What can you tell me about 2006 - 2009 BMW 328 wagons?

[cantdrv55]

Thinking of getting one for wifey. She's always liked BMWs and has had her eye on this particular model for a while. What I want to know is, will the maintenance dig a deep hole in my wallet? Can any of it be DIY or dealer only? What are the weak points about the car? My first choice for her would be the AWD version unless they're especially problematic. TIA!

[83_Silberpfeil]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

Thinking of getting one for wifey. She's always liked BMWs and has had her eye on this particular model for a while. What I want to know is, will the maintenance dig a deep hole in my wallet? Can any of it be DIY or dealer only? What are the weak points about the car? My first choice for her would be the AWD version unless they're especially problematic. TIA!

I am owner of a 2007 BMW 328iT wagon with Sport Pack --- RWD. It is a OCT2006 build and I p/up in Munich as Euro Deliv.

Currently it has ~ 104K miles.

Overall --- biggest cost are tires --- run flats are expensive and the Sport Pack tire sizes (225/45/17; 255/40/17) wear out fast given the Sport Pack suspension tuning (aggressive rear axle alignment --- camber and toe in). Approx $1200 every 30K miles

Oil change is DIY --- easy.
Spark Plug is DIY--- easy, but PIA --- spent 45 min removing fasteners and harnesses just to get to the spark plugs
Brakes can be DIY also. But, I've had an Indy do it (pretty $$$).

Since I passed 100K, I'm planning on doing the auto transmission oil change. Parts aren't cheap. Definitely DIY-able.

What bugs me the most are the endless light warnings and codes that come up every now and then. Each time a new one comes up my heart pounds --- kind of like get'n an envelope from the IRS in your mailbox.

As far as driving experience it is awesome. In Munich, I drove ~ 350 miles --- opened it up to 136 mph on the A-bahn. Very practical and very utility car. Drives/handles great. I would buy another one --- maybe in 2-3 years

[Nostril Cheese]

Window regulators fail. often.

[fastfredracing]

Electric Water pump failure is somewhat common , and expensive. DIY able, but somewhat of a pia. Like stated above, I think the warning lights are programmed to come on about every 12 miles. Awesome driving car thought. I think they made huge improvements over the previous generation 3 series car.

[imcarthur]

Originally Posted by 83_Silberpfeil

What bugs me the most are the endless light warnings and codes that come up every now and then. Each time a new one comes up my heart pounds --- kind of like get'n an envelope from the IRS in your mailbox.

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

Like stated above, I think the warning lights are programmed to come on about every 12 miles.

Hahahahahahahaha. Exactly my experience with my long gone '00 323i. A red light tan . . .

Ian

[Shadetree930]

2007 328i Wagon

Our transmission failed at 300 miles from purchase. Hydraulic lifter failure requiring replacement top end at 8000 miles. Both were design defects that were known to BMW and remediated under a 'shadow recall'. They eventually got the car straightened out and it ran like a champ after that. We settled a lemon lawsuit with BMW for very favorable terms and drove it for two more years.

Suffice to say we went elsewhere for the next vehicle.

[cantdrv55]

Thanks again guys. Great deals to be had on 530xi wagons right now. A couple of 2006s with 60k miles for about $20k. We may end up with one of those. Any experience with 530s?

[Drisump]

Love the bit about the IRS envelope.... great stuff! I have a E-46 (non wagon 328I) and she's been great (without any envelopes from the IRS) but I definitely have concerns about the "lifetime" oil in the selectronic tranny. Very nice car to drive, it's also my wife's and I have to admit it's very (too?) refined but is still fun and comfortable as a DD. Cheers

[Nostril Cheese]

There is no such thing as lifetime tranny fluid. "Lifetime" refers to the warranty period on the car. BMW nowadays wants your money after the car breaks.

60,000 miles is the actual interval for the fluid change.

[911dean]

My wife drives a 2009 328i convertible has 40,000 miles. Really nice to drive and have not had any problems. I'm sure a wagon would be really nice. I have an e46 wagon and really like it also. I do prefer the 911 though!
Dean

[5String43]

Our 525i wagon, a 2003 with both Sport and Premium package, is looking at 150,000 miles. It has been the best car we've ever owned, Porsches and M-Bz included. This is in spite of high maintenance costs - brakes are spendy, so are most other parts. The ball joints in the front suspension go south every 60,000 miles are so, and that's expensive too. Still: If I can find a nice, low-miles 2010 530xi, which I think is the last year BMW built a 5-series wagon, I'll buy that in a New York minute.