Which direction to go

cluejunior · 05-11-2009, 10:37 AM

I purchased an '06 325xi at the beginning of the year and have loved it so far, that is until the dealer gave me a new 5 series as a loaner when it was due for service. As my vehicle is now out of warranty and the loaner left me feeling like I was driving a honda, I am looking for a possible direction to take this car; or for experienced advice telling me to just steer toward a new vehicle (Thinking about a six series). I'm sure the cost to payoff ratio is probably horrid with a german vehicle, but I was thinking a few things. Option A: Upgrade the front clip to an '09 though costly it may still be less than buying brand new. Option B: See how costly and labor intensive it is to upgrade to a 335 with a tune. Is it a full engine replacement or just new oil pan and turbos, etc? Is the tiptronic from the 325 rated to handle the increase in power? Option C: Combine these approaches in some fashion. Option D: put this car down with cash on a better car.

I have heard of 335s getting 400 wheel horse with just a chip and tune. That is what got my creative juices flowing. I would say my budget should be a little shy of 5 grand up to 15k if the setup is worth it.

I really know for sure I want to upgrade headlights so I figured upgrade to '09 front clip while I am at it, but I realize that may include grill hood bumper and even quarter panels, the latter being intensive labor and money.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. i am shooting to do it mid july so I have a nice present for myself when my birthday rolls around.

Oh, and it is a sedan. Thanks in advance!

kgb1637 · 05-11-2009, 10:55 AM

335's are quite easy to get over 400hp with chips and tunes. It just depends on how much you're willing to spend to get a 335. The '07's are starting to creep into the high 20k's but depending on options and mileage you're looking in the low 30's. In my opinion the 335 is the best you can do if you're looking to upgrade but still stay within the E90 look other than the M3 of course.

cluejunior · 05-11-2009, 02:01 PM

I hear ya. I'm not really looking to buy a different 3 series at this point. If I decide moding my existing car is too costly I will likely upgrade cars substantially. Just want to hear what options and prices you all would consider if you were me.

Master Deep · 05-14-2009, 06:40 PM

If you are willing to spend $15k, trade in your 325xi+$15k and just get a 07 335. That's the most cost effective with the least headaches.

05-11-2009, 10:37 AM	#1
cluejunior New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: Blue 2006 BMW 325xi Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (0)	Which direction to go I purchased an '06 325xi at the beginning of the year and have loved it so far, that is until the dealer gave me a new 5 series as a loaner when it was due for service. As my vehicle is now out of warranty and the loaner left me feeling like I was driving a honda, I am looking for a possible direction to take this car; or for experienced advice telling me to just steer toward a new vehicle (Thinking about a six series). I'm sure the cost to payoff ratio is probably horrid with a german vehicle, but I was thinking a few things. Option A: Upgrade the front clip to an '09 though costly it may still be less than buying brand new. Option B: See how costly and labor intensive it is to upgrade to a 335 with a tune. Is it a full engine replacement or just new oil pan and turbos, etc? Is the tiptronic from the 325 rated to handle the increase in power? Option C: Combine these approaches in some fashion. Option D: put this car down with cash on a better car. I have heard of 335s getting 400 wheel horse with just a chip and tune. That is what got my creative juices flowing. I would say my budget should be a little shy of 5 grand up to 15k if the setup is worth it. I really know for sure I want to upgrade headlights so I figured upgrade to '09 front clip while I am at it, but I realize that may include grill hood bumper and even quarter panels, the latter being intensive labor and money. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. i am shooting to do it mid july so I have a nice present for myself when my birthday rolls around. Oh, and it is a sedan. Thanks in advance!
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05-11-2009, 10:55 AM	#2
kgb1637 Lieutenant Colonel 21 Rep 1,519 Posts Drives: RS5 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Baltimore, MD iTrader: (0)	335's are quite easy to get over 400hp with chips and tunes. It just depends on how much you're willing to spend to get a 335. The '07's are starting to creep into the high 20k's but depending on options and mileage you're looking in the low 30's. In my opinion the 335 is the best you can do if you're looking to upgrade but still stay within the E90 look other than the M3 of course. __________________ Retired - '08 E90 335i Sparkling Graphite/Gray Dakota Leather, ZSP, ZCW, ZPP, Navi, ipod, Sat
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05-11-2009, 02:01 PM	#3
cluejunior New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: Blue 2006 BMW 325xi Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (0)	I hear ya. I'm not really looking to buy a different 3 series at this point. If I decide moding my existing car is too costly I will likely upgrade cars substantially. Just want to hear what options and prices you all would consider if you were me.
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05-14-2009, 06:40 PM	#4
Master Deep Captain 40 Rep 869 Posts Drives: 06 325xi Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325xi [0.00]	If you are willing to spend $15k, trade in your 325xi+$15k and just get a 07 335. That's the most cost effective with the least headaches.
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