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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BMW E90/E92/E93 3-series General Forums > General E90 Sedan / E91 Wagon / E92 Coupe / E93 Cabrio > About to buy 330i, need some input. Anything!



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      08-09-2015, 02:18 AM   #1
bmwsj
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Smile About to buy 330i, need some input. Anything!

The car I'm looking at is a 2006 330i, titanium silver, black leather, Sport package, cold weather package, premium package, 6 speed manual, 94k. It is very clean, i would say in excellent condition ass KBB would say. The dealership is asking $12,500 with a 6 month warranty or 7500 miles. The valve cover gaskets have been replaced as well as oil filter gasket. It is still on its stock water pump though which is hard to believe but the dealership has BMW mechanics and they say there is nothing wrong with it so there is no need to replace. The warranty will make me sleep better at night. I will trade in my Acura TL in for it and put a couple grand down on top of that to pay it off. From what I've heard these engines are very good and I've heard a lot of good stuff about this particular model. What do you guys think?! Good buy or no??
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      08-09-2015, 02:22 AM   #2
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Sounds a bit expensive considering it's age to be honest. The engine is good though as that would be the solid n52 in that and not the newer n53.
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      08-09-2015, 07:54 AM   #3
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Very expensive, there's alot of 330i's around 100k more or less that sell for like 8-9k. Since you're in NJ we're in my area too. BUT, if you still want to get it I personally would tell them to replace the waterpump/thermostat and the oil pan. The waterpump at 94k is probably going to give out soon and that with the thermostat is going to run you ~1k itself.

Just another suggestion, for 12.5k you could probably get a pretty nice 335i. http://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/5119545324.html / This is just the first link I found in a few seconds. If you do start straying towards a 335i my best suggestion is 2008+ because 2007 has a lot of problems. A guy I knew had his 2007 335 on a flatbed atleast once a month..
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      08-09-2015, 09:53 AM   #4
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That seems pricey for that car.
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      08-09-2015, 03:32 PM   #5
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I paid about 1.5k less, for 4k fewer miles, replaced water pump, and no warranty. No premium package, cold weather package. Seems fair imho. Before everyone starts knocking me that I could have bought a 335 for that price- I was specifically avoiding the 335. I am a college student, who does all my own work, and doesn't currently have the money/time for an N54 or the speeding tickets. That's post grad . If you're not wanting the n54, I would say do it. If you have some extra cash, and dont mind tinkering with turbos, then 335 is also a good choice.

but I adore the n52
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      08-09-2015, 04:03 PM   #6
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Buying from a dealership is always going to be a bit more money. The 330 is a good car, sounds okay to me.
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      08-09-2015, 06:25 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwsj View Post
The car I'm looking at is a 2006 330i, I will trade in my Acura TL in for it and put a couple grand down on top of that to pay it off.
So you plan to trade a car that's on the 2015 Consumer Reports "Reliable Used Cars for Every Budget" list (Acura TL, '05-'11) in on a car that's featured on the 2015 Consumer Reports "Used Models to Avoid" list ('06 BMW 330i)?

And pay the dealer a couple of grand for this privilege?
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      08-09-2015, 07:00 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by essex_lad View Post
Sounds a bit expensive considering it's age to be honest. The engine is good though as that would be the solid n52 in that and not the newer n53.
The N53 was never brought to North America.

The N52 was used in the 3 Series up until the F3X which switched over to the N20 (2012 model).

As for OP's vehicle, I agree with everyone else about the price being a little too high for that year + mileage. You should be looking to spend around $10,000.
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      08-09-2015, 07:23 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Shiftright View Post
So you plan to trade a car that's on the 2015 Consumer Reports "Reliable Used Cars for Every Budget" list (Acura TL, '05-'11) in on a car that's featured on the 2015 Consumer Reports "Used Models to Avoid" list ('06 BMW 330i)?
And pay the dealer a couple of grand for this privilege?

OP, pay attention to what this guy is saying here.
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      08-09-2015, 07:29 PM   #10
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OP - I'd wait a bit.

I'm guessing you don't have a ton of disposal money, and I think you'd be better off with the Acura (Hondas have great engines and quite good resale value) for now. Put your extra money into a bank account, save up for a year, and see what's available then.

I'm betting that you could get a 2010-ish at that time for a price you can confidently afford.
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      08-10-2015, 12:13 AM   #11
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12,500 is high for that car, no matter what option and warranty they're going to offer. The probably have less than $8k in it, and are probably trying to screw some sucker with bad credit, who wants a "balling" car. Just my first guess anyway.

