[MrLumpy]

Hi everyone, I'm planning to buy my first BMW in the next few months, and I'm feeling pretty indecisive about the model year I should get.
My max price is $13k, and I've narrowed my options down to a 2009 328i sedan with around 90k miles, and only the Premium Package, or a 2008 328i sedan with around 80k miles, Comfort Access, Premium, iDrive, Bluetooth and some other options. The 2009 will also cost around $1000 more. Which would you get? Is there that much of a difference between a non-LCI and an LCI E90? Thanks for your help!

[raisingAnarchy]

Originally Posted by MrLumpy

Hi everyone, I'm planning to buy my first BMW in the next few months, and I'm feeling pretty indecisive about the model year I should get.
My max price is $13k, and I've narrowed my options down to a 2009 328i sedan with around 90k miles, and only the Premium Package, or a 2008 328i sedan with around 80k miles, Comfort Access, Premium, iDrive, Bluetooth and some other options. The 2009 will also cost around $1000 more. Which would you get? Is there that much of a difference between a non-LCI and an LCI E90? Thanks for your help!

Do either of your options have the sport package? Also, make sure to go over the carfax and do a thorough test drive. Maybe even a pre purchase inspection on the one you really think you want. Any issues or reasons to get one over the other should show up with that.

Imo, the one with the sport package would be the one to get barring any major mechanical issues that might show up in test-drive/PPI. The rest is really just preferences. Maybe you like the LCI taillights and hood more than the non-LCI.

One difference that I missed going from non-LCI to LCI was the Rest button located on the passenger side temperature control knob. The feature was kind of cool because it would recirculate warm air into the cabin if you were making a quick stop. So you just shut the car off and hit that button (or something like that) and it'll keep the car a little warmer for your quick trip into the store during winter.

Best of luck!

[MrLumpy]

Originally Posted by raisingAnarchy

Do either of your options have the sport package?

The majority of the 2008's I've seen have the Sport Package, which makes them that much more appealing. Did you have iDrive on your non-LCI? I've heard that the screen on 2008 and earlier models is not so great, although I guess having iDrive with a lower res screen is better than not having it at all.

[PDX-335i]

I'd only search for a 2009 and up. I think all the small improvements add up to a better package in total. Be patient in your search and the right car will find you. 328's are extremely common.

[Douche]

I agree with the "small improvements add up", so you should get the 2008 from the options above, the 2009 is much worse.

[BavarianMWfan]

2009 just has a slightly new look. 2008 has less miles, is cheaper, and most importantly it has all the bells and whistles. The pre-lci (2008) still looks good in my opinion. Some things like updated tail lights, remove the Orange reflectors and some rims freshin up the look.

[PDX-335i]

Originally Posted by BavarianMWfan

2009 just has a slightly new look. 2008 has less miles, is cheaper, and most importantly it has all the bells and whistles. The pre-lci (2008) still looks good in my opinion. Some things like updated tail lights, remove the Orange reflectors and some rims freshin up the look.

What, get a 2008 and spend a grand "freshening it up" to look like a 2009? New headlights, taillights, etc. Why not just get the look with the year you like?

[Douche]

Originally Posted by PDX-335i

What, get a 2008 and spend a grand "freshening it up" to look like a 2009? New headlights, taillights, etc. Why not just get the look with the year you like?

For all the reasons above, read the thread please.

(I personally do not think any cash should be spent on "modding to look like a new car")

[drewnel22]

Originally Posted by MrLumpy

Hi everyone, I'm planning to buy my first BMW in the next few months, and I'm feeling pretty indecisive about the model year I should get.
My max price is $13k, and I've narrowed my options down to a 2009 328i sedan with around 90k miles, and only the Premium Package, or a 2008 328i sedan with around 80k miles, Comfort Access, Premium, iDrive, Bluetooth and some other options. The 2009 will also cost around $1000 more. Which would you get? Is there that much of a difference between a non-LCI and an LCI E90? Thanks for your help!

Don't get either of those. You should easily be able to find a 2009+ E90 328i with most of the options in your price range. I've seen a good amount of 335i's in your range too so keep looking for sure. I would go with the LCI (2009+) model for the updated body, better idrive system (if you want that) and better resale in the future. If you have to get a 2008 don't get the idrive as I would much rather have it without. That system is a big step down from the updated CIC system.

[MrLumpy]

Originally Posted by 10splaya22

Don't get either of those. You should easily be able to find a 2009+ E90 328i with most of the options in your price range. I've seen a good amount of 335i's in your range too so keep looking for sure. I would go with the LCI (2009+) model for the updated body, better idrive system (if you want that) and better resale in the future. If you have to get a 2008 don't get the idrive as I would much rather have it without. That system is a big step down from the updated CIC system.

I've seen 2009's with most of those options within my price range, the problem is that they're all hundreds of miles away. I also considered the 335i, but I'm only 18 and the insurance on a twin-turbo BMW for someone my age would be through the roof.
Does the CIC vs CCC system only matter when it comes to navigation?

[BavarianMWfan]

Quote:
Originally Posted by PDX-335i View Post
What, get a 2008 and spend a grand "freshening it up" to look like a 2009? New headlights, taillights, etc. Why not just get the look with the year you like?
For all the reasons above, read the thread please.

(I personally do not think any cash should be spent on "modding to look like a new car")
QUOTE

I didn't say spend a grand to freshen up the look. Nor did I say get new headlights. It's costs more to repair wear and tear items on these cars. That's why I suggest getting one with lower mileage. But if you prefer minor cosmetic changes with higher milage, higher cost and nothing but premium package. Knock your self out.

[PDX-335i]

My advice was to not get either of those cars mention by the PO but to wait for a 2009 with more features. The LCI will be a better car in the long run and have more resale value. Sorry if that was unclear. I thought he was asking general questions about what year was preferred. Also the difference between a car with 80k miles and 90k miles is negligible.

Also, I'm fairly new to this site but it seems so many of the posts ask the question "how do I change this "X" or this "Y" from pre-LCI to LCI" so you have to ask the question, is LCI really better?

[BavarianMWfan]

Also, I'm fairly new to this site but it seems so many of the posts ask the question "how do I change this "X" or this "Y" from pre-LCI to LCI" so you have to ask the question, is LCI really better?

Yes the lci is better in looks and the fact that it has an e-diff. My mom has an lci 328 and I prefer the looks of it over my pre-lci. But is it worth the price difference?

And the people that ask for changing parts to make their cars look like an lci WANT to make it look like an lci. So if they are willing to spend money on their cars, let them. I would too if I wasn't going to sell it soon.