[INFURNO]

Originally Posted by dr335is

There is no law, however, there is common sense.
Unfortunately, you realize it when you're 30...but then, it is too late...

Got my 330i in my mid 20's and in the university. I can say it was the best car decision I've ever made.

$19k is too high imho..

But would not recommend a 328i if you can get a 330i. The 330i was the better car with more features. I think even today imho. It's also relatively a rare model to find.

[Doctor///M]

Good luck dude, ignore the haters on the forum. At no point did you come across as cocky or rude, and keep it that way. Some forum members aren't too fond of college kids in 3ers... (mind you, it's only a 3 series).

Do hang around and educate yourself on the cars before making that huge financial decision.
It'll definitely go a long way in your decision and you'll get a better feel for common strengths, issues and the market value of the car that you're gonna eventually get

These cars, especially older ones out of warranty are not cheap to fix when something goes wrong. Parts are one thing, but labor adds on (a lot) more than you'd initially think.

[scrappyz323]

I got my 328i a month ago, it's an 07 with 21k miles on it.

[tony20009]

Seeing as you already have a hassle-free car, the smart move would be to keep it, finish school, buy a house and then worry about getting a BMW.

The TSX is a nice car and it's highly unlikely to have things break on it. You don't need the bother of a less dependable and more expensive car before you've even finished school.

[tony20009]

Originally Posted by INFURNO

Got my 330i in my mid 20's and in the university. I can say it was the best car decision I've ever made.

$19k is too high imho..

But would not recommend a 328i if you can get a 330i. The 330i was the better car with more features. I think even today imho. It's also relatively a rare model to find.

Well, just how many decisions has 20 year old made, let alone car decision?

When I was 20, the biggest decision I'd made was whether to double major or not. The second biggest was whether to go to Mexico or Europe for Spring Break. The third was whether to join a fraternity or not.

[andyinjersey]

Originally Posted by S3RI35

Good luck dude, ignore the haters on the forum. At no point did you come across as cocky or rude, and keep it that way. Some forum members aren't too fond of college kids in 3ers... (mind you, it's only a 3 series).

Do hang around and educate yourself on the cars before making that huge financial decision.
It'll definitely go a long way in your decision and you'll get a better feel for common strengths, issues and the market value of the car that you're gonna eventually get

These cars, especially older ones out of warranty are not cheap to fix when something goes wrong. Parts are one thing, but labor adds on (a lot) more than you'd initially think.

Thanks, I was trying to not come off as a dick but in my area there are lots of people my age in 3 series, 5 series, A4's, A5's, C300's, etc. And I know there is a image of a 20 year old in a BMW, but I really do love cars. Hard decision, I know how a BMW can be around ~$1.5k-2k a year to maintain but I guess I have to make the decision if it's worth it. BMW's are also one of the safer cars on the road today.

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by P3rsian Pr0digy

Because hes able to afford a 20k car at 20 and probably wants to get more pussy

pussy is good......car payments are not

[dcat151]

You're probably already aware, but the only thing I would note is that you'll need to have some cash for maintenance costs. I think the N52 is pretty solid, but BMW electronics can be unpredictable. And, of course, most of the time when one of the electronic components goes out, the fix is to replace it, which can be expensive.

[superjay]

Originally Posted by andyinjersey

Hi everybody,

Before you go crazy, I know there are a million of these threads but they are outdated, and I have a couple questions that are unanswered. I go back to forum threads in '07, '08, '09 about people asking the same questions about the 330i and it's crazy how much used car values went up recently. In '08 some guy bought a 330i with 40k miles for like $18k. Now I can't find a damn 330i for under $16k.

Anyway, I'm looking at a used 2006 330i with one accident RWD black/black with sports, premium, and navi. Basically fully loaded with 55,800 miles in Westchester County, NY for $19.5k. Did used car prices really inflate like this or am I getting ripped off?

I have a full-time internship for the summer and go away to school the rest of the year, so working on the car is almost impossible. Should I just pass this car or try to buy? My only other option is buying an '08 TL or leasing a car with monthly payments AKA only being able to lease a VW

Driving school car= BMW X3 (I know don't ask me how...)
First car for 3 yrs= 1996 Nissan Quest
Current car (lease ending soon) = 2010 Acura TSX 2.4L

I never really paid attention to the performance of german cars, but after I drove a lot of my friends and people at work, I realized how subpar japanese cars are. My friends '04 BMW 330Ci feels tighter and drives better than my 2010.... Thank you

I have found countless 2007 E90 and E92 335i for about the same amount. These were all found at CarMax, BMW, MBZ and Lexus dealers, so it's the premium price for them. $19k for a year older car with no turbo is a lot. the 06 330 can be had for about $14k or less

[hockeydude35]

Originally Posted by superjay

I have found countless 2007 E90 and E92 335i for about the same amount. These were all found at CarMax, BMW, MBZ and Lexus dealers, so it's the premium price for them. $19k for a year older car with no turbo is a lot. the 06 330 can be had for about $14k or less

No, the 330i can't be had for 14k or less...wtf??

http://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchr...=2102&zc=19130

If you're finding 330's for 14k or less...there's probably something very wrong with them OR they're bare-bones, no packages. And sure, the 335 can be had in a similar price range (around 20k), but you also have to worry about Turbo issues then.

[thecadman99]

I've seen several nice 330i's when looking for mine- Most dealers in my area want around 16k for one with ~80k and private party is usually about 1500-1000k lower.

