Am I searching for a unicorn?

mndgmes · 03-06-2018, 06:56 PM

For roughly a year and a half now, I've been on the hunt for a 6-Speed Space Gray / Coral Red e92 328i/xi with under 50k. I've searched country wide on cars.com, autotrader, and car gurus just about every day for the past 1.5 years and I haven't found anything... I even dropped the Coral Red filter figuring that I could pick up a used interior on eBay and I'm still having trouble... Is the 6-Speed e92 328i/xi that much of a unicorn? I hate to say it, but I'm thinking of settling with an automatic at this point...

AWSB328iM · 03-06-2018, 07:25 PM

Bump your mileage up to 75k. I found mine after 6 weeks of looking a year and half ago. Drove 6 hours round trip to buy it.

jeddo45 · 03-06-2018, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mndgmes

For roughly a year and a half now, I've been on the hunt for a 6-Speed Space Gray / Coral Red e92 328i/xi with under 50k. I've searched country wide on cars.com, autotrader, and car gurus just about every day for the past 1.5 years and I haven't found anything... I even dropped the Coral Red filter figuring that I could pick up a used interior on eBay and I'm still having trouble... Is the 6-Speed e92 328i/xi that much of a unicorn? I hate to say it, but I'm thinking of settling with an automatic at this point...

Definitely tough combination there. The manual tranny's are hard to find as it is. You may need to either settle for a different color combo, or settle for an auto.

Also a higher mileage car isn't a bad choice either if it was properly maintained.

Good maintenance>lower mileage with these cars.

mndgmes · 03-06-2018, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeddo45

Definitely tough combination there. The manual tranny's are hard to find as it is. You may need to either settle for a different color combo, or settle for an auto.

Also a higher mileage car isn't a bad choice either if it was properly maintained.

Good maintenance>lower mileage with these cars.

Even with the interior color out of the mix, finding a space gray 6spd coupe has proven to be difficult...

I drive roughly 18k/yr so low mileage was ideal.

mndgmes · 03-06-2018, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsjr2006

Did you check the E91 thread? There’s a couple of them for sale there.

e92s in the e91 thread?

OP3NAIR · 03-06-2018, 08:56 PM

Its going to be hard to find something real specific, especially when you have the 6 speed as #1 on the list.
You can look until you're blue in the face and take a long time to find the exact one, but I think if you're willing to shop for the transmission, options and condition before you shop for a color combo, you're still probably likely to end up happy.
I gave up on the color combo as it was hard enough to find an LCI e93 with a 6 speed and the M sport package. Ended up with a silver/black (was looking for white/coral red) plain car thats been mechanically pretty solid since I bought it, and had to go 200 miles to get it. At this point (3.5 years on), I'm pretty satisfied with the one I ended up with.

bbbuzzy · 03-06-2018, 08:56 PM

If you want the manual, wait for it. Also, you can enlist help. Look locally for a pre-owned dealer that will locate cars for you. Something like this:

https://ganleyautoadvisors.com/process/

Bingobimmer · 03-06-2018, 08:58 PM

Just keep checking it took me a while to find mine. I was driving a '91 Ford pickup for months before I got into mine.

floydarogers · 03-06-2018, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mndgmes

For roughly a year and a half now, I've been on the hunt for a 6-Speed Space Gray / Coral Red e92 328i/xi with under 50k. I've searched country wide on cars.com, autotrader, and car gurus just about every day for the past 1.5 years and I haven't found anything... I even dropped the Coral Red filter figuring that I could pick up a used interior on eBay and I'm still having trouble... Is the 6-Speed e92 328i/xi that much of a unicorn? I hate to say it, but I'm thinking of settling with an automatic at this point...

My son found some numbers on the www somewhere. He has an '07 335i 6 speed MT: there were only 1004 335i RWD MT coupes produced for USA/CA. Given that there are probably more 328i MT in the USA/CA, the 'xi probably drops the number to a similar magnitude.

