[Mikex101]

Since my e90 320i is being a twunt, im looking at moving up in the world a tad and have found a couple of 2006 - 56 plate 325i E92's that have caught my eye, 75k on the clock.

Is there anything I need to be on the look out for on these? Ones got upgraded wheels so ill be checking for cracks etc. (19's I think) the other is on 18's. Is it only specific models that had the issue with cracking or all 19's? did the 18's suffer the same issues?

Anything I need to be cautious of? Despite my current e90 being a pup, its not put me off BMW yet.

[essex_lad]

Rad leaks.

[Red_Bean_Bun]

Gearbox ...... Misfires.

[Mikex101]

Originally Posted by Red_Bean_Bun

Gearbox ...... Misfires.

whats the issue with the gearbox?

[Shere]

You're looking for exactly the car I have! Only had it a few months but had no majro issues, the only one was an engine management light popping up, but all I had to do was take out the Solenoid and blast it with air, 5 minute job.

All the alloys have the potential to suffer from cracks, the 19s more so, but 18s are by no means safe either.

Small cosmetic things may be an issue with a car of that age, mine has wear on the internal handle sills, the gear knob and the steering trim. These things arent issues, but depends how picky you are. I've quickly got used to them and they don't bother me.

[stevens]

330i's, 335is 330d/335d M3's etc

[E90325iM-SPORT]

check aircon ,make sure dtc light isn't on when running,check rear springs if not broken

[dobbo99]

had mine nearly 3 years, not one problem with it.
only thing I paid out for was servicing and tyres. good luck, definitely a better purchase than the 320.

[Mikex101]

Well, the issues ive had with the 320 could be shared with the 325, IE, ebox is full of water and cant for the life of me find out how its getting in there!!

Ill keep an eye out for all the above, (including 330i's, 335is 330d/335d M3's etc ) cheers for the head's up.

[djgandy]

I'm not sure how flexible on engine you are, but I am fairly confident the consensus on the forum is that the 3.0L engines are much more reliable than the 2.0 and 2.5 and only generally a little more costly around town, and also due to lack of discipline with the extra power.

Something like this is perfect. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01310149266669
N53 engine (272hp, lower tax band), although it seems a little cheap. It is private though and may have been up for a while.

All the 19's crack with run-flats on them. The 18's can possibly crack too but the chance is lower due to the thicker sidewall on the tyre being able to absorb some of the impact (like it should)

[Mikex101]

Originally Posted by djgandy

I'm not sure how flexible on engine you are, but I am fairly confident the consensus on the forum is that the 3.0L engines are much more reliable than the 2.0 and 2.5 and only generally a little more costly around town, and also due to lack of discipline with the extra power.

Something like this is perfect. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01310149266669
N53 engine (272hp, lower tax band), although it seems a little cheap. It is private though and may have been up for a while.

All the 19's crack with run-flats on them. The 18's can possibly crack too but the chance is lower due to the thicker sidewall on the tyre being able to absorb some of the impact (like it should)

I could cope with the above very nicely, however there are very few kicking around local to me unfortunately. Id also like to try and part-ex the existing car for simplicity reasons.

I was jumping into it a bit, but thinking now I may hang on to the current pup until bonus time in February and see whats about then. Id would much prefer a 07- 330i, and probably should shop about a bit.

The mpg figures on that 330 are better than the earlier 325's I was looking at. assuming start/stop and probably not that representative?

[essex_lad]

At the end of the day all cars have problems and it could be anything..

[Mikex101]

Originally Posted by essex_lad

At the end of the day all cars have problems and it could be anything..

I agree, just thinking about common faults I can use to either A - avoid buying another pup or B- use to drive down price.

[djgandy]

Originally Posted by Mikex101

I could cope with the above very nicely, however there are very few kicking around local to me unfortunately. Id also like to try and part-ex the existing car for simplicity reasons.

I was jumping into it a bit, but thinking now I may hang on to the current pup until bonus time in February and see whats about then. Id would much prefer a 07- 330i, and probably should shop about a bit.

The mpg figures on that 330 are better than the earlier 325's I was looking at. assuming start/stop and probably not that representative?

It's from the newer engine. N53 in the 330i is direct injection which improves fuel economy a decent amount. The difference to your pocket won't be that great unless you do a lot of miles however. The 3.0L 325i is a decent car, but I doubt you'd ever regret waiting for the 330i.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N52
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N53

[blues n twos]

I would say get the 330i. I have one and the engine is soooo sweet.

I'm getting 29mpg urban from an auto and it comes with the flappy paddle gear change

Lovely engines and my E93 is on 51k now and I have done 5k with absolutely no issues at all.

Happy hunting.

Jon

[Mikex101]

Looking at the 330Is more and more now. 29mpg I could cope with, only getting 32 out of the 320! lol although I have to say I still prefer a manual.

[Mikex101]

Originally Posted by djgandy

It's from the newer engine. N53 in the 330i is direct injection which improves fuel economy a decent amount. The difference to your pocket won't be that great unless you do a lot of miles however. The 3.0L 325i is a decent car, but I doubt you'd ever regret waiting for the 330i.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N52
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N53

N53's look like the motor to go for. Thanks for that. Ill have to keep my eyes peeled for a good one.

[KM79]

N53 a great engine Mike,great economy and low tax.But don't overlook the n52 engine version.I had one for a year and a half ,auto version with paddles and absolutely nothing went wrong with it at all.Stark comparison to the 335 I have now!

Kris

[Not a Diesel!!!]

Had the N53 in a Manual for 10 months now. Peach. Gets 35-36 mpg on a gentle run.

Just got the wife a 130i with the N52.

Seems like a cracker too less of the diesel chatter that the direct injection N53 gets.

[E60525d]

Originally Posted by Not a Diesel!!!

Had the N53 in a Manual for 10 months now. Peach. Gets 35-36 mpg on a gentle run.

Just got the wife a 130i with the N52.

Seems like a cracker too less of the diesel chatter that the direct injection N53 gets.

How do the 2 engines compare? Is there a noticeable difference between the two?

[karlp]

If recently bought a e92 325i, car runs great only issue I've had which is a common problem is the Vanos inlets needed cleaning which is a 15 min job as the engine was idling rough.

[Not a Diesel!!!]

Originally Posted by E60525d

How do the 2 engines compare? Is there a noticeable difference between the two?

Difficult to tell but the one 1 series seems more urgent than the 3 and louder. But this may be more down to weight & exhaust tuning rather to different engines.

Both silky smooth.