Intro and some questions

[zerimar3]

Hey all, my name is David and I just signed up with the forums as I'm looking to make my first BMW purchase. I'm an educator and a graphic designer living in San Diego, CA. I'm looking into an '06 330i or an '07 335i. I've already talked to my Credit Union and I'm good to go with the best possible price available.

My brother has a 5 series and his wife has a 3 series. I often hear about the maintenance on these vehicles being pricey. Now if I get a BMW from a non-bmw dealership, how will the warranty be applied considering it still hasn't reached 50,000 miles?

I'm told by several dealers that the vehicles qualify for the bmw warranty but I'm wondering of any other options out there. I don't want to get one with high mileage and I look forward to sticking with BMW for a good while, making other purchases, eventually upgrading and getting into something for the future.

We'll see how it goes, but I basically would like any tips on how to go about making the purchase, what to look out for, and how to hustle for the right price. Thanks in advance for your time, I look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers!

[fun driver]

Welcome David, since you are considering two engines one with turbo(s) and the other one without i suggest to drive them both and decide which suits you better.

Warranty i guess it applies to the car itself and not the car dealer. But someone else can verify that hopefully.

[bimmerman318]

Welcome David,:buttrock
Like (fun driver) said test drive them both and see which one you like more. It also depends on what you looking for in the car.. power or comfort? And about warranty, it still the same nomatter which dealer you get your bimmer from:D

[BMWRaja]

Welcome, and good luck choosing.

[SilverBeam]

Welcome! The warranty moves with the car, not with the owner, so yes, you'll retain it. Also, if you buy a CPO car you'll be covered until 100,000 miles.

The only real difference between the two cars will be the power. 260hp is a lot... 300 is just ridiculous!

[midduke]

go with the 335i, gotta love that turbo

[kingrayer]

go for an '01 M3
good luck choosing

[bmwfan21]

Welcome to the forums, David! Good luck and I hope you make the best decision.

[zerimar3]

Okay I'm back. I'm finally getting used to this forum a bit. Took me a good while to find my thread and I just realized I'm not listed as a member; at least i cant' find my name under the member search.

I found a car I really like. It an '07 328i. For some reason when I drove the 330i and 335i I didn't like how sensitive it was to the road and all the vibrations I felt in the driver's seat. But this 328i is a nice one and just barely over 17K milies.

The price tag is reduced to 25,999.00.

I tried to bargain for lower and waiting for the extreme end of the year clearance. They just wan to move the car out as it's been reduced from just a bit over 30,000.00 and hasn't sold yet.

I test drove it and really liked the feel. Apparently it has the option of going from automatic to manual. The shift is very nice and when you're in drive you can move it to the left and use it in manual mode without a clutch.

My brother tells me that it's the sport edition, as not all 328's are the same. So I'm really considering it, but man, I'm just wondering if I'll be able to hang with the payments. The tell me the KBB value is at 27,400.00 and that's it's priced lower than that.

I was looking for around a good 23,000.00 to take it on. What do you guys think? Just go for it?

I'm wondering man....it's a nice ride.

Cheers!

[M62pwrdE38]

There is no "y" in Infiniti.

[taylorwilsdon]

Don't pay that close to book. We're in a recession, nobody is buying '07 Bimmers. Ask for your 23k, if they balk, walk away. Chances are you'll get a call in a few days offering you 24. At that point, its your call - take it there or shoot for lower.

I'd MUCH rather have an 07 anything than an 06 E46. I think the E92s are just so much better. I don't like the sedans in either category but the 9x's are better looking, feeling and performing across the board.

[E36BMW3series]

Low ball them man. They are going to stick it to you when you need an oil change and parts if you don't DIY.

I have heard that if you buy a car from an independent dealer you can purchase a warranty for around 1k? :dunno

Good luck, if its a BMW you can't go wrong.

[PixMan]

Tell them to go ahead and write up a sale contract at your $23K. Tell them they don't have to sign it, but you will. (Just make CERTAIN you get a copy!)

This just shows them how serious you are about buying it, and it's up to them to make the commitment...you already have. You will find out by tomorrow if they need your sale to make their numbers for the month.

BTW, just because it has a Steptronic transmission doesn't mean it's got the "Sport Package". There are other signs, such as seats, ride height, steering wheel and more. If you're looking at a car that's at a BMW dealership, this info would be on the car's documentation. Bottom line is that if you like the ride, it's the car for you.

[sprintman]

Get a manual, you and your wallet will be sorry you didn't.

[BrwnChknBrwnCow]

go with the 335i, gotta love that turbo
x2