[Obsessive]

Hello all!

I'm considering purchasing a 2007-2008 328i with the 6-speed. I've been mulling the idea for several years, but am finally getting a bit more serious - I plan on test driving one this week.

How do these things compare reliability-wise to my 2009 Subaru WRX? Maintenance on the Subaru's are relatively inexpensive and the vehicles are pretty easy to work on - we've (a group of friends and I) have done full interior swaps, clutches, engine builds, etc. with little trouble all with realtively few special service tools. I would expect the BMW to be as 'forgiving' if I were to purchase one - BUT ARE THEY? I don't really want to have to purchase special tools for every service that the vehicle will need.

Anything that I should be on the lookout for when shopping for one (i.e. any common issues)? Any maintenance/warranty items that I should be sure that were performed?

In the end, it's definitely going to come down to the vehicle itself - can I live with something slower (albiet better handling I'm confident) than my WRX?

Thanks in advance for input you may have.

Eric

[shanecarmaster1]

Great! You're going to love any BMW you buy! First, I think it would be very wise for you to get a 2006 330i. The 2007-2011 328i uses a horrilbe auto transmission and isn't as powerful as the 330i. Also, in 2006, everything was standard on the 330i - Logic7, xenons, leather, cold weather package, and premium package. When this car is equipped with the sport package, it gets some NICE sport rims that the *25i and *28i didn't get. You also get little upgrades such as chrome window trim, exhaust trim, and grill trim... If it really matters. Also, throughout the years, the 3 series has seen huge cost-cutting. The most "luxurious" 3 series of this body style was in 2006, which was the year of the 330i.

Reliability wise, there are little electronic glitches that may occur occasionally, but that's about it. The 330i is the most bullet-proof of the lineup in my opinion. Maintenance is also a little more on the expensive side... There aren't any major common issues, but some have ticking in the engine - it's not a big deal and it can be fixed. Personally, I think the 330i strikes that perfect balance between the 328/325 that is a little wimpy and the 335 which is a little overkill.

[xG35c]

Actually those options mentioned were "standard" - if you got the premium and cold weather packages!
I agree, the 330i motor is superior, the trannies are really about the same. Just make sure the valvetrain doesn't click!

[preDoc 328]

Well OP did say 6-speed, so I am guessing he means a manual (and the fact that he has a WRX). I have had no issues with my car thus far (got it summer last year as CPO). I have put around 7000 miles on it. I do notice some things, like engine tick, and a rough idle, but only very occasionally. I would suggest getting a 2007-2008 328i because warranty is pretty nice.

I would say that there are a fair bit of problems, but all the threads you see about the car having problems are the minority. Very rarely do I see a thread devoted to how problem free someone's car is. I doubt the 3 is as easy to work on as your WRX (though I have no prior experience). There is, however, a huge DIY section on here. Be warned, I doubt the 328i is going to be as fast/handle as well as your WRX. It probably will be more comfortable though.

In the end, the only reason why there are so many ppl here is that we all love our cars! You are making the right move by trying one. I instantly fell in love with the 3 as soon as I drove one!

[newbimm]

I test drove a 2009 WRX among other cars before I bought mine.
A) I love the overall feel of the BMW. Feels solid.
B) Having a warranty is awesome. I don't even want to think about how much repairs might cost after it is out of warranty.
C) Although slower, it is not "slow" I have never felt like it lacked power (merging, passing cars).
D) Reliability was one of the reasons I looked at subarus. Although I think it is a crapshoot on what will break on you car no matter what car you have.

[WO1_rene]

Dude, I currently own a 328i. My personal advice, would to purchase a 335i. Because 1, they have a better engine, 2 all the aftermarket parts are available for all the 35 models. 535i, 135i, and the 335i. So you might wanna purchase the 335i. second, the 328i is the same body style, same engine minus the twin turbo system. oh yeah its a 3.5 litre engine. pricewise? yes theb 328 is the go. but performane? dude get a 335i. I'm haveing a hard time finding performance parts for the 328i. You are only going to find all aftermarket parts available for the 335i and so forth. So again. go test drive a 335i and be done with it. unless you know something that I don't. and feel free to share waht you do, take a spin and be amazed. I test drove a 335 in 2008 and my wife bought the 328 because of the price. I also own a X3 by the way. Just saying. I mean it wouldnt make sense to have two 3 series with three kids... Right? Right. So.... Go... Live.... and test drive a 335i!!!!

[BMWs4ever]

Originally Posted by ssg_rene

Dude, I currently own a 328i. My personal advice, would to purchase a 335i. Because 1, they have a better engine, 2 all the aftermarket parts are available for all the 35 models. 535i, 135i, and the 335i. So you might wanna purchase the 335i. second, the 328i is the same body style, same engine minus the twin turbo system. oh yeah its a 3.5 litre engine. pricewise? yes theb 328 is the go. but performane? dude get a 335i. I'm haveing a hard time finding performance parts for the 328i. You are only going to find all aftermarket parts available for the 335i and so forth. So again. go test drive a 335i and be done with it. unless you know something that I don't. and feel free to share waht you do, take a spin and be amazed. I test drove a 335 in 2008 and my wife bought the 328 because of the price. I also own a X3 by the way. Just saying. I mean it wouldnt make sense to have two 3 series with three kids... Right? Right. So.... Go... Live.... and test drive a 335i!!!!

