Thinking of buying a 2008 328xi

[fmzip]

So I am thinking of buying a 328xi. I've had an E36, an E46 and I still have my E39.

So the 08 I am picking up has 74K on it in really good shape. He was looking for $12K, I offered $9, he said no lower than $10K. Single owner, actually caught him on the right day as he is moving to another state on Friday and he either sells it or gives it to Carmax or drives it cross country.

What can I expect from the E92? I realize it's not as DIY friendly as my E39 or E46 but I assume I can still tackle some the BMW demons that always lurk with each model year. Can I get some input from the lovers and DIY's. Haters can chime in too but let's not demotivate me totally

If you think an E92 isn't the car to get, what would you suggest from the BMW family (or other) for $10K. This will be my wife's DD so it's likely to get trashed anyway. We do get quite a bit of snow here so keep that in mind with suggestions

[stclark13]

I've owned a e36 m3, a e46 330i and now have a e91 328xi. I don't find the e91 that much different to work on from a diy perspective. My only advice is to get a dedicated bmw scanner or software like bavarian technics to read codes and reset lights and service reminders.

[fmzip]

I've owned a e36 m3, a e46 330i and now have a e91 328xi. I don't find the e91 that much different to work on from a diy perspective. My only advice is to get a dedicated bmw scanner or software like bavarian technics to read codes and reset lights and service reminders.


Will do! Which is the easiest to use/best to have? I have all the peake tools for my E39.

Are there any weak points with theses like cooling system etc? With this car having 74K on it, should I be on the look out for anything?

[cochise325]

At 74k miles I would suggest replacing the water pump and thermostat (if it has not already been done). The water pump is electric and when it fails the car goes into limp mode to prevent damaging the engine. The parts will run $400 to $500. You will need the pump, thermostat, 3 water pump bolts, and a gallon of coolant.

I would replace the spark plugs, serpentine belt, belt tensioner, idler pulley, spark plugs, cabin air filter, engine air filter.

You could be very close to needing struts, control arms, rear shocks.

www.ecstuning.com is a good place to scope parts prices.

[stclark13]

I have both. A cheapy scanner I found on ebay for like $100 and the bavarian technic software was just over $200. The software is very user friendly and we'll worth the money if you plan on doing most of the work yourself. It's much more in depth and has more options than a scanner. I help a buddy out who owns a used car lot and has 8 to 10 bmw's on his lot at any time and I use the software daily.

[fmzip]

Drove from CT to PA yesterday and bought this little beauty for my wife.


http://thetechhouse.myqnapcloud.com/~fotosbyfran/BMW/328xi.jpg
http://thetechhouse.myqnapcloud.com/~fotosbyfran/BMW/328xi1.jpg
http://thetechhouse.myqnapcloud.com/~fotosbyfran/BMW/328xi2.jpg

[cochise325]

nice!