The vast majority of cars on their second or later owners are not likely to have their service history, especially if the vehicle is out of warranty. Generally speaking, the further away you get from the original owner (3rd owner or later, generally speaking) the less likely that owner has kept up on the car's maintenance and is likely either looking to unload the car on someone else (probably even less able to afford the car's significant maintenance requirements as the car ages). The cost of maintaining these cars can easily exceed the car's selling price or used car value. If you're buying a 335i, make sure the high pressure fuel pump has been replaced, especially on the early cars. There was a recall on these. These aren't the conventional fuel pumps you get at O'Reilly's or Autozone for a couple hundred bucks. These are high pressure direct injection pumps, and they're very expensive (eight to ten thousand dollars EACH was the most recent price I heard from BMW, and I think there are two of them) to replace. The turbocharger is another $8k. If the pumps were replaced, either under warranty or replaced by the owner themselves, make SURE they have documentation. No documentation means no proof pumps were replaced. BMW extended the warranty on these pumps to 100k miles, but by now, nearly all of these cars have exceeded that mileage a long time ago. Don't expect pity or exceptions from a BMW dealer. The grace period on these went out a long time ago. Check out the car's exterior appearance. If the car is dirty, smells bad, has worn tires, it's highly unlikely they've seen to things like changing the oil, shocks, tires, etc. Does the car's owner smoke? That's going to mean tar stains on the headliner and interior. The most important two questions to ask a seller ('how much' isn't even on the list) are "why are you selling the car" and "what's wrong with it" (don't be naive - most people are basically honest, but keep in mind, the seller is trying to get rid of the car, and likely trying to make some cash, or they would have had it hauled off for scrap instead). Your best "weapon" is knowledge. KNOW what you're getting into. There's no such thing as too much information or too much research. That $25 to $50 for that Carfax report is chicken feed compared to what a major service will cost you (cracked or blown engine, bad transmission). Walk away from any seller who refuses to let you test drive it or have a mechanic examine it. Don't just take the sellers word that all maintenance is up to date, especially if they don't have the service records to back up the claim. If you're not prepared to spend money on the service manual, tools, and parts (and NO, the prices of the parts do NOT go down with the value of the car), you're not even prepared to pick the car apart for parts, let alone bring the maintenance up to spec. Schedule 1 maintenance on a BMW can easily exceed $10k (that's just schedule I - Schedules II and III are far more comprehensive and a lot more expensive), regardless of the car's age, especially if it's an M car and especially if it's nearing or above 100k. I'd almost bet lunch that most owners are trying to unload the car BEFORE it reaches its 100k Schedule 1 maintenance. Cruise the car forums. Buy into the facts about the car, not the rumors or troll mills. Manage your expectations. You're about as likely to get a premium, mint M-car for a 'poverty' price as most of us are likely to win the Powerball. There's a reason for that so-called "bargain" - and the truth is not likely to come with any favors to your pocketbook. "Trust, but verify" still applies. Get a Camry or an Accord if you're not prepared for these cars' significant maintenance needs, especially the newer ones that have all kinds of electronic stuff breaking down on them.

@freestyle648

3 жыл бұрын

Dude, where did you come up with these numbers? You are soooo far off it is funny. There is only 1 HPFP and it is $750 on FCP euro with lifetime warranty. It's also relatively easy to replace. The turbos are also $650 each OEM with lifetime warranty. Turbo install kit is another $200 or so. Schedule 1 maintenance for $10k??? It is clear you do not own one of these cars. I have one with nearly 200k miles on it, and do all of the work myself. Sure, some parts are expensive and they can screw you if you don't do the work yourself, but you are way overblowing it!

@chrisking6740

3 жыл бұрын

$10,000 hpfp LMAO!!!!

@houseofno

3 жыл бұрын

@@freestyle648 FCP Euro? Are you kidding me? Hope they send you the correct made-in-China part. I take it you haven't heard of FCP Euro's famous "wrong part shipping." I won't spoil the surprise here. Google "FCP wrong part" for some really fun stories. I am betting you're going to be replacing it again in a month or two. Thank God for their so-called lifetime warranty because I can pretty much guarantee you you're going to need it! People that stick these cheapo Chinese parts into their cars truly earn their misery. Thank you for my laugh for the day.

@MacLaw3084

3 жыл бұрын

sir, you just spewed incorrect information and got called out. FCP euro site states their hpfp is Genuine BMW and made in Germany. Now im not saying they are lying but if you’re going to say the part is made in china you’ll need to back that up with facts. Also RB Two td03 (full kit with both turbos) is about $3k not including install. and those turbos are improved upon the original design.

