[Rival]

**

[jeddo45]

Like any car purchase, make sure that the car was properly maintained that way going into it, you will have the peace of mind. The N54 vs N55 argument has been covered all over these forums so if you want to know the pros and cons between the 2, just search.

The N52 is going to be less problematic than the others though down the line.

Anyways I'll hit the insurance. I was paying a pretty decent amount for insurance when I got my 335i. I decided that I would get another car (nothing special, 04 Corolla) and put that as my main car while I changed my 335i to a weekend car, and reported that I'd be putting less than 10k miles a year on it while maintaining full coverage. My insurance dropped like crazy and now I'm paying 200 bucks a month for full coverage on both cars.

Not too bad in my opinion. Or maybe someone will chime in and say I'm still paying too much 😂!

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by Rival

Hello all,

I have been looking for a 2011 328, i want to stay with the hydraulic brakes n steering. Plus i'm not one for the bigger body of the f30.

In the Chicago area, I can find a N54 or N55 for the same amount as a N52...??

a used 335 (n55) will go for $13.5 - $17.5k with 60-85k on it, a good amount of maintenance, etc.

a 328 is practically the same price with similar miles n up keep.

I would love the 335 but the insurance and maintenance are the killers. Esp if i end up with a problematic car.

Your guys thoughts,

Personally I'd rather get a really low mileage M240.

For what you listed
What are the years for the cars and options?

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by Rival

wife wants a baby

Need 4 doors and folding rear seats.

would love one, but that aint happening

Got ya? In this case get a 328 and call it a day.

[BimmerNugget]

If you're paying those prices on a similar mileage 2011 328i, you're getting ripped off. See my other posts regarding Manhiem MMRs so you know what price is a rip off and what's not. Also, all these used BMWs from 3rd party used dealerships come from auctions...auction BMWs are mostly crap.

I paid 9500 for my 2011 328i 57k miles in June 2017.

[atmosphericM]

E9x 328 and 335 probably will cost about the same at this point. After all, the only differences between them are like brakes and motor; and trust me there is a lot more to love about these cars than just that! i.e. interior, exterior styling, and handling.. at least in my opinion.

As with any older car, the price differences between similar models will muddle with the years, because frankly there isn't much play room between 12-17 as there was with 35-55 thousand.. ya get me? Also, all of the "bad taste" in the world's mouth regarding the fuel pump failures, etc. of the 335 hurts their resale value, while the 328 has been mostly smooth sailing, as far as I know. In the end, the maintenance of the 335 is what's going to cost you more when buying one used, not the initial purchase price.

I just picked up a CPO 2013 328i, (wanted an M3 but decided to be responsible), and while I'd love the extra power of the 335, I guess I got old and just didn't really care all that much. The 328 ticks every other box, and I suppose I chose peace of mind over power in the end. Neither is a sports car anyway, so I can live with a slowmobile until I can get something really nasty.

That said, to each his own! The 335 can certainly be a beast with the right mods and owner. In fact I nearly bought a 335is, but the mileage and maintenance just scared me away. With a used car, you never know what repairs you might be doing within the first six months as you really dig in.

Everyone's situation is different, so you just gotta decide what matters most to you personally. For me, if I couldn't have my dream car, I just wanted something fun, simple, and reliable. Plus I'm a sucker for N/A engines in this world of turbo everything...

Just my two cents...

[rick100]

I dont believe the same mileage, year and equipped 328 will cost the same as a 335.

I ve been looking for the last 6 months and even a 10 year old 335 costs more than a similar condition 328. The difference gets bigger the newer they are

However , here is one thing , an older 335 will need more maintenance , specially a n54 335 , specially the ones selling for bottom dollar.

[Wingnut335]

Originally Posted by rick100

I dont believe the same mileage, year and equipped 328 will cost the same as a 335.

I ve been looking for the last 6 months and even a 10 year old 335 costs more than a similar condition 328. The difference gets bigger the newer they are

However , here is one thing , an older 335 will need more maintenance , specially a n54 335 , specially the ones selling for bottom dollar.

