I need ADVICE on 07 335i sport!!

Seanzy03 · 10-26-2011, 08:45 PM

Ok, so i've been reading different threads throughout the week about performance and I have become Super Pumped over the prospect of owning a 2007 BMW 335i Sport Sedan w/MT

But now I'm freaking out a lil bit out after reading all the posts of problems, reliability, etc. I'm set to test drive and pick up the car Tomorrow! However, some issues have come up this week.

The price agreed upon for my prospective '07 335i sport is $23,500. It has 43k miles and just went out of the 4 year 50k warranty. I will attach the Auto Check file so you more season Bimmer owners can give me advice.. but from what i can tell it was only serviced 4 times for routine oil changes and was a Lease Vehicle.

However, yesterday the Dealership called me and told me that the Radio was playing but NO sound was coming out, so they needed to replace the AMP. Today i talked to them and they said the Radio is working, but that the Steering wheel button controls aren't being identified by the Radio. So they hope to have it fixed for tomorrow, but if not, they will want to replace the "Whole System" steering wheel to radio/electrical?

I was told it is in pristine shape and that there are NO power train or mechanical problems.

Should I buy a 3rd party warranty and roll it into Financing? Is this a common problem? Does it sound like this vehicle may have some major issues down the road?

Long read I know, but I'm not a bachelor that can just shell out a few thousand a year in random repairs. I have a wife and daughter. I' was hoping the 335i sport Sedan would be the best of both worlds...

Thoughts, opinions, experience, advice... anything would help

Thanks!!

Seanzy03 · 10-26-2011, 08:53 PM

yakev724 · 10-26-2011, 08:59 PM

Amps have been known to fail, but the whole steering wheel control/connection deal is unusual.

It seems a fair price but I'd personally want it down by 1-2k depending on the car itself (color/condition/nav) or if you're buying from BMW, have them tag on a CPO warranty for 2 more years for under $1k.

Even if you're mechanically adept, N54s have been known to sometimes need turbo replacements, and I believe that it's about 12 hours of labor + $1-1.5k in parts. Also minor things you may need such as a new battery, and routine maintenance including brakes (OEM parts are $$$) and oil. I'd recommend an extended warranty for a 335i. (In case you don't already know, the problematic HPFP have a separate 10 yr. extended warranty that your car, I believe, falls under regardless of whether you purchase another warranty or not)

If you were getting a 328i and felt comfortable jacking it up and changing fluid/brakes yourself, I'd recommend against it.

BimmerEnthusiast99 · 10-26-2011, 09:02 PM

I would not "roll" any 3rd party warranty into a used car's financing. Buy it outright if it's a good plan (I would place emphasis on the word good---read what is covered, but more importantly what is not).

Make sure they have the radio gremlins worked out before you buy it and set aside $2000-2500 in a "rainy day repair" fund just in case. Low miles, so you have a bit of time before major maintenance I think.

Think twice if you aren't ready/able to spend some serious coin at moment's notice. '35 BMWs can go south pretty quickly, even with the 10/120 HPFP warranty---more so than '28s because of what's under the hood and how they've been driven.

Royal Flush · 10-26-2011, 10:13 PM

Get them to CPO it.

abee20 · 10-27-2011, 01:09 AM

I was in your exact same shoes two months ago, facing the same dilemma. I bought an 07 335i sedan with a manual transmission from a private seller. I also bought the best 3rd party warranty I could find to go along with it. I've already had to use it once for electrical problems with the doors, but that has been the only issue so far. For me, it has been a great decision.

Snow King · 10-27-2011, 02:09 AM

I would opt for a reliable warranty if you want to minimize any surprises. I think you are still eligible for BMW's extended warranty (powertrain coverage) which covers the engine turbos and anything in the drivetrain.

I have the Platinum coverage and 2 months after original warranty expired, I had an issue with some other pump (not HPFP) that they took care of hassle free. Curious, I asked the SA how much it would have cost without warranty and he said easily $1500 with the labor involved. Half the value returned to me already...

geff33 · 10-27-2011, 05:09 AM

Ask the dealership for a copy of service record... they should have it in their computer (if this is a BMW dealership). This should show if the previous owner was religiously keeping up with maintainance or any other issues popped up. Carfax or Autocheck will not show specifics. Get it CPO'd or extend warranty or buy a third party warranty from a trusted company (use the search function on this forum or ask) as already been said. You don't want any surprises down the road. European cars are expensive to maintain.

