E9X 325i - Advice
Discussion
Hi I another thread on the go where I was debating trying to find a 130i.. due to various reasons (availability and my location mainly) I reckon its not gonna be easy..!
So I have settled on trying to find a 325i (maybe a 330, but 325 seems plenty enough!) from 2007 - i.e. the N52 engine.
Anything major I should be looking out for on the servicing? As far as I can tell the N52 (even in the 2.5l form) is solid enough? What about other components in the car? What else should I be looking for? Also - when checking out the service history - how can I know whats written is valid? Do I need to call individual garage stamps?
This be the first time I am buying a car - so want to make sure I get everything together before trawling!
If ye are all sick of me at this stage I will stop posting
!
So I have settled on trying to find a 325i (maybe a 330, but 325 seems plenty enough!) from 2007 - i.e. the N52 engine.
Anything major I should be looking out for on the servicing? As far as I can tell the N52 (even in the 2.5l form) is solid enough? What about other components in the car? What else should I be looking for? Also - when checking out the service history - how can I know whats written is valid? Do I need to call individual garage stamps?
This be the first time I am buying a car - so want to make sure I get everything together before trawling!
If ye are all sick of me at this stage I will stop posting
!The N52 will be 3.0l in thh 325i. It's just a detuned version of the 330.
If the service history is BMW you can easily call the garages to confirm. I did this when I bought my 335i and they were all very helpful.
I'm pretty sure the N52 is a bullet proof engine but I'm sure someone else will comment on that.
If the service history is BMW you can easily call the garages to confirm. I did this when I bought my 335i and they were all very helpful.
I'm pretty sure the N52 is a bullet proof engine but I'm sure someone else will comment on that.
Dannbodge said:
The N52 will be 3.0l in thh 325i. It's just a detuned version of the 330.
If the service history is BMW you can easily call the garages to confirm. I did this when I bought my 335i and they were all very helpful.
I'm pretty sure the N52 is a bullet proof engine but I'm sure someone else will comment on that.
Ye - seen a couple already and been calling around - one in particular already saved me a drive to see a bit of a lemon!If the service history is BMW you can easily call the garages to confirm. I did this when I bought my 335i and they were all very helpful.
I'm pretty sure the N52 is a bullet proof engine but I'm sure someone else will comment on that.
I think the 2007 models are 2.5l but from sep 07 onwards they seem to be detuned 3l.. would love a 335i
We've got a 55 plate 325i Touring (this November the car will be 10 years old - I think its covered about 80k miles). We've owned the car for the last 6 years, and the only non-routine maintenance the engine has required in all that time was a new oil filler cap gasket (cost next to nothing). Everything else has simply been routine maintenance (oil changes and one set of spark plugs).
Other than that, we've had to have one of the a rear wheel bearings replaced - which I understand is not unheard of (but still quite rare)
I doubt you'll find it has as much "shove" as a 130i but, its a lovely smooth engine that likes to rev. As a package, it feels better built than the two E46 coupes I've had previously.
Other than that, we've had to have one of the a rear wheel bearings replaced - which I understand is not unheard of (but still quite rare)
I doubt you'll find it has as much "shove" as a 130i
but, its a lovely smooth engine that likes to rev. As a package, it feels better built than the two E46 coupes I've had previously.using £6500-£8000 as the parameter, I couldn't find a single 325i M Sport on A/Trader, are sports seats and sports suspension key for you? If not there are some SEs but only 2 were manual, both private sales
Ironically, there's a 335i SE (these usually have the sports/suspensions/seats) for 7k, so under top budget.
Ironically, there's a 335i SE (these usually have the sports/suspensions/seats) for 7k, so under top budget.