+1

I agree with you completely. Something like this came up last month when someone posted that there were twice as many 335 for sale as 328, but when I checked online in my area (Chicagoland), I observed exactly the opposite.... about twice as many 328 for sale as 335.

This time I decided to check the values of 328 vs 335 and once again I come to find that the average 2007 328 in my area sells for $6k while the 335 is $8k. The overall average for 2007-2011 328 came out to $9k while the 335 was $12k. Not a huge difference in dollars, but it does equal to a an average 25% premium.

[rick100]

Originally Posted by Rival

im in Chicago too.

Although I am only looking for a RWD car, so when you search, 65%/75% are AWD cars. Also i only want a 2011 or possibly a 2010. Everything i am looking at is 13k +

So that changes things a bit. WHen you compare 2010/2011 328 to 335, yes the 335 are about 25% more. Roughly $2-3.5K

Ive always wanted the 335, the price difference is jack, the only thing stopping me is the insurance and the hairdryers cause too many other issues.

But being another 2800-3300 on top of what im going to spend....Makes it very tough not to really push for the 335

2-3.5K plus tax is close to 4k . Then you add insurance cost , maintenance cost , gas ( most guys running these cars are on 93 octane or higher) then the difference is a lot more.

And this is on a car that is almost 10 years old.

Its a tough decision , been on the market for 6 months and I still can not justify it

Although some guys still shit on a 328 . Being perfectly honest , if I was looking for a nice daily , I would go N/A and just do small bolts on , keep it somewhat reliable, avoid headaches. If I was looking for a fun car then 335 is better for sure. However a c6 corvette, porshe cayman S can be found in the mid / low 20s , mustang gt and camaro's are also around there and they are pretty damn reliable .

[rick100]

Originally Posted by Rival

Actually, the 335's i am really keen on, 1 is cheaper then the 328 i have my eye on and the other is more.

1 335 - 14k
2nd 335 - 16k
328 - 15k

I put 93 into all e90's so that wouldn't be different. And i'm buying a car thats 6 yrs old, nothing past 7.

I need a real back seat, with folding rears.....so c6, cayman, camaro or mustang are all out. Plus i need to use it as a daily, so the 335 is really the perfect choice.

Just terrified that it would need 2500-3300 bux in repairs one day and thats with me paying jack for parts n labor......

Prices do not mean much if you dont put what mileage / year/ options/ condition of the car.

I can find a v6 mustang for the same price of a v8 mustang if the combinations are correct. Of course I will be giving up somethings in order to get more power

and you do not have to put 93 on a 328 , that is a waste of money . 335 maybe if you are tune for it , as far as I know there is not tune for 93 on a 328.

6 years old car when we are approaching end of the year is already a 7 year old car. If the 335 is the perfect choice then go for it , but like you said older turbo charge BMW usually comes with a big repair bill . Also those cheap 335 you see out there are usually the ones owner want to dump on someone else because they do not want to deal with the repairs.

Its always risky. I would highly advise to take it to a good bmw shop to get it check out before you purchase the car. 335 is a nice machine.

And it also sounds to me that you are comparing the highest price 328 to the lowest price 335.

[rick100]

Originally Posted by Rival

335 - https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...odes=AUT&Log=0


328 - https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...odelCode1=328I

another 328 - https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...odelCode1=328I

umm overall I saw the 335s going for 16k and 17 k and the 328 going for 12k-14k


only 1 , 335 going for 13 500k

who knows the condition of that 335 . In ontario these dealers are notorious for posting car for 1000$ cheaper on the website and once you go there all of the sudden is 1000$ more. Many of those smalls dealer do not even allow you to take the car for a test drive , or want a deposit before you can take it to a mechanic.

I also bet the 328s are more negotiable than the 335s.

I still say the difference between both cars in similar condition is around 3-4k

There is private seller selliing a 335 for 16k which looks nice.

I honestly do not trust these little ass dealers selling their cars for cheap , those cars are sold for cheap for a reason .

Also your search only gave you like 10 results total for both.. I would extend your search to a wider area.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by Rival

im in Chicago too.

