I'm looking at replacing the GS430 with something newer and lower mileage. The car on my radar now is a 2007 328i with the 6-speed manual. What's the consensus on reliability and maintenance on these things?
Do they still need the coolant system overhaul at 100k miles? The particular one I'm going to check out has ~130k miles. Anything specific I should put eyes on?
2008 328xi auto here with 120,000 miles. No nav or idrive. Coolant system still intact and still running on the original (electric, ~$400) water pump. The latter may be somewhat unusual. Other than some oil leaks at the oil filter housing gasket (fixed), the oil level sensor (fix at next oil change) and a belt tensioner replacement at around 70,000 miles, it's been reliable. Valve cover oil leaks are not uncommon either.
Going with a manual and RWD instead of AWD eliminates quite a few of the DIY challenges. Automatic transmission and transfer case fluid service is PITA, and the AWD components make access a little more challenging.
Battery replacement requires either a visit to the shop or investing in something like Carly-- which is handy enough pulling diagnosis codes and coding options.
just purchased a rwd 07 328i auto wagon and per usual BMW quirks: oil filter housing leaks a little and just recently belt tensioner started making noise( common problem for these I found out). Car feels/ drives great and has 100k.
Ugh, battery registration. I hadn't even thought about it. This would be my latest model car yet and that does not sound like fun.
But I wouldn't let it deter me from a good vehicle. This is also a non-iDrive, non-nav car.
westsidetalon wrote: just purchased a rwd 07 328i auto wagon and per usual BMW quirks: oil filter housing leaks a little and just recently belt tensioner started making noise( common problem for these I found out). Car feels/ drives great and has 100k.
Do you mind me asking what you paid? The wagons are unusual enough that it's hard to get a feel for market price.
I looked at E90s really hard before I bought my FoST. From what info I got, the 328i is quite solid as BMWs go. Still need cooling system refresh around 100k, suspension refresh not a lot later and just a bit more normal upkeep than a Honda. But otherwise, they're pretty solid. I'd ask the owner if they've had any of that work done. If not, it's good negotiating points.
dculberson wrote: Ugh, battery registration. I hadn't even thought about it. This would be my latest model car yet and that does not sound like fun. But I wouldn't let it deter me from a good vehicle. This is also a non-iDrive, non-nav car.
At least you don't need a digital diagnostic system to drive the rear caliper piston back to change the pads. Had an acquaintance with an Audi and that was required because electric parking brake.
Now I'll go back to yelling at kids to get off my lawn.
oh-- and if it's like ours and still has the original windshield, take a look through it and figure out if it needs to replaced before driving into the sun. Ours is pretty pitted, and there's a rain sensor (that may or may not have been part of a premium package) to deal with on replacement, so that's some TBD amount of extra dollars to deal with.
dculberson wrote:westsidetalon wrote: just purchased a rwd 07 328i auto wagon and per usual BMW quirks: oil filter housing leaks a little and just recently belt tensioner started making noise( common problem for these I found out). Car feels/ drives great and has 100k.Do you mind me asking what you paid? The wagons are unusual enough that it's hard to get a feel for market price.
11k from a dealer in western Ohio, watched it for a month online at $12,900 and then it got reduced to 11. Car was extremely clean and maintained from the previous one owner.
On my 2008 we just sold,
We had to replace the windshield washer fluid bottle, Coolant recovery bottle, and the water pump due to leaks with only 35K on the car. The battery also was going flat but we sold it before having to register a new battery. It seems that the plastics are still as bad as prior generations.
If you are looking for a wagon, make sure the rear wiper works. Not a big deal, but they die at about 4 years if you live in salty areas. I read that the early ABS units sometimes had issues.
The suspension bushings are usually worn at about 100k miles as are the shocks. You may want to consider a lower mile car or budget for a $3k suspension overhaul. If you get the car cheap and do the bushings with a few upgrades, you can have a better than new handling car.
Excellent tips, thanks. Sadly the specific car I wanted looks like it might sell to a "family friend" of the seller instead of me. I'll let the hive know if I get a look at it. Modern manual trans RWD wagons are few and far between.
dculberson wrote: Excellent tips, thanks. Sadly the specific car I wanted looks like it might sell to a "family friend" of the seller instead of me. I'll let the hive know if I get a look at it. Modern manual trans RWD wagons are few and far between.
You talking about the blue 6spd on Columbus C-list?
westsidetalon wrote:dculberson wrote: Excellent tips, thanks. Sadly the specific car I wanted looks like it might sell to a "family friend" of the seller instead of me. I'll let the hive know if I get a look at it. Modern manual trans RWD wagons are few and far between.You talking about the blue 6spd on Columbus C-list?
Yes, that one. Nice looking car, good price. I just wish the seller would sell it to me!
Oh well - if anyone finds a nice E90 non-AWD wagon with a stick let me know. Willing to travel some but it's gotta be a good deal if I am traveling for it.
Yes, that one. Nice looking car, good price. I just wish the seller would sell it to me! Oh well - if anyone finds a nice E90 non-AWD wagon with a stick let me know. Willing to travel some but it's gotta be a good deal if I am traveling for it.
Unpossible for "good deal", people know what these are and how rare they are. Expect premium pricing. Best forgetaboutit.
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