[ergoknight903]

I found an awesome 330i sport with 91,500 miles for a great price and the second I sat in it I fell in love. BUT....

The only 2 service records on carfax are 2 oil changes in 90k miles, how is that possible??? It also has 3 previous owners and the most recent owner might have been some kid cause it looks like the rims are plasti-dipped. Do you think that maybe the owners were DIYers or maybe some of the dealers did work on the car when they bought it and didn't report it to carfax? I know carfax is not something to rely on but it is definitely worrying me. Would you buy it or wait for a better one?

[ergoknight903]

$8500 with 91.5k 06 330i sport


or

$10995 with 56k 07 328i sport but leatherette, better service history but -25hp then 330i

[Needbmwpartzz]

Nice car.....the question is,how much?
And will seller let you do a PPI to see about pre-existing problems?
If car looks good...drives good/no errors and isn't leaking oil all over the place I would say it's worth getting it checked over if it isn't obviously abused.
GL

[ergoknight903]

Well the dealer just lowered the price to $8500 but I think i can get a few hundred more out of them. Also, yes the dealer actually said I could bring it to someone to take a look at it if I want to, so thats why i feel sort of comfortable with them. I usually only buy cars with 75k or less and 1 owner so I appreciate your help. Also, is there anything that I should look out for during the test drive in particular that is an issue on these 330i's?

[Delta0311]

I'd go with the 328 just based on what you are saying. If there was no preventative maintenance done on the 330 then you will need to do quite a bit of work on that car. Have a mechanic inspect both and then decide..

[ergoknight903]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

I'd go with the 328 just based on what you are saying. If there was no preventative maintenance done on the 330 then you will need to do quite a bit of work on that car. Have a mechanic inspect both and then decide..

Okay thank you so much for your advice, I appreciate it very much because I am very young and I do not have a lot of money to spend on repairs.

[hassmaschine]

the 330i is going to be the better car out of the box. Get a PPI and if it passes, the 330i is a no-brainer over an '07 328i.

the 330i is cheaper than the 328i as well - which is money you can use for basic things like a new waterpump/tstat, battery, and possibly coils.

if the 328i were an LCI, it might be a closer call, but I can't see wanting a pre-LCI that's not a 330i at least..

[ergoknight903]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

the 330i is going to be the better car out of the box. Get a PPI and if it passes, the 330i is a no-brainer over an '07 328i.

the 330i is cheaper than the 328i as well - which is money you can use for basic things like a new waterpump/tstat, battery, and possibly coils.

if the 328i were an LCI, it might be a closer call, but I can't see wanting a pre-LCI that's not a 330i at least..

Yeah that is true, i have driven an 07 328i and even though its nice it just cannot beat the feeling you get in the 330i. Thank you for your advice. Also how much do you think a bmw dealer will charge for a PPI? Im only really concerned with them checking the cooling system, engine(gaskets, oil pan, and make sure no codes), and make sure it has been proper maintained.

[jporter396]

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...uld-they-check

I'd find a good indy shop to do a ppi. If the cars in good shape, no signs of an accident and no reported accident and no leaks then I'd be comfortable buying without a ppi. It's no secret at 90k miles what needs to be replaced soon. Belts, water pump, valve cover gasket , spark plugs and coils. Basic maintenence stuff. Go with your gut on how the car looks, feels , drives and has been taken care of and you don't necessarily need to have a ppi, also bring a second eye who is neutral to wanting the car, they might see things you miss when you're smiling and already wanting to buy the car. 😀

[ergoknight903]

Originally Posted by jporter396

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...uld-they-check

I'd find a good indy shop to do a ppi. If the cars in good shape, no signs of an accident and no reported accident and no leaks then I'd be comfortable buying without a ppi. It's no secret at 90k miles what needs to be replaced soon. Belts, water pump, valve cover gasket , spark plugs and coils. Basic maintenence stuff. Go with your gut on how the car looks, feels , drives and has been taken care of and you don't necessarily need to have a ppi, also bring a second eye who is neutral to wanting the car, they might see things you miss when you're smiling and already wanting to buy the car. 😀

I know a guy who is a bmw certified mechanic but he doesn't work at the dealership or on a ton of bmws but he has experience with cars and i think I will try to have him look at it because it cannot hurt. Yeah i am hoping all those items don't cost me over $3,000 cause that will suck. Also you are very right, normally ill look at every detail on a car but when I'm in love I'm blind to all the imperfections. Thank you for your help and advice I appreciate it.

