[Typhoon707]

Hi everyone,
I am looking to purchase a new (used) BMW and am currently deciding between a 2008 335xi and a 2010 328xi.

2008 335xi -$10700 after tax and documents (still negotiating price)

• Cold Winter Package (No heated steering wheel)
• Sports package
• Premium package
• HPFP has been replaced (recalled), I am not sure when...
• No accidents
• Red M brake calipers (no one knows of they're genuine though..)
• Automatic (I want an auto...don't judge)
• Has paddleshifters
• Clean CARFAX
• A BIT OF chipped paint on the window seal trim (its painted black, or was it default black??)
• Needs new rear brake rotors AND brake pads

Mileage is: 112152 miles

It does not have maintenance records, I had a mechanic check it out and basically rear brake pads and rotors need to be replaced but everything else seemed fine (however, he spotted oil residue in the engine, but could not for sure determine if it was caused by a leak since the engine has been power cleaned by the dealer)


2010 328xi - $13000 (I think I can get it to 12500)
Private seller

• Cold Winter Package (does have heated steering wheel)
• After market matte black paint job (seller says it cost him $2500)
• Genuine black M rims (worth like 500-600 each if new)
• Sensatec seats (not genuine leather)
• One of the free VIN reports says its clean
• Seller claims its perfect exterior, looks that way too from the pictures
• Garage kept
• Needs new front brake rotors, but new brake pads

Mileage: 59000 miles (will go up because it is still his daily driver)

So I was wondering which one I should get. In the end I think the price difference between the two would be 2000 dollars. I know of all the Pros a 335xi would have over a 328xi, and don't think I would be modding the car mechanically. I am kind of concerned about the 335's repair costs if a turbo fails, or if oil leak actually exists (no oil was dripping during test drive). I have not had the time to check out the 328 that is being privately sold.

Which should I get? I also don't know how long I will keep the car for, so which would have a better resell value assuming I don't drive it much, I'm guessing somewhere as low as <3000miles a year.

I don't have much access to indoor parking so would the matte paint get worn faster than regular paint under sunlight?

Thanks in advance!

Edit: Both cars are coupes, if that changes anything...

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by Typhoon707

Hi everyone,
I am looking to purchase a new (used) BMW and am currently deciding between a 2008 335xi and a 2010 328xi.

2008 335xi -$10700 after tax and documents (still negotiating price)

• Cold Winter Package (No heated steering wheel)
• Sports package
• Premium package
• HPFP has been replaced (recalled), I am not sure when...
• No accidents
• Red M brake calipers (no one knows of they're genuine though..)
• Automatic (I want an auto...don't judge)
• Clean CARFAX
• A BIT OF chipped paint on the window seal trim (its painted black, or was it default black??)
• Needs new rear brake rotors AND brake pads

Mileage is: 112152 miles

It does not have maintenance records, I had a mechanic check it out and basically rear brake pads and rotors need to be replaced but everything else seemed fine (however, he spotted oil residue in the engine, but could not for sure determine if it was caused by a leak since the engine has been power cleaned by the dealer)


2010 328xi - $13000 (I think I can get it to 12500)
Private seller

• Cold Winter Package (does have heated steering wheel)
• After market matte black paint job (seller says it cost him $2500)
• Genuine black M rims (worth like 500-600 each if new)
• Sensatec seats (not genuine leather)
• One of the free VIN reports says its clean
• Seller claims its perfect exterior, looks that way too
• Needs new front brake rotors, but new brake pads

Mileage: 59000 miles (will go up because it is still his daily driver)

So I was wondering which one I should get. In the end I think the price difference between the two would be 2000 dollars. I know of all the Pros a 335xi would have over a 328xi, and don't think I would be modding the car mechanically. I am kind of concerned about the 335's repair costs if a turbo fails, or if oil leak actually exists (no oil was dripping during test drive). I have not had the time to check out the 328 that is being privately sold.