He's selling it, btw. PPK, 125K miles, black interior in a Midnight Blue exterior.

ptpending · 03-07-2018, 12:06 AM

another options for manual substitute can be 335is with DCT gearbox
this gearbox quite reliable, and car usually have plenty of the options because this is top line car in 3-er lineup

unrealii · 03-07-2018, 12:25 AM

Have you tried using the craiglist search aggregators? That should make it easier searching on craigslist.

6 years ago I found my car locally on craigslist by typing BMW manual. The manual trans is worth it, dont lose hope.

BimmerNugget · 03-07-2018, 01:00 AM

If you're ok with an auction car, I can get you one from Manheim.

mndgmes · 03-07-2018, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerNugget

If you're ok with an auction car, I can get you one from Manheim.

I would but I'm forced to buy from a dealer since I would need to trade in my A4.

atmosphericM · 03-08-2018, 12:44 PM

The mileage is what's killing you, I bet. The newest E92 is 2013 and these days most put at least 10k per year on the ODO, so you're looking at right around 50k miles being on the lower end. Not saying it's impossible.. but it won't be easy. FWIW my 2013 6 Speed currently has less than 30k on her, and I picked it up used about a half year ago. With the used car game though, you really don't get to pick your color unless you're willing to wait a lot, travel far, and don't have too many other "requirements" that will bar a car for other reasons (like your mileage and trans. wants). GL. I can't see it being impossible but I could easily see you needing to fly out to a car and then drive it home, traveling potentially a thousand + miles for her.

delmarco · 03-08-2018, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mndgmes

e92s in the e91 thread?

AWSB328iM · 03-08-2018, 02:41 PM

What's your price range? Is grey the only color you want?

DS3IAM · 03-08-2018, 08:00 PM

i would say keep an eye on the for sale section within this forum .. i just notice 2011 black 6MT 328 with coral red just sold .. It wasn't an xdrive though. maybe you should consider a WTB post? good luck on your search!

mndgmes · 03-09-2018, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWSB328iM

What's your price range? Is gray the only color you want?

$20k max. Though I don't see any e92 328i/xi's exceeding that...

My must-have criteria:
1) Space Gray
2) 6-Speed Manual
3) Under 50k Miles (If need be I would go for something sub 60k, but it would need to be priced accordingly)
4) PRE-LCI (2007-2010) I just realized that I never mentioned this in the original post. No offense to the LCI owners out there, but I'm not a fan. Pre-LCI car is a must.

My optional criteria:
1) x-Drive (I'd prefer AWD, but I'd settle with RWD)
2) Coral Red Interior (Probably never gonna find a gray/red coupe and that's okay)
3) Sport Package (I'm on the fence with this one. I really really really want a car with the sport package, but since my search results are so limited, I can settle without it)

AWSB328iM · 03-09-2018, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mndgmes

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWSB328iM

What's your price range? Is gray the only color you want?

$20k max. Though I don't see any e92 328i/xi's exceeding that...

My must-have criteria:
1) Space Gray
2) 6-Speed Manual
3) Under 50k Miles (If need be I would go for something sub 60k, but it would need to be priced accordingly)

My optional criteria:
1) x-Drive (I'd prefer AWD, but I'd settle with RWD)
2) Coral Red Interior (Probably never gonna find a gray/red coupe and that's okay)
3) Sport Package (I'm on the fence with this one. I really really really want a car with the sport package, but since my search results are so limited, I can settle without it)

Sports package is a must. The wheels, suspension, steering wheel, and especially the seats are a MUST.

It's not worth trying to start with a base package and buy all those things to get it where you want.

What's the hold up with the mileage. What do you believe you are going to get with a 50k mike example that you won't with a 60-80k mile car?

floydarogers · 03-09-2018, 10:36 AM

What is it in the Sport Package that you want? Seats? Wheels? Steering wheel? The coupes come standard with the sport suspension.

mndgmes · 03-09-2018, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWSB328iM

Sports package is a must. The wheels, suspension, steering wheel, and especially the seats are a MUST.

It's not worth trying to start with a base package and buy all those things to get it where you want.