[Black widow]

Originally Posted by ergoknight903

Would you buy it or wait for a better one?

i wouldn't get a 330i, id rather get a 328i LCI*, the Pre Lci's style is getting old

[Sly-Creed]

Originally Posted by Black widow

i wouldn't get a 330i, id rather get a 328i LCI*, the Pre Lci's style is getting old

I completely agree with this. I really wanna get a LCI 328i Manual as a daily driver. However, I am not too sure about maintenance compared to the 07 335i.

[Black widow]

Originally Posted by Sly-Creed

I completely agree with this. I really wanna get a LCI 328i Manual as a daily driver. However, I am not too sure about maintenance compared to the 07 335i.

Im pretty sure 328i maintenance would be cheaper than 335i, especially from 2007.

[rothwem]

Originally Posted by ergoknight903

Okay thank you so much for your advice, I appreciate it very much because I am very young and I do not have a lot of money to spend on repairs.

Ooof. I hate to say it, but you might want to look elsewhere, or maybe for something older and cheaper. BMWs don't break down much, but they need preventative maintenance to be reliable. Those PMs cost money and/or time. For something of that age, I'd budget a couple grand per year to keep it running in top condition.

[max_330i]

I took a gamble on my 330i, I bought it high miles without any service records, and so far no issues. Previous owner told me he did water pump/thermostat and I was inclined to believe him at time of sale (seemed like an honest man). The car is great fun, so even if something goes wrong, I'll just repair it and continue on. It's earned its place in my garage.

[Vitalität]

Originally Posted by ergoknight903

I found an awesome 330i sport with 91,500 miles for a great price and the second I sat in it I fell in love. BUT....

The only 2 service records on carfax are 2 oil changes in 90k miles, how is that possible??? It also has 3 previous owners and the most recent owner might have been some kid cause it looks like the rims are plasti-dipped. Do you think that maybe the owners were DIYers or maybe some of the dealers did work on the car when they bought it and didn't report it to carfax? I know carfax is not something to rely on but it is definitely worrying me. Would you buy it or wait for a better one?

I bought my 330I last year from a dealer over a 328i. Why? It's the power. I replaced the VCG, WP and Thermo and been doing the regular maintenance and love the power since. You can upgrade it easily to LCI look rather than getting the 330i power in terms of money. First pic is how she looked when I got her and the rest is what she looks now.

[ergoknight903]

Originally Posted by Vitalität

I bought my 330I last year from a dealer over a 328i. Why? It's the power. I replaced the VCG, WP and Thermo and been doing the regular maintenance and love the power since. You can upgrade it easily to LCI look rather than getting the 330i power in terms of money. First pic is how she looked when I got her and the rest is what she looks now.

Yeah that's why I want it so bad, the power of the 330 and handling of Bmw is just a great combination. Also your car looks awesome you made it look like a brand new car. what exactly did you do and what was the total cost?. Please be very specific if you can I would appreciate it.

[Vitalität]

Originally Posted by ergoknight903

Yeah that's why I want it so bad, the power of the 330 and handling of Bmw is just a great combination. Also your car looks awesome you made it look like a brand new car. what exactly did you do and what was the total cost?. Please be very specific if you can I would appreciate it.

Why thank you! I changed to the following:

- Euro Clear corner headlights
- M3 Rep Bumper
- LCI with LED bar lights on rear
- LC Trunk Lid
- 19" AMR 710 Wheels.

Cost for above was more than $5K, but you can offset it by selling the original parts. PM me anytime for questions.

[RJ_]

Call up a local dealership with the last 7 of the VIN to look up any warranty or recall work that has been done.

[Richwm]

If you are a DIY type person go for it. My car has not been to the dealership since 50K miles and im at 199k miles. Just be prepared for a water pump spark plugs, Oil filter housing gasket and most likely a valve cover gasket.

[drmdvl]

Tell them you want to get it inspected and take the key to a dealer, they can look up the service history and black out the previous owner's names. If all the previous owner did was under free maintenance of 4/50K you can expect two oil changes, maybe two brake fluid flushes and an air filter - if they were hard on the brakes, pads and rotors. Will be hard to see what was done after that.
And the 330i engine is a very dependable, long used engine in the BMW lineup.
Good luck!

[ergoknight903]

Hey guys, I really appreciate all your advice. Honestly I really want the 330i w sport but this dealer has had the car in the shop for almost a month now fixing crap and everytime I call back they are still working on it. I cannot find any other 330is w sport for around 10k with low miles. Also I looked into lci's and I cannot find a good one, they are all SULEV with no sport pkg.

So a few days ago I was online and the 328i I posted just got lowered to $10000 so for my age and price range it is the best deal I'm guna get. And since I am guna save so much money and have such low mileage I may even do the stage 3 intake swap or I'll jus buy Angels, tails, and rims and tires.