Advice Needed! E90 320iA for what?

[herco]

Hello Guys!

It's been awhile since I was active on the forum, but I have time again now.

I have given up on getting a reasonable fuel consumption out of my 320i Automatic.

I want to trade it in for something better. Since I had the car for about 6months now, there are a few things that I will look out for now with the next one.

Because I took the slow 320i standard package, my car is slow and not something for they eye, compared to other sports packages.

I am looking for a car at around the 170k value mark.

I am torn between e90 320d or e90 330i manual...

The 320d will be quick (compared to current ride) and the economy would be great. But I think the 330i lives more up to statement of 'sheer driving pleasure'. As far as I see, the 330i should give me around 11l/100km, which is better than what I am getting at the moment.

What do you guys suggest/recommend? :ty:

 

[peanut125i]

Seriously doubt you will get that sort of economy on a 330i. Especially not if you give it the beans.

 

[herco]

What consumption do you think I will get when driving casually with traffic? Stomping my 320 gives me around 15l/100km at the moment...:skit:

 

[ChefDJ]

Why not meet in-between the two and get a 330d?

You'll have plenty power to play with, and fuel economy that will amaze you for a 3.0L...

 

[prado]

I haven't owned many cars, but from my limited experience, I prefer a manual car for better fuel consumption.

You mention driving in traffic. Maybe a diesel would be the right car, but on the long road, the 330i should be economical.

I drive a 528i daily but it's a manual and the fuel consumption is amazing on the long road. However, in traffic, it uses much more fuel!

It is still lighter on fuel than my 525i automatic, though.

Hopefully, someone with more experiences on diesel cars will help out. I know of a 530d owner who is very happy with the consumption both ways - town and long distance.

Maybe the 330d is the car to get!

Good luck!

 

[herco]

I talked with a guy at Menlyn Auto about getting a 330d awhile ago...

Apparently he said I should be wary, as the 'typical' 330d driver drives the car hard, because it is such a beast! How true this is, I don't know. I guess any car with decent will be driven hard from time to time.

My issue will also be finding one in my price range with relatively good mileage, as they seem to be quite rare second hand.

I will do some research on my own about the 330d, everyone on this forum seems to love their 330ds with little to no complaints.

Does anyone know where I can read up on common problems and faults on E90 330ds? Also how much a 'normal' service would set one back?

 

[peanut125i]

Most turbo diesel engines have enough low down power that they don't need to be revved very hard so there is a greater chance of a 330i having been driven hard than either of the diesels. Whatever car you end up choosing though you will have to check it out thoroughly. O and start putting cash away for a set of tyres as soon as you get it. A friend of mine did 70000km on a set of tyres with his E90 320i while another with a 320d managed around 35000km on a set.

 

[herco]

That makes sense peanut, thank you!

I will be sure to start saving for tires as soon as i get the car. Luckily I do not do a lot of mileage. I put 3000km on my 320i since Jan. But still, given the fact that this car will be more fun to drive, the shoes won't last nearly as long.

 

[herco]

Morning Gents,

Where can I read up on maintenance on these cars? I don't want to make a new thread for that question.

I want to find out how much a normal service cost and which big service needs to be replaced and when, also how much they cost.

 

[tivoli786]

That makes sense peanut, thank you!

I will be sure to start saving for tires as soon as i get the car. Luckily I do not do a lot of mileage. I put 3000km on my 320i since Jan. But still, given the fact that this car will be more fun to drive, the shoes won't last nearly as long.

Lol you only done 3000kms from January and you crying about fuel lol you sure BMW is the right car for you?

 

[Zound]

Seriously doubt you will get that sort of economy on a 330i. Especially not if you give it the beans.

I disagree. I have an E46 330i Manual that I use to commute everyday to university, about 50km round trip. 50% traffic 50% highway. I average around 9.5l/100 every month. I give it the the beans quite frequently, but I know how to drive it economically. Heck, as of this fuel tank I'm sitting on 8.6l/100. I have never had a full tanks fuel consumption above 11l/100, ever, and that was even during a period I thought I was Ken Block.

If that's the fuel consumption a 21 year old male can get in Gauteng, I don't see why an E90 330i manual couldn't match that or get better.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Get a 320d and never look

 

[herco]

Haha! Tivoli, the problem is the fuel vs performance ratio. I dont mind using alots fuel, but then the motor needs to sing for me!

