discussion BMW F30 320i vs BMW E90 335i LCI

[Reece_335]

Hi there everyone, I’m Reece and I’m new on here. I’ve been a lifelong BMW fanboy and next year I am planning to make the dream of owning one come true. I currently drive a Kia Rio hatch. If I could buy any bmw right now, it would be an F30 335i, but unfortunately they still a bit out of my budget. With a budget of R200k, I’ve looked at many BMWs, but I’ve narrowed it down to 2 models:

1.) 2011+ E90 335i LCI M Sport Dynamic Edition Auto

Ive already mentioned that the f30 335i would be a dream to own if it weren’t out of my budget, but knowing that the E90 facelift apparently uses the same engine in the F30, I thought I could sacrifice the F series part for the E90 considering it still looks really good for its age, especially M sport LCI full spec with the Xenons. Not too worried about fuel cost since I live only 5 km from work but I’m a bit concerned about the maintenance since it’s an older car now, as well as insurance since I’m under 25 and being regarded as a performance car, premiums might be a bit hefty. I’d love an inline 6 though. I’ve heard that this car uses a 6 speed auto gearbox which isn’t the best compared to the 8 Speed ZF in the F30. Would like one with iDrive, but it’s not really a train smash if I don’t get one with it. Could always retrofit an Apple CarPlay or Android unit on it I’m sure.

2.) 2013+ F30 320i M Sport Auto

Initially, I was looking at the 320d since I know that diesel BMWs are reliable and solid, but considering that the good condition ones are in the 250k region, thought It would be worth looking at the 320i for their reasonable prices and condition. I am aware that the 320i engine doesn’t have the greatest of reliability, but I’m just curious to know how bad it really is in terms of maintenance and reliability. Apart from the reasonable prices that these sell at, the fact that it’s an F30 appeals for me too.

I’m open to other BMWs like a natural aspirated E90 / E82 LCI too and diesel models under 200k. But focusing on the two models I’ve listed, I feel like I need some advice on both of those as well as comparisons between the two in terms of service costs, intervals, maintenance, running costs, problems to expect and look out for, insurance premiums, etc. Would appreciate advice from everyone, especially owners of both models.

Much Appreciated

 

[KarshS]

Thats a really really long discussion to have on pros and cons on both those cars.
All depends on your pocket and how deep they are for maintenance.

E90 great car but aging, needs maintenance on the general e90 chassis stuff but especially on the suspension. The gearbox is costly to fix/replace (Around 35k +). Engine is great however read up on the N55 issues that may arise.

F30 320i your budget suggests this is the pre LCI. I would stay away. Its like a lucky packet.

I would suggest you wait to have a bit bigger budget and look at the F30 320d's or maybe an e90 330d would be better suited for you.

If you dont have 50 to 100k cash for maintenance on the 335i rather not go down that hole unless you find a really really well maintained low mileage car.

Good luck.... Think about sticking to the Rio until you find a clean example or save up abit more.

 

[VinceM]

The unsaid maintenance costs that most don’t even talk about is a pita. You are going to spend more than planned on maintenance, guaranteed.

The good news is a lot of the big ticket items needs to be done once in a blue moon and its car specific (oil leaks, engine mounts, various suspension bushes, shocks, cooling system refresh, etc.). Sometimes you can be lucky that half of those were done by previous owner, so please ask beyond the usual “FSH” pertaining to oil changes. Ask what work was done on the car you want to purchase.

Please read up on N20 engine issues in the F30 pre LCI, some folk are lucky and get to high mileage, some not. The engine folds up (timing chain issues). Like the above comment, you might be lucky, you might not be so lucky, rather stay away.

Diesels are fuel efficient, etc etc but at your age (below 25), id rather settle for something more fun (says a 40+ years old ). Get a car that you will have more fun in, get that nice exhaust sound.

E90 330i LCI has 200kw (not a lot vs today’s offerings but its decent enough, bonus, there is a lot less that can go wrong in it vs a 335i).

 

[KarshS]

The unsaid maintenance costs that most don’t even talk about is a pita. You are going to spend more than planned on maintenance, guaranteed.

The good news is a lot of the big ticket items needs to be done once in a blue moon and its car specific (oil leaks, engine mounts, various suspension bushes, shocks, cooling system refresh, etc.). Sometimes you can be lucky that half of those were done by precious owner, so please ask beyond the “FSH pertaining to oil changes”. Ask what work was done on the car you want to purchase.

Please read up on N20 engine issues in the F30 pre LCI, some folk are lucky and get to high mileage, some not. The engine folds up (timing chain issues). Like the above comment, you might be lucky, you might not be so lucky, rather stay away.

Diesels are fuel efficient, etc etc but at your age (below 25), id rather settle for something more fun (says a 40+ dad ). Get a car that you will more fun in, get that nice exhaust sound.

E90 330i LCI has 200kw (not a lot vs today’s offerings but its decent enough, bonus, there is a lot less that can go wrong in it vs a 335i).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Was going to say e90 330i in manual as well

 

[MR_Y]

Excellent advice from @VinceM and @KarshS 👍

My advice would be to get a nice, low risk, relatively reliable hot hatch with a manual box. Used Suzuki Swift 1.4 Turbo (Euro spec) manual 👍 Build up the driving skills (and the budget) and then graduate to a 340i or an M 😎...

 

[Mytfine]

Thats a really really long discussion to have on pros and cons on both those cars.
All depends on your pocket and how deep they are for maintenance.

E90 great car but aging, needs maintenance on the general e90 chassis stuff but especially on the suspension. The gearbox is costly to fix/replace (Around 35k +). Engine is great however read up on the N55 issues that may arise.

