Need Opinion on a 2008 BMW 335xi ASAP!

[bulldog]

I need opinions on what people think of older BMW’s; out of warranty.

2008 BMW 335xi

Lady at work needs to move to India end of this week and she is getting really desperate. BMW dealer will give her $20,500 for it and she just came to me and said she would sell it to me at same cost. It is the twin turbo AWD with premium package and think blue book is about $25,000 on it. Has 48K miles and in warranty and maintenance till end of year. Brand new run flat tires! I guess my biggest issue is that maintenance and repairs can be high on a BMW, but it seems like a great deal. What you guys think?

Help!!!!!!!!!! :lol:

[Wrider]

Good deal, but make sure the maintenance is good on it. If not, run the other direction. And don't worry, it won't chase you for that long before it dies.

[bulldog]

Good deal, but make sure the maintenance is good on it. If not, run the other direction. And don't worry, it won't chase you for that long before it dies.
Yay...a reply..thanks :D

Maintenance is 100% up to date as she has maintenance plan on it from BMW. More worried about future when maintenance runs out as people say they can be really expensive. I've only had Japaneses cars in past.

[Vitesse]

I have a 2008 335xi with considerably higher miles than the one she's selling. I love my car and it's been very reliable since I bought it 3 years ago. The only issue I've had thus far is a dead water pump that Schomp BMW replaced for me same day.

A couple of known issues for this model are wastegate rattle and high pressure fuel pump dying. BMW has acknowledged these issues and extended the warranty on both items to 10 years or 82,000 miles I believe.

[Wrider]

Vitesse, how's the maintenance price for you? What do oil changes require and cost? What are other issues it may have like a timing belt replacement (big deal on my old Tundra). Scheduled maintenance costs?

[asp_125]

"There are lots of folks who can afford to BUY a German car, not so many can afford to OWN one." - An Audi mechanic once told me. Don't worry, you'll get used to (or is that numb at) throwing $100 bills at it on a regular basis. :scream2:

[bulldog]

"There are lots of folks who can afford to BUY a German car, not so many can afford to OWN one." - An Audi mechanic once told me. Don't worry, you'll get used to (or is that numb at) throwing $100 bills at it on a regular basis. :scream2: Yup, exactly why I am so on the fence as I keep hearing this. Really that more than a Japanese car huh?

[Vitesse]

Going thru some of my old invoices since my filing cabinet is right behind me.....

Oil and filter change is about $110 at the dealership. I think the oil change intervals for BMW are like 15,000 miles though. I usually have it done a little more frequently since I'm running a tune.

I had my battery replaced last year. That was a little pricey at $450 due to the labor required because it has to be registered in the DME and to my knowledge only the dealership can do that.

$125 for a brake system flush
$109 for a microfilter replacement
$219 for a new trunk lid gasket

Most of the cost of these items were labor. So certain things can have a big price tag due to the hours of labor. For instance, they quoted me $700 per axle to replace my brake pads and rotors. I bought StopTech rotors, Axxis pads, sensors, and fluid from Turner Motorsports for $625 shipped and plan to do the labor myself.

[asp_125]

All I can speak for is Audi. Had a wheel bearing on my A3 go bad, $400 to change. Window regulator $300. Wheel alignment $159. It gets better: to do the timing chain on the V8 S4 requires dropping the motor.

[Sully]

From my experience, some after market parts tend to not hold up well on these vehicles. They also suggest that if you replace the brake pads that you replace the rotors as well.. this does get expensive $$. I have ordered from www.bavauto.com (http://www.bavauto.com) for some items and they have good deals and info as far as DIY tasks. I replaced the fuel pump in my '04 -330xi (at @ 110k miles) at Murray and it was to the tune of something like $700ish. As far as the warranty goes, I believe they're covered up until 50K miles. After that, it can be costly for regular maintenance unless you know a great mechanic (which I think there are a few on here). Oil changes are every $15k miles and if your oil light goes on, just roll to a BMW dealership and ask them to top off your fluids and they will for free! Also, you can't beat the BMW customer service you receive compared to other dealerships (not including high end - Mercedes, Infiniti, Lexus, etc.) because I've never experienced theirs.

They are expensive to repair, but so much fun to drive! Probably the reason I bought another. :)
(I did keep my '04 until @ 125k miles)

[mxer]

You own an Eclipse and you're worried about reliability?:think:




I had my battery replaced last year. That was a little pricey at $450 due to the labor required because it has to be registered in the DME and to my knowledge only the dealership can do that.

