[pilotkman]

Hello all.

I need a little bit of advice. I am looking at getting a used BMW. I am considering a 2006 330xi and a 2006 or 2007 530xi. I have heard that the N/A engines are more reliable.

So if you could let me know which would be more reliable for me that would be great!

Thank you!

[Meeni]

It's the same engine in both cars. That being said there where no 530 in my 2007 in the us.

[StealYourFace]

Buy an I instead of xi, with a stick, no nav or other unneeded options for the most reliable car. I have a 330i with almost 150,000 miles, and I live in a very snowy city. With snows, there no need for an xi, unless you have serious hills to go up.

[pilotkman]

So are you saying that the 2006 530 and the 2006 330 will be the same for reliability?
Automatic and xi is a must for me as I travel through northern MN and N Dakota very often.

[Zach1328]

Originally Posted by pilotkman

So are you saying that the 2006 530 and the 2006 330 will be the same for reliability?
Automatic and xi is a must for me as I travel through northern MN and N Dakota very often.

Yes they have the same exact engine. The 5 series will have a little more electrical stuff so there is a higher chance something on the 530 will go wrong.

However, I wouldn't worry about that. They're so similar that at the end of the day it comes down to the luck of the draw.
For example, my n54 Twin Turbo engines have been much more reliable than many of my friends n52 naturally aspirated motors. No matter what, its a BMW - "the ultimate driving machine". NOT "the ultimate reliable machine"!

Thats why I bought a 335i and a 535i. When buying a BMW its all about drivability and performance - I don't care about which car is possibly slightly more reliable.

[pilotkman]

Okay. I know what you mean. I think I'm going to stick with the 330 though. Just for a little peace of mind.

Thanks for all your help!

[Swish]

I bought my 330xi new in March of 2006 and now have 153,000 on the odometer. It is the best car I've ever owned, without question, and it's been nearly bullet proof.

I have navigation and convenient access, along with the 'winter package'. The only problems I've had with the electrical system is the right rear window regulator (found one on e-bay for $70.00) that I just replaced on Sunday, and my steptronic shifter isn't working because the wires are snapped. There's a good DIY video (or two) on this site, and I did make one attempt to correct it, but couldn't get to the wires in question. I will attempt it again when I have some time.

I replaced very few parts that weren't considered maintenance. The water pump lasted nearly 120,000 and only one headlight bulb had to be replaced so far.

I fund the reliability to be incredible, and the x-drive has bee excellent in winter as long as the snow isn't so deep that you get yourself high-centered. Don't try to go thru heavy snow or you will need to be winched out!

[pilotkman]

Thank you for the info Swish! That was very reassuring.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by pilotkman

Thank you for the info Swish! That was very reassuring.

330 is a great car and very reliable but it does require constant monitoring just like any bmw. If you get one make sure you replace the water pump and always keep a bottle of engine oil in the trunk. Considering you will be driving in harsh winter weather get snows and it will be a beast in snow.

GL

[Cyclops]

I had a 330i 6spd and found it to be an excellent car. I sold it with 174km and changed 2 ignition coils, plugs and the water pump. I personally never had an issue driving it in the winter, I am a firm believer in winter tires so for me X drive was just a waste of fuel, more moving parts could mean more issues in the future. Currently have an 09 E91 X drive an wish everyday I could turn it off. They only can with xdrive in Canada which really sucks

my father has a 530ix auto and has constantly had issues with the tranny over the years. Much heavier car so heavier on the fuel. Also the navigation is much smaller then the 330. 330 seemed to have a much larger screen.

anyways I would recommend the 330i not x drive with a manual transmission.

my 2 cents

[pilotkman]

Thank you Cyclops!

[Cyclops]

Just to add, make sure you get one with the sports package, the seats are much better and more comfortable.

If you have the budget and don't care too much about the extra HP in the 330 I would recommend a 328 LCI 2009+. It has the same engine as the 330 minus the intake manifold which is where you get the extra HP. The car esthetically looks much more refined, the hood and front bumper especially. Navigation is much more intuitive and user friendly then the 330. I only used it twice thats how cumbersome it was. And sport package at a minimum but mtech if you can find it.

So that's 3 cents I guess.

[pilotkman]

Okay. Thank you! I will look into that.