If you decide to get this car before you close the deal insist to have a pre-purchased inspection(PPI) done by either another BMW dealership or an independent BMW shop. Can cost $100 or so to do this but an extra peace of mind and at least they can tell you if there are any car problems both mechanical or body repairs that the seller has not disclosed.

Seanzy03 · 10-28-2011, 10:33 AM

First thanks for all the advice and input!

They completely replaced the Radio unit and rewired the Audio system to make sure everything is working.

Here's what we agreed to..

The Dealer dropped the price 1k and took off $600 for the extended warranty since i've been kind of in limbo for the past week. It's currently on year 4.5 so i would go with the 3yr/36k mile warranty, giving me basically 2.5 years.

They will charge me 2k instead of 2600, pry roll it into financing, and here's what it covers. I'm not exactly sure how it compares to the BMW warranty but i'd like to hear what you guys think:

1. ENGINE -all internal lubricated parts, timing belt, pulleys and cover, oil pump, water pump, manifolds, harmonic balancer, engine mounts, turbo, supercharger and internal parts. Note: cases, housings engine block and cylinder heads are covered only if damaged by the failure of an internal lubricated part.

2. TRANSMISSION -Manual Transmission - transfer case and all internal lubricated parts. Plus for Automatic Transmission - torque converter, vacuum modulator, front pump.

3. DRIVE-

Front Wheel Drive - all internal lubricated parts, axle shafts, constant velocity joints, front hub assembly and bearings.

Rear Wheel Drive - all internal lubricated parts, propeller shafts, supports and u-joins, axle shafts, and bearings

4. BRAKES- Master cylinder, power brake booster, wheel cylinders, hydraulic lines and fittings, disc calipers.

5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM- Alternator, voltage regulator, distributor, starter motor, starter drive and solenoid, electronic ignition module, wiring harnesses, manually operated switches, wiper motor, power window motor, sunroof motor.

6. STEERING SYSTEM- all internal lubricated parts, rack and pinion and all internal parts, power cylinder assembly, main and intermediate steering shafts and couplings, tie rods and tie rod ends, idler arm, pitman arm.

7. ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM- Fan, Fan clutch and fan motor.

8. FRONT SUSPENSION- struts, upper and lower control arms and shafts and bushings, upper and lower ball joints, stabilizer shaft, linkage and bushings, spindles and supports, wheel bearings.

9. AIR CONDITIONING- condenser, compressor, evaporator, temperature control programmer.

10. FUEL SYSTEM- fuel pump, fuel injection pump, lines, nozzles, and vacuum pump.

Wild Squid · 10-28-2011, 02:40 PM

That sounds pretty good warranty coverage to me. Go for it! ^^

Kolyan2k · 10-28-2011, 02:56 PM

so how much was your total ? $24,500 or $25,500 ?

keep in mind those 3rd party warranties are tricky

they will do everything to get out of paying the claim. I just went through this unpleasant process and even with warranty ended up paying about $450 bucks out of pocket (and i have premium coverage and low deductible too) This is on my S2000 though and warranty was from previous owner.

BimmerEnthusiast99 · 10-28-2011, 03:00 PM

I wouldn't add a $2,000 warranty to your principal balance. Buy it outright. Make that a sticking point on your deal and they'll probably come down on the ext. warranty price.

apc3libras · 10-28-2011, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerEnthusiast99

I wouldn't add a $2,000 warranty to your principal balance. Buy it outright. Make that a sticking point on your deal and they'll probably come down on the ext. warranty price.

This.

Seanzy03 · 11-02-2011, 07:40 PM

So I just bought it! Got the extended Warranty for $2k and covers all of the above for 3 years or 36k miles from today not service date. Payed $23,500 for it. Didn't hear any rattle noise or anything. Might take some getting used to the M/T with the Reverse in the top left.

Hope its a great car for me and I got a decent deal! lol

Im new to BMW's, is it typical for the drive to be stiff? And is it easy to switch for a new steering wheel with no wear?

Thanks everyone!

