[Stephenj007]

Hey guys, I'm currently looking at upgrading from my 2008 328i. I'm just starting to get tired of the feel, and was considering an F30 320i but i found out how underpowered they are. I found a 2011 335xi for $9995 with 113k miles from a dealership that I got mine from. They offer an extended warranty for 4 years for $2800 which has saved me a bit. The BMW dealership near me though has a 2013 320i with 98k miles and they said i could purchase a 5 year warranty for 3,000 but I felt that their asking price of $12,995 I'd a bit high for what I'm getting. What should i look for tomorrow when test driving the 335, should i try to knock them down to 9?

[Leslie731]

What's your budget? And why a dealer lot car? With 100k plus mileage? A high price for a warranty from a dealer, usually can do better on that issue through Carmax or private. I'd be looking at cars owned by forum members, since your not looking at newer cars, most keep records and care how the cars are maintained

[fgpalmer71]

You should have a shop lined up for a PPI before you get to the dealer lot. Then, if you like it enough to contemplate purchasing it I'd get it inspected. I'd personally want it on a lift so I could see underneath. I'd want the belly pan removed so I could see any oil leaks. I'd want the suspension checked over for leaking bushings. Being that it's at a dealer lot I'd think that they'd have steam cleaned the engine bay, erasing any top side signs of oil or coolant leaks....but check for those before you drive it. The white residue left behind by coolant leaks is easy enough to spot. Personally it's about the car for me, I couldn't care less wether it's sold by a dealer, private party, auction, whatever. If the price is right and the car checks out I couldn't care less. With that said the dealers tended to be WAY overpriced when I was shopping at this time last year. I don't know what your current BMW ownership experience has been like thus far. When I purchased I bought the most put together, well taken care of car I could find, spent a hefty sum on multiple PPI's on multiple cars during the search (saved me from making more then 1 mistake). My 2009 e93 335i had 78k on it when I got it. Index 12 injectors (check for those) and turbos were put in at ~ 55K. Battery, waterpump and thermostat were done @ 76k just before I bought it. There was a control arm that had just begun to leak that came up in the inspection. As well sorted as the car is/was I developed a coolant leak at the upper radiator hose last weekend and the car is parked until I can get all of the hoses and mickey mouse fitting replaced later this week. My FCP care package arrived today. A warranty would provide some piece of mind for sure. Not sure I'd go with it as I intended on doing most of the work myself when I was shopping. But if that's not your jam I can understand. GL with it.

[Stephenj007]

Thank you guys, the car sold so now I'm looking for a 328i 2013

[whyzee125]

F30 328i is a downgrade in my opinion. Way less feel and the 4 banger is an inferior engine to the n52.

[Stephenj007]

Originally Posted by whyzee125

F30 328i is a downgrade in my opinion. Way less feel and the 4 banger is an inferior engine to the n52.

Honestly I have to disagree with you, my 328 has just gone down hill ever since the shop did the transmission fluid. It doesn't get up and go it hesitates when i step on the gas for a few seconds. Plus the interior clips r starting to come apart and the springs and water pump r coming up so out of warranty it'd be putting in half the value of the car. This one just felt so much more alive to me even being a 4 banger; maybe I'm crazy

[whyzee125]

Originally Posted by Stephenj007

Honestly I have to disagree with you, my 328 has just gone down hill ever since the shop did the transmission fluid. It doesn't get up and go it hesitates when i step on the gas for a few seconds. Plus the interior clips r starting to come apart and the springs and water pump r coming up so out of warranty it'd be putting in half the value of the car. This one just felt so much more alive to me even being a 4 banger; maybe I'm crazy

99% sure the shop put the wrong fluid in it. They always do. Your car may be aging but it's still a better car IMO. That being said, if you like the f30 better, that's all that matters. Nothing like getting in your car and putting a smile on your face everytime!

[Stephenj007]

Originally Posted by whyzee125

99% sure the shop put the wrong fluid in it. They always do. Your car may be aging but it's still a better car IMO. That being said, if you like the f30 better, that's all that matters. Nothing like getting in your car and putting a smile on your face everytime!

Honestly I'd love to keep my 328i, i just feel with the warranty expiring that the rest of repairs (water pump, fuel pump, thermostat) are going to be pricey repairs after the warranty is up in 3 months. Plus i need to spend about 1,000 all around in suspension work to get it inspected this year

[Mantraxalos]

Originally Posted by Stephenj007

Honestly I'd love to keep my 328i, i just feel with the warranty expiring that the rest of repairs (water pump, fuel pump, thermostat) are going to be pricey repairs after the warranty is up in 3 months. Plus i need to spend about 1,000 all around in suspension work to get it inspected this year

I'm not sure about the fuel pump difficulty other than it's supposedly easily accessible. The water pump and thermostat aren't that bad at all to DIY.

[whyzee125]

Buying another nearly 10 year old car isnt going to save money. It's your money and ultimately you need to do what will make you happy, but IMO worn out suspension and a possibly shoddy trans service isn't a reason to sell the car especially if you're just getting another car of a similar age. Used cars require maintenance and new cars are expensive so pick your poison. You're probably better off putting a little love into the car you have but again, we can't make that decision for you.

[Stephenj007]

Well guys I'm here to say i officially ordered myself a 2015 exl v6 accord . Don't get me wrong no hate towards BMW at all. I plan to own another when I graduate my schooling, just need something light on the bills when in college when I travel out for school. Just came down to the car not holding a charge and turns out the battery went out after only a few months old, water pump is leaking, springs and 2 control arms need done, and new seals for Evap system. Just kinda ready to have somebody buy it out from me, still have the car. This car I think was a lemon since day 1, never had it more than a month and a half without having a service engine pop up