I think the 330 is a car a lot people bought to be the "biggest and baddest 3" on the road in 2006- then the 335 pops up and everybody goes trading them in for more HP.

Now the latest owners seem to be more conservative drivers who didn't feel the need for the 335.
Theres no guarantee they will be any more reliable than a 335, but it seems like they have been, just looking at the average 3 owners issues.

[Kolyan2k]

$13-14k at local auction for 330i with 80-90k miles....

[superjay]

Originally Posted by hockeydude35

No, the 330i can't be had for 14k or less...wtf??

http://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchr...=2102&zc=19130

If you're finding 330's for 14k or less...there's probably something very wrong with them OR they're bare-bones, no packages. And sure, the 335 can be had in a similar price range (around 20k), but you also have to worry about Turbo issues then.

Is the internet your only resource?

[hockeydude35]

Originally Posted by superjay

Is the internet your only resource?

I mean, It's not like the common person has much access to any other resource to help find vehicles. Especially something that's not super common like an e90 330.

[superjay]

those are super common

[INFURNO]

Originally Posted by tony20009

Well, just how many decisions has 20 year old made, let alone car decision?

When I was 20, the biggest decision I'd made was whether to double major or not. The second biggest was whether to go to Mexico or Europe for Spring Break. The third was whether to join a fraternity or not.

It's my 6th car.. and now I'm about to move to another city. Buy a house. Considering starting a PhD program. Maybe get married. Guess I'll have to wait and see how these pan out.. I may end up on your side of the fence. story developing

Just wish my 330i didn't crash in value so badly.. I don't owe anything so it's not a big deal. I guess that's why I'm still holding on to it - depreciation is done and now driving for free.

[thecadman99]

Yeah but like zhp and m3 prices its tough to find one at
book value.

[hockeydude35]

Well, if we're going off of KBB...then I don't see how 19500 is overpaying (again, keeping in mind that an accident will greatly devalue the car...probably knocks off at least 2k).

[alexb]

You're leasing that TSX, right? So, in order to keep it, you'd have to put up cash? I expect it's a bit more than 19k to keep that TSX. But, if you're really putting a shit-load of miles on your car, it makes more sense to keep the younger car.

I drive 10,000 miles a year. So far, I've done a single out of pocket oil change on the 330. That's it. I expect that when I get closer to 100k miles, I will need to lay out for spark plugs, possibly front suspension components. If you buy a 330 with around 60k miles on it, be aware you'll need to spend somewhere between $250 - $500 on replacing the battery. You'll also probably need to do the brakes, which could cost up to $1000? Assuming professional installation.

Buying a six year old car, you'll need to pay out of pocket for these things, and fairly soon. Google for E90 battery replacement procedure -- you have to "register" a new battery with the car computer, which means you need a professional tech or the proper tool to DIY. Obviously, if you can score this car for 15k, then do it. But I'm not sure where you'll find it.

You need to figure in up-front cost of known required maintenance, as well as $1500-$2000 for taxes and fees. You should consider that part of the purchase price. This is the case for any car, but I can at least advise you on what I had to pay on top of retail price to get into my 330. You can consider whatever you're paying on maintenance in the years beyond that as your car payment. Even though $2000 a year sounds like a lot of maintenance, that's still only $167/year.

But, all that being said... you'll love the car. I'm personally glad that I don't have a 335. I don't need to own a car that fast. I'll get in a lot of trouble.

So: what's it going to cost you to keep the TSX? Consider that along with whatever other used cars you're looking at. Tell your friend to buy a new BMW and sell you his 330ci?

[Vegetable]

[QUOTE=INFURNO;12319440]Got my 330i in my mid 20's and in the university. I can say it was the best car decision I've ever made.

$19k is too high imho..

But would not recommend a 328i if you can get a 330i. The 330i was the better car with more features. I think even today imho. It's also relatively a rare model to find.[/QUOTE


Why is the 330 a better car than the 328? Becasue it has more features? Like what? Just curious because I've driven both cars and while the 2006 330 seemed slightly quicker I guess than the 2007 328, the two cars were largely similar in the acceleration department. I imagine an AA tune on the 328 would make the differences in power even more negligible?

[INFURNO]

Originally Posted by Vegetables

Why is the 330 a better car than the 328? Becasue it has more features? Like what? Just curious because I've driven both cars and while the 2006 330 seemed slightly quicker I guess than the 2007 328, the two cars were largely similar in the acceleration department. I imagine an AA tune on the 328 would make the differences in power even more negligible?

The 330i has a more powerful motor.. intake and throttle updates. 190 kW and 258 bhp (if I remember right) and 228 bhp in the 328i.. I believe the newer 328i models have a quicker transmission so it will shift faster giving it as slighter more peppy feel.

I thought back as I wrote.. Features really change over the years, and since the 06 is 6 years old - I'm not exactly sure what's happened every year.

The only 328i cars I've driven were 2009+ so I could have been wrong anyway. I know a couple things changed then. Should include the climate controlled cup holder between the seats that I actually use. Had a standard moonroof. Some cig lighters have been deleted (for my electronics ). Folding door over the ash tray under center console has been deleted. The little things like this make the car what it is to me.

I'm pretty sure 330i always came with xenons but the 328i usually didn't?

The 330i came with upgraded brakes but newer 328i may have them too.

There's probably a list somewhere of what has been lost since the e90 was first introduced. No doubt gained a lot too - but at a cost!

[Johnny D]

I'll sell you my modded 325i (330i performance specs) for $19k lol!

Honestly, Id pass. There are many cars out there for several thousand less, even including shipping to your location.