Which should I get? I also don't know how long I will keep the car for, so which would have a better resell value assuming I don't drive it much, I'm guessing somewhere as low as <3000miles a year.

Thanks in advance!

the one with the lower mileage.

try to avoid Xdrive.

[tomgwuyn]

Originally Posted by Typhoon707

Hi everyone,

2010 328xi - $13000 (I think I can get it to 12500)
Private seller

• Cold Winter Package (does have heated steering wheel)
• After market matte black paint job (seller says it cost him $2500)
• Genuine black M rims (worth like 500-600 each if new)
• Sensatec seats (not genuine leather)
• One of the free VIN reports says its clean
• Seller claims its perfect exterior, looks that way too
• Needs new front brake rotors, but new brake pads

Mileage: 59000 miles (will go up because it is still his daily driver)

So I was wondering which one I should get. In the end I think the price difference between the two would be 2000 dollars. I know of all the Pros a 335xi would have over a 328xi, and don't think I would be modding the car mechanically. I am kind of concerned about the 335's repair costs if a turbo fails, or if oil leak actually exists (no oil was dripping during test drive). I have not had the time to check out the 328 that is being privately sold.

Which should I get? I also don't know how long I will keep the car for, so which would have a better resell value assuming I don't drive it much, I'm guessing somewhere as low as <3000miles a year.

Thanks in advance!

Are the maintenance records good and how many owners does the 2010 328 xi have?

[tlow98]

Man, half the mileage for only 20-25% more cost and two years newer? I think the 2010 has the potential to be a much greater ownership experience.

Also, x-drive is fine if that's what you want or need.

[Typhoon707]

Originally Posted by 6IX-F10-N52

the one with the lower mileage.

try to avoid Xdrive.

Is there a particular reason that I should avoid the xDrive? I live in central Illinois and..coincidentally today the snow is pretty large. I know snow tires are the most important, but would the addition cost of maintaining an xDrive+snow tires not be worth the costs?

Thanks!

[Typhoon707]

Originally Posted by tomgwuyn

Are the maintenance records good and how many owners does the 2010 328 xi have?

The seller is not the first owner, I am guessing he is the second (that's what the free VIN report seems to suggest). He says he has owned the car for 3 years and has done all maintenance at the dealer ship WHERE he works. He says he works "service" at the dealership. He is not a mechanic.

I asked him where did he got the paint job from and what brand it is, but he says he doesn't remember... I am kind of concerned about maintaining matte paint.

[Typhoon707]

Originally Posted by tlow98

Man, half the mileage for only 20-25% more cost and two years newer? I think the 2010 has the potential to be a much greater ownership experience.

Also, x-drive is fine if that's what you want or need.

Thanks for your reply! However, the 328xi's cabin seems to be of a lower spec since the seats are sensatec (any comments on these seats? searched the forums, reviews seem fine), and the seats are not sports seats. BUT then it comes with a heated steering wheel.

[Delta0311]

C: Save more money and get something with way less miles.

If you really must then go with the 328xi. With that amount of miles, the 335 will be showing some issues soon; and they are expensive.

[Typhoon707]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

C: Save more money and get something with way less miles.

If you really must then go with the 328xi. With that amount of miles, the 335 will be showing some issues soon; and they are expensive.

Oh I see. What mileage do you recommend? And at the current market, do you happen to know what 335xi/328xi's with your recommended mileage are going for?

Thanks!

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by Typhoon707

Oh I see. What mileage do you recommend? And at the current market, do you happen to know what 335xi/328xi's with your recommended mileage are going for?

Thanks!

unless the snow is very deep, a non Xdrive model will get around just fine with a good set of tires and i am speaking from personal experience. steering and braking is excellent. to get it to oversteer, you have to be deliberately using too much throttle and even then it is very easy to control. going over 65MPH on a snow covered highway the car was amazingly stable and required no correction while pick-up trucks in front of me were slipping a little.

the maintenance costs of X-drive are there and totally not worth it. RWD is perfectly manageable in the snow with the right tires fitted.

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by Typhoon707

Oh I see. What mileage do you recommend? And at the current market, do you happen to know what 335xi/328xi's with your recommended mileage are going for?

Thanks!

It varries from area to area.. IF I was you I'd look for a low milage M235. I will not and would not ever buy a BMW with more than 25k miles on it.. My 07 I bough brand new, which was stupid because of depreciation. I sold that one and then went to the 335. The 2011 I bought with 23.5k miles for $33k total.. Last year my chick needed a car so we got a 2016 228 loaded (expect for M package), that one had less than 3k miles and we took it home for right around $40k (total)

[Typhoon707]

Originally Posted by 6IX-F10-N52

unless the snow is very deep, a non Xdrive model will get around just fine with a good set of tires and i am speaking from personal experience. steering and braking is excellent. to get it to oversteer, you have to be deliberately using too much throttle and even then it is very easy to control. going over 65MPH on a snow covered highway the car was amazingly stable and required no correction while pick-up trucks in front of me were slipping a little.

the maintenance costs of X-drive are there and totally not worth it. RWD is perfectly manageable in the snow with the right tires fitted.

Thanks for your response. This does theoretically open up more options for me except within a 200mile radius, MOST cars are xDrives, but there are certainly a few that aren't! I don't think I am a particularly good driver...so I was pretty set on getting a xDrive but now I guess I am not so sure.

[Typhoon707]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

It varries from area to area.. IF I was you I'd look for a low milage M235. I will not and would not ever buy a BMW with more than 25k miles on it.. My 07 I bough brand new, which was stupid because of depreciation. I sold that one and then went to the 335. The 2011 I bought with 23.5k miles for $33k total.. Last year my chick needed a car so we got a 2016 228 loaded (expect for M package), that one had less than 3k miles and we took it home for right around $40k (total)

I see what you mean, and if I had the money I would certainly take your suggestion. However, due to the way I am currently budgeting myself...it will take quite a bit more time for me to save up for a M235i with "low" mileage (the cheapest one within a 200mile radius is a 2014 with 20,000 miles priced at $33,990...which is a bit more than double what I had in mind.

I know 112k miles is quite a bit, but is there a reason why you wouldn't suggest one over 25k? I was reading the forums and I can't seem to get an answer on what is "high mileage" with some people citing their BMWs with 250k-300k miles. I know to reach such a high number of miles a lot of maintenance would be required and perhaps a lot of money put in (which I would want to minimize).

I guess my question is just how bad is a 112k mile 335xi and whether a 59k mile 328xi is low enough not to cause major mechanical issues (assuming it is not a lemon).

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by Typhoon707

Thanks for your response. This does theoretically open up more options for me except within a 200mile radius, MOST cars are xDrives, but there are certainly a few that aren't! I don't think I am a particularly good driver...so I was pretty set on getting a xDrive but now I guess I am not so sure.

confidence goes a long way my friend. I would definitely keep my options open with a RWD example. in fact, if I were in the market again its either 6 speed manual + RWD or i just keep my current 528i.

the non Xdrive models are crazy good fun. I would look into both if i were you.

[ThugzZ BunnY]

why a BMW? with that budget, if you are worried about maintenance you do not need a BMW. you should never buy any BMW or any german car if you are worried about maintenance costs. buy a Subaru and don't stretch yourself trying to stunt in a used BMW. people around here love to jerk off the n52 like its some indestructible engine but its no such thing. it will more than likely cost you a few grand in the first two years to maintain, especially an Xdrive. be smart and go Japanese if you don't have 2 grand to spend on repairs at any given time.

[Typhoon707]

Originally Posted by 6IX-F10-N52

confidence goes a long way my friend. I would definitely keep my options open with a RWD example. in fact, if I were in the market again its either 6 speed manual + RWD or i just keep my current 528i.

the non Xdrive models are crazy good fun. I would look into both if i were you.

I'll keep that in mind

[Typhoon707]

Originally Posted by ThugzZ BunnY

why a BMW? with that budget, if you are worried about maintenance you do not need a BMW. you should never buy any BMW or any german car if you are worried about maintenance costs. buy a Subaru and don't stretch yourself trying to stunt in a used BMW. people around here love to jerk off the n52 like its some indestructible engine but its no such thing. it will more than likely cost you a few grand in the first two years to maintain, especially an Xdrive. be smart and go Japanese if you don't have 2 grand to spend on repairs at any given time.

I am not sure how to articulate why I want a BMW haha...I also know that Japanese cars are more reliable in general, (I've actually been looking at the newer Mazdas, but I like interiors with wood trim and there doesn't seem to be any out there...) ANYWAYS, I know you mean well with your comment but...I really would prefer a BMW over a Japanese car. And its not that I cannot afford the maintenance but rather I wish to keep maintenance costs to a minimum.

I know with a BMW that might seem counterintuitive but I am just working with what I got. I guess the threads with people saying their BMW didn't really cost much more than their Japanese counterparts to maintain really got me hyped up on the chance of getting a decently reliable BMW...

[max_330i]

The comparison here is apples to oranges; the 328xi and 335xi are completely different animals. Decide whether you're getting the turbo motor or the NA motor first, and then look for the cleanest and lowest-mileage example you can find.

[Typhoon707]

Originally Posted by max_330i

The comparison here is apples to oranges; the 328xi and 335xi are completely different animals. Decide whether you're getting the turbo motor or the NA motor first, and then look for the cleanest and lowest-mileage example you can find.

I understand the comparison is not the best but the reason I posted this on this forum is because I am hoping owners with experience with these two vehicles would be able to input some valuable comments.

Perhaps I have not expressed my question clear enough (I apologize). I want to ask: out of these two vehicles, which would the user base here choose? As for person preference, I almost do not mind the differences in power between the 335 and 328 since I know the 328 is more than competent to reach the speed limit in my area.

My concerns are:
Since I might only own the vehicle for 3-4 years, which one would have a higher resale value? I have read somewhere that 335 retains value more than 328, but then in my specific case the 335 is of (quite a bit) higher mileage and 2 years older.

Any comments on the custom matte black paint job for the 328xi? Should it theoretically raise or lower the value of the vehicle assuming the job was done right? (does anyone know whether a $2500 paint job is considered "high quality"?)

Just how worrying would a used 335xi with 112k miles be?

While the 328xi has half the miles of the 335xi, is it decisively better and therefore worth the $2000 in difference?

[ThugzZ BunnY]

you can absolutely get one that will not cost anything to maintain and they will be amazing! but there is also a good chance you are broke down within the first month and looking at $2k a bill. the benefit of owning a BMW doesn't outweigh the risk imo unless you are comfortable money wise. I've been there and wish I would have listened, but you cant tell a 20 year old to be wise lol

[ThugzZ BunnY]

also, the paint should hurt the value. $2500 paint job will have clear coat problems.

[Typhoon707]

Originally Posted by ThugzZ BunnY

also, the paint should hurt the value. $2500 paint job will have clear coat problems.

Could you elaborate on the matte paint hurting the clear coat? Part of the reason why the seller is refusing to lower is prices further is because he believes his car with the custom paint job and M rims are worth quite a bit more than one without.

Would his price of $13,000 be justified with the M rims, taking into account the "damages" to the paint and the fact that the interior is pretty basic with nothing more than the full cold winter package, and front brake rotors that need replacing? Would paying $12500 be worth it?

He is currently claiming he can get $12000 from the dealer if he were to do a trade-in, he even says he could get up to $12500 if he tried.


And yeah...as of now, I can only hope that one day I won't look back and think to myself "damn I should have listened..." haha.