Advice for a potential new owner

[shabsta]

Hizit guys,

New here so will introduce myself politely

I'm in the process of selling my 2009 Honda Civic Type R (CE) and wanting to replace it with something more family orientated, and responsible (so that the wife approves).

Been chatting to a mate who's on the forum as he has more experience than I do with BMW's and based on my requirements this is what he's suggested (in order of preference):

330i
330d
320d

Now Im stuck between a rock and a hard place trying make a decision, hence my post requesting some insight.

330i - Awesome, only concern is that I want to keep repayments to a minimum along with fuel consumption.
330d - Awesome x 2, concern is monthly repayments and services / cost of running this car out of motor plan.
320d - Undecided, but from what I've seen the prices look good, how ever Im concerned that I may get bored / or be disappointed with drive

My requirements for a car are
5 doors (all of the above apply)
Price (Ideally around 140K how ever I can go higher if required, 170/180K)
Fuel consumption
Everyday enjoyment without getting bored and wanting to sell.
Reliability and cost of ownership.
Preferably 2006 shape and with motorplan

Any suggestions, feedback or opinions to help me in making the right decision?

Shabs

 

[Sith]

All three are great cars and, hence, great buys. Considering your requirements, and if you are not too power hungry, go for the 320d. Just make sure it's manual. Good luck with your search.

 

[Coisman]

imp:
Firstly Welcome, and secondly to your friend for suggesting a bmw... :clap: :clap: :clap:
Ok, so I would stick to the petrol versions, if not a 330i, then nothing less than a 325i. The E90 323i's tend to feel a bit lazy, but trust me, they also come with that great straight 6 sound.
The diesels, 320d or 330d... Mmmmm.... Like day and night!!! The 320d a great buy, good on feul consumption, pulls great, only issue I see is that as soon as you've driven a 330d, you won't be happy in a 320d. :nono:
The 330d's has so much pull with that 3 liter diesel engines that if you even try to compare a 330i to it, you won't be able to. You can feel the power push you back into the seat, all while being "kak"ed out by the DSC light, telling you it's trying to cope with the traction.
My choice would be go for a petrol, 323, 325, 328,330... Just not a 320i ok.
I have owned a 320d, be it the E46, and now drive 325i, also a E46, and I tell you, after 4 years, I STILL smile every time I drive her, and hear the straight 6 sound.
Feul economy isn't that bad and the big petrol cars, I get 11.5l/100km in town, at wors 13l/100km if I really punch her allot. Highway I get about 7.5l/100km, best ever was 6.2l/100km, and that with a 325i.
the diesels should be allot lighter on consumption than that I would think.
Good luck bud, hope My loooong post didn't bore you too much! :mmm:

 

[Twinz]

330d first choice for fun factor.
320d but you must chip it to get fun factor and fuel consumption would improve even more.

 

[Pr0PheT]

If fuel consumption is an issue don't get the 330i because let me tell you the sound and power is addictive and people say "I get 11l/100km if i take it easy" fact is that you wont be able to take it easy, its like buying a high end stereo system and not turning up the volume. Also its difficult to find a cheap good example from a caring owner.

My choice would be a 330d, the power is addictive and regardless how hard you drive you wont exceed 11l/100km even with an auto box. Reliability is not really an issue with these engines, the most expensive parts that can fail are injectors or turbo (which is quite rare on the 330d) and if you find one below 120k km that shouldnt give any issues.

The 320d is a great car but it doesnt throw you into the seat like the 330d, however this can be rectified with a chip and this will further improve the already excellent fuel consumption. My only advice here (some may disagree) is that I would opt for an auto (steptronic) on the 320d. My reason is that the torque converter is excellent and if you are out of boost it doesnt feel like there is no steam available. If you opt for the manual you need to adopt a new kind of driving style to ensure constant power but to me it involves too many gear changes and in the long run you will have extra maintenance such as clutch replacement. Also with the 320d you will have many lined up and you can find the specs and colours that you want.

 

[Cole]

if you owned a type R i dont think you will like a diesel, you will miss the rev range and get annoyed at having to shift lower down and not having that screaming engine note to enjoy.

sure a diesel has better feeling power than a petrol, but you would not regret a 330i they sound amazing and driving one is a great feeling.

 

[shabsta]

Guys thanks for your input,the responses werent long and boring but rather very informative and provide the insight which ensure that I land up making the right decision on vehicle.

With regards to the 320d being chipped, realistic what power gains are available? The 320d really falls within my price bracket but I must admit that I am a power hungry and unless the 320d (chipped) is able to offer me that grin on my face for the first 3 weeks ownership then I know that I would sell her.

The notches on my belt have allowed me to own two Type R's, an Accord Type S, 2 x 1600 vtec's and 150i - all of these are high revving (which is required with all honda's if you're to have any fun) - so moving from Honda to the 330i (which apparently revs to 7000RPM according to my research and has similar technology - vanos) is going to provide the closest comparison. I've read that the sound of the straight six'es is amazing. How ever, because I've owned so many honda's which all suffer from the same lack of torque I can only imagine that the 330d is going to make me cream my pants.

I've short-listed a 330i which Im going to test drive this weekend and then want to find a 330d to compare it against - preferably manual. I couldnt drive an auto....

