NFT: Re: BMW 328i opinions?

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they are fun to drive. I'm on my 3rd three series. I have always bought CPO off of leases and paid in the mid 20s.

Although the engine in my current 2014 lost that throaty BMW feel that my old 2008 had that I loved.

I have a 528. The 28 is the straight 6 aluminum engine, weight distribution is 50/50 and it has rack & pinion steering....handles like a go-cart.

The thing to watch out for on the aluminum engines -- if they overheat, the head will warp. And that's big bucks to fix. That might have been the problem with the first one you saw.

Do not buy any used BMW unless you get a trusted mechanic to look it over (preferably a guy who knows these cars).

model. LOVED it. Fun to drive, gave me zero problems; comfortable and quick.

But i see lots of these now that i search for it.

linked is just an example..


I assumed they would be fun to drive, but good to have that confirmed.

What about safety? winter driving? getting kids / car seats in it? And then my big fear is repair cost. I'm sure the BMW have a big upcharge just because of peoples perception that you have money.
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I have owned 3- different 3 series Beemers

I currently own a 7 and an X5.

Great cars, fun to drive and pretty reliable.

What is CPO?

I think the 328i is sharp as hell, never even driven a BMW. Do they lease those things? What would monthly be w/ 0 down?

2012 328ci which is the hard-top convertible version of the one you are looking at. We also got a fantastic deal on it less than a year ago. So far, I am very happy with it. It drives well and has plenty of the bells and whistles you expect from BMW. The main drawbacks are:

-Smaller size: it's a little cramped inside and doesn't have much trunk space. This is fine for my family bc we also have an SUV for the times when space is needed. If you are a bigger guy (over 6'3 maybe) or need to bring a lot of cargo it could be an issue.

-Fuel cost: it's a sporty car so it's not exactly fuel efficient but not awful either and you are supposed to always use premium gas. It adds up.

-Maintenance cost: BMW will tell you that you need to take care of all maintenance and repairs through them and they charge top dollar for everything. If you can, try to find a good mechanic who specializes in BMWs.

Certified Pre-Owned, the dealer covers the maintenance sometimes up to 100K miles. Of course, they are engineered to be easily maintained for the first say 101K miles. After that.....you need to find a good independent mechanic.

Follow ras's link -- there's some nice cars on there. At that price point, you don't lease it, you write 'em a check and drive away.

without having to look it up. For that matter, what's the difference between 3 series and 5 series?

Is it engine and performance related or is a size thing?

They have one at the same dealer in roughly the same price range. Guess I was shocked to see these cars at this price. But it seems like the going rate.

Wife really likes the Volvo XC70 but for the same year/mileage as these cars they are over 20k. She likes the Subaru Wagon also which seems like a safe reliable option, but i thought they would be a lot cheaper than these cars.
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In comment 13472228 rasbutant said:

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without having to look it up. For that matter, what's the difference between 3 series and 5 series? Is it engine and performance related or is a size thing?

The 3 / 5 / 7 refers to the body style with the cars getting bigger and more luxurious the higher you go

The 2nd two numbers used to refer to engine size. 28 meant a 2.8 liter engine but they stopped doing that recently I'm not sure what they meann today

Those are just the major two and where they got the naming convention from

other than a small issue I have with the dealer I bought it from, I love mine. I have an absurdly short commute hence the miles, but love driving it. Great mileage too. I average about 27 mpg and most of what I do is "city" driving if you want to call it that in Florida. I got mine from the dealer when the 2014s were being released and got it pretty cheap considering - sport, tech and premium package. Knock on wood, no major issues yet, just a safety recall a couple years back. I'm sure it will add up soon, but having paid it off early, happy with it so far.

also has one. I don't have one, so i'll just tell you what my friend who has & works on them told me: "Don't get one."

In comment 13472103 Giantophile said:

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model. LOVED it. Fun to drive, gave me zero problems; comfortable and quick.

Do you get a new car (lease?) every year? It is only the first half of 2017 ... and you type "Had" ... ?

If it was so good why the quick turnover?


Admittingly ... I buy a car and drive it for about 10 years. I pay for the first 5 and then drive it for free the next 5 (no car payments).

In comment 13472351 short lease said:

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Admittingly ... I buy a car and drive it for about 10 years. I pay for the first 5 and then drive it for free the next 5 (no car payments).

Hmmmm....

Maybe you should change your handle? :-)

In comment 13472363 Jim in Fairfax said:

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In comment 13472351 short lease said: Quote: Admittingly ... I buy a car and drive it for about 10 years. I pay for the first 5 and then drive it for free the next 5 (no car payments). Hmmmm.... Maybe you should change your handle? :-)

touch'e .... : )

I had a buddy's when I drove his son to a basketball camp in the Boston area.

The only thing he talks about (I haven't read the thread but would guess this is mentioned) ... maintenance costs are insanely expensive. I can speak to that, owning a MINI Cooper (same drive train, essentially - and everything is painfully expensive).

The Subaru is certainly lower maintenance and economical. (We own one of those, too.)

but i guess it last longer.