[englishguy84]

I'll need a new car early next year (not before March - April). Won't be ready to move on one before then. I'm looking at 3 series but wondering - would it be worth trying to find a 328i (dealer leftover or low mileage CPO) rather than get a 330i since the B48 is new? Worried about timing chain issues since the timing chain is in the back of the engine now. I'm a low mileage driver - under 5k a year.

[ynguldyn]

I'd go with 330i. The risk of getting a lemon engine will be lower by then, since B48 will have been in production for almost two years. And if you're looking for an automatic, the transmission in 330i is also improved. The only reason to go with a 328i would be a really good deal that would be saving you a large chunk of money.

[BEM-S4]

Just got a stage 1 Dinan on dad's new 328 sport wagon. If you can find a good exec demo or something for a substantial savings and budget $1500 to get that done you'll be in good shape, it's really a nice car with that upgrade.

[englishguy84]

Thanks guys. I'll see what's on the market by then as far as 2016 deals, but good to know more experienced folks than I don't think a late spring B48 is going to be as big a red flag.

[eluded]

Go with 340 you won't be disappointed.

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by eluded

Go with 340 you won't be disappointed.

And you should've bought an M3, you wouldn't have been disappointed.

And everyone who bought an M3, they should've gone with a 911 Turbo.

And everyone who bought a 911, they should've gone with a McLaren.

Then there's Bugatti, Gulfstream, and Falcon 9 as the natural progression.

[englishguy84]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

And you should've bought an M3, you wouldn't have been disappointed.

And everyone who bought an M3, they should've gone with a 911 Turbo.

And everyone who bought a 911, they should've gone with a McLaren.

Then there's Bugatti, Gulfstream, and Falcon 9 as the natural progression.

I'm sure I'd love any of those. But I don't need any more horsepower than 241/248. Hell, I don't "need" that much, but once you get into 340 territory, I'm paying for HP I'll barely get to use at the expense of options I'll use every day. Plus, more fun to drive a slower car fast in normal road conditions where WOT isn't really possible.

Thanks for the reassurance that the B48 should be okay. I really want to do a custom build rather than settle for on the lot leftovers, so that was what I needed to hear.

[BMW11]

I wonder how much it would cost to have the timing chain replaced on a 340i when it needs it... anyone know what it perhaps would cost?

[englishguy84]

Originally Posted by BMW11

I wonder how much it would cost to have the timing chain replaced on a 340i when it needs it... anyone know what it perhaps would cost?

I've been researching the B engines a lot. It seems that even though the chains are in the back, there's a tool dealers have to drop the whole engine out. See here http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...&postcount=104

So the costs are going to be
1) Whatever that procedure costs
2) Plus the fact that it has to be done at a dealer, so dealer markup.

I have no idea, but I'm guessing it's a four figure job. Maybe someone more knowledgeable has more info.