Newbie to BMW X 911 guy-330XI Purchase

[ghamilton]

Hello:

Looking to buy a used 330XI for around $10k as a third car. Live in Northeast, so need for winter driving.

Besides from the normal things to look at on all cars, what buyers info do you all have for a good 330XI? I have read about the cooling system, window regulators, Vanos and rear sub frame issues.

Anything else I need to be wary of?

Is my $10k budget plus $1000 max for repairs a reasonable price?

Prefer stick, sport pkg would be nice too!

Thanks

[Manolito]

I think that the rear subframe issue was resolved after the first couple of years, and at any rate, I would not expect that anyone would drive an XI in such a way that it would tear up the subframe connections.

Come to think if it, I don't think I have ever seen a 330XI. If you find one, it is an excellent choice because the 330 has WAY more usable power than the 325 with no penalty in gas mileage.

I have one of each, both '04s, so I am fairly familiar.

The window regulators can generally be repaired with a zip tie, and because that leaves them flexible, they are stronger than original.

The bad tail light ground problem should have already been fixed on any car you buy, but if not, it is an easy fix.

The cooling system plastic and rubber parts have a finite lifespan, but I drove e36s before, so this was no surprise. My '04s are still all original except for the temperature sensors (O-rings shrink and leak after 5 years).

They are prone to valve cover gasket leaks every few years (like the e36), and mine have recently both developed oil leaks in the gasket between the oil filter housing and the block. I have the gaskets, just waiting for a Saturday when I have nothing else to do.

I have not heard of a common problem with the VANOS. I know that the VANOS does not like conventional oil or old, cruddy oil, so if you get a car that has not been well maintained, that could be a problem.

If you get a later 330 with a glass sunroof, the sun tears up the plastic guides in the sunroof. That was a poor choice in materials by BMW. This is mostly a problem for cars that don't get garaged.

Sport package means a noticeably harsher ride though the car doesn't really hold the road any better. It also means bigger wheels with more expensive tires that don't last as long. They put the soft control arm bushings from the standard suspension in the sport suspension, so the only part of the suspension that really needed to be firmed up didn't get it.

Black interiors are better than tan interiors because the tan interior has a tan strip across the top of the dash that reflects off the windshield and is annoying.

My wife's 330i lost a fuel pump at about 80k miles. Don't know if that is common.

[Manolito]

PS If the car is from your area, it may already have a cold weather kit on the PCV system. If not, and you use the car for short trips in the cold, you should consider putting that kit on. It is a PITA to install, but it can save your engine.

The problem is that the drain from the PCV valve connects to the oil dipstick tube, which extends below the oil level in the pan. If a PCV hose fills with frozen oil foam, the system starts sucking liquid oil up from the pan and dumping it in the intake manifold, which can liquid-lock the engine.

Those cold weather kits are very common on 6 cyl X5s, not so much on the cars, but they are available.