[Swish]

My 2006 330xi has 155,000 on the odometer and I'm ready to put new struts on it (the heavy duty Bilsteins) and then plan to sell it. Edmunds tells me it's worth about $7,100 in average condition but mine might be considered above average. Really not sure.

Anyway, I'm looking to stay with a 3 series but won't buy new like I did with my '06. I would like to keep the x drive so I don't have to worry in winter weather. What would you buy in the $18,000 to $28,000 range? Not sure I want to settle for a 328xi, but would you buy a 335xi? How about the 335d?

[Tiago@VRSF]

335xi would be a great choice, I'd look for a low mileage N54 personally

It really depends on your requirements for the car and if you plan to mod it or not.

[bad karma]

28k would get you a late model (2010-2011) 335xi with reasonably low miles.

If you go with 2010 or newer you will get the N54 twin turbocharged I6 motor, which is more receptive to mods but also less reliable than the N55 used in the 2011+ 335i's.

Personal preferences for me would be the M-Sport or basic Sport package but that will likely push you over $30k. I prefer the unique M styling, the sport suspension, and the vastly improved sport seats. But the X-Drive platform won't get the Sport suspension, which is a big selling point for either option. I also prefer the 2009+ iDrive system, which is vastly more functional than the previous generation nav or the base stereo.

[Efthreeoh]

I'll not offer advice on the new car purchase, but why would you drop in new struts on your old car and then sell it? I could see if one was leaking and it wouldn't pass inspection, but I doubt the struts are in that bad shape where it would be noticed by a prospective buyer. I replaced my suspension components at 185K with new BMW OE components and the suspension did firm up somewhat, but it wasn't major improvement. And at 155K your car has quite a bit of life left in it. Why would you get a newer, used E90 anyway? The 330i is a classic one-year only E90.

Just my 2 cents.

[Swish]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I'll not offer advice on the new car purchase, but why would you drop in new struts on your old car and then sell it? I could see if one was leaking and it wouldn't pass inspection, but I doubt the struts are in that bad shape where it would be noticed by a prospective buyer. I replaced my suspension components at 185K with new BMW OE components and the suspension did firm up somewhat, but it wasn't major improvement. And at 155K your car has quite a bit of life left in it. Why would you get a newer, used E90 anyway? The 330i is a classic one-year only E90.

Just my 2 cents.

The right front strut is totally shot and any potential buyer with a modicum of car knowledge will know something is wrong the minute they drive it. Hitting a bump is cringe-inducing.

I bought this car new and just want a change. I get $600 car allowance from my employer and drive a lot of miles, so why not spend a little for enjoyment? I also foresee a lot of new parts being needed as the miles pile up.

[GB-335xiCoupe]

I'd go with a 2011 335xi (yes, I am biased). You can find them around $26-27k with 20-40k miles. Check autotrader to get an idea of what is available in your area.

Despite all the horror stories you can read here about the N55 (or N54 for that matter), I haven't had any problems in my 40,000 mile ownership, other than the water pump. Expect to shell out about $700-800 for that repair if you order parts yourself, and then DIY or use an indie mechanic. More like $1,600 parts and labor if a stealership does it.

Regular maintenance and daily driving keeps these engines healthy.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Swish

The right front strut is totally shot and any potential buyer with a modicum of car knowledge will know something is wrong the minute they drive it. Hitting a bump is cringe-inducing.

I bought this car new and just want a change. I get $600 car allowance from my employer and drive a lot of miles, so why not spend a little for enjoyment? I also foresee a lot of new parts being needed as the miles pile up.

Good enough, if its toast and a safety issue then I understand the decision. Is you car an auto or manual?

[Seattlesquash]

Buy an RS4, you will love it, and it should have come down pretty good now in terms of cost! It is a very fun driving car, and that is with me coming from/still driving bmw as well.

[unknXXX]

I got my 2009 335i coupe with nav, sports package, logic 7 surround sound, shadowline trim, (wish I had m package) with 48000 miles for 23K just to give you where in the ballpark is.

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by Swish

...How about the 335d?

No 335d came with xDrive.

