Looking to get into a used BMW and I've narrowed it down to a few cars:

'04 M3
'06 330i
'07/'08 328i
'07/'08 335i

Any significant differences for the facelifted ('09) models? Does anyone own an E46 M3?

 

I have some experience with the 330i & the 328. What specifically do you want to know about them?

 

On the 335, if you can get an '09, do that. Integrated oil cooler, new hard-drive based iDrive (CIC), HPFP issues resolved, etc.

 

I prefer the look of the post LCI models.

 

Do you mean post-facelift or post-LC? Both occurred in the E9x lifecycle. For example, my '09 E93 is post-facelift, but pre-LCI ('10-'11).

 

post LCI
LCI tail lights, trunk, headlights I prefer them.

 

Did the HPFP fail very frequently on the '07 and '08 models?

Did the 328/330 feel powerful enough? Any reliability issues?

BTW I prefer the post-facelift look myself. The Bangle era 3er was real ugly but there's a pretty big price difference between the pre- and post-facelift models. Something like 7-8k in Canada.

 

facelift = LCI

E90 and E92 had different facelift model years, but facelift is the same thing as LCI.

 

I thought by LCI he was referring to the N55 changeover.

 

Nope. LCI actually came later on the E9X.

That was involved, as was the change to the third version of the front bumper, new rear bumper, etc. Facelift changed the grilles and some minor exterior bits.

 

No, LCI stands for Life Cycle Impulse. It's basically a mid-cycle refresh, but BMW makes other changes on other model years as well.

E90/E91 LCI = 2009
E92/E93 LCI = 2011

BMW upgraded the navigation on all 3 series in 2009. They also changed to N55 in 2011.

 

Actually, the debate over whether facelift = LCI, etc. is somewhat superfluous. In order to really answer the OP's question on the 328 and 335 we need to know - E90? E92? E93? They're on different calendars, so that will matter as far as a recommendation goes.

 

Seriously? Where are your facts?

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155644
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=341511
http://www.e90post.com/goodiesforyou/new-e90.pdf

 

Ease up there, killer. As I just mentioned, in the post above, we need to take a step back and figure out which version of the E9x we are talking about. The E92/93s went through a different set of changes. For example, major changes in iDrive are usually reserved for LCI. However, on the e92/e93 they switched in '09; two years before LCI occurred for the E92/E93. E90 was a different animal altogether. I found myself thinking of E92/E93 in my responses when E90 was different. My apologies.

 

The recall extended through 2010(http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/10/27/bm...0000-vehicles/), but, it's my understanding BMW had already begin taking remedial steps. I could be wrong though; anyone?

Too slow for my tastes, but this is an opinion thing. It's my impression the non-turbo was more reliable than the turbo, though.

 

Sorry, didn't make that clear. I'm primarily looking at the E90.

 

In that case, '09-'10 to get LCI and N54.

 

BMW facts Internet fight! Where's Saintor at?

 

I've already conceded I was wrong based on my focus on a subset of the model. And, for GOODNESS SAKE, don't invoke the Saintor name. It's like Beetlejuice...say it three times and you summon the mischievous being.

 

Saintor, Saintor, Saintor!!!

 

 

Awwww crap!!!!

 

Remember kids: Calling out his name only works 95%.

 

My additional recommendations for any purchase of an E9x - 1) get, at least, the Sport package (if not the M-sport on a later model); the seats alone are worth the price of admission here; 2) I prefer Nav, iDrive, and all the gadgets that go with it; your mileage may vary; 3) Comfort package is nice, but not necessary (I have it on the 335, but didn't have it on the M5); 4) get one with HIDs; and 5), if you can swing getting a CPO, you'll be better off.

 

I don't care too much about nav/iDrive, but I prefer the sport seats as well. HIDs are standard on the 335i here I believe.

What does the new oil cooler help with?

 

The turbo engines run rather hot; the oil cooler keeps the temp of the engine oil at a more manageable level. This is also helpful if you decide to add a tune at a later date (the N54 is, BY FAR, the most tunable engine in the mix; some folks getting close to 400hp/400tq with just a tune).

 

 

Are you certain they only started installing the oil cooler starting in 2009? I looked it up on google and it seems like the sport package should have the oil cooler. Apparently cars without the sport package don't have it.

 

I was hoping for a more efficient debate.

 

Am I sure? Clearly, I'm not sure of anything given my piss-poor performance in this thread. However, I do know I ran across a thread about this on e90post.com and there was discussion about some 335s not having the cooler (pre-'09) and others having it (post-'09). How the sport package factored in, I don't know.

 

Go N/A and get the E46 M3. I'm biased though

 

In any case, I'll be taking a look at an E92 and an E90 today so I'll keep things updated.

 

288

 

2.

Seems i'll have to look for another. E90 was sold and the coupe was in rather bad shape for an '09. It was a demo.

 

Ha, tribe, youre giving mostly solid info except for the oil cooler comment. I can only comment on the 335 since that is my only bmw experience.

1.) He's definitely right about getting an 09 or newer, (just don't get the n55), not because of the hpfp and oil cooler though. They fixed the vanos, injector, coils and put bigger wastegate actuators on 09s and newer.

2.) Oil coolers come in the following ways and it doesn't matter about the year:

e90/e92 i models with sport package
e90/e92 xi models with sport package AND 18inch upgraded tires. I didn't know this when I got my xi and it doesn't have an oil cooler. I dont care though, i'm fbo with meth and on e85 and probably pushing close to 415awhp and 450awtq and haven't had a problem with oil temps and I go to the drag strip about 6 times a year, no oval tracking though.

3.) All the original hpfps up till the 2012s had problems. Whatever the new model hpfp seems to have solved the issue. No worries, you have till 120k to get the new one.

As for the other cars, they'll have less upkeep than the 335, so unless you are a do it yourselfer, you are better off with a 328 or e46.

Good luck bud, choose wisely.

 

Thanks, that's some very useful info.

 

Might need to take a look at one of those Mustang 5.0s...