:eek:

[Ghosty]

Bulldog, call Doug at Paddock Motorsports. Tell him Ghosty-Praveen (from ColoradoRacing) suggested him for some quick advice. His shop is a high-end BMW specialist. He's got a sick newer M5 himself that he's modding out, and tons of experience with every series of Bimmer.

Ask him what are the most important things to look for, and also how much he might charge to do a thorough used-car checkout (probably only a $100 - $150 I'm guessing), if you want piece of mind.

Otherwise I'm sure he'd be happy to tell you exactly what problems he's seen on 2008 3-series in general. Should address any concerns you have, especially maintenance costs.

[bulldog]

Thanks for opinions everyone :-) Keep them coming


You own an Eclipse and you're worried about reliability?:think:

:eek: Huh??? This is actually my second Eclipse. First one made it to 120K miles with no major issues. This one is at 75K miles with no issues at all. I also am part of a few Eclipse car clubs and never seen many issues either unless people start tuning wrong.

P.S. I am more worried about reliability costs and maintenance on a BMW vs a Japanese car



EDIT: Thanks Ghosty, just saw your post :up:

[Dogsbody]

You still might be able to buy an extended warranty for it. That being said I've a 95 M3 that I do most of the work on and just added the GFs 04 330CI to the stable. Nothing out of the ordinary on mine. On hers? I think we should be okay...

[Sully]

You own an Eclipse and you're worried about reliability?:think:

:eek:

I owned an Eclipse as well, turbo to boot and didn't have any issues with it. Sold it at just under 100K miles to some young kid to mod the hell out of it! :twisted:

[Filo]

I have had both Euro (3) and Japanese cars (also 3). The maintenance on the Euro cars seems to be about 2X what I paid on the Japanese cars. Also, the Japanese cars tend to make it to at least 100K miles before needing major repairs (except timing belts). The Euro cars needed big repairs at 75-80K. I remember paying something like $700 for a fuel pump on a 5 year old, 70K mile VW. That was nice. My '92 Civic SI made it 17 years and 250K miles before I sold it with the original fuel pump still in it. The last BMW I owned was a 1968 1800, so that probably won't help.


Having said all that, give me her number and I'll buy it off her...

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

Sounds like a good deal.

Best of luck!

[madvlad]

German cars :roll:

[mauser72]

I am the lead tech at absolute motor works a indy bmw shop they are nice cars that are fun to drive but it will not be the cheapest car to own besides high pressure fuel pumps and waste gate issues the fuel injectors go out frequently the intake will need to come off soon in order to clean the valves coils go out often aluminium head bolts on the front of the head break and cuase oil leak oil filter housing profile gaskets leak so plan on some repair bills if you do end up purchasing the vehicle check us out

[Chief Stinky]

^^ holy run on sentence.

Twin turbo AWD with premium? Sounds like low cost of entry to get into a great car.

[sag]

worked at a bmw shop for a few years. cool cars, expect pricey repairs and maintenance though. german car parts are just marked up stupid crazy. im now in the parts industry, i snap pics of outrageous invoices and the best one ive seen is an axle for a 2000 e class benz. price 15xx dollars. cost= 52 dollars.

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

^^ holy run on sentence.

Must have graduated from the same HS as Townie.....:D

[madvlad]

Townie graduated? :wtf:

[sprtbkbabe]

You still might be able to buy an extended warranty for it. That being said I've a 95 M3 that I do most of the work on and just added the GFs 04 330CI to the stable. Nothing out of the ordinary on mine. On hers? I think we should be okay...


I LOVE my new 330!! :D

For having 98K on it and only needing a couple of fixes that the previous owner didn't maintain, it should last another 100k.

You should get the 335xi Nate! If you don't like it, you can resell it. BMW's hold their value

And I also owned an eclipse.... weird. Maybe we should start a CSC club of ex and current eclipse owners now :silly:

[3point5]

why dont you buy it from her…maybe tell her you'll give her $20k turn around and put it on craigslist / autotrader for $25k, sell it for $23k and make a quick $3k...

[birchyboy]

why dont you buy it from her…maybe tell her you'll give her $20k turn around and put it on craigslist / autotrader for $25k, sell it for $23k and make a quick $3k...

If you do something like that, do you have to pay sales tax, or does that get paid only if/when you register it?

