[CptJoe732]

Hey guys just wanted to get used to the forums. I recently spun a rod in my 2004 wrx so Im planning on picking up a 2006 325i cold weather package bmw.

Just wanted to know a little bit about other peoples thoughts. Research I've been doing shows the car is very strong if maintained. I know the water pump and valve cover bolts / gaskets are weaker points to the car but under my assumption if caught early and done myself I should be able to save some money. Overall I'm putting the tuner lifestyle down for a bit and just enjoying the "luxury" side of the automotive industry.

Anyway car has 82k auto trans. Any tips or heads up are appreciated.

Thanks

[Volasko]

What you said is pretty spot on but if you want a tip, ditch the auto and get it in stick!

[CptJoe732]

Originally Posted by Volasko

What you said is pretty spot on but if you want a tip, ditch the auto and get it in stick!

I would in a heart beat but after spending 17k plus on car and mods and losing more than half beggars can't be choosers...

[ah gon]

if u found out this car still haven't replace water pump.i suggest u replace first.when the pump die must get towed.
tisher have kit for water pump,thermostat and replacement screw for $475.
i ordered the kit and will replace this weekend.

[JDane07]

Originally Posted by CptJoe732

I would in a heart beat but after spending 17k plus on car and mods and losing more than half beggars can't be choosers...

Damn you can find a stock 335i with similar mileage for around that price...

[CptJoe732]

Originally Posted by JDane07

Damn you can find a stock 335i with similar mileage for around that price...

Well I never personally raced a 335 but it was faster than an e46 m3? Not to sure, but yea it was a vf39 with 300whp. It was fun lol

[andrey_gta]

325i is software chocked.
So decide if you want to spend 400 on a tune to make it like a 328i or look for a 328i/330i.
330i has a different plastic intake manifold versus 328i or 325i that gives it the power boost.

Other than that it is a refined car.

[CptJoe732]

Originally Posted by andrey_gta

325i is software chocked.
So decide if you want to spend 400 on a tune to make it like a 328i or look for a 328i/330i.
330i has a different plastic intake manifold versus 328i or 325i that gives it the power boost.

Other than that it is a refined car.

I doubt il spend any money on power mods, there's really nothing I can do that will give me a substantial power gain for a good price. The only thing I'm going to do is muffler an resonator delete for a little sound and wheels. Trying to save money on this one.

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by CptJoe732

I would in a heart beat but after spending 17k plus on car and mods and losing more than half beggars can't be choosers...

I would pass unless the car had the following done already
1. tranny fluid/filter change
2. new battery
3. rear diff fluid change
4. power steering fluid change
5. break fluid (brake pads too)
6. fresh spark plugs
7. will probably need a new valve cover gasket at that milage too
8. coolant flush and filled
9. cabin filter and air filter replaced

The water pump will go but the milage that this will happen at is debatable so I wouldn't worry till it does happen; just be ready to spend another $400 and thats just on the pump and thermostat, install is not too difficult.

Other wise YOU will be doing all this work within the next few months. If I was you I'd save a a wee bit more and get a 335 with way less miles.

[CptJoe732]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

I would pass unless the car had the following done already
1. tranny fluid/filter change
2. new battery
3. rear diff fluid change
4. power steering fluid change
5. break fluid (brake pads too)
6. fresh spark plugs
7. will probably need a new valve cover gasket at that milage too
8. coolant flush and filled
9. cabin filter and air filter replaced

The water pump will go but the milage that this will happen at is debatable so I wouldn't worry till it does happen; just be ready to spend another $400 and thats just on the pump and thermostat, install is not too difficult.

Other wise YOU will be doing all this work within the next few months. If I was you I'd save a a wee bit more and get a 335 with way less miles.

The car was a piece of .... I found two oil leaks which I think are caused by the bad valve cover gasket, the dealer didnt even try and clean the car and it was around the states, also sold at auction twice so I didn't even make an offer I just left. Going to start looking at private party.