 

[deanbenn]

I had a E90 320i Manual and switched to a 330d Auto.

I get better fuel consumption in my 330d than in my 320i and much more power.

Running cost is a bit higher as it requires an oil change more often than the 320i. I normally change my oil every 5000km, probably too often, but gives me peace of mind. I pay about R1 300 for oil and filter.

Oh...and do save for tyres if you going 330d.

But do it!330D is a beast.

 

[herco]

Thank you very much for that valuable info deanbenn!

So you do oil service every 5k and then you do a full service every 10k?

I can do the oil and filter service myself. So atleast I will save a little bit. If it saves money in the long run by doing it every 5k, then its worth it!

---

Seriously doubt you will get that sort of economy on a 330i. Especially not if you give it the beans.

I disagree. I have an E46 330i Manual that I use to commute everyday to university, about 50km round trip. 50% traffic 50% highway. I average around 9.5l/100 every month. I give it the the beans quite frequently, but I know how to drive it economically. Heck, as of this fuel tank I'm sitting on 8.6l/100. I have never had a full tanks fuel consumption above 11l/100, ever, and that was even during a period I thought I was Ken Block.

If that's the fuel consumption a 21 year old male can get in Gauteng, I don't see why an E90 330i manual couldn't match that or get better.

Zound, my ken block month I averaged 15l/100km in my 320i. :O

 

[deanbenn]

Thank you very much for that valuable info deanbenn!

So you do oil service every 5k and then you do a full service every 10k?

I can do the oil and filter service myself. So atleast I will save a little bit. If it saves money in the long run by doing it every 5k, then its worth it!

I just change oil and oil filter every 5k and diesel and air filter maybe once a year or when the obc tells me to do it.

 

[tman]

Just to give you an idea on the costs of service parts for a E90 LCI 320d:

Shell 15w40 5.5l oil: R305
Air Filter: R871
Oil Filter: R291
Diesel fiter: R617

All filers are BMW original.

 

[Zound]

Thank you very much for that valuable info deanbenn!

So you do oil service every 5k and then you do a full service every 10k?

I can do the oil and filter service myself. So atleast I will save a little bit. If it saves money in the long run by doing it every 5k, then its worth it!

---

Seriously doubt you will get that sort of economy on a 330i. Especially not if you give it the beans.

I disagree. I have an E46 330i Manual that I use to commute everyday to university, about 50km round trip. 50% traffic 50% highway. I average around 9.5l/100 every month. I give it the the beans quite frequently, but I know how to drive it economically. Heck, as of this fuel tank I'm sitting on 8.6l/100. I have never had a full tanks fuel consumption above 11l/100, ever, and that was even during a period I thought I was Ken Block.

If that's the fuel consumption a 21 year old male can get in Gauteng, I don't see why an E90 330i manual couldn't match that or get better.

Zound, my ken block month I averaged 15l/100km in my 320i. :O

---

That's easily understandable. The problem is Torque, or lack thereof, and the 320i has a serious lack thereof. The 320i Auto's are infamous for their poor efficiency, and couple that to the altitude associated power loss here in Gauteng, the result is quite disheartening. Simple fact is that the 320i Auto is 'caned' out of necessity, regardless of driver temperament.

 

[herco]

Tman that is exactly what I wanted! Thank you so much!

I think it is decided! When I am ready to do the deed, I will search high and low for a 330d that matches my requirements. Its going to be difficult though, I want a alpine white, motorsport one. :tiptoe:

---

That's easily understandable. The problem is Torque, or lack thereof, and the 320i has a serious lack thereof. The 320i Auto's are infamous for their poor efficiency, and couple that to the altitude associated power loss here in Gauteng, the result is quite disheartening. Simple fact is that the 320i Auto is 'caned' out of necessity, regardless of driver temperament.

My pain is real... But the car itself is sooooo nice! So, onto another e90.

 

[morne W]

My 5 cents worth, 330i is NA and oh so bulletproof. And you don't need to give it the beans all that often. Around 3000-4000 it has plenty of torque for everyday use. Town driving 11-12l/100, open road 7-8l/100 easily.:rollsmile:

Peace of mind and sheer driving pleasure!