10-26-2011, 08:45 PM	#1
Seanzy03 New Member 1 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 07 335i Sport Montego Blue!! Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Fort Worth, Texas iTrader: (0)	I need ADVICE on 07 335i sport!! Ok, so i've been reading different threads throughout the week about performance and I have become Super Pumped over the prospect of owning a 2007 BMW 335i Sport Sedan w/MT But now I'm freaking out a lil bit out after reading all the posts of problems, reliability, etc. I'm set to test drive and pick up the car Tomorrow! However, some issues have come up this week. The price agreed upon for my prospective '07 335i sport is $23,500. It has 43k miles and just went out of the 4 year 50k warranty. I will attach the Auto Check file so you more season Bimmer owners can give me advice.. but from what i can tell it was only serviced 4 times for routine oil changes and was a Lease Vehicle. However, yesterday the Dealership called me and told me that the Radio was playing but NO sound was coming out, so they needed to replace the AMP. Today i talked to them and they said the Radio is working, but that the Steering wheel button controls aren't being identified by the Radio. So they hope to have it fixed for tomorrow, but if not, they will want to replace the "Whole System" steering wheel to radio/electrical? I was told it is in pristine shape and that there are NO power train or mechanical problems. Should I buy a 3rd party warranty and roll it into Financing? Is this a common problem? Does it sound like this vehicle may have some major issues down the road? Long read I know, but I'm not a bachelor that can just shell out a few thousand a year in random repairs. I have a wife and daughter. I' was hoping the 335i sport Sedan would be the best of both worlds... Thoughts, opinions, experience, advice... anything would help Thanks!!
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10-26-2011, 08:53 PM	#2
Seanzy03 New Member 1 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 07 335i Sport Montego Blue!! Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Fort Worth, Texas iTrader: (0)	Auto Check
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10-26-2011, 08:59 PM	#3
yakev724 Brigadier General 233 Rep 3,561 Posts Drives: 15 S3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: NYC iTrader: (49)	Amps have been known to fail, but the whole steering wheel control/connection deal is unusual. It seems a fair price but I'd personally want it down by 1-2k depending on the car itself (color/condition/nav) or if you're buying from BMW, have them tag on a CPO warranty for 2 more years for under $1k. Even if you're mechanically adept, N54s have been known to sometimes need turbo replacements, and I believe that it's about 12 hours of labor + $1-1.5k in parts. Also minor things you may need such as a new battery, and routine maintenance including brakes (OEM parts are $$$) and oil. I'd recommend an extended warranty for a 335i. (In case you don't already know, the problematic HPFP have a separate 10 yr. extended warranty that your car, I believe, falls under regardless of whether you purchase another warranty or not) If you were getting a 328i and felt comfortable jacking it up and changing fluid/brakes yourself, I'd recommend against it.
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10-26-2011, 09:02 PM	#4
BimmerEnthusiast99 Private First Class 2 Rep 186 Posts Drives: '12 X5d; '10 335; '09 128 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	I would not "roll" any 3rd party warranty into a used car's financing. Buy it outright if it's a good plan (I would place emphasis on the word good---read what is covered, but more importantly what is not). Make sure they have the radio gremlins worked out before you buy it and set aside $2000-2500 in a "rainy day repair" fund just in case. Low miles, so you have a bit of time before major maintenance I think. Think twice if you aren't ready/able to spend some serious coin at moment's notice. '35 BMWs can go south pretty quickly, even with the 10/120 HPFP warranty---more so than '28s because of what's under the hood and how they've been driven. Last edited by BimmerEnthusiast99; 10-26-2011 at 09:21 PM..
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10-26-2011, 10:13 PM	#5
Royal Flush Major 74 Rep 1,309 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Not everyone who wanders is lost. iTrader: (2)	Get them to CPO it.
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10-27-2011, 01:09 AM	#6
abee20 Enlisted Member 0 Rep 49 Posts Drives: 2016 F30 340i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	I was in your exact same shoes two months ago, facing the same dilemma. I bought an 07 335i sedan with a manual transmission from a private seller. I also bought the best 3rd party warranty I could find to go along with it. I've already had to use it once for electrical problems with the doors, but that has been the only issue so far. For me, it has been a great decision. __________________ 2007 E90 335i -> 2007 E70 X5 4.8i -> 2012 F25 X3 35i -> 2016 F30 340i
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10-27-2011, 02:09 AM	#7
Snow King Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 270 Posts Drives: 2007 E93 335i Convertible Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (3)	I would opt for a reliable warranty if you want to minimize any surprises. I think you are still eligible for BMW's extended warranty (powertrain coverage) which covers the engine turbos and anything in the drivetrain. I have the Platinum coverage and 2 months after original warranty expired, I had an issue with some other pump (not HPFP) that they took care of hassle free. Curious, I asked the SA how much it would have cost without warranty and he said easily $1500 with the labor involved. Half the value returned to me already...
