Advice on buying E90 320i

[prajithts55]

Hi Guys... I am new to this forum and yes new to BMW as well, upgrading from Nissan TIIDAl. I am planning to buy E90 320i 2007 model, which has ran 115000 till date. The best price I can get that is for 95K. The car looks look inside and out , drove it in N3 for 15 km and it felt good. It would be good, if you can help we with few of the queries.

1.Can you advise me if it is worth to buy at this price ?

2.Where can i take it for a thorough inspection, before buying.

3. Any specific things I can check myself in car ?

This car will be used as family car and will used for daily commute.

Thanks in advance..

 

[BadBoy23]

320 are good cars

 

[Tinuva]

320 are good cars

:hammerhead:

 

[ajbalie]

Honestly I'll stay away from the 320i

Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk

 

[momo1]

I've owned 2 cars with the N46 engine.
yes they not all that quick and do have a few issues, but in all fairness they really smooth motors that just go about their business in its own classic patient way.

The first I had was bought on 155000km , car was sold at 220000km and only thing that went wrong was a small leak in the radiator at around 180,000km , I had to top up water at least once a month. nothing major and I only had it replaced before I sold the car.

the 2nd was bought on 105000km and traded in at 138000km, fuel pump went on 128000km and valve stem seals at 137000km.
the valve stem seals are almost a certain after 120000km so budget for that if not done, again nothing major but car will consume more oil than necessary if they do ware out.

 

[vjx]

I'll stay away from 320i with auto gearbox.

 

[Fruks]

best advice for buying 320i : dont

 

[Ashiel]

best advice for buying 320i : dont

Based on what do you advise against it?

 

[Tinuva]

best advice for buying 320i : dont

Based on what do you advise against it?

Never owned a car with N46 engine, but I hear they have more issues than the N42 engine, especially when not properly maintained. Also, when you do have issues, fewer mecs are great with valvetronic engines.

That said, when they do work properly, awesome cars and engines.

So if you ask me, I myself wouldn't buy another car with N42, N46 or even N43 engine. I will see how long my current E46 318i last.

 

[Ashiel]

best advice for buying 320i : dont

Based on what do you advise against it?

Never owned a car with N46 engine, but I hear they have more issues than the N42 engine, especially when not properly maintained. Also, when you do have issues, fewer mecs are great with valvetronic engines.

That said, when they do work properly, awesome cars and engines.

So if you ask me, I myself wouldn't buy another car with N42, N46 or even N43 engine. I will see how long my current E46 318i last.

Any car without proper maintenance is going to be a bad car bro.

I have a 2004 318i with 490k on the clock and a 2011 320i with 208k on the clock. Both have the N46 engine.

If you are not after power these are solid engines that go a long way.

I didn't even do the valve stem seals on either one of these cars yet.

 

[Tinuva]

Never owned a car with N46 engine, but I hear they have more issues than the N42 engine, especially when not properly maintained. Also, when you do have issues, fewer mecs are great with valvetronic engines.

That said, when they do work properly, awesome cars and engines.

So if you ask me, I myself wouldn't buy another car with N42, N46 or even N43 engine. I will see how long my current E46 318i last.

Any car without proper maintenance is going to be a bad car bro.

I have a 2004 318i with 490k on the clock and a 2011 320i with 208k on the clock. Both have the N46 engine.

If you are not after power these are solid engines that go a long way.

I didn't even do the valve stem seals on either one of these cars yet.

How much is the yearly maintenance on those? I think people will think twice if they do see what the running cost is.

 

[Ashiel]

Never owned a car with N46 engine, but I hear they have more issues than the N42 engine, especially when not properly maintained. Also, when you do have issues, fewer mecs are great with valvetronic engines.

That said, when they do work properly, awesome cars and engines.

So if you ask me, I myself wouldn't buy another car with N42, N46 or even N43 engine. I will see how long my current E46 318i last.

Any car without proper maintenance is going to be a bad car bro.

I have a 2004 318i with 490k on the clock and a 2011 320i with 208k on the clock. Both have the N46 engine.

If you are not after power these are solid engines that go a long way.

I didn't even do the valve stem seals on either one of these cars yet.

How much is the yearly maintenance on those? I think people will think twice if they do see what the running cost is.

It would be unfair to put the yearly maintenance of my cars as a comparison - i do almost twice the average yearly mileage of most people.

An oil service will set you back around R1500

The E46 cooling system is weak so expansion tank is R700 when it does go.

Tyres - as is with any other BMW because if the negative camber.

It costs about the same as maintaining any other car.

My 320i had a fuel pump failure around 150k (I think - cant remember exact mileage)

Other than that it was regular services- it has not given me a days kak

 

[deanbenn]

ive owned a 320i e90 manual..its not powerful but it is a smooth car to drive if properly maintained...
although a nice car..i would say rather go for a 320d Msport Auto.