E92 325xi: What to look out for

Centurion · 11-06-2011, 08:20 AM

I guess there's been a lot of threads like this one, but since many people simply start a new thread, I'll do the same thing.
I'm considering buying a 2007 BMW 325xi coupe. It's travelled 127k km (78k miles) and looks quite alright. I haven't driven it yet, and I'd like to know, what specific things should I look out for (in terms of maintenance, parts changes, etc.). I'll be glad for any feedback.

Royal Flush · 11-06-2011, 09:07 AM

You should make sure the history is clean, no accidents, not a lot of service being done except the maintenance and recalls. You should ask to take it to an independent BMW specialist or shop so they can do a pre-purchase inspection.

Centurion · 11-07-2011, 11:13 AM

Thanks. I've driven the car today and everything seemed alright. I think the right front fender has been removed once (repaint/new one - not sure) and the seatbelt thingy on passenger side didn't work (how much is that to repair, anyone knows?), but the ride was very smooth and the hood and bumper were original - in other words, if anything happened to the car, it was probably just some paint trading or a minor hit. Engine was running smooth, tyre wear was normal and so was the rest. I've not yet decided (I'll keep looking for a while), but other than the aforementioned things, the car looked okay.
There's one thing I've noticed and didn't like at all. It seems the front bumper is cracked. Do you think this is repairable by a respray, or does it need a new bumper to be fully removed?

ctuna · 11-07-2011, 11:46 AM

Get and inspection light and open the oil cap
(If you could get a boarscope or camera probe that would be even better.)
Look for sludge and residue build up do to the extended oil service intervals.
Has the battery been changed lately?
If the owner changed the oil at 7500 mile or less intervals would be what I would look for.
I would also see if the lifetime fluids have been changed.
I would change the lifetime fluids right away.
Look for broken head bolts this is a known problem there are threads on it.
Other issues are valve ticking which is a sticky at the top of the forum page.

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e60...e-our-m5s.html
download the old school maintenance schedule at this location

Be aware of the Run Flat Tire issues.

The car must be told it has a new battery when the battery is changed
to maintain the correct charging rate this is called registering the battery.
There are threads on this its pinta

Centurion · 11-08-2011, 03:10 AM

Thank you, I'll look at those things carefully. That battery change thing - does that mean that you have to have it changed at the dealership, or is it self-doable?

rallyegolf · 11-11-2011, 05:00 PM

I have an 06 325xi E91 that has about that many miles. I had to replace the rear wheel bearings and breaks so far on it, and I think this year I will need a battery. The owner before me just got done replacing the front breaks. They are cheap if you do them yourself, but the dealer will rape you on a brake job.

The battery I hear is a dealer only part because they have to reset the battery life and its about $300-$500 depending on the dealer.

Other then that, mine has been running really well for the last 6 months or so.

Good luck.

11-06-2011, 08:20 AM	#1
Centurion Private 24 Rep 75 Posts Drives: 2020 AW 420i GC Join Date: May 2011 Location: Prague iTrader: (0)	E92 325xi: What to look out for I guess there's been a lot of threads like this one, but since many people simply start a new thread, I'll do the same thing. I'm considering buying a 2007 BMW 325xi coupe. It's travelled 127k km (78k miles) and looks quite alright. I haven't driven it yet, and I'd like to know, what specific things should I look out for (in terms of maintenance, parts changes, etc.). I'll be glad for any feedback.
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11-06-2011, 09:07 AM	#2
Royal Flush Major 74 Rep 1,309 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Not everyone who wanders is lost. iTrader: (2)	You should make sure the history is clean, no accidents, not a lot of service being done except the maintenance and recalls. You should ask to take it to an independent BMW specialist or shop so they can do a pre-purchase inspection.
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11-07-2011, 11:13 AM	#3
Centurion Private 24 Rep 75 Posts Drives: 2020 AW 420i GC Join Date: May 2011 Location: Prague iTrader: (0)	Thanks. I've driven the car today and everything seemed alright. I think the right front fender has been removed once (repaint/new one - not sure) and the seatbelt thingy on passenger side didn't work (how much is that to repair, anyone knows?), but the ride was very smooth and the hood and bumper were original - in other words, if anything happened to the car, it was probably just some paint trading or a minor hit. Engine was running smooth, tyre wear was normal and so was the rest. I've not yet decided (I'll keep looking for a while), but other than the aforementioned things, the car looked okay. There's one thing I've noticed and didn't like at all. It seems the front bumper is cracked. Do you think this is repairable by a respray, or does it need a new bumper to be fully removed? Attached Images Last edited by Centurion; 11-07-2011 at 11:21 AM..
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11-07-2011, 11:46 AM	#4
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Get and inspection light and open the oil cap Get and inspection light and open the oil cap (If you could get a boarscope or camera probe that would be even better.) Look for sludge and residue build up do to the extended oil service intervals. Has the battery been changed lately? If the owner changed the oil at 7500 mile or less intervals would be what I would look for. I would also see if the lifetime fluids have been changed. I would change the lifetime fluids right away. Look for broken head bolts this is a known problem there are threads on it. Other issues are valve ticking which is a sticky at the top of the forum page. http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e60...e-our-m5s.html download the old school maintenance schedule at this location Be aware of the Run Flat Tire issues. The car must be told it has a new battery when the battery is changed to maintain the correct charging rate this is called registering the battery. There are threads on this its pinta Last edited by ctuna; 11-07-2011 at 11:52 AM..
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11-08-2011, 03:10 AM	#5
Centurion Private 24 Rep 75 Posts Drives: 2020 AW 420i GC Join Date: May 2011 Location: Prague iTrader: (0)	Thank you, I'll look at those things carefully. That battery change thing - does that mean that you have to have it changed at the dealership, or is it self-doable?
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11-11-2011, 05:00 PM	#6
rallyegolf Private First Class 10 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2006 325XI Wagon Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: BMW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325xit [0.00]	I have an 06 325xi E91 that has about that many miles. I had to replace the rear wheel bearings and breaks so far on it, and I think this year I will need a battery. The owner before me just got done replacing the front breaks. They are cheap if you do them yourself, but the dealer will rape you on a brake job. The battery I hear is a dealer only part because they have to reset the battery life and its about $300-$500 depending on the dealer. Other then that, mine has been running really well for the last 6 months or so. Good luck. __________________
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