Smuler said:
using £6500-£8000 as the parameter, I couldn't find a single 325i M Sport on A/Trader, are sports seats and sports suspension key for you? If not there are some SEs but only 2 were manual, both private sales
Ironically, there's a 335i SE (these usually have the sports/suspensions/seats) for 7k, so under top budget.
no - M not a requirement at all.. for me SE is plenty - as long as it well looked after inside and some level of premium feel - i.e. leather seats/ half decent sound system (but reckon will need to upgrade at some point)Ironically, there's a 335i SE (these usually have the sports/suspensions/seats) for 7k, so under top budget.
Right now on AT I see 7 325i using 8 years old and 70k miles that come in under 8200 (budget already risen slightly!!). Cant say I am not worried about the availability - its tough getting about to try them.. which mean I may be in the position of buying the first one I drive that checks out wrt service history etc.. doh.. why do I do it to myself!
now off to check out that 335..
well, I would recommend the 335i, naturally
This one intrigued me, as I'm sure Peter Vardy is a BMW dealer so why didn't they retail it?
However, it's Scotland, good for you, and I presume they know their BMW 'brothers,' so could run the necessary checks.
It's also a 330i
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
This one intrigued me, as I'm sure Peter Vardy is a BMW dealer so why didn't they retail it?
However, it's Scotland, good for you, and I presume they know their BMW 'brothers,' so could run the necessary checks.
It's also a 330i
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Smuler said:
well, I would recommend the 335i, naturally
This one intrigued me, as I'm sure Peter Vardy is a BMW dealer so why didn't they retail it?
However, it's Scotland, good for you, and I presume they know their BMW 'brothers,' so could run the necessary checks.
It's also a 330i
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Funny - waiting on them to call back - but didn't clock that they are dealership - doh!This one intrigued me, as I'm sure Peter Vardy is a BMW dealer so why didn't they retail it?
However, it's Scotland, good for you, and I presume they know their BMW 'brothers,' so could run the necessary checks.
It's also a 330i
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Looks nice tho - shame about the auto.. but gotta compromise somewhere..
Actually - are the autos much more hassle to service?
Actually doesn't seem right this is very similar age milage but a good bit over on price..
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I don't see why autos are more to service, I have DCT and have no sense of any price difference.
I'd say that car is way overpriced, brings it very close to newer and lower miles Approved Used cars which have massive valued add of warranty.
Of note it's doesn't have I/drive that should also drive price down some.
I'd say that car is way overpriced, brings it very close to newer and lower miles Approved Used cars which have massive valued add of warranty.
Of note it's doesn't have I/drive that should also drive price down some.
Smuler said:
I don't see why autos are more to service, I have DCT and have no sense of any price difference.
I'd say that car is way overpriced, brings it very close to newer and lower miles Approved Used cars which have massive valued add of warranty.
Of note it's doesn't have I/drive that should also drive price down some.
ye - I guess the 2nd one is a bit over - I was using it to point out the first was a bit too good to be true..I'd say that car is way overpriced, brings it very close to newer and lower miles Approved Used cars which have massive valued add of warranty.
Of note it's doesn't have I/drive that should also drive price down some.
Theres is a good looking private 325i on line - reckon 87k miles is a bit high (its priced appropriately at ~6.5)? (sorry if the seller is reading!) - what I mean is how long do these cars run for (if looked after!)
My 9 year old E46 straight six was running (performing) great @ around 140k and I don't think it's previous owner (up to 66k) treated it that well. It did need a new rocker gasket, a cause of oil loss, and the wheels needed a full refurb so as I was in need of much more performance I didn't want to invest and I sold it and got 335i.
However, what's to say that a lower mileage car wouldn't have had the same maintenance issues, from my reading of issues on forums such as this there isn't always a correlation between miles and maintenance.
If this private car is in good condition, with good provenance, and priced to reflect mileage etc, [taking into account you'd pay a premium warranty with BMW as it's over 60k], then it could be a contender.
BUT it does seem you have more of a budget, so unless this car's spec/colour etc. is perfect, in your position, even though there is no guarantee they won't need maintenance, I would spend more up front to get a lower mileage car.
