[hdmark]

Good afternoon!

I'm currently driving a 2004 g35 coupe and im looking to switch into the bmw world but i had a few concerns/questions.

Ive done a ton of work on the g35, and with my next car im hoping to do just the standard maintenance (plugs, fluids, belts, etc) for awhile to save some money. With that being said... it looks like a 335 is out...

I was looking at the 330's becuase they seem to be solid but then it looks like they were discontinued awhile ago.

Would someone be able to direct me to a year or model (ideally both) that is reliable? I've been taking a look at the 328's but i cant seem to figure out which years are the 6 cyl (mislabeled on the sites ive found?) and which are 4 cyl turbo. Also then, are the 328's just as unreliable with their turbos as the 335?

Was hoping to jump in with less than 20k so im not exactly sure where that puts me but i was hoping people would be able to help direct my search.

Thank you all!

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by hdmark

Good afternoon!

I'm currently driving a 2004 g35 coupe and im looking to switch into the bmw world but i had a few concerns/questions.

Ive done a ton of work on the g35, and with my next car im hoping to do just the standard maintenance (plugs, fluids, belts, etc) for awhile to save some money. With that being said... it looks like a 335 is out...

I was looking at the 330's becuase they seem to be solid but then it looks like they were discontinued awhile ago.

Would someone be able to direct me to a year or model (ideally both) that is reliable? I've been taking a look at the 328's but i cant seem to figure out which years are the 6 cyl (mislabeled on the sites ive found?) and which are 4 cyl turbo. Also then, are the 328's just as unreliable with their turbos as the 335?

Was hoping to jump in with less than 20k so im not exactly sure where that puts me but i was hoping people would be able to help direct my search.

Thank you all!

F30s 328s are the 4 cylinder ones. They are easy to spot as they kind of look like ass, and unless they have M-sport package and xenon headlights but 99% of the ones on the street are base model. The F30s (sedans) came out in late 2011.

So for a sedan you will be looking for a E90 328 07-2011.

[hdmark]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

F30s 328s are the 4 cylinder ones. They are easy to spot as they kind of look like ass, and unless they have M-sport package and xenon headlights but 99% of the ones on the street are base model. The F30s (sedans) came out in late 2011.

So for a sedan you will be looking for a E90 328 07-2011.

and the e90 sedans are the reliable ones without too many issues?
and thank you!

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by hdmark

and the e90 sedans are the reliable ones without too many issues?

No car is 100% reliable. The N52 based E90/E92 are pretty solid IF maintained well. Main issue is water pump and gasket failure, which is common to all BMWs.

[hdmark]

well duh but okay thank you!
Mainly im just wondering if a bmw is a dumb choice for a worry free car and if it is, if its all 3 series, or just a few.
but perfect. thanks!

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by hdmark

well duh but okay thank you!
Mainly im just wondering if a bmw is a dumb choice for a worry free car and if it is, if its all 3 series, or just a few.
but perfect. thanks!

It's hit or miss.. The 07-08 335s (N54) tended to have most issues but some people owned these cars without a single problem. I had a 07 328 and the only issue I had was with the valve cover gasket.. If the car is well maintained and not beaten on then it should last.

[MetsFan]

I'm the opposite, having just traded in my '07 328xi for a '13 G37x. See my thread here for what I needed done at 76K.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...2#post19826722

If you can DIY, you will be fine.

[hdmark]

okay thanks all! I think im aiming for a 2011 328 xi . Gonna shoot for less than 60k miles ideally. ive found a few in pa/nj for around 18k with 60k ish.
I'm just having a hard time finding ones that are fully loaded. Id really like to get one with the convenience package (i want projectors lol)

[drmdvl]

Originally Posted by hdmark

okay thanks all! I think im aiming for a 2011 328 xi . Gonna shoot for less than 60k miles ideally. ive found a few in pa/nj for around 18k with 60k ish.
I'm just having a hard time finding ones that are fully loaded. Id really like to get one with the convenience package (i want projectors lol)

You might wanna wait a few more months. There is a big airbag recall right now. You may find more hit the market when the fix comes out this summer to get the options you want.

[hdmark]

Originally Posted by drmdvl

You might wanna wait a few more months. There is a big airbag recall right now. You may find more hit the market when the fix comes out this summer to get the options you want.

oh okay thats good to know!
ya right now im looking at black 2011 328xi's with premium, cold weather, and convenience packages and im finding like none. no one seems to have purchased the convience package.

how exactly does the fix affect that? are people holding them while they get them fixed then selling?

[drmdvl]

Sorry for the late reply, dont know if you are still in the market.

All BMW dealers have a stop sale on any affected airbag vehicle. They cannot legally sell them until the airbag is fixed.

Once parts are out, it's an easy repair.

[hdmark]

actually already got mine! bought it in may i believe. picked up a jet black 2011 328 xi