What should I know looking at used 2006/2007s?

First post. Been googling my brains out and keep bumping back here but can't quite collate what I need...

I'm looking to buy a 2006 330ix or 2007 328ix, 4dr auto. Open to a 325 as well but would love the extra... seem to be better overall values on the bigger engines in my area as well.

It seems like from looking at used reviews that people generally end up with something totally rock solid, or something that's in the shop more than on the road. Are there any critical services that I should be asking about at any milage points (hoses, pump, etc. at 90k?), anything that would imply a deeper problem from a service history (replaced stereo head unit a possible sign of electrical issues?) or should a generally well maintained specimen expect to be solid?

The consensus seems to be that a 330 is just nicer than a 328 (subtle but noticeable HP boost, tighter throttle, nicer sound system, etc.). How much (canvasing for opinions here) should that affect my decision vs. milage? Would you buy a 330 with 85k over a 328 with 55k all other things being equal?

Any telltale signs of good/bad buy?

I'm sure this info is all roughly out there but since it's all relatively anecdotal getting it from a place where people at least know what they're talking about would be quite helpful. Any other thoughts would be much appreciated (e.g. I'm a fool, the extra money for a 2008 is completely worth it, etc.)

I would avoid the 2006 N52. It has been repackaged for 2007. There were numerous issues with broken bolts in the head and water pumps. The 2007+ N52 don't seem to suffer so much of these expensive problem. Too bad because the 2006 N52 has a better exhaust note than 2007+.

Originally Posted by Saintor

I would avoid the 2006 N52. It has been repackaged for 2007. There were numerous issues with broken bolts in the head and water pumps. The 2007+ N52 don't seem to suffer so much of these expensive problem. Too bad because the 2006 N52 has a better exhaust note than 2007+.

And I absolutely would choose the '06 E90 330i over the 328i any day of the week. Much, much better performance. The 330i N52 is simply a gem!

Have you read the wiki here?

Originally Posted by tturedraider

Have you read the wiki here?

I'm digging but there's a LOT in there... good stuff... but a LOT

They are all 3 liter engines with either Intake, Exhaust and software differences
to obtain different horsepower ratings. We are talking 325 ,330 and 328. The numbers
in the US at least no longer indicate Engine size.

They all suffer the possibility of valve ticking and valve cover head bolt breakage.
Do a search in the threads for this.(at least in the early years)

06 models have a better automatic transmission according to the boards

Be aware of of the Run flat issues.
Be aware of battery usage registration and replacement issues.
Inspect under the oil filler cap for sludge.

Excellent tips, thanks!

Originally Posted by ima747

I'm digging but there's a LOT in there... good stuff... but a LOT

haha....go check out the E46 wiki. It makes the E9x wiki look like a pamphlet.

btw, the head bolt issue on the '06 E90 is not wide spread and at this point time if you come across a car that has the issue it will not be hard to identify. My March 2006 build 330i doesn't leak even a drop of oil. And in over seven years on this forum I've seen very few water pump issues reported.

Excellent to hear. Thanks!

My heart pulls towards the 330 even with the higher milage, good to know that it's not a silly choice

What would you be looking for in a 2006 330ix? price/milage/certification/warranty/addons that are worth hunting for/etc.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=627435

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13504

to scare you .
I haven't had a problem but the valve ticking and head bolt breakage are
always in the back of my mind.

The 330 comes with the Logic 7 stereo standard which is the only system somebody
that likes music a lot wouldn't want to rip out. If this isn't enough and you want to modify
then the Hi Fi system is easier to modify.
I wouldn't get one without a sports package for the seats alone. The sport seats allow you
to wear the car as opposed to sitting in it.
I would be looking at the maintenance and repair records for the valve ticking and head bolt replacement
if they were done then you probably won't be having those problems for awhile .
Also look and see if the water pump and thermostat were replaced as it may be one of the items
you have to replace by 100k miles.

Google Mike Miller BMW for a copy of the old school maintenance schedule.
Also I had an e46 coupe for 70k miles three sensors and a door seal were the only problems.
The sedan had window regulator problems quite often.

Why did I not join here before I was even in the market for a new car... SO HELPFUL!

My current personal wheels are what's left of a 95 honda civic which I have more than run into the ground so I'm more than a little familiar with a nagging fear of something going "ping" and something very precious to me, like a wheel, just falling off...

Couldn't find anything on the logic 7 besides "it's much better". Good to know it's easy to tinker with. I replaced the audio head unit in my mom's 5 series *many* years ago and it was much more troublesome than any other audio swap I've done in other cars.

