Need some trained BMW eyes advice.

[5spoke]

Looking to replace my Cooper S with something a bit bigger, 4 doors is a plus. There are two cars I have found locally that I am considering but I am open to other options. The links are below, if you guys want to chime in with advice, warnings, observations whatever info you have I would appreciate it.

First 1 is a 2006 330i with the sports package. My concerns are I have never seen those wheels before are they aftermarket or just a rarer option, and it has an aftermarket intake. The sports package and after market intake make me a little hesitant that it may have been driven pretty hard.

http://www.audiofalexandria.com/detail.cfm?inventoryID=262943&listType=C&displayNum=35&currPage=1&currSection=1&startPage=1&displayPage=7&showAll=0&NewUsed=0&specialFlag=0&Year=&MakeID=4&ModelID=&VehicleTypeID=&Trim=&TransmissionID=&drive_train=&priceRange=&Mileage=&exteriorColor=&interiorColor=&usedHistory=&fuelType=&CityMPG=&HywMPG=&specialOffers=0&special_offer_id=&sortBy=5&orderBy=0&vehicleNumVal=&vehicleNumType=S&sortOrderBy=5%2C0&sortOrderBy=5%2C0

Second is a 2008 328i sedan with the sports package and a warranty until Jan 2014 or 100k miles. Looks really clean, but the carfax is reporting an accident a few years back.

http://www.mbofbaltimore.com/details/Used+2008+BMW+3%20Series+328i%204D%20Sedan+WBAVA37538ND55720+Baltimore

What do you all think? I think I can get roughly $20k on my MINI trade in and am hoping to keep roughly my same payments considering I owe way less than the MINI is worth. I would appreciate some solid advice from people who have experience with these newer cars or anything in the ads that seem fishy. Thanks guys.

[russhixmo]

20k will buy u an e36 m3 with low miles and still a ton of money to replace what's necessary for maintenance and build it up a little if that's what you would want to do. Or an m5 if your looking for a sedan. Otherwise I'd say go with the 330

[5spoke]

20k will buy u an e36 m3 with low miles and still a ton of money to replace what's necessary for maintenance and build it up a little if that's what you would want to do. Or an m5 if your looking for a sedan. Otherwise I'd say go with the 330

I have considered an 97/98 M3 sedan. But I am just not 100% on it. If I were going to go with something that old I wouldn't spend in the $20k range. I would want to be closer to the $10k range when all said and done, plus I would have to convince the wife that spending less and immediately doing a bunch of maintenance would be worth it.

[russhixmo]

But one in techno purple ( chicks dig purple cars) my boss is selling one for 5k if your interested.

[F34R]

I have considered an 97/98 M3 sedan. But I am just not 100% on it. If I were going to go with something that old I wouldn't spend in the $20k range. I would want to be closer to the $10k range when all said and done, plus I would have to convince the wife that spending less and immediately doing a bunch of maintenance would be worth it.

It would be worth it in the long run with the M3. Search for a 4 door Techno =) DROOL!!!!

P.S. The worked needed to keep it running right will not surpass 10k. So that alone should convince your wife.

[tom d]

why would anyone want to downgrade to a E36?

[devon.818]

get a lexus is300 or is250.
either the prior can be had in GREAT condition for 15g, the later can be had in the 20's.

but these cars are SO reliable its rediculous. have seen 2002 is300's with over 200k on the clock and still running.

quality is amazing.

[gwb72tii]

Cpo bmw's can be good values
I have a 6 spd manual e92 328xi that is a really nice car
The 328i has plenty of power, the sport pkg gets you the sport seats which is reason enough to get the sport pkg, and the stock stereo sounds plenty good
Plus its a fun car to drive, not the same as a mini, but plenty quick around corners

[mikeedler]

I think that 2006 330 seems like a great deal. I imagine it is just as fast as a U.S. e36 crapbox M3, and the E90 looks alot better. Wheels are aftermarket for sure.



wow, your mini is still worth that much hell, I thought a new Cooper S was about 24,000.

[devon.818]

Hannah dude e36 m3's are slow! Raced one on the track and beat him by a good .3

[nando]

get a lexus is300 or is250.

these cars are SO boring its rediculous.

fixed that for you. ;)

[Wh33lhop]

The IS300 was pretty fun actually. Just really corny, too. Chrome everywhere, fart cannon exhaust, surprised there aren't diamond plate floor mats too.

[5spoke]

I think that 2006 330 seems like a great deal. I imagine it is just as fast as a U.S. e36 crapbox M3, and the E90 looks alot better. Wheels are aftermarket for sure.



wow, your mini is still worth that much hell, I thought a new Cooper S was about 24,000.

Yeah they hold their value well. The s starts at $24k so with options they easily approach $30k. Mine is a 2010 with low mileage.