Avoid 2010 cars with base stereo system - it's only 6 speaker unless upgraded (costs ~ $1000 to do).
Post 2011 335i came with N55 engine - better mileage than earlier N54. Also a bit more reliable.
If you don't need the 4 doors, you can look for a coupe, too, although my guess is they're a bit more.

Originally Posted by bad karma

If you go with 2010 or newer you will get the N54 twin turbocharged I6 motor, which is more receptive to mods but also less reliable than the N55 used in the 2011+ 335i's.

I think bad typed "newer" when he meant "older".

[Swish]

Originally Posted by GB-335xiCoupe

I'd go with a 2011 335xi (yes, I am biased). You can find them around $26-27k with 20-40k miles. Check autotrader to get an idea of what is available in your area.

Despite all the horror stories you can read here about the N55 (or N54 for that matter), I haven't had any problems in my 40,000 mile ownership, other than the water pump. Expect to shell out about $700-800 for that repair if you order parts yourself, and then DIY or use an indie mechanic. More like $1,600 parts and labor if a stealership does it.

Regular maintenance and daily driving keeps these engines healthy.

...believe it or not! I order my own oil pan for about $250 and paid an indy mechanic for the job. I was all in for about $1,000.00.

I do want the dual turbo. Was the 2011 plagued with the waste gate rattle problem? If so, I understand BMW extended the warranty on the turbos. I haven't paid much attention to it because I don't own a turbo model, but I certainly saw enough complaints on this forum.

Any info you can provide about that would be greatly appreciated. I want to be sure to ask about that issue from whomever I end up buying.

Thanks for your comments!

[Swish]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Good enough, if its toast and a safety issue then I understand the decision. Is you car an auto or manual?

I don't mind manual, but banging gears gets to be a pain with all the driving I do, especially in urban areas. The Steptronic gives me a little bit of fun.

[Swish]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

335xi would be a great choice, I'd look for a low mileage N54 personally

It really depends on your requirements for the car and if you plan to mod it or not.

I'm an older guy and not interested in that, although I do love speed. I've driven a 335i and a 535i, and loved the power.

[GB-335xiCoupe]

Wastegate rattle wasn't a problem on my car. I don't know if others have had that problem. The N55 is a twin scroll-turbo, not a dual-turbo!

Not sure how much the oil pan repair should cost, but could probably be done for less, it's a pretty easy DIY.

You can DIY the transmission flush/fill with a new pan & filter for about $400-500.

For everything else, the N55 engine seems to be pretty darn reliable, if maintained regularly. Start introducing mods, and that changes...

[Johnny Boost]

Originally Posted by Seattlesquash

Buy an RS4, you will love it, and it should have come down pretty good now in terms of cost! It is a very fun driving car, and that is with me coming from/still driving bmw as well.

Where can you get a low mileage rs4 for 28k? Completely serious question because I'll trade my car in right now haha I don't think I've ever seen a newer rs4 here in the states but I've seen plenty rs5s and rs7s.

[Swish]

Originally Posted by GB-335xiCoupe

Wastegate rattle wasn't a problem on my car. I don't know if others have had that problem. The N55 is a twin scroll-turbo, not a dual-turbo!

Not sure how much the oil pan repair should cost, but could probably be done for less, it's a pretty easy DIY.

You can DIY the transmission flush/fill with a new pan & filter for about $400-500.

For everything else, the N55 engine seems to be pretty darn reliable, if maintained regularly. Start introducing mods, and that changes...

I was totally unaware of that. I really haven't kept up with the technology, concentrating instead on my car and its needs. I do understand the twin scroll and how it works (basically) so I think I'm going to be looking for a low-mileage N55. In white! I've had too many darned blue and black cars and am tired of having a car that looks dirty 80% of the time lol!

[Seattlesquash]

Yeah that sounds about right, and you will look for a 2007 or 2008 as that are the last years imported for the RS4. Atleast, test drive one if you come across one - ton of fun and 420hp NA is a well balanced setup. Good luck buddy!

[GMe90]

You'll be happy with a 2011 335i sedan.