Based on the recommendations here I guess the toss up is between 300d and 330i and realistically I need to forget about the 320d, or am I being presumptious (i dont mean to offend)?

The consumption figures posted for the 330i are less than what Im currently getting with my Type R, so they fall within the acceptable range considering the size of the car and motor.

 

[moranor@axis]

if the consumption figures are acceptable to you i think the 330i will be the best replacement for your civic... but drive both and decide for yourself...

 

[XMAX]

Welcome to the forum...


first of with R140k you will not find a 2006 330D. If you do, its almost a certainty that the car was not taken care of or has 5 billion kilometres on it. For that price range I would look for a E90 320D.

there are many Tuners here that claim to give you different power increases. What you need to be aware of is that reliability is very important.

Lots of power usually = higher boost = less reliability.


for that money, if youre looking for a petrol. I suggest an e46 330i or E90 323 / 325i. All awesome cars.


Once you drive a BMW you will not regret it. Just make sure that youre either boosted or have high displacement (or both in case of an e46 330D.)

 

[xcalibur]

I drove a Focus ST and I love my 320d. It's not as much fun to "play" with, but that's a small compromise if you're looking for a family orientated car. Performance is not bad at all, and fuel consumption is great!

If you can afford it, the 330d makes up for the lost thrill factor.

Both are great cars and you won't be disappointed. Do yourself a favour and test-drive both.

 

[Coisman]

if you owned a type R i dont think you will like a diesel, you will miss the rev range and get annoyed at having to shift lower down and not having that screaming engine note to enjoy.

sure a diesel has better feeling power than a petrol, but you would not regret a 330i they sound amazing and driving one is a great feeling.

imp:
TOTALLY agree with you, I went from a v-tec to a 320d, and there is not a day in the 20 months I owned it, that I wasn't complaining about the revs.

 

[AshG108]

How luch you looking at selling your Type-R for bud? whats the specS?

 

[shabsta]

How luch you looking at selling your Type-R for bud? whats the specS?

Here are details about the R
2009 Civic Type R Championship Edition with 58000 KM
Standard features include :
LSD, iPhone / iPod integration, PDC, Auto Dimming rear view mirror, Auto day night & rain sensors.

Extras : Paint and chip repair warranty, run flat bands

Asking R230 000 (negotiable)
Throw in some more and get the big brake kit thats currently on the car which consists of a Stoptech 300MM 4Pot BBK

Guys thanks for all the input this far, really appreciate it

 

[JENICH]

330d first choice for fun factor.
320d but you must chip it to get fun factor and fuel consumption would improve even more.

@Shabsta, sorry for the thread jack
Hey there Twinz,
What would it cost to chip a 320D. I have seen the Plug and Play units from the states, (claim an additional 25kw) so not quiet sure. Shed some light please

 

[shabsta]

330d first choice for fun factor.
320d but you must chip it to get fun factor and fuel consumption would improve even more.

@Shabsta, sorry for the thread jack
Hey there Twinz,
What would it cost to chip a 320D. I have seen the Plug and Play units from the states, (claim an additional 25kw) so not quiet sure. Shed some light please

no stress bud..

Update, I've been offered 220K trade on my FN2 which I think I would be stupid not to accept, and within the next hour I'm test driving a 330d..
Watch this space for my review

 

[rick540]

That's the first time in my life I ever saw the words "bored" and "BMW" together.

Go and take a long test drive in any most basic spec BMW new or used from any decade, and then tell me you were bored with it.

I would safely say you can buy any BMW of any age for any price and you will be over the moon with it.

Don't stress just buy the one you can afford. you won't be bored trust me.

 

[shabsta]

Just got back from testing a 330d and hmmmm, not quite sure. I was expecting a bit more bang. Mate who went with me suggested that if I considered the 330d for its efficiency then he would recommend software to get a bit more beef out of the car.

I have lined up a test drive of the 330i for Saturday morning so lets hope that this yields some better results

 

[Oooompie]

I have traded my 328i individual E36 for a 320d E90 and have never been sorry. The 320d is a bit slower off the mark ( 0- 100kph 328i is 7.1 sec CAR magazine December 1995 and the 320d is 8,0 sec) Top end in standard is 9 kms/h slower 234km/h to 225km/h. For this the diesel makes up in acceleration from 60 km/h upwards. In this range it will run or better the petrol 6 cylinder BMW's.
(Compare the specifications at the back of the E90 owners manual)
Fuel consumption is fantastic.
So I am happy with the 320d and think it is a great car.:thumbs:

 

[Cole]

an e90 320d is a great car, drove a friends one the other week and it just goes without having to fight it.
if your main concern is fuel consumption then e90 320d if you can, but if you want the emotions that you felt with your honda's, then only a 330i will do.

you can't call yourself a petrolhead if you drive a diesel unfortunatly... :fencelook:

 

[shabsta]

Have to agree with you Cole, I dont want to slander the brand but my experience with the 330d was quite disappointing. Unfortunately the owner of the 330i who I was going to meet with has not come back to me and I've started exploring other options.

Thanks for all those that assisted, must say that the response was fantastic and you guys provided alot of valuable insight!