BMW assistance! Calling Fox basically...

chrisgt

chrisgt

chrisgt

Associate
Joined
12 Jul 2010
Posts
743
Sup guys...

I've had a E36 328i, and now currently drive and E46 328Ci. Having had my E46 for over 4 years now, I want to venture into the world of E90/E92's!

Firstly budget: £13k

Dilemma: I'm viewing a 2008 325 M Sport tomorrow. With my budget, I think I can find a few examples of a 2007/08 330 though! Is this a no-brainer? Insurance seems to be negligible in difference, and I believe running costs are on par across both 3.0 litre engines of the 325 and 330?

I'd like a Coupe (E92) but my heart isn't set on this. 4-doors could be useful. What do I do?!?!
 
I'd be really wary of buying a relatively expensive e9x just now - with the F30 out and no doubt dropping in value over the next couple of years they could be due for a big fall. Early 328i's are already coming down to the £20k mark

Do you particularly want / need an e90? Would saving a bit of cash, dropping to say £9k and looking at a 130 be appealing?

Between the original two, if you end up with the choice of same spec and condition 325 or 330 then it's a no brainer to go with the more powerful car. But if you're finding significantly nicer, better specced 325's and you're happy with the drive on offer it's still a good car.
 
Last edited:
Hmm.. a very valid point. Some F30 325s can be had for circa £20k.

I definitely want a 3-Series! Can't see myself in a 1-Series to be honest.

My other issue is an SE vs M Sport. For instance I'm viewing a 2008 M Sport tomorrow with 43k on the clock, priced at £12,995.

Then I see something like this: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...nual/onesearchad/used,nearlynew,new?logcode=p Also a 2008, with even lower mileage!
 
I guess that's your other dilemma really, you definitely pay a premium for m sport.

Personally I think a nicely specced SE coupe with xenon's still looks very nice - the saloon I think the kit makes a big difference though.

Can't say I'd be too bothered about sacrificing the suspension and anything else missing like the wheel etc should be an easy bolt on replacement
 
These cars at this pricepoint are too far from the equivalent F30 to be affected by it. Plus it's been out 2 years now anyway.
 
Yeah, the M Sports demand a few more thousand.

I think I'd prefer a coupe over saloon deep down.

What do you guys think of that 325 posted above?
 
[TW]Fox;26354300 said:
These cars at this pricepoint are too far from the equivalent F30 to be affected by it. Plus it's been out 2 years now anyway.
Click to expand...

I disagree though its obviously far from a known impact

These cars are currently still demanding a lot of cash, in a year or so when the equivalent f30 (albeit saloon obviously) is worth say £16-17k and is 4 to 5 years newer a coupe with 13 grand asking price today is going to have to drop considerably in that same time frame.

It happens with every iteration of 3 series, the old car holds and holds then values just Fall off a cliff. The likes of the 335i may well avoid it but I would be very wary about the values of 4/5 year old examples over the next couple of years.
 
Last edited:
The one you linked to was / is a nice enough looking motor. But no iDrive, which would be a deal breaker for me at least, as I'm sure it will be for many others. You might not mind now, but come time to sell, different story.

Coupe comes with some kit that is standard on saloon M-Sports. M-Sport suspension & xenon lights for a start. I think the seats too. So if you can't afford the M-Sport, then the coupe is a good compromise.

As said by rodenal, the e9x is due a fall in prices I would think. Over the next few years certainly. That's not to say it wouldn't be worth going for one, but just be aware it will likely cost you.
 
rodenal said:
These cars are currently still demanding a lot of cash, in a year or so when the equivalent f30 (albeit saloon obviously) is worth say £16-17k and is 4 to 5 years newer a coupe with 13 grand asking price today is going to have to drop considerably in that same time frame.
Click to expand...

You think a 2012 328i M Sport is going to be obtainable with sensible miles for £16k in 1 year time!? I suspect you are somewhat wide of the mark. You said equivalent and that would be equivalent of something like a 330i.
 
Is iDrive really going to make that much of a difference? I'm struggling to find many 07/08 plate 325i's with the Navigation option!

This thread has helped me with a couple of issues;

1) M Sport vs SE - a well spec'ed SE will do it for me.
2) Coupe vs Saloon - If I really think about it, I don't need 4-doors.
3) 330i vs 325i - on paper this is easy; a 330i all day BUT people weren't joking when they said good ones are few and far between! Struggling to find many examples online.
 
The interior of the E90 is dreadful enough without no idrive and a 2 line monochrome radio display making it feel like a not-as-good-E46.
 
rodenal said:
These cars are currently still demanding a lot of cash, in a year or so when the equivalent f30 (albeit saloon obviously) is worth say £16-17k and is 4 to 5 years newer a coupe with 13 grand asking price today is going to have to drop considerably in that same time frame.
Click to expand...
I agree with Fox.
I've been looking at F30 328's and 2012 M-Sport cars with Pro Nav, Xenons and Auto box are going for £26k+. My guess is that in a year they'll be at least £20k+
 
I only had a quick look at prices - you're right enough that 20k isn't buying you a sport, seems to be luxury cars mainly, some very well specced ones though.

Fox the cars that are currently sitting around 19-20k won't be far off 16-17k next year. Clearly if they are more like 24/25k then they won't lose nearly 10 grand in a year
 
[TW]Fox;26354712 said:
The interior of the E90 is dreadful enough without no idrive and a 2 line monochrome radio display making it feel like a not-as-good-E46.
Click to expand...

Hmm...I think I need to keep looking to be honest.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom