Buying Used 3 Series - question for the experts.

[MikeMcM]

Hey Gang, first post here. Though, I’ve ‘trolled’ for a number of years. Always wanted a bimmer. For various reasons (first wife spent money like Monopoly money) I never bought one. But now, married a second time, both of us making decent money, I’m shopping. I’ve got 26 grand to play with on a decent used 3 Series. Here in Harrisburg it seems to be a buyers market. Which brings me to my question. Next week I’m test driving a 2011 335Xi AWD. Only 49 miles. Navigation, etc. they are asking 18,775. Great, great performance. There are also many late models 328 Series avaible. I found an Alpine White 328 X AWD, navigation, sunroof, cold weather package, 43,000 miles for 20 grand. My wife the pragmatic business woman suggests I should go with the 2015. The performance minded guy in me hankers for the monster torque & HP of the 335. So, what do you, the experts think? All suggestions welcome!!! And appreciated in advance!

[Aubergine]

The 2011 will be an E90 chassis car. I believe that year has the N55 engine which was much improved over the N54 engine that the 335 and 535s had. At 49 miles I would be seriously concerned. Seriously....

Scout out all of your options an drive more cars. Do BMW CPO if you can since the warranty coverage can be rather valuable when you get past the 60K mile mark. I would read lots of reviews on each and understand that pros and cons of the E90 chassis (2006-2011 3 Series) verses the F30 chassis (2012+ 3 Series). There are arguments both ways.

Don't forget to check out the 3 Series sub-forums too! Good Luck!

[Renzo520]

Hey Gang, first post here. Though, I’ve ‘trolled’ for a number of years. Always wanted a bimmer. For various reasons (first wife spent money like Monopoly money) I never bought one. But now, married a second time, both of us making decent money, I’m shopping. I’ve got 26 grand to play with on a decent used 3 Series. Here in Harrisburg it seems to be a buyers market. Which brings me to my question. Next week I’m test driving a 2011 335Xi AWD. Only 49 miles. Navigation, etc. they are asking 18,775. Great, great performance. There are also many late models 328 Series avaible. I found an Alpine White 328 X AWD, navigation, sunroof, cold weather package, 43,000 miles for 20 grand. My wife the pragmatic business woman suggests I should go with the 2015. The performance minded guy in me hankers for the monster torque & HP of the 335. So, what do you, the experts think? All suggestions welcome!!! And appreciated in advance!

I am guessing you meant 49000 Miles? The 335 is a good car and I would pick it over the 4 cylinder turbo 328. Now if it was an older 328 with the inline 6, that would get my vote. Drive some cars and shop around. Dont rush it.