A good start?

golivar · 12-09-2021, 03:16 AM

Hello, so after the primary rush of wanting a e9x 335i, along with an initial post asking for advice, I realized that as a 19 year old with a decent enough income that a 328i would be a better start. I personally love the exterior look and drive of the f30 models and the fact it wouldn't be as cost heavy like the n55 would give me. My issue is that every time I try to purchase one, I get scared that it's not gonna be the right choice in the long run. Any help or advice?

ntg44 · 12-09-2021, 08:09 AM

At 19, there are very few circumstances where I would say one could afford a 328 or 335. If you happen to live at home still and are not accumulating college debt, I suppose you can "afford" it technically. Regardless, it's a very unwise financial decision at that age, but I'm not here to judge anyone else's purchases because I myself have made many in the pursuit of racecar.

wtwo3 · 12-09-2021, 09:09 AM

Just make sure you've got sufficient funds set aside for repairs/maintenance. 19 is REALLY young to be getting into a Bimmer, but if you've got your eggs in order then enjoy life as you please. Just make sure you've got a vision of the future on top of mind and don't go ruining that future in pursuit of a nice car.

vt100 · 12-09-2021, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onesie

If you're talking e90 328i that's a different story. Such a great car.

There's materially no difference between an N20 in the 328i F30 and an N55 in a 335i.
I think the N20 is more problematic (timing chain, turbo). Wouldn't do it as a 19. E90 N52? Yes

And steering feel of E9x is just incomparable vs F3x...

chenry · 12-09-2021, 01:45 PM

I would recommend you consider a 2016 or newer - if older make sure the timing chain issue has been addressed.

I would also recommend more money up front to get into a low mileage properly maintained example - any cost savings up front (for a higher mileage car with questionable history) will quickly be eroded with maintenance and repair costs

VAcurler · 12-09-2021, 02:12 PM

Echoing above...are you talking an e90 with an inline 6 that will last forever (I've got 150k o my 2009 and plan on giving it to my oldest in 4 years when he turns 16) or are you talking a newer F3x model with a 4 cylinder engine and a turbo charger?

My free advice for BMWs - older is better but slower. E30/E46/E90 will last as long as you want it too. New ones may or may not last as long.

12-09-2021, 03:16 AM	#1
golivar Registered 6 Rep 3 Posts Drives: mitsubishi mirage Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: US iTrader: (0)	A good start? Hello, so after the primary rush of wanting a e9x 335i, along with an initial post asking for advice, I realized that as a 19 year old with a decent enough income that a 328i would be a better start. I personally love the exterior look and drive of the f30 models and the fact it wouldn't be as cost heavy like the n55 would give me. My issue is that every time I try to purchase one, I get scared that it's not gonna be the right choice in the long run. Any help or advice?
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12-09-2021, 08:09 AM	#2
ntg44 Colonel 2894 Rep 2,146 Posts Drives: R8 4.2 Spyder Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Chicago iTrader: (3)	At 19, there are very few circumstances where I would say one could afford a 328 or 335. If you happen to live at home still and are not accumulating college debt, I suppose you can "afford" it technically. Regardless, it's a very unwise financial decision at that age, but I'm not here to judge anyone else's purchases because I myself have made many in the pursuit of racecar. __________________ YT: ntg44
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12-09-2021, 09:09 AM	#3
wtwo3 Major General 18947 Rep 5,632 Posts Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 Mini Cooper S ... [10.00] 2023 BMW M3 [9.40] 2023 BMW X7 40i [9.75]	Just make sure you've got sufficient funds set aside for repairs/maintenance. 19 is REALLY young to be getting into a Bimmer, but if you've got your eggs in order then enjoy life as you please. Just make sure you've got a vision of the future on top of mind and don't go ruining that future in pursuit of a nice car. __________________ 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i 2023 BMW M3 6MT 2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible '20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
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12-09-2021, 01:45 PM	#5
chenry Colonel 2382 Rep 2,958 Posts Drives: BMWs Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: SoCal Huntington Beach iTrader: (8)	I would recommend you consider a 2016 or newer - if older make sure the timing chain issue has been addressed. I would also recommend more money up front to get into a low mileage properly maintained example - any cost savings up front (for a higher mileage car with questionable history) will quickly be eroded with maintenance and repair costs
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12-09-2021, 02:12 PM	#6
VAcurler Private First Class 119 Rep 150 Posts Drives: 21 F23 M240i MT + 09 e90 328i Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Echoing above...are you talking an e90 with an inline 6 that will last forever (I've got 150k o my 2009 and plan on giving it to my oldest in 4 years when he turns 16) or are you talking a newer F3x model with a 4 cylinder engine and a turbo charger? My free advice for BMWs - older is better but slower. E30/E46/E90 will last as long as you want it too. New ones may or may not last as long.
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