[06BMW325i]

Have any of you guys driven these models? I am interested in buying a Certified used 2008 model for around ~$25-28k. The car will primarily be used as a daily driver to and from the office. Looking for something comfortable, affordable, and somewhat classy. How does this car stack up against competitors other than the 328i/335i (want something different from what ive owned in the past)?

I've looked into the IS350 and G35 sedans as they are similar to this price range for a 2008 model, but was not satisfied with the overall build quality along with other characteristics of the car ie. appearance, handling etc. At the same time Ive driven a C300 sport and was a decent car overall except for the interior(way to cheap and bland) and the handling (which did not feel stable at highway speeds unlike BMWs).

Other cars Im considering around $25k:

2007+ MB E350 w211 (although previous generation, can still find a CPO with warranty)
2006+ Lexus GS430

Overall, I'm looking for a pretty reliable car that even with warranty wont be much of a burden taking it to a shop. Not looking for an inconvenience especially during my busy seasons. I've always wanted an e46 M3 2004+ but am aware that warranty will be up, and sometimes I am unsure of the reliability. hit or miss with those cars.

Please share any experience or suggestions you may have.

[aretardedorange]

GS430 is a good car. Powerful, reliable, and comfortable. Why not add a 5 series to your list? The C300/C350 IMO is a girls car =/. Check out the 528i/535i CPO.

What are you doing with your current E90?

[CollinsE90]

BRB going to the General Automotive(non-BMW talk) section of the forum, and making a thread with a funny youtube video

[06BMW325i]

Thanks, I still have the 325i, but will be giving it to my sibling.

Would like the 35i models due to power, but not sure of the long term reliability. Hoping to keep the next car for 4 more years or so. I will look into the e60 528i though. Thanks!

[aretardedorange]

Originally Posted by 06BMW325i

Thanks, I still have the 325i, but will be giving it to my sibling.

Would like the 35i models due to power, but not sure of the long term reliability. Hoping to keep the next car for 4 more years or so. I will look into the e60 528i though. Thanks!

The E60 528i with N52 engine is reliable and comfortable and a bit sporty. You get all three in one . CPO 2008 528i can be had for cheap now .

[lopealle]

tru dat

[Wakka]

my mom has a brand new C300 with the AMG package or w/e its called... The car would be a lot of fun if the steering wheel was not paper thin, and the automatic transmission was better. In tiptronic or w/e MB's is called it's slightly bare-able.

No i could never live with that car for years. I hate it, its not even nice to look at... its so boxy.

[persian54]

We own a C350 and... well it's a nice car to drive don't get me wrong.... but it's not worth the $$

It is comfortable, and relatively sporty, but it still feels like you're driving a boat; and the tiptronic transmission isn't enjoyable either

Though it is much more reliable than a 335i...

My 335i spent more times at the dealer in the first 2 months I bought it than the C350 has in the 2.5 years we've had it.

The C350 is a great DD.

What thing to look at is a 335D.
I have no idea that they're worth as CPOs, but I had one as a loaner recently and it's amazing.

great MPG, amazing torque, smooth, sporty.... Loved it.

[JayKay335i]

350 if your not a ***

[06BMW325i]

I agree with you on the tiptronic of the merc. Its not much of a fun car, even handling wise, but I would do a bit of modding to stiffen up the suspension, just enough for everyday driving.

I will drive the 350 this week. 335D prices are still up there and don't want to deal with 335i reliability concerns past 50k miles... I should look at e46 m3s this week too..Even if theyre aging, they still look sweet. 05-06 with less than 45k miles for about ~28k.... Thoughts on e46 M3 in terms of everyday car being reliable? I understand Ill be sacrificing a newer car (c350) with an older one, but Ill have a more fun, high performing car..

[Razzy]

Ive driven the C300, C350, and the E350 and let me say they are all great cars. Ive tested them twice in a row and just tested them 2 days ago at the auto show where i got to push it a bit in a coned mini-course that mercedes set up in a ginormous parking lot, and heres a brief overview of my experience.

C300 and the C350 are great cars. If i were to choose it would deffinetly be the C350 because of a better exhaust note and overal kick. The ride quality is fine on both and quality didnt seem like an issue. The brakes were great aswell. It was composed and took a good beating yet kept going. The steering and handling felt good for what it is and i even sllid her around a few tight turns and felt very composed.

The E350 is ofcourse the best out of the 3 because of added gadgetry, comfort and believe it or not was quite nimble in comparison to its smaller siblings. Ofcourse the build quality was fine and it came to a stop quite well when going full throttle then coming to an instant stop for a tight turn.

Big thanks to mercedes and i hope what i said helps.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by 06BMW325i

Have any of you guys driven these models? I am interested in buying a Certified used 2008 model for around ~$25-28k. The car will primarily be used as a daily driver to and from the office. Looking for something comfortable, affordable, and somewhat classy. How does this car stack up against competitors other than the 328i/335i (want something different from what ive owned in the past)?

I've looked into the IS350 and G35 sedans as they are similar to this price range for a 2008 model, but was not satisfied with the overall build quality along with other characteristics of the car ie. appearance, handling etc. At the same time Ive driven a C300 sport and was a decent car overall except for the interior(way to cheap and bland) and the handling (which did not feel stable at highway speeds unlike BMWs).

Other cars Im considering around $25k:

2007+ MB E350 w211 (although previous generation, can still find a CPO with warranty)
2006+ Lexus GS430

Overall, I'm looking for a pretty reliable car that even with warranty wont be much of a burden taking it to a shop. Not looking for an inconvenience especially during my busy seasons. I've always wanted an e46 M3 2004+ but am aware that warranty will be up, and sometimes I am unsure of the reliability. hit or miss with those cars.

Please share any experience or suggestions you may have.

I've driven the C350. My only 2 gripes are that the sport steering is overboosted and I really hated that pop up cover on the radio as I think it makes the dash look cheap and there's no button to make it close.

[Kroy]

have you looked into audi? i see you've considered lexus, bmw, infiniti, mercedes but no audi.