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The Car Thread ... !
- Thread starter D.T.
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Did you get an extended warranty? I'd be more concerned about having bought an Audi rather than having low profile tires and no spare
This is a valid point. I'd make sure to get everything fixed before the warranty ends, and possibly look into an extended warranty. I love Audis, but they aren't cheap if anything breaks
Yes please!Now you just need software and a pulley upgrade
https://www.goapr.com/products/ecu_upgrade_30tfsi_b8s4.html
Okay guys, I'm really itching to buy a second car and have pretty much covered the full possible gamut of things I would consider/look at/buy and weighed the pros and cons of each. I still want an MG, and what I'm considering now won't rule that out.
Even so, my parents(who, I've come to realize, really do know something ) have really been leaning on that rather than buying something fun and impractical I might instead look toward something newer, dependable, and get the "fun" in also if I can.
In that vein, I've been searching locally and come across a 2011 328i. It is an automatic(points against) but is AWD(+for winter driving) and certainly would check the "fun" factor. I realize it's not as sporty as some of the larger engined 3-series cars or a 1-series, but without driving it I think I could make do with it
It's at 70K and the asking price is $16,900. Overall condition-both interior and exterior-is really nice and it honestly doesn't look like a 70K car. My family has been dealing with the dealer for many years, so there's probably a decent amount of room in that price. I haven't driven it yet, but am going to try and do so at some point this week.
It's outside my planned budget, but I feel like the pluses are enough that I could stretch. I'm also not getting rid of my LS any time soon!
Any thoughts on what I've described and if I'd be walking into a decent car or a money pit? Of course, I'd like to do as much as I can myself(I think I can handle oil changes, although I know they're a bit more involved than what I'm used to), but realize I'm going to need a dealer or at least a good, independent German shop for a lot of other repairs. I'd appreciate opinions, and again please forgive me for wandering all over the map!
Even so, my parents(who, I've come to realize, really do know something
) have really been leaning on that rather than buying something fun and impractical I might instead look toward something newer, dependable, and get the "fun" in also if I can. In that vein, I've been searching locally and come across a 2011 328i. It is an automatic(points against) but is AWD(+for winter driving) and certainly would check the "fun" factor. I realize it's not as sporty as some of the larger engined 3-series cars or a 1-series, but without driving it I think I could make do with it
It's at 70K and the asking price is $16,900. Overall condition-both interior and exterior-is really nice and it honestly doesn't look like a 70K car. My family has been dealing with the dealer for many years, so there's probably a decent amount of room in that price. I haven't driven it yet, but am going to try and do so at some point this week.
It's outside my planned budget, but I feel like the pluses are enough that I could stretch. I'm also not getting rid of my LS any time soon!
Any thoughts on what I've described and if I'd be walking into a decent car or a money pit? Of course, I'd like to do as much as I can myself(I think I can handle oil changes, although I know they're a bit more involved than what I'm used to), but realize I'm going to need a dealer or at least a good, independent German shop for a lot of other repairs. I'd appreciate opinions, and again please forgive me for wandering all over the map!
Okay guys, I'm really itching to buy a second car and have pretty much covered the full possible gamut of things I would consider/look at/buy and weighed the pros and cons of each. I still want an MG, and what I'm considering now won't rule that out.
Even so, my parents(who, I've come to realize, really do know something
In that vein, I've been searching locally and come across a 2011 328i. It is an automatic(points against) but is AWD(+for winter driving) and certainly would check the "fun" factor. I realize it's not as sporty as some of the larger engined 3-series cars or a 1-series, but without driving it I think I could make do with it
It's at 70K and the asking price is $16,900. Overall condition-both interior and exterior-is really nice and it honestly doesn't look like a 70K car. My family has been dealing with the dealer for many years, so there's probably a decent amount of room in that price. I haven't driven it yet, but am going to try and do so at some point this week.
It's outside my planned budget, but I feel like the pluses are enough that I could stretch. I'm also not getting rid of my LS any time soon!
