[RamboKenepa]

Hi. I'm a new member of this forum (I've been lurking around for a few weeks reading and what not). Anyway I'm looking for my first BMW, current car is a 04 Honda Accord v6 6mt which is an awesome car (no problems at all with this car) and I was just curious of what you guys think. I've read about the HPFP failing and that is under warranty for 10 years/120k miles and about the VANOS solenoids failing and that really isn't an issue. The car is a red 07 335i automatic sports package with only 54k miles. They are asking $18,900 for it (I live in Puerto Rico and taxes here skyrocket prices on cars). Anything else that I should look for? Since PR is so small I only travel 1 mile to and from work so the car will not see that many miles (I drive about 2 to 3k miles a year). I love the platform and the potential of the N54. I ran the carfax and there are no accidents reported. It has full maintenance records on Autogermana (Only certified BMW Dealer in Puerto Rico). The car's paint is in pristine conditions, so are the interiors. It has 54k miles and the original asking price is 18,900 (the ad suggested 16,900 with 2k upfront payment). Do you guys think it is a smart buy? I'm sure I can get the price lowered 1k or maybe even 2k. I love the car. The only small detail I saw was one bent rim and one of the tires is in bad condition (this is normal as Puerto Rico's streets are full of holes). I checked the passenger side wheel arch and saw a vent there which means that this car is equipped with the oil cooler. I'll be awaiting on reply. Thanks.

[Antetokounmpo]

HPFP is no longer an issue really. Water pump should be the main concern. If it has been replaced you're good, if not, plan on spending $1200 on a replacement before 80k miles.

[Game]

There will be issues since this is now an 8 year old car. What's worse is it may be difficult finding an independent BMW mechanic in your area. A BMW dealership is going to rape you with ridiculous costs. Keep that in mind.

[AdamsTree]

Originally Posted by Game

There will be issues since this is now an 8 year old car. What's worse is it may be difficult finding an independent BMW mechanic in your area. A BMW dealership is going to rape you with ridiculous costs. Keep that in mind.

I agree. Things will go that you may want to spend a good amount to fix, but not a dealer amount. If you have the mechanic, it's pretty good kms. See if you can get the warranty if you don't have one though.

I'm actually picking up an 08 335i e92 sport package manual 2morrow!!

[RamboKenepa]

Thanks for all your replies. The car did have the water pump replaced at 52k miles. I have the know how to fix cars since I've always fixed my wife's car and mine. I plan on keeping the Accord so if the BMW breaks down I will not be without a car. I always thought that on these cars what was important is mileage and not so much the age of the car. If anyone else has any suggestion let me know since I'm supposed to go and see the car tomorrow. Thanks again.

[Miller335]

Originally Posted by RamboKenepa

Thanks for all your replies. The car did have the water pump replaced at 52k miles. I have the know how to fix cars since I've always fixed my wife's car and mine. I plan on keeping the Accord so if the BMW breaks down I will not be without a car. I always thought that on these cars what was important is mileage and not so much the age of the car. If anyone else has any suggestion let me know since I'm supposed to go and see the car tomorrow. Thanks again.

Mileage is the biggest factor as well as how it was taken care of.
I have both on my side and my 07 has been flawless.

[tanayast]

Originally Posted by RamboKenepa

Hi. I'm a new member of this forum (I've been lurking around for a few weeks reading and what not). Anyway I'm looking for my first BMW, current car is a 04 Honda Accord v6 6mt which is an awesome car (no problems at all with this car) and I was just curious of what you guys think.

We're pretty much on the same boat. My previous car before my current E90 is a 2005 Honda Accord V6 6MT. 100k miles with NO ISSUES and sometimes I do wonder if getting the E90 to replace the Accord is a wise idea (from financial standpoint). But I've owned (2) 3-series before and wanted to get back into BMW ownership and that's how I pulled the trigger.

