[Playgirlcare]

I’m so over this shit spent all day at the dealerships and my brain feels like scrambled eggs anyways I’m going to purchase a 328i on Monday after not having a car for a couple months and have 3 potential prospects all on the same bmw exclusive lot. One at 111 one at 129 and one at 136 mileage. They are all pearl white exterior and black leather inside except the 111 has tan interior The 129/136 are both Xdrive and 2013 while the 111 is 2012 and not a Xdrive I live in Virginia so the x drive is not that necessary even though it’s a cool feature. They all come with a free 90 day warranty and have paperwork for recently having a timing chain replacement. I’m just at my wits end with going back-and-forth with myself so I thought it couldn’t hurt to make a post on here. I test drove all three of them along w testing various inside features and they all made for smooth drive I also checked break pads and other random things around the car. I guess I’ll just link all the cars below and let you guys give me your honest opinion. My fiancé has a 2014 320i as an everyday driver and I’ve grown to really like the car from driving it occasionally so when my old cars transmission broke I figured I would get my own. (Btw the leather on the 111 mileage has since been repaired)
I guess it’s worth saying I haven’t looked at the car fax yet but will on Monday


2012 BMW 328i 111k mileage (white/tan

https://www.commonwealthautogroup.com/details/used-2012-bmw-3-series/89889871

2013 BMW 328i Xdrive 129k mileage

https://www.commonwealthautogroup.com/details/used-2013-bmw-3-series/89700042

2013 BMW 328i XDrive 136 mileage

https://www.commonwealthautogroup.com/details/used-2013-bmw-3-series/89185504

Btw I forgot to mention these are all priced the same at $11,995

 

[BimmurBrothor]

Thanks for the post... smart! These cars are basically the same.
I've not owned none of these cars.
But i do own 3 x drive cars.
You should get the non-x drive car...the 111 or 2012

 

[JimH46]

My possible concern about all these cars is they most likely have early N20 engines with a known valve chain guide issue. You say they all have paperwork indicating chain replacement. I would get some details and be sure this includes the guides and tensioner.

I would not be concerned about the xDrive. Yes a bit more complexity and thus potential for a problem that the RWD cars won't have, but if you get a snowy day, you will be glad you have it.

 

[Playgirlcare]

My possible concern about all these cars is they most likely have early N20 engines with a known valve chain guide issue. You say they all have paperwork indicating chain replacement. I would get some details and be sure this includes the guides and tensioner.

I would not be concerned about the xDrive. Yes a bit more complexity and thus potential for a problem that the RWD cars won't have, but if you get a snowy day, you will be glad you have it.

Thank you for the response I really appreciate it. I ended up going with the 2013 Xdrive and I’m absolutely in love and I got all my paperwork indicating repairs ! The dealership was really nice to deal with as well I called them a day after bc I could tell my rotors were starting to go bad and they immediately got me in at a bmw technician the next day for new rotors free of charge! Unfortunately the engine on the 2012 111k sounded very rough it didn’t feel like a smart decision. It’s been very Rainey and gloomy around here lately and the Xdrive has been very nice to have already! I’m so happy coming from a world of Honda civics even a 2013 BMW seems like a spaceship to me! Any tips on regular maintenance I should look out for considering she’s over 100,000 miles?

 

[JimH46]

Nice to hear you are happy with the car! As to maintenance, you are well past the point where a lot of fluids need changing - coolant, trans, rear, diff, transfer case, etc. BMW claims some of these are "lifetime" but many don't agree with that. Spark plugs should have been changed. Sounds like brakes have been done. Brake fluid is supposed to be flushed every 2 years. Also air filter and cabin air filter every couple of years. Get service records from dealer and see what needs taken care of.

 

[John Dwyer]

I’m so over this shit spent all day at the dealerships and my brain feels like scrambled eggs anyways I’m going to purchase a 328i on Monday after not having a car for a couple months and have 3 potential prospects all on the same bmw exclusive lot. One at 111 one at 129 and one at 136 mileage. They are all pearl white exterior and black leather inside except the 111 has tan interior The 129/136 are both Xdrive and 2013 while the 111 is 2012 and not a Xdrive I live in Virginia so the x drive is not that necessary even though it’s a cool feature. They all come with a free 90 day warranty and have paperwork for recently having a timing chain replacement. I’m just at my wits end with going back-and-forth with myself so I thought it couldn’t hurt to make a post on here. I test drove all three of them along w testing various inside features and they all made for smooth drive I also checked break pads and other random things around the car. I guess I’ll just link all the cars below and let you guys give me your honest opinion. My fiancé has a 2014 320i as an everyday driver and I’ve grown to really like the car from driving it occasionally so when my old cars transmission broke I figured I would get my own. (Btw the leather on the 111 mileage has since been repaired)
I guess it’s worth saying I haven’t looked at the car fax yet but will on Monday


2012 BMW 328i 111k mileage (white/tan

https://www.commonwealthautogroup.com/details/used-2012-bmw-3-series/89889871

2013 BMW 328i Xdrive 129k mileage

https://www.commonwealthautogroup.com/details/used-2013-bmw-3-series/89700042

2013 BMW 328i XDrive 136 mileage

https://www.commonwealthautogroup.com/details/used-2013-bmw-3-series/89185504

Btw I forgot to mention these are all priced the same at $11,995

I own the 2012 328i however mine has been upgraded electronics and suspension by Dinan Corp in 2015. I only drive in summer so much like your Virgina environment. I would lean towards the NON X drive. I love my car and I am sure it will be great for you.

 

[JimH46]

Looks like John Dwyer didn't read post #4 where Playgirlcare reported on the car she bought.

 

[slothman]

Thank you for the response I really appreciate it. I ended up going with the 2013 Xdrive and I’m absolutely in love and I got all my paperwork indicating repairs ! The dealership was really nice to deal with as well I called them a day after bc I could tell my rotors were starting to go bad and they immediately got me in at a bmw technician the next day for new rotors free of charge! Unfortunately the engine on the 2012 111k sounded very rough it didn’t feel like a smart decision. It’s been very Rainey and gloomy around here lately and the Xdrive has been very nice to have already! I’m so happy coming from a world of Honda civics even a 2013 BMW seems like a spaceship to me! Any tips on regular maintenance I should look out for considering she’s over 100,000 miles?

100k is a pretty big mile stone for any car. Check the reports to see what has/hasn't been done. This is what I would cover:

coolant
transmission fluid
diff fluid
brakes and fluid (sounds like you covered)
engine air filter
spark plugs
auxiliary belt
wheel alignment
battery (if over 2-3 years just replace)