[Zengineer]

I went from a 2011 WRX to my current car (see sig) and frankly, I will probably never buy another BMW. Interior trim has peeled, visor fell apart a week after I bought it, I have had incurable vibrations on the highway since I've owned it, there are days I miss the manual in the WRX because of the 'gear seeking' that autos do. The leatherette seats give me some serious swamp ass when temps reach 80+ degrees. I think the WRX had a much 'heartier' sound to it. The e90 engine sound seems neutered. I also shouldn't have bought one without rear folding seats.

I really want to like this car. It handles nicely and accelerates smoothly. I find its power just about perfect for normal daily driving. I think they look nice and the interior has a very classic/timeless appeal to me personally.

All that being said, I totally understand your perspective, I wanted something 'smoother and more luxurious' but my expectations may have been unfair.

If I were you, I would take an auto and a manual for an extended highway drive at varying speeds to feel for abnormal vibrations. Also have it checked out by a BMW indie shop. I would also test drive it back-to-back with a g35/g37, and one more competitor of your choice.

Don't put BMW on a pedestal just because it's BMW. It's a car with pros and cons just like any other car.

Sorry for the rant, but my I've been in your situation and don't want you to have unreasonable expectations like I did.

-Brandon

[OrangeInOhio]

Originally Posted by Zengineer

I went from a 2011 WRX to my current car (see sig) and frankly, I will probably never buy another BMW. Interior trim has peeled, visor fell apart a week after I bought it, I have had incurable vibrations on the highway since I've owned it, there are days I miss the manual in the WRX because of the 'gear seeking' that autos do. The leatherette seats give me some serious swamp ass when temps reach 80+ degrees. I think the WRX had a much 'heartier' sound to it. The e90 engine sound seems neutered. I also shouldn't have bought one without rear folding seats.

I really want to like this car. It handles nicely and accelerates smoothly. I find its power just about perfect for normal daily driving. I think they look nice and the interior has a very classic/timeless appeal to me personally.

All that being said, I totally understand your perspective, I wanted something 'smoother and more luxurious' but my expectations may have been unfair.

If I were you, I would take an auto and a manual for an extended highway drive at varying speeds to feel for abnormal vibrations. Also have it checked out by a BMW indie shop. I would also test drive it back-to-back with a g35/g37, and one more competitor of your choice.

Don't put BMW on a pedestal just because it's BMW. It's a car with pros and cons just like any other car.

Sorry for the rant, but my I've been in your situation and don't want you to have unreasonable expectations like I did.

-Brandon

You and I have almost the same car (pic attached) and I agree with a lot of what you mentioned above, but I've found the interior of mine to be very buttoned down and buttery smooth on the highway. I'm sorry to hear you've had those problems. I've owned it for almost a year and thoroughly enjoy the car. Now the cup holders on the other hand... those things are horrible.

I also couldn't agree more about the leatherette though. Even though I have some buddy's that give me crap for it, I bought some custom seat covers for mine and they really seemed to the do the trick.

[Zengineer]

Originally Posted by OrangeInOhio

You and I have almost the same car (pic attached) and I agree with a lot of what you mentioned above, but I've found the interior of mine to be very buttoned down and buttery smooth on the highway. I'm sorry to hear you've had those problems. I've owned it for almost a year and thoroughly enjoy the car. Now the cup holders on the other hand... those things are horrible.

I also couldn't agree more about the leatherette though. Even though I have some buddy's that give me crap for it, I bought some custom seat covers for mine and they really seemed to the do the trick.

I am happy to hear that seat cover helped. Can you tell me the material/manufacturer/model of those seat covers? Assuming I can tolerate this car until the summer, I will definitely need something better than the towel I currently have in the car.

If I can get the vibrations sorted out, I think I will really enjoy the car now too, but damn.

