[ronjonsoflo]

Hello E90post community!

I am still on the long search for my first BMW and I wanted to hear some input from you guys. I found two potential vehicles that I am fairly interested getting further invested into.
Here is the first vehicle:
2009 328i with 91k miles, asking price of $10,990. It's been sitting on the lot for about a month. (http://www.highwaytireandauto.com/ve...-city-fl.shtml)

Here is the second vehicle:
2008 328i with 69k miles, asking price of $11,495. This one has been on the lot for about 190 days with three price drops.
(http://alfamotors.ebizautos.com/deta...-14149772.html)

Now I do know about the 335i but for me I much rather prefer the N52K engine as it's easier and "cheaper" to maintain. And of course I will be getting a pre-purchase inspection done at an indy before I proceed further with either vehicle.

[puppydax]

LCI . 09 +1

[hankcah]

Make sure it has the sports package. HK Logic 7 audio is amazing. If you test drive the 335, you'll want it. The 328 is a very solid machine. Make sure it has the waterpump and thermostat done. Valve cover gasket and ofhg may need to be done.

If those don't have proof of being done, then point out the oil, or have the PPI shop show you, and use as negotiating power. Choose the one with more work done. Go with your gut.

Choose the 2009 as it has the sports package. Upgraded seats, steering wheel, slightly lower suspension (could be wrong compared to the x drive), and 18 inch wheels. Those look aftermarket though. Sports package all the way.

[MetsFan]

Here are some other things to check since both those cars are around the same mileage as my car at '07 75K miles. I needed the control arms and tension struts replaced last year. This year the oil filter housing gasket, valve cover gasket and oil pan gaskets are leaking and I need new rear shocks.

[Aqid]

With the e90's, I'd definitely go for the LCI one (the 09 in this case). But that's just personal preference, I just think they look better.

That being said, neither of these are full option models. When I was comparing prices, the loaded ones (sunroof, logic 7, navigation, sports package, cold weather package) were almost identical in price to those without these options (we're talking maybe $1000 difference). However, retrofitting some of that stuff is EXPENSIVE. Just adding the navigation unit can run you $2,5k. So I'd make sure I found one that has all of these options, even if that means expanding the range and driving a little further to get one. It's a one time trip, for a car that will last you the next several years. You might as well make the best out of it. What I did was get the VIN number from the website and run it through one of these VIN checkers you will find online. They will list exactly which option was installed from the factory. The very least I'd say get Logic 7 and the CIC head unit. You're going to love the sound of it, 14 speakers connected through fiber channel, it makes me smile time after time when I turn it up. And the display is nice because it's much more than just navigation. You'll have alerts, oil status, tire status, service status, car settings and much more.