[rlh23]

My wife wants me to get a newer version of my car (2008 328i) that has updated safety features (rear view camera, parking sensors, blind spot, etc). I'm noticing that various 2013 328, 335 and AH3 can be had for under $20k (looking under 70,000 miles). Of the three, I keep coming back to the AH3 given the price and features. However, I've read that people should caution owning one out of warranty. Is that the main reason that the AH3 is roughly the same price as a F30 328 or 335?

[RoundelM3]

Probably because the AH3 never has sold very well. I doubt seriously if you can find a 2013 335i that is in good mechanical and cosmetic condition for under $20K. My 2013 335i M-Sport with 8AT with Premium package, power and heated seats and other options/accessories, and without the Technology package would sell for $25K+ in my area (North Carolina). A 328i is more likely to price out that way, but you'd be well-advised to do a pre-purchase inspection in that price range.

[AMG KLR]

Get a 335. We picked a 2015 with 9k miles on the odometer for 34k loaded except no driver assistance package

[goj]

Originally Posted by AMG KLR

Get a 335. We picked a 2015 with 9k miles on the odometer for 34k loaded except no driver assistance package

No sensors and back up camera!? Ouch

[bimmer456]

Not sure what AH3 is, but I would get a 340i as the 335 was known for having crappy handling and soft suspension compared to the E90. The LCI cars are improved and will have handling more in line with the E90.

[rlh23]

Thanks for the input. I'd like the AH3, but the maintenance outside of warranty scares me. For me, I'm thinking the 328 will be the most practical, but it isn't easy finding a car with a backup camera and parking sensors. Honda throws those in for free. Bmw? Not so much!

[LMK5]

Originally Posted by rlh23

Thanks for the input. I'd like the AH3, but the maintenance outside of warranty scares me. For me, I'm thinking the 328 will be the most practical, but it isn't easy finding a car with a backup camera and parking sensors. Honda throws those in for free. Bmw? Not so much!

The vast majority of used 328/335 cars at dealers should have driver assistance package.

[LiquidMercury]

Whatever one you get, get the Xenon LED headlights or you'll most likely regret it when you see other drivers with'em.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by LiquidMercury

Whatever one you get, get the Xenon LED highlights or you'll most likely regret it when you see other drivers with'em.

You mean headlights or highlights...I have the LED headlights but they don't illuminate very well. I would get the adaptives as they appear to be brighter.

[donkey]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Not sure what AH3 is, but I would get a 340i as the 335 was known for having crappy handling and soft suspension compared to the E90. The LCI cars are improved and will have handling more in line with the E90.

It depends what year and suspension you get. M Sport Suspension or Adaptive suspension handles just fine. I'd rather have one of those than a base or xdrive 340i suspension.

2014+ has steering updates as well.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by rlh23

Thanks for the input. I'd like the AH3, but the maintenance outside of warranty scares me. For me, I'm thinking the 328 will be the most practical, but it isn't easy finding a car with a backup camera and parking sensors. Honda throws those in for free. Bmw? Not so much!

Here's a cars.com link for your zip (500mile radius) There are plenty of 328s with backup cameras. Parking sensors are not a checkable option so you'll have to look car by car.

If you want to check out 2013's for budget purposes, add that year to your search. I recommend that you find a 2014+ that you can afford in instead of going that far back. No proof, just my bias.

Also, please know that the 328 is quite bit quicker than your E90. So, if your tempted to get a 335, thoroughly test drive a 328 first. You will be surprised how quick it is. The 335's are nice, but they are 5-7k more money and marginally less efficient. They are also heavier in the front so some say the handling is affected (not trying to start a war but those are the facts). In addition to back up camera and parking sensor, get Nav, HUD, and adaptive suspension if you can find one in your price range. You will thank me later.

Good luck!


Here's the link. Expand your search area and drive a bit to find the car of your dreams. I didn't specify Certified CPO cars. They usually come with a 2-4k higher price. If that's important, check the certification box.

https://www.cars.com/for-sale/search...51683&zc=39110

[AMG KLR]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

Here's a cars.com link for your zip (500mile radius) There are plenty of 328s with backup cameras. Parking sensors are not a checkable option so you'll have to look car by car.

If you want to check out 2013's for budget purposes, add that year to your search. I recommend that you find a 2014+ that you can afford in instead of going that far back. No proof, just my bias.

Also, please know that the 328 is quite bit quicker than your E90. So, if your tempted to get a 335, thoroughly test drive a 328 first. You will be surprised how quick it is. The 335's are nice, but they are 5-7k more money and marginally less efficient. They are also heavier in the front so some say the handling is affected (not trying to start a war but those are the facts). In addition to back up camera and parking sensor, get Nav, HUD, and adaptive suspension if you can find one in your price range. You will thank me later.

Good luck!


Here's the link. Expand your search area and drive a bit to find the car of your dreams. I didn't specify Certified CPO cars. They usually come with a 2-4k higher price. If that's important, check the certification box.

https://www.cars.com/for-sale/search...51683&zc=39110

No offense but the N20 sounds like a little kid shaking about a tin can with marbles in it. I would fork over the extra 5-7k in a heartbeat for the N55, not to mention the fact that most 335's are better equipped then a randomly selected 328i

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by AMG KLR

No offense but the N20 sounds like a little kid shaking about a tin can with marbles in it. I would fork over the extra 5-7k in a heartbeat for the N55, not to mention the fact that most 335's are better equipped then a randomly selected 328i

No offense taken. You make good points. The 335 is an amazing car.

If the OP can afford a 25% difference which was only a 10-15% difference when the cars were new, and he thinks $5k+ is the right price to pay for sound, and he wants to haul around an extra 180 pounds ahead of his front axle, and he wants to spend 10% more on gasoline, then the 335 is the clear choice.