Any thoughts on what I've described and if I'd be walking into a decent car or a money pit? Of course, I'd like to do as much as I can myself(I think I can handle oil changes, although I know they're a bit more involved than what I'm used to), but realize I'm going to need a dealer or at least a good, independent German shop for a lot of other repairs. I'd appreciate opinions, and again please forgive me for wandering all over the map!
Woah, Ben, looking at a BMW. I never would have expected seeing this.
I know a bunch of people with 328i xDrives and have driven them. The 328i is fun, the engine is powerful enough, but the throttle lag is annoying. Throttle lag seems to be an issue with a lot of BMW's, but seems very pronounced on the 328 IMO. The 3 is definitely a car to keep an eye out for with the manual transmission as well.
Make sure you take a good hard look into the the options/packages to make sure it has everything you want. BMW has a tendency to have a la carte options which can leave you without some basic things you'd anticipate in a BMW- like a sunroof, security system, heated seats, HID's, leather, bluetooth, iPod/Phone integration, Homelink, lumbar adjustment, etc. The 2011 E90 uses the 3.0L I6 NA, which I know a lot of people prefer over the newer 4cyl turbo option.
I would definitely have the car inspected by someone who knows their way around a BMW. As I've mentioned, the BMW parts and labor costs can be astronomical. Some of the work requires BMW's computer program to reset, so even if you can do the work, you're still stuck with an $80 charge from the dealer. That said, the 3-series is the most popular BMW, so there is a lot of knowhow out there. I imagine it's more reliable than the bigger BMWs as they tend to be less complicated. I see you plan on keeping the LS, so this may not be a big deal, but just make sure the 3-series is big enough for you. It's a pretty small car.
There are a lot of E90 owners around here who can give you better experience. I can say my 2009 E60 turned 100,000 recently, and as I think I talked about with you, not too long ago I had thousands in front suspension work done (at the dealer, granted).
Thanks Ari-yes I know it's a departure from pretty much everything else I've even considered, but I have to admit that a Beemer has always been in the back of my head. I probably wouldn't be seriously considering it if this particular one hadn't come along.
In any case, here's the car
http://www.hurstautosales.com/2011-BMW-3Series/Used-Car/Frankfort-KY/6135614/Details.aspx
The advice about taking it to a BMW mechanic for a pre-sale inspection is well taken. I don't think Tony(the guy we deal with at that lot, and have bought probably 20 cars from since the early 90s) would have an issue with me taking it to Lexington-that's where I'd have to go for either a dealer or an independent shop.
In any case, here's the car
http://www.hurstautosales.com/2011-BMW-3Series/Used-Car/Frankfort-KY/6135614/Details.aspx
The advice about taking it to a BMW mechanic for a pre-sale inspection is well taken. I don't think Tony(the guy we deal with at that lot, and have bought probably 20 cars from since the early 90s) would have an issue with me taking it to Lexington-that's where I'd have to go for either a dealer or an independent shop.
Wow, that looks really clean- as if no one ever went inside of it. The seats look brand new. I can't say I'm a fan of the tints, but I assume that's more of a practicality thing in the south? The color is really nice. It has iDrive too which is handy. It seems like there aren't a ton of 3-series with it. I am judging by the rims and tires that it doesn't have the sport package. I'm not a fan of the sports package just because for day to day driving I think the ride is too harsh. Low pro tires, lower ground clearance, and a firm suspension sucks in Boston winters and roads (riddled with potholes). The standard suspension is already pretty firm and sporty to start off with.
Go to this site and put in the last 7 digits of the vin to find the original build order. I used this a lot. I looked at a 128i that was supposed to be leather, when it was really "leatherette". Dealer is still advertising it as leather.
http://www.bmwarchiv.de/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html
Since it is a 328i with xDrive, the sports package doesn't change much of the BMW's ride characteristics. It actually sits higher than a non-sports package 328i to fit the front diff/driveshaft( which BMW has managed to fit without raising the ride height in the F30). You don't get the adjustable shocks, lower ground clearance, etc. The sports package with the AWD models is practically an appearance package with seats that have more lateral support. Where with the RWD models, you actually get some substance with the sports package with the lowered height, adjustable suspension, and for 335i models an auxiliary oil cooler.
Thanks guys for the info on the Beemer.