Does the logic 7 have an AUX in? Saw various posts about re-running the aux to the seat compartment instead of the glove box but haven't found anything on what actually has an AUX to begin with? was it an addon or standard on any of the head units etc. I typically use a smartphone for nav and music. I've hooked it up through a bluetooth receiver in my current car which works wonderfully but the all important issue of connecting it to the sound system without using an RF transmitter *shudder* is always in the back of my mind.

Logic 7 is not easy to modify
its quite hard compared to the other systems
Why
Because the amp to head unit connection is a proprietary fiber optic format.
And no aftermarket amp or head unit will interface with it.

Logic 7 and Hi Fi are different systems.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/att...1&d=1357569536

All have aux in its under the arm rest but its low quality sound through the aux.
If you want a2dp you need to use either a Mobridge unit or Dension gateway 500s neither of which are
cheap and the car will need have the cd changer option enabled it doesn't have one.
The OEM retrofit is hard to do and not that good up until recently .

There is a whole forum dedicated to e9x stereo here

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=27

2 months ago I bought an 06 330i with 56,000 miles and paid $17,600. No warranty but I think it's a steal. Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by joeyl13

2 months ago I bought an 06 330i with 56,000 miles and paid $17,600. No warranty but I think it's a steal. Hope this helps.

Spot on with what I'm seeing. Thanks!

Originally Posted by ctuna

Logic 7 is not easy to modify
its quite hard compared to the other systems
Why
Because the amp to head unit connection is a proprietary fiber optic format.
And no aftermarket amp or head unit will interface with it.

Logic 7 and Hi Fi are different systems.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/att...1&d=1357569536

All have aux in its under the arm rest but its low quality sound through the aux.
If you want a2dp you need to use either a Mobridge unit or Dension gateway 500s neither of which are
cheap and the car will need have the cd changer option enabled it doesn't have one.
The OEM retrofit is hard to do and not that good up until recently .

There is a whole forum dedicated to e9x stereo here

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=27

Excellent! I will go digging. I'm not a huge audio file (128kbps mp3 is plenty fine for me) but I do appreciate good audio. The logic 7 isn't a major draw for me but I'll certainly appreciate having it. Willing to accept some quality loss for convenience. I use an a2dp reciever plugged into a tape deck adapter now and It's noticably crap but good enough (given that the rest of my car is also crap). If there's a place to plug in I can worry about making it good in a couple months after the bank account settles from the car

Aux in is in the arm rest storage area.
There is power there to I think.

Originally Posted by ctuna

Aux in is in the arm rest storage area.
There is power there to I think.

Perfect. More than enough to tide me over until I can justify doing the audio right.

Originally Posted by ima747

Excellent to hear. Thanks!

My heart pulls towards the 330 even with the higher milage, good to know that it's not a silly choice

What would you be looking for in a 2006 330ix? price/milage/certification/warranty/addons that are worth hunting for/etc.

Mileage, condition, and maintenance are the most important factors. Most here will tell you to worry less about having xDrive and plan instead to have a separate winter wheel/tire setup to get the most out of the car.

Originally Posted by ima747

Excellent! I will go digging. I'm not a huge audio file (128kbps mp3 is plenty fine for me) but I do appreciate good audio. The logic 7 isn't a major draw for me but I'll certainly appreciate having it. Willing to accept some quality loss for convenience. I use an a2dp reciever plugged into a tape deck adapter now and It's noticably crap but good enough (given that the rest of my car is also crap). If there's a place to plug in I can worry about making it good in a couple months after the bank account settles from the car

Audio file or audiophile?

Google " Harman Kardon Logic 7" and you should find technical details.

Originally Posted by tturedraider

Mileage, condition, and maintenance are the most important factors.



Audio file or audiophile?

Google " Harmon Kardon Logic7" and you should find technical details.

What would you go hunting for? Assuming good condition (or whatever condition you're comfortable with), maintenance records you're comfortable with: 85k miles, too many or totally fine at a price of $x, likewise 55k miles, etc. Milage matters but so does cost, what's a good trade off (opinion based obviously)

Audiophile or Audio File: I think I placed myself there didn't I

Originally Posted by ima747

Excellent to hear. Thanks!

My heart pulls towards the 330 even with the higher milage, good to know that it's not a silly choice

What would you be looking for in a 2006 330ix? price/milage/certification/warranty/addons that are worth hunting for/etc.

I just bought my 07 328xi 6spd with 48k and it was listed at 17900. It has a 3 month dealer warranty I think. Good luck in your search!