You do make a point that the 335 has more options stock, so the difference is not as high if the 328 is heavily optioned. In my case, my 2014 328 with M-sport had so many options the difference between that and a 335 equipped the same way was only $2,500. Having already owned 2 BMW 540i's, I'd been through the bigger engine, more power, better sound phase so I opted for the 328i, which interestingly enough is just as quick as the 540 with 1/2 the cylinders, 1/2 the displacement and twice the gas mileage. The 328 was a no brainer for me at my stage in life. The price difference was not even a consideration. The biggest downside is the sound of the 328. Not a problem for me since I can't hear very well anyway and I no longer care want anyone else thinks.

Both great cars. OP can't go wrong either way.

[LiquidMercury]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

You mean headlights or highlights...I have the LED headlights but they don't illuminate very well. I would get the adaptives as they appear to be brighter.

Oops, edited and those are what are in mine. Love'm and would never buy a BMW without'em, but that's just my likes.

[WhiteBeard]

Is adaptive suspension a separate option? So there is a default, adaptive and M Performance suspension - correct? Is M Performance more preferable than adaptive?

[otay]

Originally Posted by WhiteBeard

Is adaptive suspension a separate option? So there is a default, adaptive and M Performance suspension - correct? Is M Performance more preferable than adaptive?

Adaptive Suspension is a separate option, or is included with the Track Handling Package on F30 (in the US).

I have the standard Sport Suspension (aka M Sport Suspension, BMW code S704) in a Sport Line model. It's much mo' betta than the base suspension which is more "floaty". I've got a 340i on order that will have Track Handling Pack with Adaptive.

Preferable? Depends on what you want. I want Adaptive this time because the Sport suspension is just a bit too stiff sometimes...like when I've got the family in the car.

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Not sure what AH3 is, but I would get a 340i as the 335 was known for having crappy handling and soft suspension compared to the E90.

Disagree. My 335i handles great. Not much feedback from the steering though. I'll be turning it back in when the new one is delivered late July, if anyone is interested in a well taken care of example!

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by otay

Adaptive Suspension is a separate option, or is included with the Track Handling Package on F30 (in the US).

I have the standard Sport Suspension (aka M Sport Suspension, BMW code S704) in a Sport Line model. It's much mo' betta than the base suspension which is more "floaty". I've got a 340i on order that will have Track Handling Pack with Adaptive.

Preferable? Depends on what you want. I want Adaptive this time because the Sport suspension is just a bit too stiff sometimes...like when I've got the family in the car.

Disagree. My 335i handles great. Not much feedback from the steering though. I'll be turning it back in when the new one is delivered late July, if anyone is interested in a well taken care of example!

There are folks on here and professional reviewers who have commented that pre LCI f30s were a step back from the e90. One poster even commented that their wife's Buick Enclave had better handling.

[donkey]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

There are folks on here and professional reviewers who have commented that pre LCI f30s were a step back from the e90. One poster even commented that their wife's Buick Enclave had better handling.

That person had the base xdrive suspension and a 2013 model before the steering updates.

The M Sport and M Adaptive suspensions were a huge step up. No reason to shit on the rest of the pre-LCI models.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

There are folks on here and professional reviewers who have commented that pre LCI f30s were a step back from the e90. One poster even commented that their wife's Buick Enclave had better handling.

I can't speak to 2013 model year, but a 2014 with adaptive suspension and Dinan Shockware is awesome. Add go flat tires and its fantastic. Stock suspension is soft and floaty, hence the comparison to the Buick Enclave I suppose.

My son has a Buick Enclave to haul around his 4 kids and 2 dogs. Its a great SUV actually. But, anyone who thinks it handles as well as a F30, even with stock suspension, simply does not know what they are talking about.

[ouengineer]

Originally Posted by otay

Disagree. My 335i handles great. Not much feedback from the steering though. I'll be turning it back in when the new one is delivered late July, if anyone is interested in a well taken care of example!

Steering feedback (along with grip, comfort, handling and overall driving experience) is enhanced greatly with the right set of tires.

The one sport option (mine came with all luxury and tech options) I wish I had though is the adaptive suspension. The stock x-drive suspension is just a tad too soft in a hard corner (but the balance, feel, grip, etc is phenomenal; not a hint of understeer).

[kpgray]

Originally Posted by rlh23

My wife wants me to get a newer version of my car (2008 328i) that has updated safety features (rear view camera, parking sensors, blind spot, etc). I'm noticing that various 2013 328, 335 and AH3 can be had for under $20k (looking under 70,000 miles). Of the three, I keep coming back to the AH3 given the price and features. However, I've read that people should caution owning one out of warranty. Is that the main reason that the AH3 is roughly the same price as a F30 328 or 335?

At that price, a low mileage 335 is not in the picture. I have owned both an F30 328 and a 335. The 328 has plenty of oomph. It is 240 HP, in RWD version it is light an agile. Choose a Sport or M-Sport version for the better suspension and seats. Most sport drivers talk about how well the 328i RWD handles, it is light in the front and pushes in the corners very well. An AH3 is not fully vetted and BMW did not sell many. Get the 328 and if you need a little more performance, a Dinan chip for $299 will give you an additional 30 HP. If you keep your cars, make sure it is optioned well. Premium package, Lighting Package, etc. By the way, my 328i was great on fuel, once I had over 38 MPG on the highway with cruise in at 75 MPH... Just my 2 cents.

[dreamspeed]

It's usually harder finding a 328 with lots of options because so many of them were just stripped down leases for people that just wanted to drive a BMW for 299 a month.

You'll have better luck if you look at the top half of the list of cars for sale. At that point you might do better just getting a 335 because those came with more standard options and the previous owners were more inclined to pay for additional options which you can now get for pennies on the dollar.