[gpdriver17]

What's the reliability like on 328's? I'm thinking about picking up a used one with ~60k miles. In the past I've had 2 BMW's that were out of warranty and both were NIGHTMARES. One was an E36 M3, said to be rock solid, 70k miles, I spent 9k in repairs in the first 6 months. Another was an E36 328i with 90k miles. Immediately it over heated, head cracked, while it was getting this 5k repair done, the window fell down in the door and it was 1,300 to fix that. Are the F30's much better? I'm fine with some repairs here and there. Just don't want to be best friends with the service advisor.

[jsouth]

The reliability of any used car is completely dependent on the service habits of previous owners.

My 2013 328i was purchased in January 2016 with 44k miles. I have changed oil and filter regularly, tires, spark plugs, coils, ATF and filter, and because mine was built in 7/2012 I preemptively replaced the timing chain and guides and oil pump chain. I now have almost 147k miles - super reliable car.

Other than the maintenance above, I had to replace a side mirror (under warranty) because it would not retract. I have had to replace the hood release cable.

It's one of the most economical cars I have ever owned. Great gas mileage and low cost of ownership. It is easy on tires (no irregular wear).

[tturedraider]

Personally, I’d be more comfortable looking at B46 330i’s, 2017 & 2018. The N20/26 has known issues with the timing chain guide that have the potential to lead to a catastrophic failure. The issue is reported to be resolved with March 2015 production. To be on the safe side I would recommend looking only at 2016 model 328i’s. Relatively few N20/26’s will have timing chain issues, but the potential would be a constant concern for me.

[sspade]

Ive owned two so far and have had a great record of reliability with mine. I take proper care and maintenance, however.

2014: bought at 29k drove to 95k without any issues. Still would be driving if someone hadn't ruined it for me.

2016: bought at 46k currently at 65k without any issues. Plan to drive for 200k miles plus.

If you do end up with an N20 motor, aim for a build date after 02.2015 when the timing chain components were revised.

[gpdriver17]

Thanks for the input! Glad to hear they've improved since the E36.

[Psi5]

Originally Posted by gpdriver17

Thanks for the input! Glad to hear they've improved since the E36.

Def buy one with complete, or nearly so, maintenance records. Regular maintenance on BMWs is as important, if not more so, that the particular model's reliability (with the exception of known weak spots, like E39 water pumps - ask me how I know).

[schnellwagen]

Originally Posted by tturedraider

Personally, I’d be more comfortable looking at B46 330i’s, 2017 & 2018. The N20/26 has known issues with the timing chain guide that have the potential to lead to a catastrophic failure. The issue is reported to be resolved with March 2015 production. To be on the safe side I would recommend looking only at 2016 model 328i’s. Relatively few N20/26’s will have timing chain issues, but the potential would be a constant concern for me.

This.

[phefner]

Had our 2013 328xDrive since 2015, been flawless. Only peeve is I just dropped it off for its 75,000 mile service. Told the plug service is going to be like $460! I mean it's just 4 plugs. Ton of space under the hood. WTF are these things made of? It's really going to take 1/2 day?

[chowser51]

The first three plugs are 5 minutes each. The last plug took a little longer.
$80 for 4 plugs and a long extension socket

[heifetz17]

The e36 was a fantastic car if properly maintained! If not maintained it could be a nightmare.

I've only put about 10k miles on my 328 so far but my mechanic is the one that's serviced the car all the way back to 20k miles and it has 75k now. It's only ever had oil changes and fluid flushes. We're going to replace the timing components at about 90-95k miles just as a precaution. Service records make or break the deal on a used BMW.

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by phefner

Had our 2013 328xDrive since 2015, been flawless. Only peeve is I just dropped it off for its 75,000 mile service. Told the plug service is going to be like $460! I mean it's just 4 plugs. Ton of space under the hood. WTF are these things made of? It's really going to take 1/2 day?

It has always been in the ballpark of $200 for me. In fact, BMW Value Service has it priced at just over $200. You are being ripped off.

[phefner]

It gets better.

Front Brakes need replacement. So for the ROTOR, Pads, Sensors, Labor... little north of $700. Just for the fronts.

1 Rear Run Flat (pos tire imho), like a little north of $250.

Grounding Braid... again a little north of $200.

I must have JackAss written on my forehead. And this is a dealer I've been doing all my BMW business, like 12 cars in 22 years. Plus all services, all.

This is only the second car we have kept pass warranty and for more than 4 years. Jacking up maintenance isn't going to entice me into another BMW lease. Done with those.

Never again. They're about to lose a client.

[M Smurf]

This is the first car I've been motivated enough to my own work, for the most part, and I quite enjoy it to be honest especially given the savings involved.

Brakes are very straighforward actually DIY...if you're motivated. Not much involved

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by gpdriver17

What's the reliability like on 328's? I'm thinking about picking up a used one with ~60k miles. In the past I've had 2 BMW's that were out of warranty and both were NIGHTMARES. One was an E36 M3, said to be rock solid, 70k miles, I spent 9k in repairs in the first 6 months. Another was an E36 328i with 90k miles. Immediately it over heated, head cracked, while it was getting this 5k repair done, the window fell down in the door and it was 1,300 to fix that. Are the F30's much better? I'm fine with some repairs here and there. Just don't want to be best friends with the service advisor.

Make sure you buy one with updated timing chain and guides. Google N20 timing chain. Other than that it's typical modern day turbo BMW stuff. Good luck with your car search.

[gpdriver17]

Thanks guys, I found a 2016 with 43k miles. Hopefully it wont have the timing chain issue.

[chowser51]

Brakes should be approx $200 per axle for pads, rotors, sensor wire, if you have the basic brake package. And about a little under an hour to do it yourself.

It's time to start learning how to work on the car if you want to save $$.