Considering a 325I

[Philboski]

Hi there,

I currently have an E39, and am considering my options for the future, one of which is a 325I sedan or touring, which are dropping into my price range. I had a couple of questions about the car that were not satisfied by searching around here.

One, I have heard that the 330I intake manifold and a reflash essentially turns these cars into a 330I. Is this the case, or is there more to it than that?

Two, I have read enough about body integrity problems (ripping subframes, deforming strut mounts) that it has given me pause. Any of these with the E9X models?

Three, any other common problems (aside from cooling, window regulators, and the lack of a dipstick)?

Four, are runflats necessary, or can they be avoided?

Lastly, how hard is it to avoid things like iDrive, active steering and other technological marvels (read: future expensive repairs) like that?

[msrothwell]

One, I have heard that the 330I intake manifold and a reflash essentially turns these cars into a 330I. Is this the case, or is there more to it than that?



I think that for the trouble and expense, you'd be better off paying an additional 2000 dollars up front and buying a 330i




Lastly, how hard is it to avoid things like iDrive, active steering and other technological marvels (read: future expensive repairs) like that?

It is really hard. I only wanted the cold weather pack and xenons, but trying to find one like that is difficult. Most of the ones I found were either SUPER stripped, ie leatherette, no fold down seats, and halogens or super loaded; navi, premium, sport, comfort access, sunroof, sunshades, active steering, etc.

I ended up picking up a fairly loaded one with basically everything but navi. I like it so far, I've only had it a week, I haven't even picked up plates up yet.

[mryakan]

Hi there,

Two, I have read enough about body integrity problems (ripping subframes, deforming strut mounts) that it has given me pause. Any of these with the E9X models?

Four, are runflats necessary, or can they be avoided?

That is just e46 specific and not all e46 models exhibited that.

As for runflat, I advise everyone to try them out for themselves before deciding whether to keep or ditch. Majority of people keep them and only a small percentage decide to part with them.



Lastly, how hard is it to avoid things like iDrive, active steering and other technological marvels (read: future expensive repairs) like that?

Not sure I understand this question. Those are standalone options that you don't really need to buy, and some like active steering are something that not many people buy so you won't find them on most used e9x cars.

[Philboski]

Not sure I understand this question. Those are standalone options that you don't really need to buy, and some like active steering are something that not many people buy so you won't find them on most used e9x cars.

Sorry, I should hve been more specific. I would buy used. I don't want iDrive or active steering, as they are just asking for future trouble, in my opinion.

The 325I would seem to have enough giddyap for my needs, but one always wonders about extra power if it's available, I guess.

As well, the 325 does cost less, which would be a factor for me. I am not sure I want one just yet, but down the line, the search could be on.

[mryakan]

Sorry, I should hve been more specific. I would buy used. I don't want iDrive or active steering, as they are just asking for future trouble, in my opinion.

The 325I would seem to have enough giddyap for my needs, but one always wonders about extra power if it's available, I guess.

As well, the 325 does cost less, which would be a factor for me. I am not sure I want one just yet, but down the line, the search could be on.
Yeah skip iDrive and Active steering if you plan on keeping the car for a long time and don't want to worry about repair costs (although I would think if iDrive were to break after the warranty is over, you don't really have to fix it). Chances are most used 325s will not have either of those 2 options since most people going for an entry level car will skip on this high end stuff, at the minimum you will find more 325s without than with those options.

[Philboski]

Here's another question -- do 325Is have tire pressure monitoring? Does that create issues when putting on winter wheels and tires?

[mryakan]

Here's another question -- do 325Is have tire pressure monitoring? Does that create issues when putting on winter wheels and tires?
If I am not mistaken, all Canadian cars come with FTM which uses the ABS sensors to deduce a deflated tire. It is possible however that MY06 came with TPM sensors before they changed them, I am not sure, I got a confusing answer from my CA when I asked him. Any Canadians here with an MY06 to comment?
With FTM there is no issue, but with TPMS you need to buy an extra set of sensors (~200 US) if you are using a different set of wheels.