[bulldog]

I don’t think I am going to go for the deal; I am just a bit to frugal to want to take a risk of having something like a turbo going out and ending up with a $7k bill. Plus I really want a new house and responsible me is saying it is a good deal, but cars are bad investment and to save for that for the new house which is the smart investment. I’ll just stay Nate is his 2003 girl car all riced out…but with no car payment.

If anyone is interested let me know, but it appears that this has to be sold today as she moves to India EOW! Here is original CL add http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/3802741645.html


why dont you buy it from her…maybe tell her you'll give her $20k turn around and put it on craigslist / autotrader for $25k, sell it for $23k and make a quick $3k... Considering she has the add on CL for $23,00 and got no buyers I don't want the headache. Really seems like people buy new BMW to get that warranty and get like me afraid to take the risk of expensive repairs

[Ghosty]

If he wants legal transfer of title from her to him first, I believe he will have to pay sales tax to get a new title and registration in his own name, unless he's a dealer? I could be mistaken. If he knows her, he could have her write down a really low amount (but not suspiciously low!), so he gets taxed less.

(but not recommending this illegal activity, btw)

DSM reliability: If you keep them stock, don't beat the living shit out of it hammering it every 10 seconds everytime you drive, keep up on regular maintenance incl. frequent oil changes or synth, and remember to let the oil circulate for awhile before shutting off the motor (after boosting a lot), then yes they can be decently reliable.

The 335 motor is a twin-turbo? Damn, never knew that. Sweet!

[mxer]

DSM reliability: If you keep them stock, don't beat the living shit out of it hammering it every 10 seconds everytime you drive, keep up on regular maintenance incl. frequent oil changes or synth, and remember to let the oil circulate for awhile before shutting off the motor (after boosting a lot), then yes they can be decently reliable.



They can also be reliable if you park it in the garage and never drive it. :lol:

Maybe the OP has a lemon for an Eclipse only the other way around so maybe an orange?

[mauser72]

^^ holy run on sentence.
Yeah I do that to help the grammar Nazis keep their job

[Wrider]

Yeah I do that to help the grammar Nazis keep their job

You need to add an "s" and a "." to the end of that statement. A comma between "Yeah" and "I" wouldn't hurt either.

[bulldog]

Yeah I do that to help the grammar Nazis keep their job

Hey I got the message and that is all that matters. Thanks for the input man as I didn't care about grammar.

To me much better to offer assistance and help then give proper grammar! :D

[Sully]

If she doesn't sell it, let me know as I have a friend who is a car Broker and may possibly purchase it from her.

[SaShWhO]

buy it foo!

you will not be disappointed but beware of this:
once you go German you never go back!!!

[Ghosty]

They can also be reliable if you park it in the garage and never drive it. :lol:
True true, lol! But what I said is pretty common sense stuff of course. DSM's have a real bad reputation because all the ricers that have modded and beat the shit out of them without proper maintenance over the last 20 years. And of course, they aint no Toyota or Honda.

[bulldog]

If she doesn't sell it, let me know as I have a friend who is a car Broker and may possibly purchase it from her. Probably too late as I think this is where she was taking it at noon today.....


buy it foo!

you will not be disappointed but beware of this:
once you go German you never go back!!! I found out Germans are too much maintenance.... especially to keep them pretty :lol:

[3point5]

I don’t think I am going to go for the deal; I am just a bit to frugal

way to look temptation in the eye and not back down! great will-power…

the last year or so I have tried to embrace the same frugality - still have a comfortable lifestyle but not spurge on EVERYTHING, get more money in the bank, sell stuff that I don't use and generally speaking simplify my life…

[bulldog]

way to look temptation in the eye and not back down! great will-power…

the last year or so I have tried to embrace the same frugality - still have a comfortable lifestyle but not spurge on EVERYTHING, get more money in the bank, sell stuff that I don't use and generally speaking simplify my life… Thanks man, it wasn’t easy! I am generally like this and I have to have money saved in the bank for an emergency if not I'll worry. Some people can work paycheck to paycheck, but I am not that kind of person….especially in this economy! Overall it has worked for me as I saved as a teenager and bought my first house at 20 years old and has been the best investment I ever made. Anytime I've had a emergency I've had the money in my savings to rescue me. To me a nice car is good, but overall vehicles are bad investments and you generally lose money on them….and really for what, some fun driving, a more luxurious commute, and to look cool for others. Really just not me….

Really Americans don't understand how much we have over some poor countries so I try to tell myself even if I am not the richest, there are way more poor people in other countries and I should embrace what I have!

