3.0 wagon v. 328xi wagon

[p4lm3r]

I am new here, and I was referred by an outback owner to direct my questions here. My last 3 cars were/are BMWs, but I was dead set on a 2006/7 Outback 3.0 MT. He informed me that it may not exist.

The 3.0 is not a deal breaker, but I want to be able to tow a vintage camper. Ultimately this will be a hauler. It will be my kid hauler, bike/kayak hauler, going to Home Depot hauler... well, everything. I love the boxer engine, and I just want to know from Outback enthusiasts what pros and cons there are v. the BMW, it would be great if some of you have experience with a BMW, but I have 9 years in BMWs, so I suppose I can figure out the weight of cost of ownership v. Subaru.

I am looking at cars with 70K miles, in the $15-$18K range and both the Outback and 328xi fall in that range. I know I can get the BMW in manual if I look hard enough, and I know that engine. I have had it in my last two cars, and it is bombproof.

I guess I am trying to justify getting the Outback over the BMW at this point. Again, I was dead set on an Outback, but now I am just wondering if it is worth the money v. the BMW for a little more.

Thanks in advance!

[AWDFTW]

If MT is a requirement, the 3.0 engine is out, it is a 5EAT only option.

You can find the 2.5 and 2.5 turbo in a MT however. It depends on what you want to haul, the tow limit depending on the year and model is in the 2000 to 2500 range.

Subaru Outback research pages: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009... all years/models may help you narrow down some.

[p4lm3r]

Great info. Thank you, AWD. I have renewed interest in the XT if I can find it in MT with leather/leatherette and nav.

[jwvess00]

Hi there!

I test-drove an '03 328xi 4-door sedan back-to-back with my '07 3.0. Both were automatics. I would have preferred a manual (everything else I own is), but knew the 3.0 was auto-only. The '03 328xi was a slug compared to the OB. I was prepared to love the 328xi, but just didn't,. I suspect the 330xi would have been a better comparison.

I suspect that the OB has more room inside, both for passengers and cargo.

For what it's worth, my '07 3.0 has 400,000 miles on it (not a typo), and as far as I know all the engine has had is a head gasket change just before I bought it to fix a suspected coolant leak. I'd say at 391k miles, a head gasket swap is reasonable

[jschuk]

The only MT that came with NAV was the Legacy Spec.B sedan. OBXT with 5MT are relatively harder to come by. Took me a while to find mine, but I was picky. It brings a smile to my face every time I walk up to it. Is the 330 offered with a MT and wagon? I know the 330 sedan has great power and economy at the same time. Something tell me that combo is not available and you had to get a 5 series to get that engine with a MT/wagon combination.

[KCe46]

Originally Posted by jwvess00

Hi there!

I test-drove an '03 328xi 4-door sedan back-to-back with my '07 3.0. Both were automatics. I would have preferred a manual (everything else I own is), but knew the 3.0 was auto-only. The '03 328xi was a slug compared to the OB. I was prepared to love the 328xi, but just didn't,. I suspect the 330xi would have been a better comparison.

I suspect that the OB has more room inside, both for passengers and cargo.

For what it's worth, my '07 3.0 has 400,000 miles on it (not a typo), and as far as I know all the engine has had is a head gasket change just before I bought it to fix a suspected coolant leak. I'd say at 391k miles, a head gasket swap is reasonable

You must be referring to a 325xi? The 330 replaced the 328 in 2001 I believe, same year the 325 would have replaced the 323.

OP, if you are looking for a rugged vehicle to do the Home Depot and trailer pulling I would recommend the Outback. The Bimmer will hands down out drive the Subbie, but will not give you the ruggedness you may want. Another thing to consider is mileage you will get in your price range. An E90 wagon with less than 100k on it will likely be out of the price range you mentioned above, where an Outback can be had with under 100k for that price.

I have a 3 series and my wife drives the Outback. I love her car, but I am reminded how much more I love mine when I get back in it. Just sayin'.