I have to get a sedan and an automatic (it sucks, I know).

I've tested many small sedans, including Lexus, Infiniti, Mercedes (C class) and BMW 3 series.

The only one that I truly like, in terms of ride control, steering and overall design and blend of comfort and sportiness is the BMW 330i.

I don't need the 300hp of the 335 nor its worse fuel economy.

Anyways, what do you guys think of a 330i?

Also, should I get a CPO only?

Here's a few I had in mind:


http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=22&pageNum ber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage= 0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE+descending& certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-|E-ALL|M-_5_|G-50000|B-25000|H-|D-_32-3636_|N-N|R-10000|I-1,7|P-PRICE+descending|Q-descending|Y-_2007-2006_|X-popular|Z-48009&aff=detnews&paId=274220344&recnum=34&leadExi sts=true

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true



...

 

330i is a solid car. i would definately get CPO. couple of minor electrical problems with the E90 that could be costly coming out of your own pocket. but CPO will definately help out even with a deductible.

if you have any questions, PM me and i'll see if i can answer them.

 

oh, i can also find out some information on any BMW as long as you have the last 7 digits of the VIN. what kind of options it has, production dates, repair history, when the warranty expires, etc. etc.

 

Thanks.

When I line up the car I think I'll make an offer on, I will do.

I've noticed used Beemers are really coming down in price. Must be the economy.

 

yea, i've noticed that too. i don't know exactly why, i'm just a technician. 06/07 are all under warranty still. so you really shouldn't have to worry about CPO just yet.

 

Note that the 330 was only available in 2006. Good car. I'd go 07 335i coupe myself but thats me.

The ZF transmission with the shift paddles is very good in sport mode (07). Not sure what is in the 06.

 

You're a BMW technician, Dan?


I like the 335i, but there been some reliability issues - some say it's related to the twin-turbo setup, others aren't so convinced.

I would like the 300 hp and 300 lbs foot of torque with that car, but probably don't need it, and it does come at a pretty hefty premium over the normally aspirated 330i.

 

What about a 328i?

 

excuse my igorance but what does CPO stand for?

 

Certified Pre Owned I htink...

 

Rotorocket, did you test out an a4 or a6? I find them a little more comfortable on the inside than beemers.

 

I'll put it this way. I was test driving cars before I got my 8. I was at a Mazda stealership and I had just gotten back from testing an RX-8. The salesman says, "Oh, if you're looking for a good car for all around use, take this one for a drive." He shows me a pretty blue/grey-ish BMW 325xi. I thought, "Ok. This could be sporty and fun."

So we went out on the drive and and it was a nice car. After awhile of driving it, my stepdad said, "Wow, when you were driving the RX-8 you had a huge grin on your face, and now you have a grumpy look like you just got up at 5am." I didn't even realize it, but he was right.

It's a nice car, and you can't go wrong with one, but I guess I find them a bit boring.

Edit: I like the interior scheme of the second one you posted. I've always been a sucker for black/tan.

 

BMW's are such a waist of money. You need to have a premium for the name and have less features. I would personally go with a g35 sport. Infinitis are great cars. There so solid. I had an 06 FX35. No problems. $0 out of pocket. I currently own an 02 745i. To give you an example of my current expenses to drive this thing: no joke this is what im facing-brakes and rotors $1200, mobil 1 oil change $120, someone backed into the park distance control on the bumper and i need a whole new bumper, tires $250 each. All this and I liked my Infiniti way better. My previous car before these two was a 97 328ci. If you looked at my bills for that car youd laugh.

 

I agree that BMWs offer mediocre-poor value. The 335i and 135i are very nice cars though. Inline 6 motors are great.

 

Sounds like somebody couldn't afford the 745i in the first place. I'd say for a $75k car, that's about right for consumables. Sorry you didn't do your research.

My brothers G35 was a joke, interior fit and finish was embarrassing, there were what seemed like hundreds of recalls and TSBs, and it had a nearly unsolvable electrical issue with power locks. He almost lemoned the car.

 

I think you have me mistaken. I dont see how that message portrays me as not being able to afford a 745. What I am saying is for all the money I am pumping into a car that I dont enjoy I could be spending it on a better car. I.e. any brand new infiniti.

 

I used to like the 5 series (Okay, I still like the M5).

But they sort of ruined the 5. The definitely ruined the 7 series, and it's definitely unreliable.

The 328 and 330 and 335 are as big as the last gen 5 series, can be had without iDrive, and are the most reliable BMWs made.

With the economy in the tank, I have a great deal of confidence I can get a 2007 330i for about 25k with less than 30k miles on it. In fact, that's asking price on some mint condition ones I've seen that are CPOs, so I'm sure 23kish is doable.

 

In my experience, BMW technicians say something like this often. I think it's particularly true with German cars. I don't know firsthand myself, but they are said to have overly complex circuitry.

 

330i or any 3-series are nice cars. they are no Rx-8 in terms of driving thrills. But most wouldn't know the difference.

 

buy it..I like BMWs.... I, myself is considering about selling my 8 eventually and buying a late model 3 serie coupe.. :D eventually!!!

 

In my personal oppinion if you can't afford the car new then you shouldn't be looking into a used one, especially the high end brands due to maintenance cost.

As for the A4 they are solid cars, you'll be surprised how well they handle in my opinion it falls b/w the 335 and the C300, interior wise it comes in 3rd.

 

Oohhh... I like the new C-classes. Best looking German entry level sedans. Interior is nice too. Not as stoic as the bimmer. I drove a C300 4Matic last year and it was fun. Not fast. I bet the C350 should reach naughty speeds quickly. Where i am BMWs are dime a dozen. So a C-class will stand out nicely.

 

I can afford the car new, comfortably.

I save at least $16,000 buying a 18 to 24 month old one, with less than 30k miles (maybe less than 20k miles on it) and a factory warranty by buying a minty-fresh used one.

Cars take the biggest depreciation hit during the first two years.

Many very wealthy people won't buy new for this reason. It's why they're wealthy.

 

^^^ youre right RotoRocket. In addition, buying a used BMW is a great idea... can't remember the last time I ran into a BMW owner that didn't take extremely good care of their car.

 

That's actually a very good point, too.

Between the certified program (with the longer warranty), buying a brand having owners that are enthusiasts, and a brand that offers FREE maintenance for the first 4 years/50k miles, and saving 15k to 18k off the price of a new 330i, there's no reason not to buy a used one.