Moving from an E82 120d to E90/F30 320d?

[DRCraig]

Good day ladies and gents.

I have been driving an E82 120d Coupe' (downpipe & stage 1) for almost 3 years now and the car has been so outstanding-power, fuel economy and sporty nature.
My newly wedded wife, however, has a Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 which we normally use when we embark on a road trips because of rear space and the 2 extra doors. We have been thinking of getting an E90/F30 320d to replace the 120d solely because of rear space and the extra doors.

We don't mind using the Grand i10 on road trips, but the car gets uncomfortable on long journeys, and is very underwhelming in terms of power to climb steep hills, overtaking and handling. Fuel consumption is more or less the same as the 120d.

Is it a wise move to get a 320d, and if yes, what would the sensible option be: F30 or E90? The ZF-8 Speed and fresher interior is the main attraction in the F30, but a clean F30 is in excess of R250K. Will the E90 disappoint coming from a sporty 120d Coupe should I decide to settle with the cheaper E90?

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance

 

[Schalk94]

I personally think that a Msport E90 LCI would be perfectly suited for the job provided you find a clean one for the correct price. The 120d is not sportier in any way apart from it having only two doors and weighing a bit less. The F30 is amazing with it's 8-speed box,but they are fetching crazy prices lately.

As a bit of a spanner in the works you could perhaps look at getting a 120d e87 ,the space is very practical due to the seats that fold flat and the boot that is higher than the boot on the 3 series. I also reckon the boot is not much smaller volume wise than the 3 series,although I haven't checked the specs.We use my wife's 120d way more than my 330d when we need to cart odd stuff around.The hatch also looks proper if you get one with the 18" Msport wheels,but they are fairly scarce.

 

[PsyCLown]

While the E90 320d is a great car, I loved mine, the lack of some newer features was a bit frustrating.
However paying the extra price for an F30 320d can be a bit hard to justify for the ZF8 gearbox and better infotainment system.

I think you'll be happy with both options. Coming from an E82, I do not think you will mind the E90.
F30 would be great, however whether its worth the extra money is upto you.

Good luck finding a clean E90 320d as with reasonable mileage though and if you're fussy about spec, it is even more of a challenge!

 

[modocrat]

If it was me, I'd make sure I fit everything into the 120d rather than using the i10 on long trips, (and every other trip too). I'd probably pull a Mr. Bean move and cut my pants in half just to save space 😁

 

[DRCraig]

I personally think that a Msport E90 LCI would be perfectly suited for the job provided you find a clean one for the correct price. The 120d is not sportier in any way apart from it having only two doors and weighing a bit less. The F30 is amazing with it's 8-speed box,but they are fetching crazy prices lately.

As a bit of a spanner in the works you could perhaps look at getting a 120d e87 ,the space is very practical due to the seats that fold flat and the boot that is higher than the boot on the 3 series. I also reckon the boot is not much smaller volume wise than the 3 series,although I haven't checked the specs.We use my wife's 120d way more than my 330d when we need to cart odd stuff around.The hatch also looks proper if you get one with the 18" Msport wheels,but they are fairly scarce.

I always loved the E87 130i. I, however, am more inclined towards a 3 Series. I'm starting a family, so the extra space and refinement is a given in the 3 series. The Msport E87 120d's seem to hold their value exceptionally well though. Beautiful car👌

 

[DRCraig]

While the E90 320d is a great car, I loved mine, the lack of some newer features was a bit frustrating.
However paying the extra price for an F30 320d can be a bit hard to justify for the ZF8 gearbox and better infotainment system.

I think you'll be happy with both options. Coming from an E82, I do not think you will mind the E90.
F30 would be great, however whether its worth the extra money is upto you.

Good luck finding a clean E90 320d as with reasonable mileage though and if you're fussy about spec, it is even more of a challenge!

Affirm, the E90 is the financially wiser decision. I just don't want to break my neck everytime a F30 pulls up next to me. Not minding an E90, willing to cough up R180k for a really neat E90.

 

[DRCraig]

If it was me, I'd make sure I fit everything into the 120d rather than using the i10 on long trips, (and every other trip too). I'd probably pull a Mr. Bean move and cut my pants in half just to save space 😁

😅the real problem is the rear space. Mission to get in, mission to get out. Trust me, I want to use the 120d in every situation- impossible unfortunately. Maybe I should rather fit roofracks ? 🤔 haha

 

[Gordvisr]

From someone owning both, Coupe ( 125i ) and Sedan ( 330i ) At times I enjoy driving the E90 more, but cannot think of replacing any of the two.

 

[Nimz]

Brother’s car is up for sale if you are interested. Don’t think you’ll find a better spec’d E90 320d for sale

https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/threads/2010-320d-m-sport-auto-sapphire-black.97688/

 

[rsgordini]

Your e82 has a much bigger boot than a grand I 10. I’d never drive that for road trip if I had the option of the coupe. Which is one ve very very good car for long drives.

 

[DRCraig]

Your e82 has a much bigger boot than a grand I 10. I’d never drive that for road trip if I had the option of the coupe. Which is one ve very very good car for long drives.

Fully agree. The boot is much bigger in the E82, but for passengers in the rear it's a real mission. The potential of fitting a carseat and getting the baby in and out won't work in the forseeable future.

 

[DRCraig]

She will be up for sale from 1 April 2022. Contact me on 078 1777 457 for more information on the car.

 

[Gordvisr]

Fully agree. The boot is much bigger in the E82, but for passengers in the rear it's a real mission. The potential of fitting a carseat and getting the baby in and out won't work in the forseeable future.

passenger to the rear is not the mission but using a carseat for baby, fully agree.