Does it have idrive? I paid $12 for my car a few months ago, which again, is probably too much for what it is, but it was the only local 6-speed/idrive 330 for sale. Otherwise I would've had to drive 6-10 hours for a car with the options I wanted, and I was willing to pay the premium for the lowest-risk option. My car also came with brand-new Conti-DWS tires, an incredible service history, and is near mint condition - so to me, it was worth the premium.

(And for those who might flame me for it, yes I know I could have bought a 335 for a few nickels more. I don't care. I chose the 330 for a few reasons and am happy with the choice.)

So if there's something special about that car, and you REALLY like it, here's what I'd do. Tell them you'll give them 11,000 cash for the car with a new water-pump and thermostat, from the shop of your choosing. Or 10,000 cash, as is. That "warranty" they're offering is worthless, because if the water pump goes, it'll be right outside of their terms. So don't count on that.

What year is your TL? Doesn't really matter though - regardless, I'd still take the 330, especially if your TL is an automatic...
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      08-10-2015, 01:31 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Shiftright
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwsj View Post
The car I'm looking at is a 2006 330i, I will trade in my Acura TL in for it and put a couple grand down on top of that to pay it off.
So you plan to trade a car that's on the 2015 Consumer Reports "Reliable Used Cars for Every Budget" list (Acura TL, '05-'11) in on a car that's featured on the 2015 Consumer Reports "Used Models to Avoid" list ('06 BMW 330i)?

And pay the dealer a couple of grand for this privilege?
Maybe OP is over reliability and wants something fun. Life is too short to be driving FWD lol
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      08-10-2015, 01:34 AM   #13
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The engine is good though as that would be the solid n52 in that and not the newer n53.
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      08-10-2015, 02:33 AM   #14
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My Acura needs timing belt, water pump, radiator, new brakes and rotors, new back tires, and it is automatitic, Acura auto trans tend to go in model year 07. I feel a little slip (sometimes shakes between 2nd n 3rd when driving it slow) maybe I'm crazy. Im trading this in so I'm not buying off private seller. I have my reasons also for not getting a 335, too many bad stories and plus I'm only 21 and still in college. This car looks brand new inside and out. I'm not worried about fixing the water pump and Thermostat down the line, I have enough money for a 335 but I'd rather save it for potential repairs for this car. I think this is a big step up from my Acura and everybody that has this model with sprt package seems to love it, I think this is a fun sporty car for my first manual car too.
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      08-10-2015, 08:15 AM   #15
Jashley73
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Post pictures of the car. Even still, 12,500 is too much. Talk them down on the price. Otherwise, it'll be a nice, dare I say - dependable - car for you.
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      08-10-2015, 08:43 AM   #16
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Don't dare buy it without a Pre-purchase Inspection from a reputable Indy shop that works on BMWs.

As others have said, it might be priced a little high but thats a dealership for you.
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      08-10-2015, 09:10 AM   #17
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+1 get a PPI. I bought mine after it had a PPI with a clean bill of health, and the knowledge the cooling system had been recently rebuilt. Don't want any surprises. So far (2k miles later), only issue has been my driver's door lock actuator failed.

Top tip, do that before the driver's door gets stuck locked and you spend 4 hours laying across the passenger and driver's seat trying to get it unlocked. Other than that, an easy repair.
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      08-10-2015, 10:18 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Shiftright View Post
So you plan to trade a car that's on the 2015 Consumer Reports "Reliable Used Cars for Every Budget" list (Acura TL, '05-'11) in on a car that's featured on the 2015 Consumer Reports "Used Models to Avoid" list ('06 BMW 330i)?

And pay the dealer a couple of grand for this privilege?
Since we're listing Consumer Reports as purchase advice, might as well get a Toyota Prius. That's listed as a top pick. I completely follow the OP, I had an Acura TL and though it was reliable, I too got rid of it for my E90, while I lived in NJ and was in college too.

Back on topic, OP. 12,500 is a bit higher than average, but not exorbitant. That is about how much 07-08 328s go for nowadays.

I'd shoot for 11,000-11,500 OTD. The car has all the desirable features. Save the 1000-1500 for any future issues.
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      08-15-2015, 05:22 PM   #19
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Sweet car, nice color and options. 94k isn't bad at all on an n52. The price is a bit high, maybe you can negotiate. If it's in really sweet condition and maintained, it could still be worth it.
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      08-15-2015, 07:39 PM   #20
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I am selling my 06 330i for $9k if you are interested.
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      08-15-2015, 08:00 PM   #21
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Have them swap out the water pump, do the deal, and enjoy your new ride. If it wasn't at least ok, the dealer, any BMW dealer, would have sent it to auction.
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      08-16-2015, 07:23 PM   #22
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9 months ago i got my 328i loaded with all the option packages... 86k miles and pretty flawless for the most part and I got it at 10,900
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