[Segments]

Hey guys, some of you might remember when I posted about what I should be looking to buy later in the summer, and that time is getting closer...I've broken my search down to 2007-2009 328i/xi coupes. Now, my question is, is it a better idea to go with the 2009? I've heard much better things about the 2009's reliability, but I was wondering what the differential in price might end up to be. Any thoughts? All ideas are appreciated! Thanks.

[kdbryce]

2009 isn't LCI. It was 2011 for coupes.

However, 2009 models are available with m-sport and a better idrive system.

[Segments]

Originally Posted by kdbryce

2009 isn't LCI. It was 2011 for coupes.

However, 2009 models are available with m-sport and a better idrive system.

Ohp, my mistake, so is there a difference between the 2 years then ? (I look dumb, me and my E46 brain.)

[kdbryce]

Originally Posted by Segments

Ohp, my mistake, so is there a difference between the 2 years then ? (I look dumb, me and my E46 brain.)

2007 and 2008 models are mostly exactly the same

2009 - 2011 models look the same as 2007 and 2008, but got minor upgrades like the idrive (better controller, hd screen, more functions), instead of xi awd is called xdrive, and like I said the m-sport package became available in the US. I think 2010 models got bluetooth audio and new paddle shifters

and 2010 models got new side mirrors

2011+ models are LCI. LCI was mainly cosmetic with new bumpers, headlights, and taillights. The 335i also got the new single turbo n55 (except in the 335is) to replace the twin turbo n54 found in older models

[Dark_Knight_335]

There will be no difference between those two years.

I would just get the one that gives you the best deal.

[drunkenup]

kdbryce, I think 2010 still got the push-pull paddles

2009 with sport/M-sport comes with black shadowline window trim, while all 2008s, regardless of spec, have chrome trim.

I would get 2009 for the black window trim and the updated iDrive alone.

[Segments]

Ok, thanks a lot guys, yeah I'm hoping somewhere around 15 grand will get me a solid car. Is that a good number?

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by Segments

Ok, thanks a lot guys, yeah I'm hoping somewhere around 15 grand will get me a solid car. Is that a good number?

15k will probably get u a car with 60k+ miles on it

[Segments]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

15k will probably get u a car with 60k+ miles on it

Yes that's what I'm hoping is around 60-75k, that'd be ideal as I'd still have comfortability to get all maintenance up to date. Do you think it'd be worth it to find an extra couple grand to find one with less mileage?

[Parth317]

Originally Posted by Segments

Yes that's what I'm hoping is around 60-75k, that'd be ideal as I'd still have comfortability to get all maintenance up to date. Do you think it'd be worth it to find an extra couple grand to find one with less mileage?

If you're going for a 328i, then you wont run into too many major issues. So 60k miles isn't bad. Now if you got an N54(2007-2010) 335, you're not going to want one with high miles.

[Segments]

Originally Posted by Parth317

If you're going for a 328i, then you wont run into too many major issues. So 60k miles isn't bad. Now if you got an N54(2007-2010) 335, you're not going to want one with high miles.

Yeah, I've kind of moved away from 335i's as I'm 18, and don't want to be paying crazy bills every other week, and I'm just as satisfied with the 328's power honestly.

[iturbo_bmw]

get the 2009. duh. assuming mileage and condition are similar.. why wouldn't u want better idrive and some other small things..

[Vegetable]

Try to find one that has had its water pump replaced already, not exactly a cheap fix but could be much worse if it does go bad..The valve cover gasket will likely go bad around 60-100K (BMW should have recalled both of these aforementioned issues). Also, you might want to avoid xDrive. my 07 328i's transfer case went bad at just 55K miles and have heard other stories of it going bad around that mileage. That would have been an expensive fix. Finally, I hope you plan on getting a manual gearbox because the slushbox is not only a poor design, it is fairly unreliable.

Someone with more experience can chime in here, but I believe BMW updated the stereo screen so the pixels didn't get washed out in the heat as they did in 2007 and 2008 models. Also, I believe BMW improved the water pump in 2009.

[redline2001]

Originally Posted by Segments

Ok, thanks a lot guys, yeah I'm hoping somewhere around 15 grand will get me a solid car. Is that a good number?

I dont know what type of research you have been doing BUT you will not find a COUPE for $15k . Not with 60,000 miles. The milage would be north of 85,000. A simple search on auto trader will show this. There is about a $2k gap between sedans and coupes.

[Miller335]

Which ever has the lowest miles and best owner history.