NB: the service books of E9x generation covers things like brake pads, certainly see if any of these are needing work in the near future and if there's an i/drive check the vehicle info section and see what future work, such as service is pending. These can all be factors which could suddenly make a car that was cheaper suddenly be on a par with a more expensive car that's well up to date with the work.
However, what's to say that a lower mileage car wouldn't have had the same maintenance issues, from my reading of issues on forums such as this there isn't always a correlation between miles and maintenance.
If this private car is in good condition, with good provenance, and priced to reflect mileage etc, [taking into account you'd pay a premium warranty with BMW as it's over 60k], then it could be a contender.
BUT it does seem you have more of a budget, so unless this car's spec/colour etc. is perfect, in your position, even though there is no guarantee they won't need maintenance, I would spend more up front to get a lower mileage car.
NB: the service books of E9x generation covers things like brake pads, certainly see if any of these are needing work in the near future and if there's an i/drive check the vehicle info section and see what future work, such as service is pending. These can all be factors which could suddenly make a car that was cheaper suddenly be on a par with a more expensive car that's well up to date with the work.
Smuler said:
My 9 year old E46 straight six was running (performing) great @ around 140k and I don't think it's previous owner (up to 66k) treated it that well. It did need a new rocker gasket, a cause of oil loss, and the wheels needed a full refurb so as I was in need of much more performance I didn't want to invest and I sold it and got 335i.
However, what's to say that a lower mileage car wouldn't have had the same maintenance issues, from my reading of issues on forums such as this there isn't always a correlation between miles and maintenance.
If this private car is in good condition, with good provenance, and priced to reflect mileage etc, [taking into account you'd pay a premium warranty with BMW as it's over 60k], then it could be a contender.
BUT it does seem you have more of a budget, so unless this car's spec/colour etc. is perfect, in your position, even though there is no guarantee they won't need maintenance, I would spend more up front to get a lower mileage car.
NB: the service books of E9x generation covers things like brake pads, certainly see if any of these are needing work in the near future and if there's an i/drive check the vehicle info section and see what future work, such as service is pending. These can all be factors which could suddenly make a car that was cheaper suddenly be on a par with a more expensive car that's well up to date with the work.
Cheers again - should rename this thread to "Smuler teaches fool how to buy a car.."! However, what's to say that a lower mileage car wouldn't have had the same maintenance issues, from my reading of issues on forums such as this there isn't always a correlation between miles and maintenance.
If this private car is in good condition, with good provenance, and priced to reflect mileage etc, [taking into account you'd pay a premium warranty with BMW as it's over 60k], then it could be a contender.
BUT it does seem you have more of a budget, so unless this car's spec/colour etc. is perfect, in your position, even though there is no guarantee they won't need maintenance, I would spend more up front to get a lower mileage car.
NB: the service books of E9x generation covers things like brake pads, certainly see if any of these are needing work in the near future and if there's an i/drive check the vehicle info section and see what future work, such as service is pending. These can all be factors which could suddenly make a car that was cheaper suddenly be on a par with a more expensive car that's well up to date with the work.
Gonna do some more looking into exactly what the service books recommend. Been a bit unsure as its first real car purchase.. and with work/geographic situation and desire for a car thats 'a bit different' I am not making it particularly easy on myself..(Maybe I should go back to a higher spec/newer 118d or something!!)
Smuler said:
Drive one, and you will not want 118d
Ha I am desperate to go try one but there are none to go see about here at the moment! But part of me says.. don't go testing anything and be happy with a 4 pot derv (The last 'car' I drove was a 1.2l golf..it sounded so bad it reminded me of a 3cyl 1l (AUTO!!) corsa I drove years ago - I have driven some baaad cars..).. but I wont give up just yet - I will solve this logistics & budget pain in the ass!
kenam said:
Ha I am desperate to go try one but there are none to go see about here at the moment!
