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October 7, 2020 11:11 am by

A Purist’s E92: 2009 BMW 328i Coupe with 6-speed Manual

For October 7, 2020, our used car find is this handsome, low-mile E92 generation BMW 328i coupe with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It’s listed for sale on craigslist by a private seller in the San Diego area for $10,500.

Here’s what makes this one special.

Introduction

The sixth generation 3 Series coupe, codename E92, debuted for the 2007 model year in the US (one year after the E90 sedan), ushering in the new Bangle-era of design. Its “flame-surfacing” creases and curves were a significant departure from the more conservatively styled E46 generation that it replaced. While reactions to the new look were polarized at the time, we think today it holds up well, especially in coupe form.

Back then, the 328i was somewhat overshadowed by its more powerful sibling, the 335i, which sported a twin-turbo inline-six producing 300 hp. In hindsight, though, we think the “lesser” 328i is an equally compelling option. Its N52 engine makes a healthy 230 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque and is one the last naturally aspirated inline-sixes that BMW made. Plus it’s backed by a manual gearbox and equipped with that old-fashioned, perfectly-weighted hydraulic steering that the 3 Series was once famous for. In other words, a BMW purist’s dream.

The Listing

This particular car checks pretty much every box on an E92 buyer’s list, with just two owners from new, a modest 55k miles on the odometer, and an accident-free SoCal history. Blue Water Metallic is a subtle but sharp look on the E92’s lines, and to add to the purist’s delight this one is free of a navigation screen and its accompanying ugly dash bump.

The asking price here of $10,500 is in line with KBB’s estimate for similar E92s. We think that’s quite reasonable for such a well-specced — and well-kept — example.

Details and Specs

  • 2009 BMW 328i coupe (E92)
  • 55k miles
  • 3.0 liter inline six cylinder engine (230 hp)
  • 6-speed manual transmission
  • Blue Water Metallic on Oyster (grey) leather
  • for sale by owner for $10,500
  • Cardiff, California
  • WBAWB33529PU89628

 

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