Although I am only looking for a RWD car, so when you search, 65%/75% are AWD cars. Also i only want a 2011 or possibly a 2010. Everything i am looking at is 13k +

So that changes things a bit. WHen you compare 2010/2011 328 to 335, yes the 335 are about 25% more. Roughly $2-3.5K

Ive always wanted the 335, the price difference is jack, the only thing stopping me is the insurance and the hairdryers cause too many other issues.

But being another 2800-3300 on top of what im going to spend....Makes it very tough not to really push for the 335

Why not just get a 2009 328i? they came with better standard equipment (stereo, etc) and they are the exact same car as the 10/11 otherwise. Will be cheaper purchase price and insurance given same mileage...

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by Rival

335 - https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...odes=AUT&Log=0


328 - https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...odelCode1=328I

another 328 - https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...odelCode1=328I

Zero options 2011 328s for $15k? Pass

Get a loaded 09 for $11k and have more of everything for less.

[TemjinX2]

most people dont know the difference between 328 or 335i or n54/n51. The general market just lumps everything together as a 3 series. If you look at e92 m3 prices, its about the same price as slightly lower mileage 335is even though there was.

if your willing to pay a few more grand, i would look at e90 m3's.

Insurance varies for everyone depending on record and etc...for me the insurance on my a e92 m3 was actually $20 cheaper then the same coverage and mileage as my 335i.

So i would check insurance carrier

[TylerJamesInc]

Originally Posted by atmosphericM

E9x 328 and 335 probably will cost about the same at this point. After all, the only differences between them are like brakes and motor; and trust me there is a lot more to love about these cars than just that! i.e. interior, exterior styling, and handling.
Plus I'm a sucker for N/A engines in this world of turbo everything.

Just my two cents.

This. X1M
I just went through this twice; once for myself, and then with my buddy during the same time.
Condition and packages makes SUCH a huge difference to me, I can't believe those factors haven't been more of a main focus here.
Guys on a forum really can't help much with the purchase of a "new" car, because a car is only- and exactly- worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.
My wife's '08 IS250 got totaled, and we didn't have a spare car to drive; we were in a pinch.
We've previously owned a tuned '07 6mt sport/prem/cold/CA 335i, so we're familiar with E90s. At this point, I wasn't thrilled with the power of the 335i(GASP! Right?!), and completely open to a 328i. In fact, I really just wanted the last of the good ole BMW NA inline 6. I don't need to go super fast, I just want something I can smash on and scream around in.
We were really spoiled with the '07 having EVERYTHING but nav, but we were willing to sacrifice some bells and whistles. Two things we HAD to have were a 6mt and ZSP.
We found a 2010 m-sport 6mt slicktop 328i in Space Grey with Saddle Brown interior, and it only had 40k miles on it. Call me a ///M "fanboy", I really couldn't give less of a shit. The car is mint, and I've always wanted the m-tech bumpers. I'm not kidding when I say this thing doesn't have a single rock chip on the front end! In this case, we were willing to give up the premium/cold/CA packages for this car. It's gorgeous.
We couldn't be happier with the car. You only miss the 335i when you're telling people on e90post that you have a 328i, and have no reason to click on the N54/N55 turbo subforum.
When you're behind the wheel, not at all. You're just enjoying the hell out of how wonderful it is to drive.
We paid $20,500 for our '07 in '12 with 40k miles, and sold it for $22k in '13 with 54k miles.
We just paid $15,500 for our '10 in Sept '17.

My buddy just got a fully loaded '07 e92 auto 335i for like $6k. Ridden hard, put away wet, salvaged title... but recent HPFP, injectors, walnut job, coils, gaskets, etc etc.

The two cars are worlds apart. He and I we after something completely different, and we're both completely happy with what we got...mostly. He's currently chasing a "misfire" issue...

[6ixSpd]

Naturally aspirated, no turbo BS, reliable as a Honda, minimal maintenance... still incredibly fun to drive even though a Camry is faster and I couldn?t care less.

I love my 328. Y?all can keep your high maintenance 335s.