@umerlinbrah10

2 жыл бұрын

sorry did you mean $1k for schedule I maintenace? where are you getting $10k for a 335i? even an M car will probably run more like $1500.

So grateful you are starting the E9x series, obviously you’ve got good taste in cars because this is a straight classic

@fastboatster

3 жыл бұрын

Straight six classic)

Excellent over view. I appreciate it!

Another good DIY video that can help buyers from individuals or dealers, as for that matter. Need to make a check list & go down the list. I bought a '92 535i 5 speed with 66k several years ago from an individual in FL. He didn't represent the car as it was. Pictures look great, actual eyes on, not so good. I decided to buy the car as a "project car", just like this one that you got. Took several months over the winter in the garage to fix all the issues but it worked out well. Thanks for posting

I bought mine from a kid who had done extensive upgrades and maintainace, it was so well done and he cared for it very well so I got it and its so fantastic

Great info here, thank you!! Outside of the platform specific quirks, this approach can/should be applied to just about any used car purchase.

These cars are wonderful to drive when working well but huge time and/or money sinks when not. I’ve owned an E46 (2000 sedan) and E91 (2009 xDrive wagon) and Jason’s videos helped save me tons of money by doing some repairs myself. Still love watching but I think I’m done with used BMWs. The E91 was markedly more difficult to work on; the number of things I had to disconnect and remove to do formerly trivial jobs like plugs or engine air filter was stupidly long vs the E46. When the PCV valve failed (horrible noise and lots of suck at the oil cap) and I found out I had to replace the entire valve cover, I wasn’t amused. Replacing the starter was another “fun” task. Lots of really questionable decisions made by BMW engineers with seemingly zero thought to maintenance / repair.

Agreed with intakes etc. Original car is always more interesting for me.

This is so valuable info. Thanks to you I bought my E46 330Ci, following the advices of your guide. Now with E90’s, yay! Thanks a lot for these videos, 50sKid! 🙌🏻🔧

Interrogate? Should I bring the bright light and waterboard?

Wow super thorough as always!! Great advice, I believe I done about 50% of what you listed on my last bmw purchase. Wish I would have done all this you listed lol . Thanks again Jason for a very informative video.... I have to mention one of the most annoying things is previous owner must of lost 1 out of 4 bolts he removed an non bmw bolts I had to replace because it drove me crazy! Also tonight I delt with another issue was attempting to replace rotors with Zimmerman ones an of course the brake mounting bracket bolts were stripped rounded off! Some people just should not DYI..

@50sKid

3 жыл бұрын

Hate when they lose bolts!

Thank you so much for your video

Sold advice - great for none/newbie car ppl and some good reminds for the enthusiest too. If the buyer can do a little wrench work, these are absolute gems and I would argue that the car is still ok to get if it has some waste gate rattle. Can get replacement turbos for less than $1,000 albeit they are a PITA to replace but not impossible.

I never wanted a bmw because of maintenance costs. I bought a 1 owner 2000 323i that I simply couldn't pass up. I drove it for two weeks and got a check engine light and I barely made it home. I bought about $600 dollars in parts replaced the coils sparkplugs and valve cover. Haven't done any other parts. I've been driving it for three weeks and I'm happy with it enough to buy a hard top convertible next. Turns out if you can work on these things they make reliable transportation. I'm in $3100 and I'm happy. If you can't work on cars stay away from bmw, mercedes, and any European car. Unless you can afford to waste money.

good video

I think it’s also helpful to cover LCI differences and packages along with the updated e90 chime that yours doesn’t have. But good overview overall :) looks like you have the sport package based on your seats and steering wheel although I imagine most of those came loaded on the 335i’s

@50sKid

3 жыл бұрын

I noted in the description that this video wasn't about the different trim levels or packages, just about the mechanical issues you should look out for. Should have thought to say that in the video itself though!

Another great video!! I'm just amazed at how much knowledge you have about these cars as well as the E46. How do you know all this stuff?