I drove by the lot this evening to look and it wasn't there. I guess that means that
1. They sold it
2. It's locked in the garage
3. Tony drove it home for the weekend.
I think #3 is most likely, or possibly #2...I'm going to try to check again sometime this week if I have time.
As much as I love my LS, if I could sell it outright or get a decent trade in on it, I might actually consider trading it...that would still free me up to buy an MG or something else fun.
I drove by the lot this evening to look and it wasn't there. I guess that means that
1. They sold it
2. It's locked in the garage
3. Tony drove it home for the weekend.
I think #3 is most likely, or possibly #2...I'm going to try to check again sometime this week if I have time.
As much as I love my LS, if I could sell it outright or get a decent trade in on it, I might actually consider trading it...that would still free me up to buy an MG or something else fun.
If there is still the opportunity to get that E90 328i, I would take it for the naturally aspirated straight-six alone. Assuming this is your first BMW, I would take advantage of the opportunity to experience that classic engine in a car that seems to be maintained well.
That sounds like a good endorsement
Yes, this would be my first BMW(if it all worked out). I've always loved straight 6s, too, although I've never had one. I've also voiced many times on here an aversion to forced induction...
Now to just work out the money...
In that vein, I've been searching locally and come across a 2011 328i. It is an automatic(points against) but is AWD(+for winter driving) and certainly would check the "fun" factor. I realize it's not as sporty as some of the larger engined 3-series cars or a 1-series, but without driving it I think I could make do with it
It's at 70K and the asking price is $16,900. Overall condition-both interior and exterior-is really nice and it honestly doesn't look like a 70K car. My family has been dealing with the dealer for many years, so there's probably a decent amount of room in that price. I haven't driven it yet, but am going to try and do so at some point this week.
It's outside my planned budget, but I feel like the pluses are enough that I could stretch. I'm also not getting rid of my LS any time soon!
Any thoughts on what I've described and if I'd be walking into a decent car or a money pit? Of course, I'd like to do as much as I can myself(I think I can handle oil changes, although I know they're a bit more involved than what I'm used to), but realize I'm going to need a dealer or at least a good, independent German shop for a lot of other repairs. I'd appreciate opinions, and again please forgive me for wandering all over the map!
Good choice! The N52 (itself) is pretty bulletproof. I've had them as loaners so many times and it was basically the last "real" BMW 3 with a naturally aspirated I6. Smooth, quiet, and decently powerful. That being said, it is a BMW and if you can find a good BMW indie and not have to deal with a dealer, you'll be fine. It's still new enough that you shouldn't be replacing major components anytime soon.
I know a few people with E90 328xis and they don't have many issues at all. Most of the problems are with the 335i and the 335d.
Thanks.
There's an independent German mechanic about 20 miles up the road. They worked miracles on my Dad's Porsche 924 after it sat for 4 years, so I'm sure they'd be more than up to handling a recent BMW.
As I said, if the dealer will let me drive it up there, I'll let them give it the once over. The dealer knows me(and my family) well enough that I don't think that will be an issue.
Now, as I said, I just have to work out the money!
On the 1 and 3, you could only get leather 2 ways. One was with ZPP (Prem. Pkg) or a separate leather option. The vast majority of cars got leather thru ZPP. Most dealers never specced the separate leather option.
That being said, you're not missing much without it. My X5 has ZPP with the Dakota leather and it's durable, but not that great. The leatherette is decent. 9 out of 10 people wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
The easiest way to tell if you have leather on a used BMW is to look for the lumbar support and power seats. On the 3 series, leatherette usually came with the manual adjustment.
GORGEOUS color! Very rare too. The vast majority of 3 series I see are black, white, silver, and grey.
It's super clean too! It's also the LCI E90, which means facelifted. The only major issue with these was throttle lag on the N52 engines because BMW used a GM transmission. The 335i had a different unit.
Going off the pictures, it seems to have:
-A51: Montego Blue
-LCSW: Black Dakota Leather
-ZCW (heated seats, headlight washers)
-no ZSP (on sport pkg. easiest way to tell that is the bolstered seats and sport wheel)
-ZPP (Homelink, moonroof, power seats, dakota leather, auto dimming on all mirrors, BMW assist, BT, lumbar)
-205: 6AT
-609: iDrive (it's the nicer CIC unit!)