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10-27-2011, 05:09 AM	#8
geff33 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 2002 BMW 530i MT Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2002 BMW 530i [5.50] 2008 335i [0.00]	Ask the dealership for a copy of service record... they should have it in their computer (if this is a BMW dealership). This should show if the previous owner was religiously keeping up with maintainance or any other issues popped up. Carfax or Autocheck will not show specifics. Get it CPO'd or extend warranty or buy a third party warranty from a trusted company (use the search function on this forum or ask) as already been said. You don't want any surprises down the road. European cars are expensive to maintain. If you decide to get this car before you close the deal insist to have a pre-purchased inspection(PPI) done by either another BMW dealership or an independent BMW shop. Can cost $100 or so to do this but an extra peace of mind and at least they can tell you if there are any car problems both mechanical or body repairs that the seller has not disclosed.
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10-28-2011, 10:33 AM	#9
Seanzy03 New Member 1 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 07 335i Sport Montego Blue!! Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Fort Worth, Texas iTrader: (0)	Here's what the dealership is willing to do.. First thanks for all the advice and input! They completely replaced the Radio unit and rewired the Audio system to make sure everything is working. Here's what we agreed to.. The Dealer dropped the price 1k and took off $600 for the extended warranty since i've been kind of in limbo for the past week. It's currently on year 4.5 so i would go with the 3yr/36k mile warranty, giving me basically 2.5 years. They will charge me 2k instead of 2600, pry roll it into financing, and here's what it covers. I'm not exactly sure how it compares to the BMW warranty but i'd like to hear what you guys think: 1. ENGINE -all internal lubricated parts, timing belt, pulleys and cover, oil pump, water pump, manifolds, harmonic balancer, engine mounts, turbo, supercharger and internal parts. Note: cases, housings engine block and cylinder heads are covered only if damaged by the failure of an internal lubricated part. 2. TRANSMISSION -Manual Transmission - transfer case and all internal lubricated parts. Plus for Automatic Transmission - torque converter, vacuum modulator, front pump. 3. DRIVE- Front Wheel Drive - all internal lubricated parts, axle shafts, constant velocity joints, front hub assembly and bearings. Rear Wheel Drive - all internal lubricated parts, propeller shafts, supports and u-joins, axle shafts, and bearings 4. BRAKES- Master cylinder, power brake booster, wheel cylinders, hydraulic lines and fittings, disc calipers. 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM- Alternator, voltage regulator, distributor, starter motor, starter drive and solenoid, electronic ignition module, wiring harnesses, manually operated switches, wiper motor, power window motor, sunroof motor. 6. STEERING SYSTEM- all internal lubricated parts, rack and pinion and all internal parts, power cylinder assembly, main and intermediate steering shafts and couplings, tie rods and tie rod ends, idler arm, pitman arm. 7. ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM- Fan, Fan clutch and fan motor. 8. FRONT SUSPENSION- struts, upper and lower control arms and shafts and bushings, upper and lower ball joints, stabilizer shaft, linkage and bushings, spindles and supports, wheel bearings. 9. AIR CONDITIONING- condenser, compressor, evaporator, temperature control programmer. 10. FUEL SYSTEM- fuel pump, fuel injection pump, lines, nozzles, and vacuum pump.
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10-28-2011, 02:40 PM	#10
Wild Squid Banned 21 Rep 626 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335i coupe Msport AW Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Nor Cal iTrader: (0)	That sounds pretty good warranty coverage to me. Go for it! ^^
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10-28-2011, 02:56 PM	#11
Kolyan2k Major General 928 Rep 5,538 Posts Drives: 2006 S2000 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boston iTrader: (1)	so how much was your total ? $24,500 or $25,500 ? keep in mind those 3rd party warranties are tricky they will do everything to get out of paying the claim. I just went through this unpleasant process and even with warranty ended up paying about $450 bucks out of pocket (and i have premium coverage and low deductible too) This is on my S2000 though and warranty was from previous owner.
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10-28-2011, 03:00 PM	#12
BimmerEnthusiast99 Private First Class 2 Rep 186 Posts Drives: '12 X5d; '10 335; '09 128 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	I wouldn't add a $2,000 warranty to your principal balance. Buy it outright. Make that a sticking point on your deal and they'll probably come down on the ext. warranty price.
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11-02-2011, 07:40 PM	#14
Seanzy03 New Member 1 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 07 335i Sport Montego Blue!! Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Fort Worth, Texas iTrader: (0)	So I just bought it! Got the extended Warranty for $2k and covers all of the above for 3 years or 36k miles from today not service date. Payed $23,500 for it. Didn't hear any rattle noise or anything. Might take some getting used to the M/T with the Reverse in the top left. Hope its a great car for me and I got a decent deal! lol Im new to BMW's, is it typical for the drive to be stiff? And is it easy to switch for a new steering wheel with no wear? Thanks everyone!
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