Ya but you forgot to tell him if he gets the 335 he will have way more reliability issues then the 328 like HPFP, Injectors, and oil temps being much higher hence less reliability. I agree the 335 is an awesome car for power but if he can live with the power of the 328 he will get much better reliabilty from the 328. Maybe he should try both cars and see what he thinks. Other then raw power handling wise they would be identical.

[satchel]

335i ...... I test drove the 335 then 328 .... was done with the 328 test drive in about .02 seconds and practically jumping out

[issabmw]

Do a 330i or a 335i, 330 of you're comfortable with the power level, 335 if you want to tune.

328 will feel slow compared to the scooby.

[preDoc 328]

If you are looking for more power then definitely 335 (I hear ppl getting 400hp from a simple tune).

That being said, there is a higher ratio of 335 owners who post problems than there is 328 owners (not ripping on the 335, just stating an observation). If reliability is your key concern, then go with a 328. If power/performance is your concern then go with a 335 (there are much more mods for it).

Like some 328 owners have said, there is definitely more than enough power in the 328. I personally love the acceleration in 1st and 2nd gear, not overpowering to a point where you spin your wheels, but a nice shove in the back. The car has certainly got me into trouble with the local law enforcement several times already .

Is this going to be a DD or a weekend car? Go with a 328 if it's a DD (how fast are you going to go in traffic anyways?), a 335 if its more a weekend or occasional thrill ride.

[issabmw]

Or you could go cheap and buy a 325, do the 330i intake manifold conversion and use the money you saved to purchase mods.

[Tom K.]

After putting 24,000 miles on my 128i with absolutely no problems, I recently replaced my daily driver '99 E46 with a CPO '07 328i wagon with 32k on it. Although the CPO adds money to the cost, the car was prepped so well it was indistinguishable from new, including new tires.

With the 6 speed manual transmission, the 128i/328i are very well balanced performers which reward involved driving. And they don't have the hpfp and other issues which seem to plague the 135i/335i. The big problem seems to be finding the car you want with MT as so many come with Steptronic.

BTW, both the 328i and 335i have 3.0 liter motors, albeit different ones. BMW does not currently build a 3.5 liter engine.

Tom

[Obsessive]

Originally Posted by issabmw

Do a 330i or a 335i, 330 of you're comfortable with the power level, 335 if you want to tune.

328 will feel slow compared to the scooby.

Yes - this is what I fear the most. Not that the car is crazy fast (I have a ~500whp Mustang for that), but the Subie runs 13.30's in the 1/4 and has brake and suspension upgrades to boot.

[Obsessive]

Originally Posted by preDoc 328

If you are looking for more power then definitely 335 (I hear ppl getting 400hp from a simple tune).

That being said, there is a higher ratio of 335 owners who post problems than there is 328 owners (not ripping on the 335, just stating an observation). If reliability is your key concern, then go with a 328. If power/performance is your concern then go with a 335 (there are much more mods for it).

Like some 328 owners have said, there is definitely more than enough power in the 328. I personally love the acceleration in 1st and 2nd gear, not overpowering to a point where you spin your wheels, but a nice shove in the back. The car has certainly got me into trouble with the local law enforcement several times already .

Is this going to be a DD or a weekend car? Go with a 328 if it's a DD (how fast are you going to go in traffic anyways?), a 335 if its more a weekend or occasional thrill ride.

I'm a bit nervous about a 335i - my father had issues with his twin-turbo inline in his 535 (HPFP, coolant loss, and oil consumption) and I'm a bit 'gun shy'. I don't want to babysit a car through the time I spend with it with dealer visits.

[Alexander]

Originally Posted by xG35c

Actually those options mentioned were "standard" - if you got the premium and cold weather packages!
I agree, the 330i motor is superior, the trannies are really about the same. Just make sure the valvetrain doesn't click!

It's the same motor!!!!

N52, lol. Just with a Three Stage Intake Manifold and slightly different tuning. Easy fix...

However the 330i has bigger brakes than the 328i!

He said that he wants a 6MT therefore the auto isn't an issue.

With the new Gintani tune the 328's power isn't an issue. A IM swap can run you $500-800 and you can do the labor yourself. That gives you about 10rwhp w/o a tune. Then with a tune you are looking > stock 330i.

Oh and as far as the 330's exhaust. They all suck. Cut the factory pipes res/ muff out and put in a Magnaflow muffler.

[preDoc 328]

@ Obsessive: I understand. Well it looks like the 328 will be your best choice then. Find a newer one that is CPO'ed because warranty is good to have, even if it is just peace of mind. You can get aftermarket exhaust and engine tunes, but the money will probably be better spent on a performance suspension kit (should make it as sharp as the WRX). Have you tried a 328 yet? If so what did you think?

[turb0mik3]

i would go 330i with a 6spd. Not as slow as a 328, but still has some pep and no HPFP failures.