HELP: Cross-Shopping a CPO 3-Series

"superdave847" (superdave847) 01/03/2015 at 13:08 • Filed to: BMW

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So, I'm ready to replace my E46 325i sedan, which has been a fun, faithful car, but is approaching 170,000 miles. Its been nice to have both our vehicles paid off and to skip having a car payment, but its time for me to move toward an updated model. I have permission from my wife who told me the right new car is, "whatever you want."

The only two caveats from her are that she requires it be an automatic and a saloon.

Here are my criteria:

- I don't want the 2012 model year because it is the first year for the F30 platform, which probably prices me out of the F30 335i.

- I don't want to spend more than $30k on a used 3 Series, since I'd like to leave the bulk of German depreciation to the first owner;

- The M-Sport package is a must-have in my mind if I get an E90;

- I-drive would be nice, but is not a must-have;

- The oldest model year I'm willing to go back to is a 2011; and

- Two wheel drive is preferred to X-drive.

What I can't decide is whether:

A . To get an an E90 328 M-Sport, knowing it is the last true analog 3 Series (naturally aspirated and hydraulic steering), but DINAN doesn't offer any tuning for naturally aspirate engines after the end of the 330i model. Still this is probably the best value;

B . Whether to get a E90 335i because honestly I know I'll love that power from the N55 inline six and the 2011 looks pretty sweet with the M-Sport; OR

C . Whether to get a 2013 F30 328i with the intention of installing a DINAN chip and exhaust (which in reality I might never get around to).

Any suggestions?

Thoughts from current owners?

OppositeLock, I need help with this first-world problem.

I'll probably drive whichever I buy until almost 200,000 miles. I'm a little stuck in my head trying to decide which to get.

Here are examples of the 3 models I'm looking at:

( E90 328i M-Sport - 26k miles for $23k )

( E90 335i M-Sport - 54k miles for $25k )

( F30 328i - 30k miles for $28k )

Vote for A, B, or C in the comments below and tell me your reasoning.

****Update***

Last night I pulled the trigger, but it won't be delivered until the end of the month. I located a 2010 335i in LeMans blue with the M Sport package at CarMax.

It only has 40,000 miles, but does not have the iDrive. But, you can't get it all when you're buying used.

I'll blog about it later and test !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . A photo is below, but I'll post more once I've got my paws on it. I'm excited.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Brian Silvestro > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 13:18

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I recommend choice A because that's what I'd personally go with. It will be more reliable in the long run, and the pleasures of an N/A straight six will all be there. There's adequate power (230hp I think), and I'd spend money on wheels/tires/suspension before I ever touch the engine.

jmedarts > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 13:20

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If there are maintenance records showing plenty of oil changes for the 335 i'd go for that. I have an 07 335 and I am very happy with it. It seems like you have done the used BMW thing before and know what you are in for. Always go for the biggest motor you can get. (Yes an M3 would be bigger, but it's not really the same car). There are also lots of tuning/chip options for the 335!

superdave847 > Brian Silvestro 01/03/2015 at 13:22

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That's the exact thought I have that keeps me going back to look for E90 328s. This will probably be my last chance to have N/A daily driver 3 Series since it seems the move to turbocharged fours is permanent.

Brian Silvestro > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 13:25

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It's pretty unfortunate that this is the way base models are going, but everyone saw it coming I guess.

Option D could be find the cheapest not-sketchy '08 M3 you can. That's what I'd really do.

superdave847 > jmedarts 01/03/2015 at 13:25

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I love the E90 M3 and occasionally think it would be worth going that route—but the idea of using it as a daily driver seems unjust or irreverent to me somehow. That's a car that should appreciate in value relatively soon.

DrScientist > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 13:26

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B. it's the only one that won't give you a "I should've gotten the..." Moment.

You'll probably not notice the turbo power delivery as different from a NA engine. You'll wish you got the 335 if you get the 328, and if you get the f30, you'll get jealous when the face lift cars are released. With a2011 or 2012 e90 335, you'll know you got the pinnacle of that design.

Also, and maybe not on your radar, but have you considered the c350? It's a great little car, with a better interior than the bimmers. I recently cross shopped similar models (bmw/benz/audi) for my mother, and went with the c350 coupe. The rarity was also a factor in that decision.

superdave847 > Brian Silvestro 01/03/2015 at 13:30

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Owning what will likely be the only N/A V8 M3 in history definitely has appeal, but the cost / mileage differential is tough for me to swallow.

Most seem to be at about $35k for 65k miles. And I have a hard time buying a BMW with over 50k miles.

Brian Silvestro > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 13:31

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Yeah I would too. If you don't have $40k to spend, then I wouldn't recommend it. The 328i is perfectly fine for what you need.

jmedarts > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 13:32

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I think the whole idea of the M3 is to be a DD.

I'm just terrified of the routine maintenance costs, nevermind if anything breaks!

If you can handle the finances, go for it.

superdave847 > DrScientist 01/03/2015 at 13:32

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I've definitely looked (and drooled) at the C350s online, but I haven't test driven one. I've never owned a Mercedes and the Consumer Reports ratings have given me pause, but I'm open to the C350.

superdave847 > jmedarts 01/03/2015 at 13:35

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My whole train of thought changes once I think about getting an M3. While I love the E90, I'd probably go with a E46 M3 over the V8, but finding a good sedan (to make my wife happy) starts to put this into finding a "white whale" territory.

superdave847 > Brian Silvestro 01/03/2015 at 13:36

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There is a strong possibility I'll do just that.

