Source
r/BmwTech•
elevatewave

Inspecting a 328xi

Hey all,

Any advice here is appreciated!

I'm looking to buy a cheap winter car and came across this ad: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/city-of-toronto/bmw-328xi/1394313526

I've talked to the owner and he says it needs a fuel-to-air pipe. I'm not sure what exactly hes referring to... could anyone here tell me what exactly that means and possibly how many hours of labour it would take to fix the pipe?

If anyone could also send me some advice on what else to look for on this vehicle that would be much appreciated!

Thanks everyone!

Posted Oct 30, 2018, 1:25 PM UTC

311
AnonymoushipopotomusE36 M3/4/5, E46 M3, E39 M5•

I have never heard of that. With these cars, its highly recommended taking it for a pre purchase inspection, its worth the 100-150$ to know how bad it is. Also, BMW and cheap usually do not work well together.

3
Dj_White_Gold•

Honestly looks a little sketchy. Why would he drive the car to work everyday if he has a new one? And there’s no such thing as a “fuel-to-air” pipe. I guess he could be taking about the intake or the intake boot, but I think it’s possible that he’s sitting in the eastern hemisphere trying to scam people. Not saying that he is, but it’s a possibility. Don’t wire them any money for sure. But besides that, assuming this is legitimate, there’s not really that many major issues with these. I’d just make sure everything works, use a scan tool on it, take it for a long test drive, etc... check out the cv boots and joints too. They were gone on my 325xi when I bought it. Only cost $80 for replacement axles, but it took me about 5 hours to change them. It’d be expensive at a shop for sure

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elevatewaveOP•

Thanks for your reply. I would only be paying cash in person for this car, they are located about an hour away from me. 99%sure it's legit as he wants me to come check it out.

Anyhow, thank you for confirming that there is no such thing as a fuel-to-air pipe. I knew there was no such thing but just had to get a second opinion regarding that. Hes also mentioned he has done brakes pads and clutch but when I asked him for receipts he doesnt have any.

Will definitely take your advice on the CV boots and joints.

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Dj_White_Gold•

Ok. That sounds a little less like a scam. I wouldn’t worry too much about him not having receipts for the clutch and brakes- not everyone saves that sort of thing. Just make sure that both feel right on your test drive. There’s almost no way a car with that many kilometers has the original clutch anyway, especially a bmw. And brakes are pretty cheap too. Good luck!

1
MeIsMyName•

I'm at 150k miles on my 330xi and still on the original clutch as far as I know. Previous owners kept pretty good documentation of everything. I guess it all depends on how its driven?

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Dj_White_Gold•

It’s certainly possible, but I’m going to assume that since this seller is the type who puts aftermarket rims on a black 3 series, he may drive a little less conservatively

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slikmalik•

I believe it could be legit, due to high mileage and the guy just wants to get rid of it. I did the same thing with my E46. I listed it on Craigslist for very low price and I sold it the same day. I now own a 2008 328xi touring. Check the engine for leaks, engine cover gasket usually leaks on this cars. The Power steering reservoir usually are oily all around it which is normal. Check oil pan gasket, they usually leaks. Check suspension system (control arm, tires, shock). I can't stress this enough, open the trunk and look and see if there is sign of water leak. Usually the battery compartment collects water if. the drainage system is clogged. If you are seriously going to buy it take to a reputable garage to do a pre-purchase inspection. Some garage will connect to a scanner and tell you this cars computer will tell you if there is a problem. Make sure when they are done with inspection, they show you a paper with all the checked items listed.

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vbfronkis•

I basically had this car. At that milage, the things to check for are the oil filter housing gasket, valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket. Also check the rear shocks. Wheel bearings - particularly if a front one due to the AWD - are a bitch on this car.

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KurtRussellasHimself•

I have a 2008 328xi and it has been a total money pit. Has about 150k miles and Everytime I fix one thing something else seems to go right after.

Recently:

Oil pan gasket

Replaced driver headlight with a new one and the low beam bulb is already out

passenger front turn signal fails repeatedly

Rear window regulator broke

This is all within the last couple months.

1
daveysprockett•

Might this be the item I've just had to have fixed. I bought a 13 year old E90 and it turns out the breather pipe was torn.

This was a problem on early E90s because the pipe rubs against sharp body work and eventually tears, leading to fuel vapours escaping to the atmosphere. Oh, and raw fuel spilling on the garage forecourt when you brim the tank. That's what happened the first time I put petrol in it.

BMW fairly quickly changed the design to include a plastic sheath as a protection around the breather pipe, but not on early models (mine is a 325i).

And the repair isn't cheap. It took my mechanic about 7 hours to fix. Not quite as much hassle as the DIY job posted on bimmerpost would suggest, but definitely not a 5 minute job.

For reference, the link was https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=817634

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