[LXWK5]

I’m thinking about buying 2010 328i. It costs 10,999 and has 86k miles, I’m not it sure if this is a good deal or not. I just wanna make sure this car is going to last a while. I would be trading in a Kia Sorento that has been having issues

[tlow98]

Lasting a while depends on a lot of things - how it was treated, what you’re willing to pay for repairs or whether or not you’re willing to repair the car yourself.

We need more specifics.

Last a while ...sure?

[Bimmer_Engineer]

I would echo the need for more info...what type of car owner are you? Are you willing to take time to trouble shoot and repair your car yourself, or are you going to be paying someone else to do the repairs. These cars can require quite a bit of maintenance, patience, and time as they age. Many of the issues can be troubleshot and fixed DIY if you've got the time and the patience. For me it helps that I have 2 other cars I can drive when my E90 isn't quite right...

Something else to investigate is the maintenance history...if you don't have a good record of how the car was maintained then you could find yourself in for some repairs/maintenance soon after you buy the car.

If you're not comfortable with these things I would recommend you look for something newer and Japanese...otherwise if properly cared for...then yes that car could last a long time...

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by Bimmer_Engineer

Something else to investigate is the maintenance history...if you don't have a good record of how the car was maintained then you could find yourself in for some repairs/maintenance soon after you buy the car.

If you're not comfortable with these things I would recommend you look for something newer and Japanese...otherwise if properly cared for...then yes that car could last a long time...

How much do you care about driving dynamics versus reliability? If it's less the former and more the latter, look at a well-maintained Lexus and never look back.

In my experience, even the best-maintained car will still be somewhat costly as it gets up there in mileage and age. Whether that cost is plain old dollars or a mix of $ and your own time (and sweat, and swear words sometimes) is up to you.

Case in point, my 2007 328xi with 180k miles. Dealer-serviced and PO did EVERYTHING that needed to be done, but I still spent almost $2000 CAD (~$50 USD) on it last year, even though I did most of the work myself.

If looked after, they're so rewarding to drive and will last a long time. You just have to really want it.

[LXWK5]

Originally Posted by e90yyc

How much do you care about driving dynamics versus reliability? If it's less the former and more the latter, look at a well-maintained Lexus and never look back.

In my experience, even the best-maintained car will still be somewhat costly as it gets up there in mileage and age. Whether that cost is plain old dollars or a mix of $ and your own time (and sweat, and swear words sometimes) is up to you.

Case in point, my 2007 328xi with 180k miles. Dealer-serviced and PO did EVERYTHING that needed to be done, but I still spent almost $2000 CAD (~$50 USD) on it last year, even though I did most of the work myself.

If looked after, they're so rewarding to drive and will last a long time. You just have to really want it.

Just based off the carfax, it looks ok. It had 30 garage service records and two previous owners. I am willing to fix a few things on it but I don't want to spend a crazy amount of money on repairs.

[e90yyc]

In that case I would say you'll probably be okay.

Are you willing to budget about $2000/year for repairs? This is what I often heard suggested as appropriate for these cars.

If so, then buy away my friend. Just make sure to get it inspected and review the service records. Some stuff can be quite pricey, so no sense in inheriting something that needs $'s of dollars in imminent work.

Good luck! :-)

[Needbmwpartzz]

Get a Lexus....you are just getting to repair mileage territory where almost all suspension will soon need overhaul among other niggles!

[LXWK5]

Originally Posted by Needbmwpartzz

Get a Lexus....you are just getting to repair mileage territory where almost all suspension will soon need overhaul among other niggles!

I’ll have a mechanic check out the suspension, I’m not really a Lexus fan

[Bimmer_Engineer]

Originally Posted by e90yyc

but I still spent almost $2000 CAD (~$50 USD) on it last year

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by LXWK5

I’ll have a mechanic check out the suspension, I’m not really a Lexus fan

Owning a Lexus has been proven to accelerate the ageing process too...

[Needbmwpartzz]

Originally Posted by LXWK5

I’ll have a mechanic check out the suspension, I’m not really a Lexus fan

Haha....I was going off your statement that your willingness to repair a few things but nothing crazy......had I paid someone to fix all the repairs I've encountered on my 328 I would have been able to buy a Lexus.
Are you ready to DIY repairs or Bring Money in Wallet.....to stealership on Indy?

[Faredo]

"should i buy"
I wouldn't. I didn't buy mine because it was a BMW, I bought it because of its potential and power. the 328 does not fit that bill for me. If I just wanted a small luxury car and didn't care for performance, it would be a lower end Lexus or Audi.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by LXWK5

I’ll have a mechanic check out the suspension, I’m not really a Lexus fan

Have him check the engine gaskets and when the water pump was replaced...as they’re all worth the same amount of money independently.

The 328i will last a long time if it’s maintained. That maintenance value has a WIDE variance.

You still haven’t given us any info.

[M_Torx]

I bought my e90 323i with 92000 now has 185000 and I have done plugs, coils thermostat, water pump, and brakes once just pads and oil change twice a year..all easy diy and have mine modded with custom k&n intake and cat back 3 inch straight pipe I would say they are very reliable..

[bluewater328]

I think as long as you know the maintenance history its a good car. I think the price is a little high for that year and milage but depends on the condition.

Right around 80K you should think about the following as things as potential maintenance items:

Water pump; Oil filter gasket housing; Suspension (control arms; shocks, struts, springs); transmission filter/fluid; Valve cover/gasket (yes, maybe the whole valve cover); Ingition coils/plugs (tho rated to about 100k).

All said tho, this model is the last of the inline 6 so there is a lot that can be done yourself without anything fancy or complicated work-ups. Most of the mechanics are straight-forward to diagnose and a lot of the issues (minus the undone recalls) were worked out on this model.

[mecheng77]

Get the price lower and buy it. No car for it’s time performs better for the money. Handling, acceleration, steering feel and looks are amazing. The 328i is very reliable, and easy to diy. All the major components are reliable. They can leak oil (most easy fixes) and the wp will eventually fail. That’s it. Enjoy

[Nickco43]

If you wait I am working on a huge buyers guide. But here is the TLDR. If you want a reliable car buy a Toyota product, if you want a dependable car buy a BMW. Expect to spend $2000 USD per year on maintenance.

[Bmw_Crazy]

328 is a very reliable car I will tell you that much ...

[Bimmer Pleaser]

just sold my 2010 328i e92 108k miles for $5900 after 2 months of trying. No mechanical problems, no leaks, clear title, new brakes, coils, plugs.