@50sKid

3 жыл бұрын

^^^ What he said

Now that 50skid is making E9x 335i videos, prices are gonna go up even more on the used market

@aa240sx

3 жыл бұрын

I disagree - listen to what he's saying in this video. he's pretty negative about this purchase and when he talks about the turbos he never mentions that they're something he would consider doing a DIY video on. very disappointed in bmw and their build quality

@burntnougat5341

3 жыл бұрын

@@aa240sx yeah the car he got is a bit of a hooptie but that was his intention in order to make diy e9x videos. Every car has its Achilles' heel but I don't think it will deter BMW enthusiasts from enjoying or desiring the N54 as the e9x and e60 become modern classics

as an E39 owner looking for an upgrade, I just concluded that hopping into this model would be a downgrade. So many "common problems" with insane prices. But I guess from your perspective, this is a good car in the sense that would net a lot of "channel content" :) I envy your stamina and patience :)

Great Video! - yes, anyone NEW to BMW, specially 335i /xi/ s with the N54 has to follow your guide, specially if the person is not mechanically inclined. However, It all is somewhat relative. I got mime 4 years ago, a 2008 335xi 6MT with 172K miles on it. The Carfax had about 50 detailed service records. I am mechanically inclined and what you mentioned, plus other things such as doing a full 360 turn in an empty parking lot to listen for CV Boots noises, checked the density of the coolant and because of the high mileage I did tell the owner - before we met -there was not going to be any deal if the car was not fully cold for 8 hours and/me being able to remove the beauty cover. :) -- People YOU are buying, you are the ones who have $$ to loose, so ASK to do/see/check what you want to. -- GREAT VIDEO- Congrats! .

@GoldGhost509

9 күн бұрын

How many miles does your n54 currently have ?

@E-Sangiovanni

9 күн бұрын

210k as of last week. I perform all my regular and preventative maintenance. My car has No power mods.

Was just looking into 335is but purchased an 03 325i last week instead, I’m doing a full on build doing all the preventative maintenance and upgrades, focusing on mechanics mainly first then looks more so afterwards. I just missed my old e46 too much lol🥺🥰

@the46guide94

3 жыл бұрын

You taught me nearly all I know about these cars in correspondence with the countless hours spent researching on forums Thank you 50skid, you are a blessing to the community! Especially for the new guys trying to get familiarized like myself back when I got my first e46

Great video. Thanks for sharing!

@ 11:00 you basically confirmed for me that new bmw's or really any new cars with turbos don't make financial sense on the used car market if they're higher mileage. Looks like E46 will be the end of the line for bmw's and me

Good informative video from the 🤴again.

Starter, vanos solenoid and abs pump.

I know this is an e90 vid.. buuuut i jist tried to do an auto to manual swap... wondering if you can help me figure out why i have no crank, no fuel pump or injectors. Like ews isnt working.. ive wacthed videos i didnt use a pin for the ews jump setup.. maybe didnt make a connection. Wondering if id have to jump anything else to get it started. Starter works when i manually cross the terminals.

im going to look at an 07 335i coupe 135k miles tonight. nobody else has tips like this. thanks

@jakeallen2624

Жыл бұрын

Update?

And don't forget to check the I/M monitors, they should all be set after the test drive!

About the tires.. I live in Finland, I have 10y old tires which starts to have tiny cracks, but it's on surface, not on betwheen that wear area. Also I have very old rear tires on my X5, summer tires from year 2004. Toyo, made in Japan. 0 cracks. I was bit like "wtf" when noticed how old they are, not much wearing surface so they will soon get replaced and haven't used them for last 5y. But still imagine how old they are and 0 cracks. There is definetely differences in tire materials. Also I think the tires wear out sooner in hot climate where 50sKid lives. Here atm outside +7c, no sunny and it's may 24. Btw I am kinda cruiser as a driver so not needing high performance from the tires either like ppl who drive fast speeds.

@50sKid

3 жыл бұрын

True, I sometimes forget my climate isn't quite the same as everywhere else lol

I test drove a 09 335i today. Service engine light came on right after I pushed it

Sorry seen the video on programming keys,what happened to Ismael tried looking him up on market place and called him nothing..you have any info on him..thanks and good videos very informative 👍

@50sKid

3 жыл бұрын

Here is his current FB marketplace: facebook.com/Bimmer-Logic-320676031881289/

Imma watch this video again when I check out an 335i I’m looking at with 122,000 miles on it

One suggestion - if you’re not Jason or a mechanic, if you’re otherwise very interested in the car, pay for a pre-purchase inspection at a highly regarded independent mechanic that specializes in BMWs. It’ll cost you, but anything they find will give you leverage in negotiating with the seller. Walk away if the seller refuses a third party inspection.

I believe you are in so Cal ! I am in the I E ! Do you have a shop ?

wastegate flap repair kits are a better solution than replacing the turbo's with new

hi... the front tire is 225/40R18 ... ? the original measure are 225/45R17 or is a mistake.

