Advice About Selling 2008 335xi With Turbo Oil Leak

[drewa]

I have a rather tough situation. I have a 2008 BMW 335 xi with ~120,000. It runs great and I really like it, but it has a salvage title from the previous owner, and an oil leak from the turbo. Thing is, I would like to sell it now. I'm at college now and so would potentially only drive it in the summer. I wanted to keep it as long as possible, but at this point the insurance is too expensive and would rather have the money for college. I listed it at $6,800 on a few sites and got a little interest, but not many takers. One person came and took a look, but lost interest after the inspection which revealed the extent of the turbo leak. At this point, I don't know whether it's worth it to sell it for much less, if even possible considering the turbo situation (which has only been confirmed by one shop at this point; big leak, but this is the only shop that has confirmed that it is turbos). Or, I don't know if I should keep it, fix the turbos (~$3000 quote), or just keep driving it without fixing this (eventually will lead to problems I know, but I have a feeling there's quite a few miles before anything extensive happens). Also, I know that buying a salvage title BMW at age 17 was risky, but I have loved the car, I just need to know my most practical option here if anyone has more knowledge about turbos in this car or the current market.

Thanks for the help.

[Critter7r]

You'd have a lot more interest even with the leaky turbo at $5,000. Do you owe on it?

[relative4]

$3000 to replace the turbos is very cheap.

[Codes2]

$3000 to replace the turbos is very cheap.

Yup. Even for an indy, assuming parts and labor.
You could go aftermarket, RB Ones or such (high quality).
That would bring the hardware price down. Then it's labor...

It's great you are being honest about the turbos.
There is always someone who wants the car and knows a bit of what's involved... maybe someone who wants to tune it, or can do the labor.

*IF* the street value is 8000, offer it at 5000 or 6000, noting the turbos?

[drewa]

I do not owe anything on it, no. I'm sure you're right, but I think $5000 is a little low. I mean I bought it for 8,000, so that would be a lot of money in almost 2 years. Do you think there would be anyway to mitigate to this loss?

[drewa]

Yup. Even for an indy, assuming parts and labor.
You could go aftermarket, RB Ones or such (high quality).
That would bring the hardware price down. Then it's labor...

It's great you are being honest about the turbos.
There is always someone who wants the car and knows a bit of what's involved... maybe someone who wants to tune it, or can do the labor.

*IF* the street value is 8000, offer it at 5000 or 6000, noting the turbos?

How much would aftermarket turbos be? Would these options not be a lot more than OEM options? Also, I'm worried about the limited market if I completely upfront about the turbos. Would a better long-term solution be just to fix it, or do you think I would have more problems in the future?

[Codes2]

How much would aftermarket turbos be? Would these options not be a lot more than OEM options? Also, I'm worried about the limited market if I completely upfront about the turbos. Would a better long-term solution be just to fix it, or do you think I would have more problems in the future?


Hi drewa,

You're in a hard-to-win situation. I'm feeling for you.
We never want to sell our cars when they are running perfect, but that's the best time...


My $.02 on aftermarket options...

I'm undoubtedly biased, like most out here. Particularly when it comes to the N54 platform.
I've been watching Turbo vendors for years now and really respect Rob Beck of RB Turbos.
Particularly as you are looking for a 'budget' type option, but also something as good or better than OEM.

I suggest to fire him an e-mail, advising of your platform and goals (sale).
RB sells a wide variety for the N54, however he also has what is effectively OEM.

Having an idea about the market and vendors, if I were the buyer, I'd be entirely confident if you told me you had RB 'Ones' or such installed. More so than OE.

His website still lists twins going for $999 USD.
There would be some peripheral parts likely required, along with labor.
Labor is quite likely the most significant aspect, with the low end quote being 8 hours, and up from there. (my garage states the book is 16 hours...)


Rob Beck - rob.rbturbo@gmail.com (you could suggest you were referred to by "codesx / David", though I don't carry any weight...)
He's super nice. Obsessed with providing perfection. Can quote the ideal options based on needs/goals.

[Critter7r]

I think those are your 2 options : Market it as needing turbos and sell it for less, or fix it and keep or sell it for a normal amount.

[Codes2]

How much would aftermarket turbos be? Would these options not be a lot more than OEM options? Also, I'm worried about the limited market if I completely upfront about the turbos. Would a better long-term solution be just to fix it, or do you think I would have more problems in the future?


Note:

If you sell now for $5000, advising turbos need to be replaced
or
Invest $2500-3000 for repairs, then selling for $7500-8000
it's a toss

Tough call.
You need to know your market 'as is' and if with 'new RB Ones'.
I've seen and been both types of buyers.
Just have to find the right one.

For $5000, if there is nothing else wrong
+$3000 for RB Twos or better (installed), $500 for BMS JB4, $500 for BMS 7.5" FMIC, $500 for BMS CP and WMI (water methanol injection), $300 for a Custom (Trebila) BEF Tune
That's $9300 for over 500 Crank HP. That's put me into the 4.01 seconds.
Almost wish I was starting over.

However, if there's other issues, such as gaskets, seals, etc...
$Oil Filter Housing
$Valve Cover Gasket (possible cover)
$Oil Pan
$Ignition Coils
$Injectors

Tones of potential for a smart buyer...

** EDIT ** What Critter7r says ^^