[Gator335i]

I'm looking to retire my E34 as my main commuter vehicle here in the next few months. I have visions of restoring her and that's awfully hard to do while I'm racking up 1,500 - 2,000 miles per month just to-and-from work.

Given that high mileage examples of early E90s (i.e., ones that make perfect commuter cars) are now cash-friendly in the $10-12k range, I am looking to get my hands on a well-maintained '06 325i, 330i or '07 328i.

Obviously the 325s with six digits on the clock are the cheapest and I've found a few four-figure examples online, but I'm not overly enthused about the 215hp powerplant and sub-200 lb/ft of torque.

I'd much rather have an '06 330i, but they're not quite as prevalent as the 325s and having already owned an '07 328i E92, I really like that motor quite a bit.

So given a choice between the three, which is the best bang for the buck and the most reliable selection?

[fravel]

Of those 3, I'd go with the '06 330i. Performance/reliability will be the same as the '07 328i, it'll be cheaper cause it's "older" AND you'll have the top-of-the-line 3 series for your model year.

[apme123]

I think 328i would be a bit better, first year cars are a bit rougher, transmission software and stuff like that. Drive every car on the freeway at high speed and over bumps to see how it drives. Get a pre purchase inspection that includes GT1 or other bmw scan tool. Best of luck.

[ihc95]

Try to get an 06 330i. They came with more standard features than the other two and the 330i has the ZF automatic tranny rather than the crappy GM ones in the 32Xs.

[Johnny D]

I'll sell you my 325i lol!

I'd go with a 330 if you dont want to do any mods. My 325i is now quicker than every 330i I have driven. Its all up to what you want to do. Same car, same motor, just a manifold and tune and you're making more power. Smaller brakes, but mine on the 325 are very good after stoptech rotors, hawks pads and SS lines.

[Vegetable]

Originally Posted by Gator335i

I'm looking to retire my E34 as my main commuter vehicle here in the next few months. I have visions of restoring her and that's awfully hard to do while I'm racking up 1,500 - 2,000 miles per month just to-and-from work.

Given that high mileage examples of early E90s (i.e., ones that make perfect commuter cars) are now cash-friendly in the $10-12k range, I am looking to get my hands on a well-maintained '06 325i, 330i or '07 328i.

Obviously the 325s with six digits on the clock are the cheapest and I've found a few four-figure examples online, but I'm not overly enthused about the 215hp powerplant and sub-200 lb/ft of torque.

I'd much rather have an '06 330i, but they're not quite as prevalent as the 325s and having already owned an '07 328i E92, I really like that motor quite a bit.

So given a choice between the three, which is the best bang for the buck and the most reliable selection?

If I could only have a sedan, I'd go 330 manual over any other example you've listed. The 328, though, is pretty close.. If you could get a coupe, I'd go 2007 328 coupe with a manual..

[Kevin11]

Originally Posted by ihc95

Try to get an 06 330i. They came with more standard features than the other two and the 330i has the ZF automatic tranny rather than the crappy GM ones in the 32Xs.

I'm considering this myself vs a 2007/2008 328i sedan. What about the cost to own? Consumer reports rated the 330 worse, but I suspect its just because of 1 extra year in age.

[BenõrTheBMW]

Originally Posted by ihc95

Try to get an 06 330i. They came with more standard features than the other two and the 330i has the ZF automatic tranny rather than the crappy GM ones in the 32Xs.

Did the 325i not have the ZF?

[ihc95]

Originally Posted by BenõrTheBMW

Did the 325i not have the ZF?

nope. the 325i and 328i have a GM sourced automatic transmission. But I believe the 330, 325, and 328 all use the same manual transmission (possibly even the same as the 335). Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

[401FlaGATOR]

Originally Posted by ihc95

nope. the 325i and 328i have a GM sourced automatic transmission. But I believe the 330, 325, and 328 all use the same manual transmission (possibly even the same as the 335). Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

Wrong! My 325i has the ZF transmission...

[401FlaGATOR]

Originally Posted by BenõrTheBMW

Did the 325i not have the ZF?

Mine does you can find out what transmission you have from the VIN..There is a handy website that breaks it all down once you input your VIN, can't remember but it's on this forum somewhere.

[Johnny D]

Originally Posted by BenõrTheBMW

Did the 325i not have the ZF?

Originally Posted by ihc95

nope. the 325i and 328i have a GM sourced automatic transmission. But I believe the 330, 325, and 328 all use the same manual transmission (possibly even the same as the 335). Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

The 325/330 both use the ZF auto. The 328 uses the GM.

[2ndname]

Really depends, I would not rule out a 325i if you find one in minty condition versus a half-cocked 330i. With that said, I would prioritize a 330i.

[ihc95]

Originally Posted by 401FlaGATOR

Wrong! My 325i has the ZF transmission...

hmmmmm. not sure why you do

but thats a good thing!

[ihc95]

Originally Posted by Johnny D

The 325/330 both use the ZF auto. The 328 uses the GM.

ohhh ok. thanks for clearing that up.

[blingman]

06 models have the zf tranny. then in 07 the 328 got the gm tranny. I would go with the 330 then 325 then 328. I own the 325 and love it. its a little under powered but just get manifold swap and tune.

[AlanAZ]

Originally Posted by ihc95

But I believe the 330, 325, and 328 all use the same manual transmission (possibly even the same as the 335). Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

Nope, 325, 328 have Getrag; 330, 335 have ZF manual transmissions.

[Saintor]

Reliability wise, the 328i is more bullet proof. It also have an updated OBD board.

[AddictedToBavarian]

Such recycled information here. GM transmissions, blah blah blah. All 3 choices are good. Go with the best deal.

But seriously people learn something new already.