Getting a 2006 330i Have Some Questions

[PorschePinkPig]

I have been lurking on these forums for a while now and just decided to make an account. This week I will be picking up a manual 2006 BMW 330i with 100K + miles only one owner... my main question is what are some things I should look out for? Things that might need replacing, cleaning, e.t.c. The car is all around pretty solid, engine runs smoothly, cornering is tight. I plan on keeping this car for some time and want to make it last, while maintaining the ability to have some fun with it too. Those things might not go hand in hand, but I am not uptight and not worried all too much about potential re-sale value. Recently I have been driving a automatic 2008 528i with the iDrive system. Any comparisons? For the 330 I am only planning some minor suspension and wheel mods as of right now.

[Das Omen]

Unless you have an idea of what has been replaced already, you'll wanna replace damn near everything. 100k is basically when everything should/needs to be changed. O2 sensor would be one I would look at as an example. Bmws will seem to run pretty good with bad ones so it can be hard to realize you have a bad one if you don't know what it drives like with a good one (if that makes sense).

[Herb]

I picked up a 330i sport MT with 136k about a month ago.

Auto or MT?

I disagree with Das Omen about replacing everything... If the suspension is tight (no shutters and no steering slop), only replace as needed or funds available. If it isn't overheating (shame there isn't a temp guage, but a BT obdii dongle with Torque App will give you pertinent readings to your phone), the valve cover gasket isn't leaking, power steering isn't whining, and no abnormal oil consumption, then same as above.

The NA car is a solid platform, meaning it doesn't suffer a lot of the past BMW issues or the turbo cars issues (shitty cooling system being primary).

I auto-x'd mine last weekend with a co-driver (back to back runs) in 100° heat with ZERO issues.

578837

https://youtu.be/k-NVq9b7Rk0

[m3london]

The most common issue with the n52's is the oil filter housing gasket and valve cover gasket leaking. Suspension wise the front end ball joints may wear out but that's any car. The I drive is probably identical to the e60 cause you still have the nav-disc CCC system. Some e90's are prone to body creak and sunroof drains clogging but nothing seriously major. The one thing that may happen that some e9x models were prone to is the door latch assembly may fail and you'll know because you won't be able to shut the door.

[PorschePinkPig]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I will look into the valve cover and the oil filter housing when I get a chance.

[Craig B]

Have had an 06 330i since 2010. Great car, only repairs have been the thermostat and water pump, both high ticket items (800-1000 each) but for what I bought it as a CPO auto, worth the typical repairs. Enjoy the ride.

[Das Omen]

I picked up a 330i sport MT with 136k about a month ago.

Auto or MT?

I disagree with Das Omen about replacing everything... If the suspension is tight (no shutters and no steering slop), only replace as needed or funds available. If it isn't overheating (shame there isn't a temp guage, but a BT obdii dongle with Torque App will give you pertinent readings to your phone), the valve cover gasket isn't leaking, power steering isn't whining, and no abnormal oil consumption, then same as above.

The NA car is a solid platform, meaning it doesn't suffer a lot of the past BMW issues or the turbo cars issues (shitty cooling system being primary).

I auto-x'd mine last weekend with a co-driver (back to back runs) in 100° heat with ZERO issues.

578837

https://youtu.be/k-NVq9b7Rk0

I didn't mean things like the suspension.
More so all the fluids and little things in the engine bay, transmission fluid. Suspension would be a bit extreme lol