But part of me says.. don't go testing anything and be happy with a 4 pot derv (The last 'car' I drove was a 1.2l golf..it sounded so bad it reminded me of a 3cyl 1l (AUTO!!) corsa I drove years ago - I have driven some baaad cars..).. but I wont give up just yet - I will solve this logistics & budget pain in the ass!
Please, please, please don't do that!But part of me says.. don't go testing anything and be happy with a 4 pot derv (The last 'car' I drove was a 1.2l golf..it sounded so bad it reminded me of a 3cyl 1l (AUTO!!) corsa I drove years ago - I have driven some baaad cars..).. but I wont give up just yet - I will solve this logistics & budget pain in the ass!
I bought a 320td Compact in 2005 without trying a 325ti, and replaced it in 2008 with a 123d without trying a 130i.
Last June I decided to be a bit more frivolous and bought a Z4 Coupe with the same N52 3 litre engine the 130i has and I will never, ever buy another 4-pot diesel!
In fact I think I now have a 6-cylinder habit as I realised a Z4C is not ideal as a daily, so I bought a 325ti compact for the practical trips!
Finally weaned off the black pump after nearly 10 years of diseasal misery!
nickfrog said:
You can quite cheaply de-restrict a X25i back to X30i power through Evolve or P-Torque.
Not really, the 325i does not have the fancy intake system. Switch over a load of parts and then map it and you can get close. See on e90post.If you want a 330i, get one to start with. There are no downsides compared to the 325i and you get a lovely top end that is worth revving out to 7k as often as possible!
ye - If I got a 325 I wouldn't bother trying to squeeze more out of it -I reckon its plenty of power for my needs..
Also at my budget I think I am looking at a n52 325i which is fixed @ 2.5l..
Its going to be a bit of a slog trying to get all I want.. which is at least 325i, under 9y.o. if poissble, (full) service history, manual - oh and did I mention ideally a coupe! all for under 8k
For me not really serious about the old derv.. but see my list above, I think something needs to give!!
Also at my budget I think I am looking at a n52 325i which is fixed @ 2.5l..
Its going to be a bit of a slog trying to get all I want.. which is at least 325i, under 9y.o. if poissble, (full) service history, manual - oh and did I mention ideally a coupe! all for under 8k
Mr Tidy said:
Please, please, please don't do that!
I bought a 320td Compact in 2005 without trying a 325ti, and replaced it in 2008 with a 123d without trying a 130i.
Last June I decided to be a bit more frivolous and bought a Z4 Coupe with the same N52 3 litre engine the 130i has and I will never, ever buy another 4-pot diesel!
In fact I think I now have a 6-cylinder habit as I realised a Z4C is not ideal as a daily, so I bought a 325ti compact for the practical trips!
Finally weaned off the black pump after nearly 10 years of diseasal misery!
Ha.. at least you got there in the end! And prob makes you appreciate it more I bought a 320td Compact in 2005 without trying a 325ti, and replaced it in 2008 with a 123d without trying a 130i.
Last June I decided to be a bit more frivolous and bought a Z4 Coupe with the same N52 3 litre engine the 130i has and I will never, ever buy another 4-pot diesel!
In fact I think I now have a 6-cylinder habit as I realised a Z4C is not ideal as a daily, so I bought a 325ti compact for the practical trips!
Finally weaned off the black pump after nearly 10 years of diseasal misery!
For me not really serious about the old derv.. but see my list above, I think something needs to give!!Mine's a Titan silver 3 litre E92 325i on 47k. Can't say a bad thing about it really, best car I've owned. Has given faultless service over the past year (more than I could say for my old E46). Averages 27-32mpg & has plenty of power for me (218bhp). I changed the wheels to 18" CSL reps as I felt the original 17's were a bit bland. Wish I'd gone for 19's with dished rears now though. Only thing I'd swap it for would be a Jag XK, although I'll probably change my mind again next week.
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