[eee_90]

hey guys - new to the e90's but not new to BMW. Just sold my 2nd e46 for $14k (only had 35k miles) and am looking to upgrade to an e90.

I have about 20k (14 down, finance rest) to spend, so that has been my budget.

ideally I was looking for a 328xi or 330xi with low miles at that $20k mark. well instead I found a 2006 325xi metallic charcoal gray with black interior, cold weather and premium package, Nav, xenon, etc with only 25k miles for $19,900.

my question, is this a fair price? this is through a dealership (Kia) I should add. mileage, AWD, and an auto tranny were the most important as I live in Boston and need this to be an all-season DD. if only it were a 330 it would be perfect!

I am trying to decide if it is worth it to hold out for the 330xi performance wise, as I did not get to test drive one yet. I have a deposit on the 2006 because I essentially need to purchase a vehicle before Monday for work, but at the same time do not want to make a hasty decision.

Most of the e90's (328, 330s) have been going for around the same price but double the mileage!

So what do you guys think? Is this a good deal?

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...20950852&Log=0

[krazyking]

$19.5k is expensive for a 6 year old car, especially if its a 325Xi, even though I understand it only has 25k miles on it.

If you really want to get it, I would suggest offer between $15-17k, depending on its condition.

[MotorenWerkeN52]

I would stay away from the 325 let alone a 325xi. Its a first year production and looking at reviews you will see it also has the most issues in the N52 engine family. My friend just got a 2007 328xi and compared to my 328i it really feels under powered due to four wheel drive. If you really want an XI i would say go with an 330xi; otherwise, get a 328i or 330i.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by hydermirza12

I would stay away from the 325 let alone a 325xi. Its a first year production and looking at reviews you will see it also has the most issues in the N52 engine family. My friend just got a 2007 328xi and compared to my 328i it really feels under powered due to four wheel drive. If you really want an XI i would say go with an 330xi; otherwise, get a 328i or 330i.

It sounds like he's looking for a fun car, not to race it or show off...
325 is all of the above...
325 N52 is totally fine. I had mine 2005-2007 with 35k miles and absolutely not a single problem.

[nyczbmw]

check cargurus.com, $20,000 for a 6 year old car is wayyyy overpriced..

my friend bought a 2007 335xi for $20k and it only had 35k miles on it

[MotorenWerkeN52]

Originally Posted by dr325i

It sounds like he's looking for a fun car, not to race it or show off...
325 is all of the above...
325 N52 is totally fine. I had mine 2005-2007 with 35k miles and absolutely not a single problem.

lol what is there to show off about a 328 or 330 compared to a 325? they look exactly the same... maybe a few small minor changes in trim or bumper but nothing that the average eye would catch. Also not sure who buys a 328 to race... People interested in speed buy a 335i, luckily I am not one of them. I am more interested in detail.

Lastly I would hope your car didn't have a single issue within 35k... One example is irrelevant to judge a whole breed. I'm sure I could find you a 100+ more people with more than 50K who have not had any issues with their 325i but that doesnt mean 325 is more realiable than the 328 or 330. The idea is to find a car which is least likely to give you problems.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by hydermirza12

lol what is there to show off about a 328 or 330 compared to a 325? they look exactly the same... maybe a few small minor changes in trim or bumper but nothing that the average eye would catch. Also not sure who buys a 328 to race... People interested in speed buy a 335i, luckily I am not one of them. I am more interested in detail.

Lastly I would hope your car didn't have a single issue within 35k... One example is irrelevant to judge a whole breed. I'm sure I could find you a 100+ more people with more than 50K who have not had any issues with their 325i but that doesnt mean 325 is more realiable than the 328 or 330. The idea is to find a car which is least likely to give you problems.

Can you please find me some examples where 325 (as you claimed "early N52 engine") clearly had more issues than the 328? Thanks.
What was corrected on the 328 to make it "more reliable"?

[idrift4wd]

imo, low miles forsure, but its an 06. even extended warranties are done.

id offer 15,000.most id pay is 16. but if i was looking to buy it id try 13-14. only because idrive.

[MotorenWerkeN52]

Originally Posted by dr325i

Can you please find me some examples where 325 (as you claimed "early N52 engine") clearly had more issues than the 328? Thanks.
What was corrected on the 328 to make it "more reliable"?

Man why dont you just do your own research?

Simply put there are three different versions of the N52B30. Each of which were used in the 325, 328 and 330. All had the same engine with very minor changes/output. One simple example being the head that was changed in the later 328i or the software which was updated going from the 325i to 328i. There are also other factors that determine engine reliability year to year. Such as suppliers or changes in assembly process, a 2008 328i does not necessarily have the same reliability as a 2007 328i.

btw we are here to help this guy try to find the right car so lets keep it that way. I am done here.

[khorn]

For price comparison, I got my 07 328i 6MT with 38k miles for $21k. Sport, black/black, cold weather, convenience entry, and comfort packages. New tires were part of the deal, unfortunately, they put on RFT's.

[Engie8]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=689305 I'm selling my car but not for that low. But perhaps we can still work something out. It has a lot of extras and low mileage which is why I can't go as low. Let me know what you think.

[shata]

I personally would stay away from Xi's in the sense of keeping maintance low, Look for 06 330i There pretty reliable. Look for one with maybe 65-70k With maintance history showing belts and cooling system service around 60k.

[Shermanator2411]

Originally Posted by shata

I personally would stay away from Xi's in the sense of keeping maintance low, Look for 06 330i There pretty reliable. Look for one with maybe 65-70k With maintance history showing belts and cooling system service around 60k.

He lives in Boston where it snows and this is gonna be his DD, from personal experience my 330i is useless in the snow, granted i didnt have dedicated snow tires... but any RWD car is going to be bad. Ive heard really good things from the xi models in the snow.

and as a price comparison my 2006 330i with sport/cold and premium packages with 64k miles and 6mt was stickered at $18k in Dec of 2010