[Gearhead22]

I'm selling my 2002 wrx, and someone contacted me about a trade for a 2007 335xi. Apparently it's all stock, the water pump, thermostat, oil filter housing gasket and valve cover and gasket were done so far. I asked him about the hpfp and he was unsure as he's only had the car a little while. My plan is to check it out later today and I'll get the vin and see if my local bmw dealer can tell me if the turbo' s and hpfp have been done under recall/warranty yet. I went to school for auto tech so I know what to look for in a general car just wondering any special things to look for on a n54 335xi? Do you think it's a good buy with 125k on it?

[robthewrench]

You'll probably want to look for at least an 08 or later. Some early build issues on the 07's. Lots of later models for about the same price, so I would not move on an 07.

[Wolf 335]

Oil pan gasket, especially on an x is more labor intensive to repair.

Check valve cover for cracks.

Turbo waste gate rattle.

Led bars in the tail lights.

Intake carbon deposit cleaning

Have the injectors been operating ok?
Pull the plugs and see that's going on. Any fuel smell.

If you buy this car, without a doubt in my mind I would recommend that you set aside additional $2000 to deal with the unexpected.

If you're going to see this car, tell the owner not to start it or warm it up prior to you coming. You want to be the first one to start it after its been sitting over night.

[dlf750]

I have no idea what the price is or the value of your car for the trade. Seems like a lot of miles to me, even though it's a 10 year old car. I just picked up a 2009 e93 for $17k with 33k miles on it.

[E92-N54]

Everything above plus deteriorating weather strip above windshield and ignition coils.

[Gearhead22]

He is roughly an hour away from me so starting the car cold won't be happening. But he's asking 6500 for the car and I am asking the same for mine. Figured it's worth looking at. I'm sure I'll like it being what the car is but I won't lie the possible issues scare me. I wasn't particularly looking for a BMW but he offered the trade to me. So this 07 is the only option at the moment.

[Gearhead22]

I live in NY so an xi is my only option as well. There's 2 335xi's within 2 hours from me. This one and one other so for one if them it's pretty slim. As I said I wasnt looking but once he offered I loomed into them and they seem like awesome cars until things go wrong

[Wolf 335]

Originally Posted by Gearhead22

I live in NY so an xi is my only option as well. There's 2 335xi's within 2 hours from me. This one and one other so for one if them it's pretty slim. As I said I wasnt looking but once he offered I loomed into them and they seem like awesome cars until things go wrong

Why is it your only option?

[Gearhead22]

Based on where I live it's a necessity to have all wheel drive/3qheel drive in the winter. The town doesn't plow

[Delta0311]

This will sound like a dick answer. Things to look for, is not to look for a 07 335 with 100k+ miles on it.

[CTinline-six]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

This will sound like a dick answer. Things to look for, is not to look for a 07 335 with 100k+ miles on it.

I agree with this.

The 2007 was the first year model for the 335i. Obviously not all of them will be huge money pits, but a lot of them will be. It is hard enough finding a well maintained BMW, never mind an early N54 that is both well maintained and without issues.

If you want an N54 I suggest a 2009 or 2010, or go for a 2011 with the N55.

The exception would be a 2007-2008 that has been well cared for with maintenance DOCUMENTATION. Always make sure you have records of the service. Any Joe Schmoe can say they did this or that to the car without proof.

To me, if he has only had the car a little while and is looking to get rid of it, that is a red flag.

[fazman]

Originally Posted by Gearhead22

Based on where I live it's a necessity to have all wheel drive/3qheel drive in the winter. The town doesn't plow

Do yourself a favor, you live in NY where it is frozen for 1/2 the year and the roads are $hit for 9 months of the year (if not all year). Buy a 4x4 truck and call it a day. You will be a lot happier with a used Toyota tundra than a 335xi (I should know... i've had my '08 335xi in NJ/NY since 2011 with 17k miles and now i have almost 140k on mine).

My 2wd '04 nissan frontier with bad tires was better in the snow and with potholes then any vehicle on the road. But get a 4wd japanese truck and be happy.

[jt335i]

Was the airbag replaced?