What's the hold up with the mileage. What do you believe you are going to get with a 50k mike example that you won't with a 60-80k mile car?

I'm mainly in it for the seats. I'm okay with leaving it optional though because at some point I plan on purchasing a full sport coral red interior.

Mileage is because I drive a sh*t ton. It might change in the next year or two since I might make a career move, but right now I log about 18-20k per year. I like the idea of going lower mileage so I get more life out of it. I know that statement is subjective, but I don't wanna get rid of my 80k A4 to get something with the similar mileage. Plus I don't like the idea of having a loan out on something with over 100k as it wouldn't be the best move financially.

mndgmes · 03-09-2018, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floydarogers

What is it in the Sport Package that you want? Seats? Wheels? Steering wheel? The coupes come standard with the sport suspension.

All of it.

It's optional though because I'd probably make individual upgrades anyway.

Since I've ruled out finding a gray/red car, I'll probably buy a full sport Coral Red Interior on here or eBay. Looking at the market, it's not terribly expensive...

Wheel wise, I plan on upgrading regardless. I really love the 335i style 189s so wheels don't necessarily matter since they will definitely be replaced. (unless I found something with 189s, 197s, or 230s which is unlikely... though I've seen a few different cars with 197s...)

The car will be lowered. Probably on coils. Either KW V1's or STs. So suspension doesn't matter.

As far as the steering wheel goes, that's probably the one thing I wouldn't jump on. The sport steering wheel definitely has a nice feel to it over the non-sport, but if I'm able to find a car that meets all of my criteria except the steering wheel (sport package), I'm not gonna turn it down.

