[BavarianMWfan]

Hi everyone! I have been going through this forum for sometime and finally decided to sign up. I purchased a 2006 325i 6MT Alpine White early this summer and really enjoy it. It almost has 130,000 km on it and I am the third owner.

In 2011 my mom leased a 328xi 6AT Jet Black. Her lease is about to end soon and I am debating whether I should sell the 325i, drop more cash and buy it out from her. Considering its almost 4 years old with less than 50,000 km. Or, I keep the 325i.

I don't know which option will be better in the long run. I want to keep the car for at least 6 years. What do you guys or gals think? Which one will be lighter on the pockets and long lasting?

[grussauto]

130,000km vs 50,000km. Your 325 will definitely need more in the maintenance category than the 328 just due to mileage. I would keep that in mind. Yes the 328 is more money, but if you have to work on the 325 due to mileage that could narrow the money gap. But at the end of the day, what can you afford and which one do you like better.

[GB-335xiCoupe]

hahaha mileage? Where?

[amullo]

I had my E46 for 330.000K and that didnt need much more then basic servicing, although a Diesel, I cant see a petrol 325i being much diffrent. That said.. I did do preventative maintenece and upgraded som bits before they broke or wore out (Brakediscs usually need looking at around 170.000-200.000 depending on how you drive, my shocks I replaced at 170.000K. at 130.000 your probably nearing changing the exhaust and brakepads)

BUT.. at 130.000 your past prime selling on your BMW I would think.. Most people round here want a car with less then 100k on the meter. 130.000 isnt that high above, so If you decide to do it, you could still get an ok price I guess.

The upside of trading is ofcourse getting some more power aswell as x-drive (Man, I wish I had that on mine) and a newer car. The -11 E90 is also the last year, so BMW has had that entire time from late -05 to get everything just right.

Short answer?
Yeah, I´d do it.

[Efthreeoh]

'06 325i's are well built with good parts and will easily last to 300,000KM. Yup you'll have to replace the water pump and t-stat at some point and probably the OFHG, but that's about it.

[Fundguy1]

I like the 328. More power and the straight six is bullet proof. That said if you want to delay getting something new , get the 328. If you want to get something new sooner, stick with what you got.

[GB-335xiCoupe]

2011 is the pinnacle year for these cars in my opinion. 335 would be better, but considering you know the history of the car and its owner... That makes it very appealing. I'd say go for it!

[BavarianMWfan]

Yea, I have a feeling 325i will need some work in the future. Although it seems as if the previous owner did some maintenance, like sparkplugs and serpentine belt which wont need attention for 100,000km. When I bought it from the dealership I also got new tires and brakes. I even dropped more money into it by doing all fluids changes with OEM recommendations and detailed the heck out of it.

Regardless, the newer one is still appealing, as previously mentioned, x-drive would be helpful especially in Canadian winters. The 6AT is a little sluggish at times. Its going to be hard to get over that.

And trust me, I would love to buy a first gen 335i with the trade in money, just for the power. But I would end up where I started, more repairs and lower reliability in the future.

[Johnny Boost]

Go for the 328i. Newer, less mileage, and more updated interior/exterior.

[smallseafishie]

Personally, I'd vote to keep the 325i.

130km is nothing. About the only major looming failure for the 325i is the water pump but that repair bill would be nothing compared to the hit going to the 2011.

[smellthebeans]

Keep 325i it's a manual.

[MrPig]

You will miss that 3rd pedal.

[JeM9]

Well, I have a 2011 328 so I might be a little biased. However it is the last year of the e90 and the LCI looks a lot more appealing. It will also have more power than your 325 so I vote 328!

[bbbuzzy]

Don't worry about the mileage. The reliability is a function of how well it is maintained. Obviously, higher mileage may need a bit more work, but it shouldn't be a deal breaker. The bigger difference, as was alluded to by many past posters, is your car has RWD and and stick while your Mom's is AWD with a slushbox. IMO, that's what your decision boils down to. Which car is more rewarding to drive for you?

[m80theWolf]

MT vs AT makes a big difference, but it's subjective. If I lived in Canada, I'd appreciate the AWD. If it's not too big of a financial hit, I'd go 2011. I also greatly prefer the LCI looks, but again, subjective.

[BavarianMWfan]

Definitely agree with the interior/exterior looks of LCI along with +15hp.

Manual is definitely more rewarding to shift and aim for perfect up/down shifts. But the auto is not half bad. It allows me to pay more attention to the road, corner more precisely, and dodge pot holes that magically appear on the road

[GB-335xiCoupe]

I don't think I'd like my car nearly as much without xDrive. In winter, I slap some winter tires/wheels on, and that thing drives on snow and hard pack like it's on dry pavement (up to a point of course).

Also, launch times are lower since there's virtually no slippage.

But if you're a drifter, then xDrive is not for you. I try to break it loose on the fine gravel that is sometimes at intersections, but it just doesn't. When it's wet, then I can get some slippage, but even with DTC turned off, it doesn't give up much play.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by BavarianMWfan

Definitely agree with the interior/exterior looks of LCI along with +15hp.

Manual is definitely more rewarding to shift and aim for perfect up/down shifts. But the auto is not half bad. It allows me to pay more attention to the road, corner more precisely, and dodge pot holes that magically appear on the road

Okay, 15 more HP driving a heavier car (AWD) and more drivetrain loss (AWD), and throw in an automatic transmission (less power control) and well, there you have it.

[BenTrovato]

I'd rather have the 2011 it's a lot nicer. If you know it to be a good car then it's a no brainer. You're in Ontario - the AWD will probably net you better resale value too.

[krhodes1]

Originally Posted by smellthebeans

Keep 325i it's a manual.

+1

And X-drive is just one more thing to expensively break.

[JeM9]

@krhodes1 What exactly is the upside-down i option?

[GB-335xiCoupe]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Okay, 15 more HP driving a heavier car (AWD) and more drivetrain loss (AWD), and throw in an automatic transmission (less power control) and well, there you have it.

About 80 lbs more. About 1 mpg less. The autos are decent now, although I wouldn't mind having a 6MT.