Plus next year I will buy a new house and get to bask in that glory…even if I still have my running 2003 car :D I’d much rather have a nicer house that will build equity.

[Sully]

Nate, sometimes you're smarter than you look. :lol: No, I'm serious :D

[bulldog]

Nate, sometimes you're smarter than you look. :lol: No, I'm serious :D I get that a lot...looks are deceiving :D and I am serious too....just happen last night at a bank till that fool ran my credit. treated me like crap till he saw what I have on paper. It's why you see I am so against "labeling" people and get on people when they do that on this board

You should see the looks I get when I tell people I have a office job and am the boss of a multi-million project...usually at the gym when I got all my tattoos showing...they all assume I am in construction :lol:

[Sully]

Do they try to give you their McRib order too? lol jk... I agree on the labeling..

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

Plus next year I will buy a new house and get to bask in that glory…even if I still have my running 2003 car :D I’d much rather have a nicer house that will build equity.
Great move, best of luck!

[#1Townie]

Must have graduated from the same HS as Townie.....:D

Are you still an out of work divorced angry engineer with nothing to do but read yahoo news?

Townie graduated? :wtf:

No.

[Snazzy]

I have 203,000 on a Lexus... and I say no to BMWs. Acura and Lexus offer the same luxury without the BS of prices, tho mine can get hefty it never has any issues :P

German cars are a pain in the ass, even most (experienced) owners would agree. If you have the money and time to burn into one, then go for it!

Or get a reliable car, like an AWD is250 :D

[Chief Stinky]

Same luxury, haha. My BMW is my toy, every time I get in the giggle factor is high. Is it a PITA? I doubt most owners would agree with you, but they have their problems like any other car. I love mine to death though, 330 hp in a naturally aspirated straight six.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5342/8955899046_f4a3b023d5.jpg

[AOK303]

if the motor has good compression and the turbos check out good then its a great buy. see if you can do an extend warranty as long as your not gonna mod it they are decent i think 3 k for 5 years
my friend has had two in the last 4 years one was run into buy drunk driver had higher mileage and he is not a good driver or on up keeping No issues

Oil changes are costly to a Japanese car but still in the ball park as the new Lexus will be
Lot of good places that do Bmw Work and strong community that helps with do it at home with help for beer

[AOK303]

the new Lexus prices are not that far off from bmw and have more Recalls then any import Just so you know
I drive an audi and it has been way more reliable then the IS was or the supra ever was
but i wont lie the cost maintenance over 5 years the jap car wins, but holding blue book Value the Bmw wins if you do quick resale you would get more from it to put down on a diff car

and El hefe to do the chain on my 4.2 V8 you have to take the whole front of the car off including lights radiator support drop the front sub frame take off 80 percent of the piping to last joint by muffler system and then drop motor ... is that alot

[Vitesse]

I have 203,000 on a Lexus... and I say no to BMWs. Acura and Lexus offer the same luxury without the BS of prices, tho mine can get hefty it never has any issues :P

German cars are a pain in the ass, even most (experienced) owners would agree. If you have the money and time to burn into one, then go for it!

Or get a reliable car, like an AWD is250 :D

The IS250 is great if you want a car with all the features of a BMW with none of the horsepower! :D

[Snazzy]

The prices of my car might be similar to a BMW but I can actually work on it because it's not a technologically confusing and difficult piece of crap.


She stares in disappointment.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/993921_10151843098307573_1082865166_n.jpg

I will take all of these, thanx
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1005962_10151819963347573_186345195_n.jpg

[Snazzy]

None of the hp? lol.

BMW has a twin turbo v6 that makes as much power as the N/A 3.5 V6 in the is350.

And the is250 makes like 15hp less than the 328i


Let's compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges.

[Vitesse]

None of the hp? lol.

BMW has a twin turbo v6 that makes as much power as the N/A 3.5 V6 in the is350.

And the is250 makes like 15hp less than the 328i


Let's compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges.

Ok sure. My 6 speed 335 has the same stock hp as the is350. Add an $800 Cobb AP and the 335 is closer to 400hp. Add a aftermarket FMIC and it's closer to 450hp. Can you even get the is350 over 400hp without spending thousands of dollars? And you can't even get it in a 6 speed.

And let's not forget your first post talked about the is250. I test drove one when we were shopping for my gf's car and I was literally scared that I was going to be rear-ended merging onto the highway because I couldn't get up to highway speed before the end of the on ramp! It has a great interior and lots of cool features like touchscreen nav and cooled seats, but 204hp is embarrassing.

