2005 BMW 320i

[Livewire]

Howzit,

About to purchase a 2005 BMW 320i Auto for the wife - its got 133 000km on the clock. Picking up the car on friday from the dealer.

I have tried to read thru the threads concerning the issues with the car and have noticed that several on the forum members comment that people should not purchase these models.

Why? are there issues with the car? and what are the issues that the members have experienced?

I took the car for a drive and was pleasantly surprised at how smooth the vehicle was - of course its no E46 330i, but was still great.

 

[Teezy_F30]

i know for 1 its heavy on fuel ..

 

[gundu88ZN]

i know for 1 its heavy on fuel ..

I agree with Teezy on this, my friend has a 320I and I get better fuel consumption than him on my 323I. Both our cars are Autos as well.

 

[Loom]

People generally complain about a lack of power. Nice car, though.

 

[Rishie Rish]

The 320i in the e46 is a good car. My brother owned one. To Durban from PTA it used just over half tank not taking it easy. It has good power as well, was the last 6 cylinder in the 320i.

The e90 320i I would say is a no no, it lacks on power and heavy on fuel

On the e46, please ensure you change the water bottle. Seen a lot break downs cause of that, also experiencing it once

 

[Bandile]

People generally complain about a lack of power. Nice car, though.

+1

One of the major issues on it is the valve stem seals. Changed them on mine recently and I'm very disappointed with the power right now :thumbdo:

 

[vjx]

People generally complain about a lack of power. Nice car, though.

+1

One of the major issues on it is the valve stem seals. Changed them on mine recently and I'm very disappointed with the power right now :thumbdo:

+1

Vaccum pump might leak oil. Tappet cover gasket leaks oil overtime.
Valve stem seal might go wrong, engine smokes, R9k job, R25k at dealer.

 

[operator323]

Another issue,valvetronic motor tend to fail on this models:thumbdo:

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

The E90 320i manual has clutch issues too and it's dangerously slow.. :smashScreen:

 

[Livewire]

Thanks for the heads up - I cancelled the deal this morning anyway. Will look around for a 6 pot instead!!

Thanks again!raise:

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

In the long run you will be way better off with a diesel or the 6 pot! :coolShake: