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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 > Looking to purchase an E90, have some questions.



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      01-07-2013, 10:29 AM   #1
kivancozbek
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Looking to purchase an E90, have some questions.

Hello everyone,

I couldn't find a section for new members so I'm not sure if this is the right area. I'm currently on the market for an 06-07 328i or 330i just have some q's. My last car was a 328i E46 so I kinda know what to expect.

Is there a reason to choose one model of the other?

I would assume that less mileage is better than the car being newer, not sure if the case?

What are the typical mainteince issues or concerns at certain mileage?

Thanks in advance and if you'll have anything else to add please do.
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      01-07-2013, 10:43 AM   #2
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Subscribed, also very curious looking into getting a 07-08 328xi, wondering the same thing.
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      01-07-2013, 11:07 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kivancozbek View Post
Hello everyone,

I couldn't find a section for new members so I'm not sure if this is the right area. I'm currently on the market for an 06-07 328i or 330i just have some q's. My last car was a 328i E46 so I kinda know what to expect.

Is there a reason to choose one model of the other?

I would assume that less mileage is better than the car being newer, not sure if the case?

What are the typical mainteince issues or concerns at certain mileage?

Thanks in advance and if you'll have anything else to add please do.
I would go with 330i which had a higher output compare with 325i.
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      01-07-2013, 11:33 AM   #4
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Always go for less mileage. Only thing is if its been wrecked or something.
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      01-07-2013, 11:35 AM   #5
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First of all, welcome to E90post

I would get one of the newer models because the late 05, early 06 models are normally more prone to problems since they were the first e90s to be made and minor imperfections that were later found out were fixed in later models.

If you do go for an 06, there are 2 choices. 325i or 330i. I would go with the 330i without question if you have the means. 40 more hp really does make a difference. If I were you, I would go for a newer car with lower mileage. If you have the means, I would recommend an 08 328i.

I have an 07 myself with 87k kms (around 55k miles). I can tell you that our NA engines are pretty bulletproof. I have experienced issues with the car however. Things you should look for in general are (What I have experienced) :

1. Door lock actuators, mine failed at 76k kms.
2. Valve Cover Gaskets, Filter Housing : Mine had a small leak at 83k kms. Pretty $$$ fix
3. Starter: Failed at 87k kms for me. It is rare for an e90 starter to fail at such a low mileage but it can happen. A costly replacement as well.
4. Spark plugs : Mine are fine but are recommended to be changed at 100k kms.
5. Battery Replacement : You will need to replace the battery if you are buying a 06/07 car indefinitely if it has not been replaced before.

Keep in mind that many of these problems will not be able to be detected during a Pre-purchase inspection. Most importantly is for you to test drive the vehicle, if you feel anything wrong with it, do not buy it.

Good Luck on your purchase!
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      01-07-2013, 11:37 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kivancozbek View Post
Hello everyone,

I couldn't find a section for new members so I'm not sure if this is the right area. I'm currently on the market for an 06-07 328i or 330i just have some q's. My last car was a 328i E46 so I kinda know what to expect.

Is there a reason to choose one model of the other?

I would assume that less mileage is better than the car being newer, not sure if the case?

What are the typical mainteince issues or concerns at certain mileage?

Thanks in advance and if you'll have anything else to add please do.

I checked out both before getting 330i two years ago. 330i was a top of the line model in '06. Get the one loaded with options if you can, BT, Logic 7, sport a must, premium, cold. Navi is not necessary. The transmission is ZF one of the best and only available in 330i. It is a rock solid vehicle and meaty. If you add performance suspension, exhaust, AA tune, etc you will have an awesome reliable machine that will go 200k+ with regular maintenance. Also, the 330i engine revs lower when cruising and it is smoother than 325 or 328 due to engine size, stronger engine = less work. And it so smoooth...like butta and loves to play.

I would also stay away from 330xi as it adds 150+ lbs of weight that impacts performance amd mpg. If you are going to drive through slush and snow just put on winter tires and enjoy. These cars have 50/50 balance and are great in snow with winter tires.


GL

Last edited by Mavus; 01-07-2013 at 11:44 AM..
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      01-07-2013, 11:48 AM   #7
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      01-07-2013, 12:41 PM   #8
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I would skip the 06 325 unless you can get it for a song- no offence, they are great cars, but it seems that they sell for nearly what the 330 does. The 330 can be hard to find these days though.
The 330 with sport is a nice car for the money, and as above the ones with MT have a great tranny.

Def look at the oil filter housing for a leak (pretty easy to repair however) leaks around the engine in general (usually valvecover) and look at the thermostat and see if its silver (original) or black (been serviced=good) and I wouldn't be above test driving it to an auto parts store and having them check for fault codes.
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      01-07-2013, 02:35 PM   #9
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I was in your shoes a year ago. I was looking at '06-'08 325,328 and 330's with sport & premium packages and a manual gearbox. I love the 330 especially the style 162 wheels on the ZSP equipped cars. Natural aspiration was what I wanted because of maintenance and fuel costs since I drive 25-30K a year. I also plan to keep the car until it's got 250-300K miles on it.

Here's what I did...I bought a 2008 328i with a manual gearbox and 96K miles on July 4th last year. It's white on tan, premium package only. Because of the mileage, I think I got a pretty good deal. It was originally a BMW employee "Brass Hat" car, then sold to it's only other owner. He took very good care of it and had driven it mostly on a long commute up and down the 5 from So. Orange County to San Diego. I had it inspected by a mechanic who gave it the thumbs up, except for the front rotors that were getting near replacement time. Since then, I've driven it 11K miles and performed the following:

Oil change at 98K
Oil change at 104K
Manual gearbox and rear differential fluid changes @ 102K
Replaced fog lamp bulb and one high beam bulb

I initially said I "must have" the sport package, but this car was in such nice condition despite it's mileage and had the other things I wanted more (manual gearbox, premium pkg). I quite like the non-sport wheels on the 2008 car (style 268) vs those on the '06-07. I think the rear offset is ever so slightly different which makes the car look less tippy-toed. Also, the 16" tires are much cheaper to replace, so you can enjoy the car a little more "guilt free" if you know what I mean. For a long distance commuter/road tripper this car is perfection. The engine is magic, so strong and flexible, it just thrills. I tell people that the normally aspirated 3 series is maybe the best all-round car at any price. It's no longer an option now...

With any of those cars, you'll be happy. I think for an automatic, you might want to stick with a 330i though as it has a ZF transmission instead of the GM slushbox that so many folks dislike.

Good luck!
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      01-07-2013, 03:08 PM   #10
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335i only ... cat
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      01-07-2013, 05:15 PM   #11
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Thanks for the info and welcoming . I was leaning towards the 330 and will go with it if I can find a properly maintained one with lower miles but I also have no issue with getting a 328 the hp difference seems to be minimal. I like the E90 overall and will keep you'll posted once I acquire the vehicle.
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      01-07-2013, 05:49 PM   #12
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In the US all the NA engines are the same size.

They are 3 liter engines with the difference being intake manifold , exhaust
and software/ECU .
325, 328 , 330 in the US all 3 liter engines.(for the e9x series)
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      01-09-2013, 04:29 PM   #13
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New to the forum. Thinking about getting rid of my 03 325 with 158,000 miles for a06 330...any major issues with this vehicle? Also what's included in the premium package? And what's included in the sports package?
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      01-09-2013, 05:31 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by King2218 View Post
New to the forum. Thinking about getting rid of my 03 325 with 158,000 miles for a06 330...any major issues with this vehicle? Also what's included in the premium package? And what's included in the sports package?
Premium package includes compass, leather seats, power seats.

Sport package comes with bigger wheels, sport suspension, and bucket seats.
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      01-09-2013, 05:38 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cuiter23 View Post
Premium package includes compass, leather seats, power seats.

Sport package comes with bigger wheels, sport suspension, and bucket seats.
Found a 06 330 premium package with 70,000 for $13,900...good deal?
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      01-09-2013, 05:58 PM   #16
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^ those wheels never came with the 330i.
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      01-09-2013, 06:27 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by King2218 View Post
Found a 06 330 premium package with 70,000 for $13,900...good deal?
That is CHEAP! I don't know how cars are so cheap over there man. 330i here are like 20k.
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      01-09-2013, 08:12 PM   #18
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^ those wheels never came with the 330i.
I plan on getting the 162 wheels when and if I buy the vehicle...what about the rear bumper and the spoiler? Are those stock?
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      01-09-2013, 08:14 PM   #19
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What type of maintenance issues or service should I expect with a car with that mileage?
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      01-09-2013, 08:50 PM   #20
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Quote:
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^ those wheels never came with the 330i.
My 330i and another friend's came with those wheels.
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      01-09-2013, 09:17 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by King2218 View Post
I plan on getting the 162 wheels when and if I buy the vehicle...what about the rear bumper and the spoiler? Are those stock?
Not sure about the rear bumper but I am leaning towards no for both.

Quote:
Originally Posted by pillbox View Post
My 330i and another friend's came with those wheels.
Bought new?
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      01-09-2013, 10:59 PM   #22
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