Going to look at the car tonight. Anything to specifically keep an eye out for? Car appears to be very clean, 78k miles. Owner is asking $9000. Any tips would be appreciated!
2011 BMW 328i
- Thread starter MacManus99
- Start date
Look for leaks. Oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) for sure is due to leaking unless changed already.
Valve cover gasket
Oil pan gasket (that one comes later, but you never know).
Check if the fan is running hard immediately after you turn it on, could be a sign of a failing water pump.
Check serpentine belt (if it is OK, change it ASAP if you buy a car. They last long, but if it breaks they can get sucked in through the front crank seal and game over. Usually, they fail bcs. people postpone OFHG replacement and dripping oil damages belt).
Is it automatic? If so check how it shifts.
If xDrive, see if there is shudder at parking speeds (could be a sign of failing transfer case. Usually fluid needs to be changed if hard shudder, but sometimes due to neglect like tires different sizes, TC can fail).
Valve cover gasket
Oil pan gasket (that one comes later, but you never know).
Check if the fan is running hard immediately after you turn it on, could be a sign of a failing water pump.
Check serpentine belt (if it is OK, change it ASAP if you buy a car. They last long, but if it breaks they can get sucked in through the front crank seal and game over. Usually, they fail bcs. people postpone OFHG replacement and dripping oil damages belt).
Is it automatic? If so check how it shifts.
If xDrive, see if there is shudder at parking speeds (could be a sign of failing transfer case. Usually fluid needs to be changed if hard shudder, but sometimes due to neglect like tires different sizes, TC can fail).
+1,000.
A link to the ad would be helpful.
after 5 minutes of "carbon buildup, electronic water pump, alum bolts etc" i can see why the resale is so poor.
Carbon build up is on the turbo engines. Water pumps also go out quicker on the turbo models. The 325,328 and 330s with the N52 incline 6 engines are one of BMWs most reliable engines.
Here is expert we were waiting for.
I had a E92 328xi really a great driver, just about perfect
I got burned with the sport wheels and run flat tires. While performing awesome, they are relatively fragile. Endless bent or cracked rims, damaged tires and the RFTs did not last 25K on a good day. Looking back I should have taken the factory rims and RFTs off straight away, gotten aftermarket, figured out something regarding a spare (No spare wheel space in the trunk), and run a reasonable aftermarket wheel and regular a/s performance tires
I got burned with the sport wheels and run flat tires. While performing awesome, they are relatively fragile. Endless bent or cracked rims, damaged tires and the RFTs did not last 25K on a good day. Looking back I should have taken the factory rims and RFTs off straight away, gotten aftermarket, figured out something regarding a spare (No spare wheel space in the trunk), and run a reasonable aftermarket wheel and regular a/s performance tires
Yep. That is how it goes. Ditch RFT, go stronger shock mounts in the back to compensate for lack of stiffness. Monroe is go to upgrade on mounts, $9 per piece.
Exactly
Swap out the OEM components and replace with upgraded parts and you'll have the perfect car.
Good luck. Let us know if you buy it.
It is actually not an upgraded part per se. Monroe makes mounts from stiff rubber (all of them, not just for this car). BMW ones are specialized foam bcs. RFT. So far Monroe is the best bang for a buck.
Some people went with a slightly taller tire. 255/40 vs 255/35. Funny thing is that even BMW went to a taller RFT with the next generation 3-series.
The best RFT I had on my 330 E90 were the Michelin PS2 RFT.
Michelin ZP tires are probably the best RFT option. But the real solution is a regular tire and spare in the trunk. G20 3 series comes with a spare option for a reason.
Ya. I have AS3+ on my 4 series with slim kit in the trunk. I should probably sell the **** thing. lol
I have in a trunk when going out of city 205/55 R16 tire
My Sienna came with RFT too. I haul donut in the back even though I still have RFT on. RFT option in many places here in the West is a really, really bad option.
I did end up purchasing the vehicle after negotiating the price a little bit. I'll post some pics when I get a chance.
The car had a full service history at the nearby BMW dealership that it was originally purchased from. Oil pan gasket and all 6 coils have been replaced already. I actually talked to the service writer for about a half hour picking his brain on things to keep an eye out for. Peering inside the valve cover through the oil cap showed zero sludge, it looked spotless.
I will have to address a couple of items, namely the OFHG. I will replace the serpentine belt when I do this as well. I very much appreciate the advice @edyvw and @BMWTurboDzl . I also plan to drain and fill the differential, and keep an eye out for any leaks there. (Any tips on what to fill with?)
Previous owner installed Michelin AS3+ tires less than a year and 5k miles ago, so I will look into the shock mounts as well.
I did make some compromises, mostly on the colors. (Crimson Red with Oyster interior) While these are not my first choices, I do not find them offensive, time will tell if it grows on me. Overall, I am happy with the purchase, and can't wait to put some miles on her.
Many thanks to all that have posted. I may very well come back to this thread in the future asking for further advice.
The car had a full service history at the nearby BMW dealership that it was originally purchased from. Oil pan gasket and all 6 coils have been replaced already. I actually talked to the service writer for about a half hour picking his brain on things to keep an eye out for. Peering inside the valve cover through the oil cap showed zero sludge, it looked spotless.
I will have to address a couple of items, namely the OFHG. I will replace the serpentine belt when I do this as well. I very much appreciate the advice @edyvw and @BMWTurboDzl . I also plan to drain and fill the differential, and keep an eye out for any leaks there. (Any tips on what to fill with?)
Previous owner installed Michelin AS3+ tires less than a year and 5k miles ago, so I will look into the shock mounts as well.
I did make some compromises, mostly on the colors. (Crimson Red with Oyster interior) While these are not my first choices, I do not find them offensive, time will tell if it grows on me. Overall, I am happy with the purchase, and can't wait to put some miles on her.
Many thanks to all that have posted. I may very well come back to this thread in the future asking for further advice.
Yes, $70 approximately for a kit. Not necessary to do every belt change though.
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