[OR1ON]

Hi All, longtime reader, first time poster here.

I'm looking at my first (used) Bimmer and was hoping to get some advice from the esteemed members of this forum. I fell in love with the F30 328i M-Sport after a relative suggested this as an alternative to the types of cars I was originally looking at.

My budget is up to $40,000, which should put in me in MY 2013/14 territory with anywhere between 40,000 to 60,000 kms on the odo. I may need to look at the Sport/Luxury lines as well, but would weigh each vehicle on its merits (eg: lower km Sport/Luxury Line v higher km M-Sport).

Is there anything in particular I should be looking out for in vehicles of this vintage, given they're out of the warranty period? I'm not overly concerned by the servicing side of things as I live near a well-regarded independent mechanic, but more what to look for if going through a private sale.

Thanks in advance!

[Aapparition90]

nothing to be worried about on the technical side,. try to find one with Adaptive suspension, it was not standard on the MSPORT in my13/14.

[chet82]

Originally Posted by 328ihp

nothing to be worried about on the technical side,. try to find one with Adaptive suspension, it was not standard on the MSPORT in my13/14.

^ This

Msport for sure .

Xenons

Try to get the vehicle pre-inspected

Allianz for Warranty , Quotes Float around 3-4 K mark .

Overall solid cars , I have had mine for 2 years now 0 issues .

[damienp]

Originally Posted by chet82

^ This

Msport for sure .

Xenons

Try to get the vehicle pre-inspected

Allianz for Warranty , Quotes Float around 3-4 K mark .

Overall solid cars , I have had mine for 2 years now 0 issues .

I was told that the Allianz New Car Extended warranty insurance (the one equivalent to BMW's) needs to be bought when the car is still in manufacturer warranty, so maybe look for one with a few months BMW warranty left?

got mine (2 years or 100k km) for 2.5k last year

Agree with the solid car point! No issue for me for 1 year of ownership of my 2013 328i.

[damienp]

Also try to find one with Navigation Professional (NBT) for the bigger screen and entertainment features.

It's difficult to retrofit otherwise

[chet82]

If you buy from a dealer then they can arrange it for you or if you buy private they can send someone to inspect\arrange inspection .

Private - just give allianz a call.

Its fairly easy for modern cars as most data is electronically available . I have recently bought a MK7 GTI PP and i asked dealer to arrange it for me .

Agree with DamienP professional is the way to go , normal screen looks tiny and out of place .

[Sherweeeny]

For reference - I sold my 2012 sport line 328 with 88,000 kms back in october for 34k

it had pro nav, sunroof, xenons, high beam assist and was black on black and properly in brand new condition inside and out. so you will definitely find what youre looking for.

I couldnt recommend the car enough, however keep in mind that around that time, their oil service schedule was absolutely horrible and something I learned to disregard the manufacturer on. I did an oil pump and then a turbo bearing which was likely also oil related (changed under warranty). so see if you can find a car that has had the oil changed more regularly than required, or just get the car you want checked out by a BMW Dealer - probably not an indy as they havent seen as many of these yet (and i would never recommend a dealer)

good luck!

[bimmer456]

If you're looking at sport line, you can get into the 335/340 for that price CPO

[screenshot]

Originally Posted by 328ihp

nothing to be worried about on the technical side,. try to find one with Adaptive suspension, it was not standard on the MSPORT in my13/14.

Hooray for that! It was hard convincing most buyers how important this feature really is, how it transforms the ride of the car from ordinary to very compliant.

[ontheway]

Originally Posted by screenshot

Hooray for that! It was hard convincing most buyers how important this feature really is, how it transforms the ride of the car from ordinary to very compliant.

MSport passive is pretty compliant to be honest (I would like it a bit firmer) although adaptive in comfort is probably more so...

I found standard suspension (including sportline) not so good at all - though ride was good. I wouldn't say it was a ultimate driving experience in any way

[OR1ON]

Thanks all for your responses, some excellent points in there. I'll keep you posted!