Oh and I agree, I have had to replace two cupholders. They are 'cool', but tend to bind up, especially when passengers are getting in/out and nearly rip their kneecaps off in the process.

[CoffeeBean]

Brandon, that's unfortunate that you've had those strange problems. Definitely an anomaly with these cars. Mine has 69k miles and is buttery smooth and interior looks brand new. I do have the real leather though.

CptJoe, If I were you I'd try to find a 328i or 330i. The 325i is just so weak. I understand your thoughts on the 6 spd, they are hard to find, but I found mine after only looking for a couple weeks and it was 10 miles away. Just do searches for 6 spd only with a radius of a couple hundred miles so you can get there and back in a day. I test drove an auto 328i and even with the paddle shifters it doesn't compare to the 6 spd. Threw in the $280 Burger Tuning Powerbox and it made it even better - the way it should have come from the factory. Like you, I'm not trying to go all out with mods, especially performance mods. I had a modified Celica All-Trac Turbo for 12 years so I'm over all that. I haven't done anything else besides the Powerbox and not sure I ever will.

[Rival]

id look for a 06 330. a 335 for that money will only be 07's which had the most issues.

if you get a 330, get a AA tune, k/n filter + charcol delete & 2nd cat delete and make sure its a 6spd......that will be one fun car to drive. will handle great and has much more class than the WRX

[Zengineer]

Originally Posted by Rival

id look for a 06 330. a 335 for that money will only be 07's which had the most issues.

if you get a 330, get a AA tune, k/n filter + charcol delete & 2nd cat delete and make sure its a 6spd......that will be one fun car to drive. will handle great and has much more class than the WRX

I am sure that I am misinterpreting you, but if by "class" you are suggesting that one should prefer a BMW over a Subaru because of perceived 'status', I think that is the wrong reason to buy a car.

Buy the BMW if you like how it functions, feels, sounds, and looks and if you are financially prepared for the repairs and the depreciation. The minute you start thinking "how will others perceive me", you head down a very slippery, expensive slope that could lead you to not having the quality of life you want.

Just my opinion though based on my own life experiences. Feel free to disregard! haha

[CptJoe732]

That statement about how other perceive is so true... But anyway i feel like yea the 325s lack power but I'm coming from 300whp so I wasn't expecting much but I do like the handling and how I feel snug inside. It's just hard because I'm trying to finance one and dealers up charge the hell out of you so I need to scrape up a little bit more to get what I want. Took a huge hit when my ej20 blew. But you live and learn.

[cuiter23]

Originally Posted by OrangeInOhio

You and I have almost the same car (pic attached) and I agree with a lot of what you mentioned above, but I've found the interior of mine to be very buttoned down and buttery smooth on the highway. I'm sorry to hear you've had those problems. I've owned it for almost a year and thoroughly enjoy the car. Now the cup holders on the other hand... those things are horrible.

I also couldn't agree more about the leatherette though. Even though I have some buddy's that give me crap for it, I bought some custom seat covers for mine and they really seemed to the do the trick.

hahah nice seat covers!

[OrangeInOhio]

Originally Posted by cuiter23

hahah nice seat covers!

Nt sure if you're being sarcastic , but thanks.

To the OP, I agree with Rival and Ross328i. If you can swing it, I would go with a 328i or 330i with the sport package and 6mt. My only regret with my car was that I didn't get the sport package.

Good luck though!

[.fLip.]

like u I was in the "tuner" scene for probably the past 10-15 years almost...and after I blew my last motor I was over it.

I just saved up a couple grand and was dead set on a 3 series since ive loved them since the 90s.

I ended up putting down a lot less than expected and paid, probably a ltitle on the high side but 14k for a 06 325i with just over 50k miles.

only issues I had was a headlight bulb going out. turn signal bulb going out and low power steering fluid (adjusted the clamp on the hose and never had that issue again) and washer fluid (lol I use it so much, haven't had it on a car in so long)

I drive the car 300-400 miles a week, both city (stop n go, prob not over 40 mph) and at night I take the expressway home where I cruise around 70-80 the whole way. and the car has treated me great.