Here is my old Accord recently sold (what a great car):

[Miller335]

Originally Posted by tanayast

We're pretty much on the same boat. My previous car before my current E90 is a 2005 Honda Accord V6 6MT. 100k miles with NO ISSUES and sometimes I do wonder if getting the E90 to replace the Accord is a wise idea (from financial standpoint). But I've owned (2) 3-series before and wanted to get back into BMW ownership and that's how I pulled the trigger.

Here is my old Accord recently sold (what a great car):

Should have kept it.
Then you can take your time DIY'ing everything on both vehicles and you'll always have a working ride.

[gary88]

I've had my 07 for over six years now and have had no big problems with it, very reliable provided you keep up with maintenance.

DEFINITELY drive it more than 2 miles a day though. Such short trips don't warm up the oil at all, will clog up your intake valves, and eventually kill your battery too. These cars aren't meant for short stop and go trips.

[XM_Rocks]

Originally Posted by gary88

DEFINITELY drive it more than 2 miles a day though. Such short trips don't warm up the oil at all, will clog up your intake valves, and eventually kill your battery too. These cars aren't meant for short stop and go trips.

In all fairness no gas/diesel burning car is made for this.

OP,

Get a good PPI so you know what you are in for.

If you don't have $5k+ in a rainy day fund get a warranty.

[tanayast]

Originally Posted by Miller335

Should have kept it.
Then you can take your time DIY'ing everything on both vehicles and you'll always have a working ride.

Well, first of all I need the money from the Accord sale to get the E90 so I couldn't keep both. Also my wife has a brand-new Chrysler 300 that she doesn't drive everyday (she's a stay home mom) so if I need to do some work on the E90 I can always drive her car. And our garage is only a 2-car garage and I hate parking any car outside.

[RamboKenepa]

Originally Posted by tanayast

We're pretty much on the same boat. My previous car before my current E90 is a 2005 Honda Accord V6 6MT. 100k miles with NO ISSUES and sometimes I do wonder if getting the E90 to replace the Accord is a wise idea (from financial standpoint). But I've owned (2) 3-series before and wanted to get back into BMW ownership and that's how I pulled the trigger.

Here is my old Accord recently sold (what a great car):

They sure are great cars. I have attached a few pictures of mine, I've spent a lot of money on it but it's all been worth it. All mods, no problems. I will keep both cars if I were to get the BMW.

Originally Posted by Miller335

Should have kept it.
Then you can take your time DIY'ing everything on both vehicles and you'll always have a working ride.

That's what I'm planning to do. I just know there isn't anything on the market as reliable as the car I'm currently driving.

Originally Posted by gary88

I've had my 07 for over six years now and have had no big problems with it, very reliable provided you keep up with maintenance.

DEFINITELY drive it more than 2 miles a day though. Such short trips don't warm up the oil at all, will clog up your intake valves, and eventually kill your battery too. These cars aren't meant for short stop and go trips.

This will be the case since on the weekends and Sunday drivers I will be driving way more than 2 miles per day. Like I said I always let the car reach operating temperature before driving and I will keep in mind that the BMWs are made for long rides so that the oil warms up and the battery keeps a charge. Thanks for the suggestion. I've already quoted the walnut blasting machine so I can clean my valves if I decide to buy the car.

Originally Posted by XM_Rocks

In all fairness no gas/diesel burning car is made for this.

OP,

Get a good PPI so you know what you are in for.

If you don't have $5k+ in a rainy day fund get a warranty.

I will be going with a friend that has a BMW specialist shop to inspect the car. I will buy the warranty if the price is right, if not I'm pretty sure between me and my friend we can fix the car if anything goes wrong one day. Thanks again for the suggestion guys. If anything else just let me know.

[tanayast]

Looks like you put a lot of work into that Accord

[Miller335]

Originally Posted by tanayast

Looks like you put a lot of work into that Accord

Yea that could been upgraded turbos for the e9x