@50sKid

3 жыл бұрын

It's the sport option for 18" rims, different in the front and back. My E46 has similar sizes, just with 17"s

Jason what happened with the e46? Do you still have it?

@50sKid

3 жыл бұрын

I do. Will still do vids on it

I got a question for everyone my car recently got totaled and I been contemplating on getting a 2007 335xi with 98k miles no accidents one owner but I’m also scared cuz I’ve heard bad things bout bmw so Idk if I should look for a different car or just go with it

just put the m3 cluster in the m52 .. would like to them to complain about the temperatures lol

What’s your definition of high mileage?

@daily328i

Жыл бұрын

I would say 130k+miles unless there’s proof of maintenance

100% always buy a BMW from someone who you know has looked after, I know it sounds a bit judgemental but people running a BMW on a shoestring budget is am immediate red flag.

Hello, do you have any video for the E92 328i?

@50sKid

3 жыл бұрын

not yet

I’m surprised you didn’t mention the transmission as these regularly have problems especially the mechatronic valves.

@houseofno

3 жыл бұрын

Priced a rebuild on a ZF transmission lately? It's not cheap, and I doubt AAMCO or a national transmission chain is going to touch it. A specialist is likely to charge mid to high four figures minimum to rebuild these transmissions.

@50sKid

3 жыл бұрын

Doh, I forgot! :-(

@gavdcookuk512

3 жыл бұрын

@@houseofno The zf transmissions rarely fail completely but they do suffer some peculiar and repairable faults.

But I see what u taking abt like looking out for stuff but like if u head a slight little noise you’ll probably be like oh that’s at least a 3k repair I need a better deal like smd

I should buy a Toyota.

Where i live, its better to buy a car from a salesman than a private person. Even used cars must have warranty that it works.

@50sKid

3 жыл бұрын

Ah, interesting. No such rule here.

@houseofno

3 жыл бұрын

Not entirely true. Most dealers are out to make a significant profit on these cars, or at minimum, cut their losses on an older model with significant maintenance needs. In almost all cases, a car from a dealer (new, CPO [certified preowned] or used) is going to be significantly overpriced for what it's actually worth. Don't take the seller's word about their so-called x-point-inspection. A private seller is almost always a better deal - the private seller is likely going to ask for more than what the dealer would give them as a trade in, but likely less than the full retail a dealer is going to ask for on the same car. A used car salesperson's reputation to say ANYTHING to sell a car isn't an exaggeration. Don't expect the truth, especially if the goal is to get you to pay as much as possible for car with one wheel in the grave.

@markt9438

3 жыл бұрын

@@houseofno yeah I bought my last M3 from a dealer it was in his corral of collector cars You're buying the car not the dealer but I would not have ever advised anyone going back to have their car repaired by this dealership get yourself a good mechanic and learn as much as you can before they touch it I'd diagnose everything before my mechanic ever touches my car and I'm 90% that will say you a lot of time and money you don't like me too much lol

Not sure what you said you bought the car for but you must have stole it lol

let’s be honest here, you’ll be not amused too if someone wants to disassemble the car they didn’t pay upfront.

@diegocanas8935

3 жыл бұрын

we take it to review? if it's bad, the owner pays.

3 жыл бұрын

@@diegocanas8935 lol really ? what if you broke something while disassembling ?? try that sometimes, u’ll be surprised where you can end up

So let me ask, If these used car’s are that risky. Then why even bother getting one. As soon as they go through the 3 owners, might as well send them out to the junkyard and recycle them 😂. I think it’s just like every used vehicle it’s up to the buyer if they are willing to invest. Too much overthinking

I strongly disagree with your view on "abusing" the car. For example, I've seen older people just turn off the turbo cars after high speed highway drive. Also, they tend to neglect the service, because for them it's enough that it drives.

3 жыл бұрын

true.

@hunterderk5754

2 жыл бұрын

Really depends.. Some will upgrade the car, beat the piss out of it, then sell it as problems occur

in bulgaria have a word for used car, we say: Cat in a Sack I don't know you Americans can understand the meaning, of this wisdom :) you don't know what the cat is inside... hahaha

@Dutch94

3 жыл бұрын

In Sovjet Russia, car buys you!

Didn't this dude buy a salvage title

Boy racer 😂

Interrogate?? Hey brother u want to buy or not. If not see ya. Go buy a new bmw and lease it