-6FL: iPod/USB Adapter
-Munich built, not South African, like most 3 series are in the US
EDIT:
Also has 6NR: BMW Apps (you can plug in an iPhone with Spotify running and control it from iDrive) and 248: heated steering wheel
Production was: 3/2011, so you have the BMW combox, which allows for BT Audio, album art in the iDrive, and the use of the regular white cable on your iPhone
It's well equipped, but missing one key option, which is 522, Bi-Xenons. The base halogens are dreadful.
I'd look around for others in the area too, but you're getting a decently loaded car at a great price. Depending on when you drive, the headlights might be a deal-killer though.
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Thanks again for all of the info and the feature run-down.
I know that HIDs are better in pretty much every way but I've never had a car with anything other halogens. I've ridden in enough cars with them to recognize how much better they illuminate the road, but honestly having halogens isn't a deal killer for me.
The color is a LOT more exciting than what I see on most BMWs, too, which is part of my attraction to it(although not the only thing).
I don't get why people with 328i's had issues with the GM 6 speed. Unless there was something mechanically different with the ones BMW got, I believe it is the same unit that is in the ATS and besides the usual 6 speeds when everyone is using 8 groaning, it isn't a bad transmission and the throttle has no lag. Either BMW sucked at programming it or they were different than the other 6 speed units GM used.
But yeah the ZF 6 speed unit in my dads E90 335xi was a great unit. Ultra quick and smooth shifts.
I agree. Montego Blue is gorgeous. It was a Priority 1 Color. Custom order only.
Color is really important to me too. I waited an extra month to get a Priority 1 color on my X5 (Vermillion Red.) Quite different from the sea of black/silver/grey/white BMWs
I've been wondering the same. I'm on BimmerFest and this has been brought up for years now. BMW swears it has "lifetime" fluid, but owners have swapped the ATF and seen improvements. Apparently, it was made by GM in France for BMW, so it might be different.
Yeah, ZF did a fantastic job on the 6AT. The current 8AT in pretty much every BMW/Audi/Chrysler/Jag these days is even better!
Unfortunately, it seems it has been in an accident
http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?vin=WBAPK5C5XBF125369&partner=VAS_0
Good to know, I guess that makes sense. My friend has a 328i (RWD) with the sport package and I hated the ride. That said, the worst I think in the class is the C300 Sport in terms of ride comfort. Is this the case too with the F10 5-series?
I've been thinking about getting into a new car. Originally I wanted to replace my 535xi with a diesel Touareg or Grand Cherokee. Now I'm leaning back to another 5-series or maybe an X3.
It's amazing how bad that lag is. I feel like you need to wait a good 2 seconds after stomping on the gas for the engine to rev. I remember have a 328i loaner for a few days and quickly getting frustrated. My E60's throttle lag is there, but not nearly as bad. It seems to be like it must be a programming issue, but if it was, I'm surprised they didn't fix it.
The pleather in BMW's isn't bad and I agree most people wouldn't notice. From a practical standpoint, it is far more durable than leather.
And here is that a la carte pricing in effect. It's amazing to me that BMW will make an otherwise loaded car without throwing in some bi-xenons... or at least low beam xenons. To me, a la carte pricing is great if you're buying (building) a car new because that way you get exactly what you want without paying extra. On the other hand, if you're looking for a used car, it becomings so challenging to find what you want. Compare this to an Acura who offers basically 2 options on their vehicles- paint color and whether you want the technology package or not.
Once I got a car with HIDs I don't think I will ever go back too willingly. I could live without the adaptive function that my car has (headlights steer with the steering wheel)... I really I think thats a more benefit for oncoming traffic. You seem like the kind of guy who would prefer those turning lights the big old Lincoln's used to have that would illuminate with the turn signal
That'll knock 10% off a normal price easy. I would have a body guy check it to make sure it was properly repaired. Not a deal breaker if it's non structural damage.Unfortunately, it seems it has been in an accident
http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?vin=WBAPK5C5XBF125369&partner=VAS_0