2009 BMW 328xi Non-CPO good deal/reliability?

mwp · 08-11-2012, 12:48 PM

Hi everyone, I've been looking to buy a car for $20,000 and I found a 2009 BMW 328xi for $20,000 with just under 50,000 miles. The car is not CPO and it only has the basics (CW package and Premium package). The CarFax is clean and it is at a dealership.

Apart from this, I was considering a G37 or a TSX. I am not sure how reliable the BMW is but it seems like a good deal. I see Consumer Reports gives it average reliablity but what do you think?

I am not a rough driver and I drive 12,000 miles per year.

I cannot afford the CPO and the price is already negotiated.

Martin528 · 08-11-2012, 02:09 PM

Can you get service hx from a BMW dealership with the VIN?

E90Company · 08-11-2012, 05:11 PM

Reliability isn't really a huge issue. As long as the previous owner maintained it properly I wouldn't worry too much, the N52 engine is solid. Is this what you are asking?

Vegetable · 08-11-2012, 08:34 PM

The 328xi is Reliable.. but buying a car without a warranty is risky on any car. It seems as though whenever I buy a new-to-me car, most of the problems show up in the first year of ownership. So when I buy a $20,000+ car, I make sure that there is at least a year left of CPO or some kind of good warranty so I don't get stuck with a huge repair bill right after purchasing.

mwp · 08-13-2012, 03:12 PM

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input.

I am not sure how to get service records and the CarFax shows that one time that "recommended maintenance" was performed at a 3rd party/independent shop.

I'm just not sure whether the BMW driving feel/etc is worth the risk of extensive maintenance as compared to the Acura TSX.

Rollo` · 08-13-2012, 09:22 PM

You can call your local BMW dealership and ask for service, then tell them you are considering a preowned bmw and ask if they can check the service records for you. They should only need the last 7 digits of the VIN to look it up.

Bigalw · 08-23-2012, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rollo`

You can call your local BMW dealership and ask for service, then tell them you are considering a preowned bmw and ask if they can check the service records for you. They should only need the last 7 digits of the VIN to look it up.

Does this apply to a preowned that was likely serviced in a different state? More specifically can a dealership pull up service records for any car.

Rollo` · 08-23-2012, 11:41 AM

It applies to any BMW in the US. I think they all have access to a network where all service work is recorded.

08-11-2012, 12:48 PM	#1
mwp Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: US iTrader: (0)	2009 BMW 328xi Non-CPO good deal/reliability? Hi everyone, I've been looking to buy a car for $20,000 and I found a 2009 BMW 328xi for $20,000 with just under 50,000 miles. The car is not CPO and it only has the basics (CW package and Premium package). The CarFax is clean and it is at a dealership. Apart from this, I was considering a G37 or a TSX. I am not sure how reliable the BMW is but it seems like a good deal. I see Consumer Reports gives it average reliablity but what do you think? I am not a rough driver and I drive 12,000 miles per year. I cannot afford the CPO and the price is already negotiated.
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08-11-2012, 02:09 PM	#2
Martin528 Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 263 Posts Drives: 2012 528 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Gulf Coast iTrader: (1)	Can you get service hx from a BMW dealership with the VIN? __________________ 2012 Tasman green metallic with oyster/ black interior. premium pkg, power tailgate, homelink, and park distance control. Premium sound: premium hi fi system and satellite radio,technology package: Rear view camera and navigation,Comfort Access,heated front seats, BMW apps
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08-11-2012, 05:11 PM	#3
E90Company Major General 195 Rep 6,136 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: FL iTrader: (2)	Reliability isn't really a huge issue. As long as the previous owner maintained it properly I wouldn't worry too much, the N52 engine is solid. Is this what you are asking?
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08-11-2012, 08:34 PM	#4
Vegetable Lieutenant Colonel 793 Rep 1,627 Posts Drives: 2019 M4 MT, 2024 X3MC Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Humboldt iTrader: (0)	The 328xi is Reliable.. but buying a car without a warranty is risky on any car. It seems as though whenever I buy a new-to-me car, most of the problems show up in the first year of ownership. So when I buy a $20,000+ car, I make sure that there is at least a year left of CPO or some kind of good warranty so I don't get stuck with a huge repair bill right after purchasing.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-13-2012, 03:12 PM	#5
mwp Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. I am not sure how to get service records and the CarFax shows that one time that "recommended maintenance" was performed at a 3rd party/independent shop. I'm just not sure whether the BMW driving feel/etc is worth the risk of extensive maintenance as compared to the Acura TSX.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-13-2012, 09:22 PM	#6
Rollo` Captain 124 Rep 611 Posts Drives: 2018 230i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: US iTrader: (2)	You can call your local BMW dealership and ask for service, then tell them you are considering a preowned bmw and ask if they can check the service records for you. They should only need the last 7 digits of the VIN to look it up.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-23-2012, 11:41 AM	#8
Rollo` Captain 124 Rep 611 Posts Drives: 2018 230i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: US iTrader: (2)	It applies to any BMW in the US. I think they all have access to a network where all service work is recorded.
	Appreciate 0 Quote