03-06-2018, 06:56 PM	#1
mndgmes Enlisted Member 1 Rep 34 Posts Drives: b8 a4 Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Buffalo iTrader: (0)	Am I searching for a unicorn? For roughly a year and a half now, I've been on the hunt for a 6-Speed Space Gray / Coral Red e92 328i/xi with under 50k. I've searched country wide on cars.com, autotrader, and car gurus just about every day for the past 1.5 years and I haven't found anything... I even dropped the Coral Red filter figuring that I could pick up a used interior on eBay and I'm still having trouble... Is the 6-Speed e92 328i/xi that much of a unicorn? I hate to say it, but I'm thinking of settling with an automatic at this point...
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03-06-2018, 07:25 PM	#2
AWSB328iM Captain 399 Rep 647 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 328i M-Sport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Memphis, TN iTrader: (0)	Bump your mileage up to 75k. I found mine after 6 weeks of looking a year and half ago. Drove 6 hours round trip to buy it.
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03-06-2018, 08:56 PM	#6
OP3NAIR Second Lieutenant 68 Rep 211 Posts Drives: '11 335i e93, '03 325xiT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: NoVA iTrader: (0)	Its going to be hard to find something real specific, especially when you have the 6 speed as #1 on the list. You can look until you're blue in the face and take a long time to find the exact one, but I think if you're willing to shop for the transmission, options and condition before you shop for a color combo, you're still probably likely to end up happy. I gave up on the color combo as it was hard enough to find an LCI e93 with a 6 speed and the M sport package. Ended up with a silver/black (was looking for white/coral red) plain car thats been mechanically pretty solid since I bought it, and had to go 200 miles to get it. At this point (3.5 years on), I'm pretty satisfied with the one I ended up with.
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03-06-2018, 08:56 PM	#7
bbbuzzy Lieutenant 18 Rep 481 Posts Drives: '13 335is convertible (manual) Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: north of Boston iTrader: (0)	If you want the manual, wait for it. Also, you can enlist help. Look locally for a pre-owned dealer that will locate cars for you. Something like this: https://ganleyautoadvisors.com/process/ __________________ '13 335is convertible (manual) '11 X3 xdrive35i '15 Sienna Limited AWD (road tripper) '06 330i MT, sport,premium (retired)
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03-06-2018, 08:58 PM	#8
Bingobimmer Captain 157 Rep 637 Posts Drives: e90 n54 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: On the road... iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 E90 335i sedan [0.00]	Just keep checking it took me a while to find mine. I was driving a '91 Ford pickup for months before I got into mine. __________________ LOST BUT NOT FORGOTTEN 2009 E90 335i AW... Black grills/jb4/lux angel eyes/clear side reflectors/and a few more small mods 2011 e92 335iSSSS Black
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03-07-2018, 12:06 AM	#10
ptpending Colonel 464 Rep 2,776 Posts Drives: e91 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Poland iTrader: (1)	another options for manual substitute can be 335is with DCT gearbox this gearbox quite reliable, and car usually have plenty of the options because this is top line car in 3-er lineup __________________ E81 2007 130i 6cylinder Montego blue Retrofits: Harman Kardon, High-beam assistant, Removable tow hitch. Auto-dim folding exterior mirrors. Lumbar support. Perfomance Brakes.
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03-07-2018, 12:25 AM	#11
unrealii Captain 75 Rep 630 Posts Drives: '09 335 E93 6MT Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Socal iTrader: (3) Garage List 2002 Toyota 4Runner [0.00] 2009 BMW 335I [10.00]	Have you tried using the craiglist search aggregators? That should make it easier searching on craigslist. 6 years ago I found my car locally on craigslist by typing BMW manual. The manual trans is worth it, dont lose hope. __________________ Convertible \| Manual \| M-Sport \| MHD Stage 1 + FMIC \| 335is Clutch \| ER CP \| RB Inlets \| VRSF 5" Stepped FMIC \| M3 F/R Control Arms \| KW V3 \| Hawk HPS Pads \| Stoptech Slotted Rotors \| Blackvue DR650-2CH Dash Cam \| LCI Taillights
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03-07-2018, 01:00 AM	#12
BimmerNugget Crazy Frog 543 Rep 1,212 Posts Drives: L.L.Bean Bootmobile Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: 560 State Street iTrader: (0)	If you're ok with an auction car, I can get you one from Manheim.
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03-08-2018, 12:44 PM	#14
atmosphericM Basic Bimmer 520 Rep 935 Posts Drives: E92 328i 6MT ///M Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: B'ham iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW 328i Coupé ... [10.00]	The mileage is what's killing you, I bet. The newest E92 is 2013 and these days most put at least 10k per year on the ODO, so you're looking at right around 50k miles being on the lower end. Not saying it's impossible.. but it won't be easy. FWIW my 2013 6 Speed currently has less than 30k on her, and I picked it up used about a half year ago. With the used car game though, you really don't get to pick your color unless you're willing to wait a lot, travel far, and don't have too many other "requirements" that will bar a car for other reasons (like your mileage and trans. wants). GL. I can't see it being impossible but I could easily see you needing to fly out to a car and then drive it home, traveling potentially a thousand + miles for her. __________________ Black Sapphire 328i ///M Sport Coupé Save the Manuals!
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03-08-2018, 02:41 PM	#16
AWSB328iM Captain 399 Rep 647 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 328i M-Sport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Memphis, TN iTrader: (0)	What's your price range? Is grey the only color you want?
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03-08-2018, 08:00 PM	#17
DS3IAM Lieutenant 201 Rep 552 Posts Drives: E90 335 XI Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: NJ iTrader: (7)	i would say keep an eye on the for sale section within this forum .. i just notice 2011 black 6MT 328 with coral red just sold .. It wasn't an xdrive though. maybe you should consider a WTB post? good luck on your search! __________________ 2009 335i xDrive 6MT // Black Sapphire / Cold Weather / M Sport / PDC / Premium Package / Aerodynamic Kit / Anthracite headliner / Keyless Entry / AR Design Catless Downpipe / Style 313 19" Wheels/ OEM Euro Taillights / LUX H8 160
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03-09-2018, 10:36 AM	#20
floydarogers Curmudgeon and Pedant 692 Rep 3,488 Posts Drives: 2010 335d, 2014 328d Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (0)	What is it in the Sport Package that you want? Seats? Wheels? Steering wheel? The coupes come standard with the sport suspension.
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