New car?? Help.

LFE36M3

Thanks! Thats a lot of help! And im adding to the stable, i need a new DD (1999 4runner is getting old), i could never give up my e36 to much of my blood and sweat in that car lol. I like the 335 better i just worry about turbo problems down the road,but your saying if it has been replaced it should be good to go then. I will look more in to those. Thanks again for your input

patsbimmer1

I started looking at a 330i that I drove at TJ's place of business and was impressed by it. It is definitely a step up in power compared to the e36 but once I found that a 335i was in my budget the 330i just didn't seem to make sense. I would echo Jordan's statements about the component issues on the n54 such as the wastegates but if you can find a vehicle that is still in warranty or has had it replaced then you are good to go!

LFE36M3

Cool thanks i do like the idea of the 335's hp. The problems are a bit worrying. But if there fixed i should good to go is what im gathering. I do like the 335 better.

B C

IMO a car like a 335i would be worth putting up with an expensive repair, unlike putting up with an expensive repair on a snoozemobile

LFE36M3

Lol i try not to have "expensive repairs" at all. Just not shur if i need a turbo (and the costs that go with them) in my DD. As far as for fun of the drive that's what the E36 is for its the fun car, plus i can do my own wrench turning on that. And that's 1/2 the fun!

YoungCR

Fwiw N52 328i's are great cars too. It's the evolutionary end of the NA straight six and is fun with a 6 speed behind it. Otherwise I do agree with others though, 330i's aren't really worth it plus I dislike early models in general.

LFE36M3

Thanks i had not looked at the 328i but i will have to check in to that more im really just looking in to a 3 series of some kind if it happens to be a fast/fun drive thats just a plus.

LFE36M3

2000, 323i with 85k, 1 owner. Any thoughts or opinions? It is just a DD to get me to work and the store. Any big problems i should look for when i go to look at it, (typical cooling problems excluded)

Thanks

wasnt m3

It it's auto, you'd probably want one that's had the transmission updated with the new reverse drum. Check the rear subframe and make sure there's no cracks on the body around where it mounts. Overall, they are great cars.

LFE36M3

Thanks!

LFE36M3

Going to look at a car tonight 2003 330i 98k miles. Any thoughts? I know to look at sub frame and cooling. Any other big things? Thanks

patsbimmer1

The subframe issue should be pretty apparent once you drive it. It sounds like somebody is slamming a bowling ball in the trunk on shifts or a hard take off. Struts and shocks are probably original and should be replaced so that's something to keep in mind with that mileage. The DISA valve near the intake mani tends to rattle on these and can cause serious damage if not repaired so at idle I would listen for that rattle.

edit: The DISA valve is an easy fix but if you have to replace the whole thing it is around $200. Typically you can clean them or buy the repair kit for them.

LFE36M3

Ok thanks i will check for that

LFE36M3

Looking at a 330xi can anyone tell me how to tell if its a awd other then the trunk badge. It has 330xi, but the vin plate in the door has 330iA-4/16 10/03 build date.

Any way to tell other then the trunk badge would be awesome. Thanks

B C

It depends on what level you are:

Novice level: look under car for front drive axles

Expert level: bounce it off the limiter and launch it

LFE36M3

Lol well i dont know how the seller would feel if i was launching there car but looking for the drive axels would be a good idea.... i should have thought of that lol

WIBIMMERS

New car?? Help.