29 PM

I'm turning in my lease maybe next month. It's in perfect condition. Maybe you can try to buy from the dealer I turn it into. 335xi maunual

GreenThree · 12-19-2010, 04:12 PM

I like the 328xi so much, I am trading my lease in at the end of the month for another one

Going with a 6MT this time around since my AT is pretty clunky. Lets be up front: The 328 is not going to win any drag races. But it is the most involving and fun car I have ever owned. More than ample power for my daily commute. Have test driven the 335xi a few times, and had one as a loaner. Incredible car. But I am staying away from the 335 due to the issues. Reliability is a priority for me too - no reliability issues whatsoever with my 328. GL and keep us posted. You will find a wealth of knowledge in the main forum.

KEAM · 12-19-2010, 11:21 PM

Are there any tips or things to look for if buying a used 335? Particularly non-CPO?

12-15-2010, 10:57 PM	#1
KEAM New Member 1 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2008 Monaco Blue 335xi Sedan Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Georgetown, MA iTrader: (0)	What to buy? I'm starting to shop for a used e90 awd sedan and I'm looking for some opinions/feedback on what to buy. I currently have a 2006 Subaru Legacy GT automatic running a stage 1 tune which gets me about 290 flywheel hp, so that is my reference point. I run it stock sometimes as well, which is 250 hp. I started looking at used 328xi's but wasn't excited about the 230 hp. I'm not that interested in swapping in the 330 intake system. I'd like whatever I buy to be around 250hp. I then started looking at the 06 330xi and noticed that is rated at 255, that seemed good to me. I like the power #'s and the look of the 335xi, but am a bit hesitant due to the problems I've heard of (but I don't know the details of which years were impacted the most) and for long term durability (i'm planning to go well over 100k miles with the car) going with a NA engine seems to be the safer way to go. Reliability is going to be very important to me. I hate dealing with vehicle down time. I'm thinking an automatic trans since this will be my commuter car and I do a fair amount of stop and go. Budget is $24-27k and looking for miles less than 35k. I'm a car guy, but just new to the BMW space, so I'm hoping to draw on your collective knowledge to steer my purchase decision. Thanks
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12-16-2010, 09:36 PM	#2
KEAM New Member 1 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2008 Monaco Blue 335xi Sedan Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Georgetown, MA iTrader: (0)	Anyone? Someone must have an opinion. Is there a better forum to post this question in? Thanks
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12-19-2010, 03:23 PM	#3
07E92TT Major 57 Rep 1,336 Posts Drives: 08 C63 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Orlando,FL iTrader: (1)	get a 335xi that's certified preowned. There might be a couple issues but trust me it'll be worth it. I test drove a 328i and it felt very slow even compared to my 2.0t passat I was trading in, so I can only imagine what an xi would feel like. __________________ Car: 2008 E90 SG/Black/Dark Burl (sold) 2008 MB C63 P.Silver/Black
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12-19-2010, 03:29 PM	#4
lopealle Resident Black Guy 251 Rep 2,302 Posts Drives: Lion Join Date: May 2009 Location: Federal Way, WA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 M5 [10.00]	I'm turning in my lease maybe next month. It's in perfect condition. Maybe you can try to buy from the dealer I turn it into. 335xi maunual
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12-19-2010, 04:12 PM	#5
GreenThree Colonel 210 Rep 2,110 Posts Drives: 2011 e90 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	I like the 328xi so much, I am trading my lease in at the end of the month for another one Going with a 6MT this time around since my AT is pretty clunky. Lets be up front: The 328 is not going to win any drag races. But it is the most involving and fun car I have ever owned. More than ample power for my daily commute. Have test driven the 335xi a few times, and had one as a loaner. Incredible car. But I am staying away from the 335 due to the issues. Reliability is a priority for me too - no reliability issues whatsoever with my 328. GL and keep us posted. You will find a wealth of knowledge in the main forum. __________________ 2015 335xi \| Mineral Grey Metallic \| Black Dakota Leather \| NAV \| SportLine \| ZPP \| ZDA \| ZCW \| Munich Build Retired: 2008, 2011, 2013 328xi
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12-19-2010, 11:21 PM	#6
KEAM New Member 1 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2008 Monaco Blue 335xi Sedan Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Georgetown, MA iTrader: (0)	Are there any tips or things to look for if buying a used 335? Particularly non-CPO?
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