[~Barn~]

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/23665_105001056208427_7084027_n.jpg

[Snazzy]

Are we going to talk about which vompany can make a better car and motor?

Toyota made the 2jz. Convo is over. Keep trying Bmw

[Chief Stinky]

Good one, Barn, come on now, you didn't expect mutual respect on an internet forum, did ya?

We likes what we likes, you likes what you likes. But please, continue to justify your choice, and describe why the other choice is a piece of crap. It's entertaining.

[mdub]

Are we going to talk about which vompany can make a better car and motor?

Toyota made the 2jz. Convo is over. Keep trying Bmw


Haha..."keep trying bmw"

[mxer]

Are we going to talk about which vompany can make a better car and motor?

Toyota made the 2jz. Convo is over. Keep trying Bmw

Are you still living in the mid 90's? The IS300 was possibly the slowest boringest car I've ever driven. I wanted one really badly until I test drove one, a manual too, and was severely disappointed and never looked back. Toyota makes possibly the most boring cars on the planet and now they aren't even all that reliable. The 2 2008 RAV4s that are in my family have both had about 6 different recalls, one of them water pump is failing @ 80K, the other has a suspension problem at 40k, had to get the airbag spring coil replaced at 80K.....I could go on. Toyota is NOT what it used to be sorry.

[Vitesse]

LOL! That's your argument? A 20 year old dinosaur motor? And it's not even branded as a Lexus. If you want to look at it that way, BMW also makes Rolls-Royce. :)

But I can understand. I'd be angry too if soccer moms in minivans could outrun my car. :P

[Chief Stinky]

Soccer mom? Hell, Honey Boo Boo's mom could outrun.........wait, what were we talkin about? :)

[Snazzy]

The sad part being that a motor made in 1990s still, to this day, is known for holding 1,000 + hp and the Supra still dominates the 1/4 mile. Where as the 1990 motors in BMWs can mostly be found in the junk yard.

I admit Toyota makes some lame cars now but fuck, the Supra will always be my favorite and the 2jz-gte will always be a great motor.
Compete with this :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6PJA9tb66E

7second is300
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDTcKsmVkPw

7second Supra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poiRoKe-cY4

:x in a 320i
http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/beemereng.jpg

[AOK303]

toyota had to use a truck motor in a car

yes the 2jz motor origins is from a truck motor

[AOK303]

LOL! That's your argument? A 20 year old dinosaur motor? And it's not even branded as a Lexus. If you want to look at it that way, BMW also makes Rolls-Royce. :)

But I can understand. I'd be angry too if soccer moms in minivans could outrun my car. :P

Hey come on now the 2jz had a version in the lexus SC line just like how it made itself into the is300
Bmw went out and made a motor from scratch the way the bi turbo's run are different then the way 2jz is set up

SO you cant really compare them i agree with you on this.
and what motor did Toyota make to take over the 2jz motor... they didnt make one should

please note i have own 2 supras one TT and one special edition single turbo jz motor and loved them
i have also driven the 335xi that was boosted up to 600hp they ride different fixed up and feel different

[madvlad]

BMW is overpriced and you pay for name, Toyota just plain sucks balls now with all this hybrid and pussy gas mileage shit... Very few car companies make fun cars. Yes BMWs look sweet just like most European cars but mechanically they're shit.

[~Barn~]

Cars are like shoes, they're wear items intended to deteriorate with use (A.) and (B.) there are many different levels of style, comfort, quality, intended use, and "prestige" that owners will desire. Arguing about who makes a better car, is like arguing whose fucking shoes are better. The better debate would be to instead argue who's faster and then go put your feet in the starting blocks and prove something.

Don't talk about it, be about it.

[Sully]

BMW is overpriced and you pay for name, Toyota just plain sucks balls now with all this hybrid and pussy gas mileage shit... Very few car companies make fun cars. Yes BMWs look sweet just like most European cars but mechanically they're shit.

I haven't had any problem with mine! :slap:




on another note... mmmm... Boba.. :p... soon...

[JKOL]

Are we going to talk about which vompany can make a better car and motor?

Toyota made the 2jz. Convo is over. Keep trying Bmw

BMW made the engine that sits in one of the most incredible hypercars of all time....the McLaren F1. Yes the 2jz was able to be built to crazy HP levels, but don't act like BMW doesn't know how to build some serious engines.