F30 320i your budget suggests this is the pre LCI. I would stay away. Its like a lucky packet.

I would suggest you wait to have a bit bigger budget and look at the F30 320d's or maybe an e90 330d would be better suited for you.

If you dont have 50 to 100k cash for maintenance on the 335i rather not go down that hole unless you find a really really well maintained low mileage car.

Good luck.... Think about sticking to the Rio until you find a clean example or save up abit more.

Agreed if you dont have a maintenance stash dont buy a used bmw, it might drive fine at purchase but if you want to keep it that way you need to do the preventative maintainance end even private workshops rates these days are eye watering.

 

[TurboLlew]

If seeing R40K+ on an invoice is going to be a shock to your system or you can't stomach the thought of spending R10K+ at regular intervals (like 3 times a year) for various preventative maintenance, don't do either of these cars just yet. That is also money you will likely never get back selling the car. I would trust absolutely NOBODY when it comes to claims of work already completed. Check and double check every invoice in the car's files if you go down this route and if the car has no records, RUN. There are certain cars like these that can bankrupt you very quickly and put you off cars if you aren't prepared. Others will convert you forever.

You are also going to buy a 10+ year old performance car and it will have gone through a cycle of ownership where it was probably last owned by someone who skimped on maintenance or was not fully prepared for it... the fate of many a performance car before the survivors start appreciating in value again. The reality is that you are going to spend an absolute fortune on not just the drivetrain preventative work and repairs, but also on the suspension, bushings, various squeaks and rattles, things like alternators, power steering pumps, fuel system elements, aircon pumps/condensers and starters become potential failure points when ANY vehicle reaches these ages (mileage independent in some instances)... This is then eating into your funds to cosmetically mod/modernise the car with your carbon/carplay/sound upgrades etc.

IMHO that R50K delta to a 20d or 30d (that will be a substantial upgrade and reliable for you) is going to seem like pocket money by the time you're done with an N55 or N20.

Personally if I was going to willingly invite trouble into my life it would be an N55 over the N20. You potentially have the same sorts of bills (and mental strain) for a fraction of the fun and potential. However caveats above apply.

 

[Nomad77]

The unsaid maintenance costs that most don’t even talk about is a pita. You are going to spend more than planned on maintenance, guaranteed.

The good news is a lot of the big ticket items needs to be done once in a blue moon and its car specific (oil leaks, engine mounts, various suspension bushes, shocks, cooling system refresh, etc.). Sometimes you can be lucky that half of those were done by previous owner, so please ask beyond the usual “FSH” pertaining to oil changes. Ask what work was done on the car you want to purchase.

Please read up on N20 engine issues in the F30 pre LCI, some folk are lucky and get to high mileage, some not. The engine folds up (timing chain issues). Like the above comment, you might be lucky, you might not be so lucky, rather stay away.

Diesels are fuel efficient, etc etc but at your age (below 25), id rather settle for something more fun (says a 40+ years old ). Get a car that you will have more fun in, get that nice exhaust sound.

E90 330i LCI has 200kw (not a lot vs today’s offerings but its decent enough, bonus, there is a lot less that can go wrong in it vs a 335i).

Just to comment on the age part. I was 24 when I picked up my 120D in 2021 and it was an incredible experience.

The diesel has a less pleasant tone but the sheer amount of sound is more than enough to put a smile on your face. I have an F30 330D which has a much nicer sounding engine but I still find myself missing the 20D just for the stupid amount of noise it brought.

I agree with everyone here and vote for waiting to find a nice diesel to pop up. The e series is the more fun generation while the f series is more refined and nicer to live with day-to-day

 

[Preggie Naidoo]

In my case I have both a pre LCI F30 320i and an E92 335i with N54 engine- both owned from new.
I religiously change oil every 10000km or 1 year since purchase and ensure routine preventative maintenance. 335i brilliant car but need to budget for suspension refresh via ZF, oil filter gasket housing etc as part of aging costs, actuators etc BUT a worthwhile investment if you keep the car.
Did all the timing chain changes etc with the F30 before Motorplan expired and with 109000 on the clock, the car is a dream.
Changed gearbox/transmission oil change at ZF in Jan and wow new car,
Thing is if you find cars like mine that are well maintained then great, otherwise understand the challenges that you could face.

 

[6spdmanual]

There really is no pressure to jump into a BMW right away at that budget, especially if you want something performance-like.

Look at other brands for now, then graduate into a 340i or something after that.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Excellent advice given already so I wont elaborate further on it.
You still young and with your budget I would suggest you buy something sensible for now or keep the RIO and start saving up money till you can push your budget a bit.

If you really want to own a BMW look at the E90 330i as Karsh suggested or even a E82 120d. There is some good ones out there just take your time. This way you well in budget and can get used to older out of plan BMW ownership. Its not necessarily more expensive to maintain than other brands but N55 or N20 maintenance can be more costly than you might plan for.

 

[maleven-GP]

Then the E82 120d or 125i are solid consideration considering your age.. 125i is likely to have suffered less abuse than the 135i..

E90 330i as suggested is also a great solid suggestion..

 

[MR_Y]

Noting that you are under 25 years old, I cannot recommend any old BMW for you. Unless, you can verify all the work done on the car and that it was done properly.

These cars can be money pits. It is very difficult to find clean cars that have also been maintained properly.

Rather find a Fanatics car on this forum that has had verifiable maintenance performed. Failing that, keep the Rio or buy a less older car (less than 5 years old) within budget.

 

[6spdmanual]

Rather consider something like a Fiesta ST. Manual, fun to drive, and reasonably cheap to maintain.