Brian Silvestro > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 13:39

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See when I ask myself questions like this, I just tell myself, it's just a daily! I'd rather own a basic, more comfortable daily then have something nice/faster/more raw for when I want to enjoy the drive.

I hate commuting, it ruins driving, it's not fun, and it still puts mileage on the car.

E92M3 > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 13:40

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335i with M Sport gets my vote. The extra torque is great to have.

superdave847 > Brian Silvestro 01/03/2015 at 13:48

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The deal I made with my wife was that I can get a motorcycle if I get a sedan over a coupe. It seems fair.

Brian Silvestro > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 13:51

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Yes! The motorcycle will be so much fun! Get one of those BMW café racer looking ones. I'm not really into bikes but those are very cool.

superdave847 > Brian Silvestro 01/03/2015 at 13:55

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Motorcycles are really fun. My first was a Ninja 600R and my second was a Triumph Speed Four. Both met untimely deaths, however. The Ninja was hit while parked on a side street in Chicago and totaled. The Triumph died from a motorcycle vs. deer accident while I was in law school. That bike was really cool.

MylesD > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 13:56

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A

Brian Silvestro > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 14:01

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I'm scared that if I get into bikes I'll fall into a black hole of awesomeness I'll never be able to get out of

titsinmymitts > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 14:15

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Wow, I didn't realize how cheap low-mileage 3-series are from just a few years ago.

How bad is maintenance pricing on those things? I know the ///M stuff can be very pricey, but is a 335i nearly as astronomical?

superdave847 > Brian Silvestro 01/03/2015 at 14:16

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I would never tell another man to start riding motorcycles—I don't want that guilt. But, I will say it is the most fun I've had other than skiing in Colorado.

superdave847 > titsinmymitts 01/03/2015 at 14:19

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From my experience, oil changes are the most expensive since that inline six requires 7 quarts of synthetic 0W-40. Other than brakes, tires, and oil, the only mechanical failure my E46 had was a fuel pump at a 125k miles. That repair was ~$300 at an independent BMW shop.

jmedarts > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 14:29

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I don't think they made an e46 m3 sedan, it'll have to be the e90!

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 14:34

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Okay so here's the lowdown. In August of this year I purchased a 2006 E90 330i 6MT. The car handled extremely well, had a buttery smooth transmission, but was underpowered. Yes, it is all what you are used to, but that is just how I felt. These cars are so refined that you don't get a sensation of true speed in them. After two months I was bored, and started to look for a replacement. Found an E92 335Xi 6MT with dinan goodies on it, and knew I had to have it. It had all the benefits of the 330i, along with the one thing it was missing... POWAHH. If you buy the 328/330 there is no potential for growth on power. And frankly, they don't have much balls to begin with. The 335 on the other hand has a huge aftermarket following, and the amazing ability to make gobs of power for cheap. A JB4 tuner is about $500 and will net you 80HP/90TQ with no other mods. 390 TQ in a refined luxury sedan, how can you say no to that?

superdave847 > jmedarts 01/03/2015 at 14:46

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Ah, you're right. If only. The E46 is my favorite (other than impossible to find E30s).

superdave847 > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 01/03/2015 at 14:49

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390 TQ in a refined luxury sedan, how can you say no to that?

I can't.

And with those sweet M-Sport rims, exhaust, and suspension upgrades—the E90 335i seems perfect.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 14:51

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It really is. You can't ask for anymore in a daily driver. And if you're really ballin', you can spring for the Competition wheels like whoever the PO of my car was. Check these beauties out. (I removed the LingLongs and replaced with Conti DWS's immediately after purchasing the car)

TDogg > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 17:28

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I'm gonna vote A because it has the lowest price and lowest mileage. It also looks the nicest of these 3 (IMO) and N/A is a better long term maintenance item than turbo. :)

JDMatt > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 18:57

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option A: lowest price and lowest miles.

bob and john > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 19:36

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WILD CARD:

335D.

pros: diesel: meaning great fuel consumption, motor will last forever, and 425 ft=lbs torque..STOCK
with a tune, 300HP and 500+ torque

cons: uhhh.....????? its only RWD

superdave847 > bob and john 01/03/2015 at 20:16

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If I found a 335d with the M Sport package, I'd be all over that. Most of the diesel's I've seen are the luxury line, which I'm less of a fan of.

bob and john > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 20:54

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remind me what is the M-s[prt pack? if its just body panels, couldnt you find them and throw thm on yourself?

superdave847 > bob and john 01/03/2015 at 21:34

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No, the suspension is entirely different and 14mms lower, it includes 19" wheels (that look really good), a BMW performance exhaust, front & rear fascias, and a thicker steering wheel. I would love a 335d with an M Sport package.

Compare:

335d with the M Sport package

with:

335d without the M Sport package.

superdave847 > Twinpowermeansoneturbo 01/03/2015 at 21:39

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Those look great!

titsinmymitts > superdave847 01/03/2015 at 23:18

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My only concern is that the newer BMWs have gotten exponentially more complicated in the past couple of years.

335i sedan would be a nice sleeper of a daily, though. I still have some reliability concerns, and finding a manual is like finding a goddamn unicorn.

DrScientist > superdave847 01/04/2015 at 09:21

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didn't mention that I was referring to the 2013 C's not the newest body style. I don't ven know if the newest coupe has been launched yet.

Anyway, sorry to add to the confusion. And for CPOs, I believe they have a similar maintenance and warranty structure as the bmws.