I do know I need to change the valve cover gasket soon since im starting to see it dirty around there, but im just holding out until my next oil change since im not having any issues or serious leaks.

since November I am now at almost 65k (since I take 300mile trips both ways often to see my gf) and have been lucky my water pump hasn't gone out. ive seen some people with well over 100k and never had to change water pump.

I REALLY want to change that part, but since its electrical vs mechanical like on my old cars, there is no telling when it will go, and you might change a new pump and it goes out in 10k (which ive heard of) so, contrary to what was previously posted, I wouldn't change the pump b4 it fails, just get triple a.

ill admit I am to the point where the car is feeling a bit sluggish, but im going to be getting an exhaust and a full tuneup soon after that I MAY do the AA tune just for a little more pickup. I don't care about speed, but I wouldn't mind just a hair more getup and go.

besides that man, I love the car, its a great jump from the slammed Hondas and nissans with motor swaps and worrying about every single noise I hear when im driving.

i just tried to give you a run down of MY experience going from a bucket to this car.

lol hopefully i didn't just jinx myself with the waterpump lol.

[CptJoe732]

Originally Posted by .fLip.

like u I was in the "tuner" scene for probably the past 10-15 years almost...and after I blew my last motor I was over it.

I just saved up a couple grand and was dead set on a 3 series since ive loved them since the 90s.

I ended up putting down a lot less than expected and paid, probably a ltitle on the high side but 14k for a 06 325i with just over 50k miles.

only issues I had was a headlight bulb going out. turn signal bulb going out and low power steering fluid (adjusted the clamp on the hose and never had that issue again) and washer fluid (lol I use it so much, haven't had it on a car in so long)

I drive the car 300-400 miles a week, both city (stop n go, prob not over 40 mph) and at night I take the expressway home where I cruise around 70-80 the whole way. and the car has treated me great.

I do know I need to change the valve cover gasket soon since im starting to see it dirty around there, but im just holding out until my next oil change since im not having any issues or serious leaks.

since November I am now at almost 65k (since I take 300mile trips both ways often to see my gf) and have been lucky my water pump hasn't gone out. ive seen some people with well over 100k and never had to change water pump.

I REALLY want to change that part, but since its electrical vs mechanical like on my old cars, there is no telling when it will go, and you might change a new pump and it goes out in 10k (which ive heard of) so, contrary to what was previously posted, I wouldn't change the pump b4 it fails, just get triple a.

ill admit I am to the point where the car is feeling a bit sluggish, but im going to be getting an exhaust and a full tuneup soon after that I MAY do the AA tune just for a little more pickup. I don't care about speed, but I wouldn't mind just a hair more getup and go.

besides that man, I love the car, its a great jump from the slammed Hondas and nissans with motor swaps and worrying about every single noise I hear when im driving.

i just tried to give you a run down of MY experience going from a bucket to this car.

lol hopefully i didn't just jinx myself with the waterpump lol.

That's actually what I wanted to hear I missed a good deal by a grand today I was so pissed but I'm sure il find the right one as long as I wait.

[SuckMy_Nick]

Originally Posted by CptJoe732

Hey guys just wanted to get used to the forums. I recently spun a rod in my 2004 wrx so Im planning on picking up a 2006 325i cold weather package bmw.

Just wanted to know a little bit about other peoples thoughts. Research I've been doing shows the car is very strong if maintained. I know the water pump and valve cover bolts / gaskets are weaker points to the car but under my assumption if caught early and done myself I should be able to save some money. Overall I'm putting the tuner lifestyle down for a bit and just enjoying the "luxury" side of the automotive industry.

Anyway car has 82k auto trans. Any tips or heads up are appreciated.

Thanks

I woulda stayed WRX