[rick100]

Originally Posted by TemjinX2

most people dont know the difference between 328 or 335i or n54/n51. The general market just lumps everything together as a 3 series. If you look at e92 m3 prices, its about the same price as slightly lower mileage 335is even though there was.

if your willing to pay a few more grand, i would look at e90 m3's.

Insurance varies for everyone depending on record and etc...for me the insurance on my a e92 m3 was actually $20 cheaper then the same coverage and mileage as my 335i.

So i would check insurance carrier

I highly doubt the dealers dont know the difference between both cars which is 90% of the searchresults op got

The only private sale was a 335 for 16 k which is about right

[sirdaft1]

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

Naturally aspirated, no turbo BS, reliable as a Honda, minimal maintenance... still incredibly fun to drive even though a Camry is faster and I couldn?t care less.

I love my 328. Y?all can keep your high maintenance 335s.

You just miss your 335

[6ixSpd]

Originally Posted by Rival

not exactly

Its got navi, power everything and thats quite a bit for a 328. All you could ask for on top of it would be the cold weather or the sport pkg.

No one options out 328, or at least RWD cars out of Chicago. If you want a AWD, you have a whole world of cars to pick from.

This is so true. Finding a modern BMW like an E90 328i in RWD and 6MT configuration is like looking for a unicorn. In Canada, there are dozens upon dozens of AWD models, and even quite a few with AWD and manual. But RWD and manual? Two listed for sale in the entire country one of which is a rebuilt car.

I feel like I hit the jackpot with my sort-of-barn-find LCI E90 that looked like a scrap car (it sat on a spare rim, interior was absolutely filthy and a dog was definitely in the back seat a lot, pads were down to the metal & rotors were at least 20k overdue, but surprisingly it had zero leaks or issues with the suspension or motor and drove perfectly fine other than the brakes). I was in the market for an E46 325i sedan as a daily, so that should tell you what I scooped it up for lol. I've restored her to her former glory and I bet the previous owner would never believe it's the same car.

It's got such a weird range of options and it turns out it was a LCI launch car. It has comfort access, premium package, sport package, cold weather package, M Sport suspension but no M sport bumpers, black headliner/pillars, satellite radio, Logic7, PDC, xenon headlamps. All that, but no CIC navigation... Yet it's a RWD 6MT in a market where everyone here buys auto AWD models. Crazy! But it is absolutely perfect for a daily driver car, and in the right enthusiast spec for an E90. I love it even more now that I swapped a Saddle Brown interior.

Originally Posted by sirdaft1

You just miss your 335

I do miss the low-end torque sometimes but I'm a N/A guy at heart

[rick100]

Originally Posted by Rival

I would love to, but that is just more money in up keep and the inital buy price is above my league.

Im barely able to afford 17k for a 335. Wife wants a baby.....

Why would you want a used BMW if you can barely afford 17k , furthermore why would you want a used 335 that usually comes with a high maintenance tag...

It just does not make sense.

[Johnny Boost]

Originally Posted by Rival

cuz if the water pump take a shit i pay 100 bux in labor and what the indy shops pays for the pump.

I detail cars there. I could get it done for 450/475. Valve cover gasket, 200 bux. I would just need to detail a 15-18 hr job.

Turbo's, i just just pay for the new hairdryers and 150/200 to throw em in. I give back twice the hours and pay for parts.......at his cost.

e90 maintenance isnt shit for me. gaskets n seals are nothing, but a bad n54 would get me since it would be well beyond the services we exchange.

EDIT***I also only put 4400 miles on it a year, i have a 9 min commute to work****

It sounds like you've decided on the 335 but you have a 328 budget. If you know in your heart that you want a 335, then just save a little more and get one. Otherwise you'll end up trolling the general section, constantly trying to justify buying a 328.

[rick100]

Originally Posted by Johnny Boost

It sounds like you've decided on the 335 but you have a 328 budget. If you know in your heart that you want a 335, then just save a little more and get one. Otherwise you'll end up trolling the general section, constantly trying to justify buying a 328.

he can troll thinking his old 335 is the best car ever known to man and he can troll justifying all the big money he is spending on fixing it or how he needs to 400 HP to go from light to light , or how he needs 400 hp to safely merge into traffic hehe