BMW E90 320i 2007

[Ninja86]

Hi there!

I am new to this site and as well first time to own a BMW which it is a E90 320i 2007 model.
Firstly after I bought the car 2nd hand at a dealer, I have been warned by numerous of people saying BMW is gonna hurt my pocket real bad and that the car is very heavy on the fuel.
I really need advice from you BMW fans and experts to guide me as a first time owner of a BMW. Is there a way in order to improve the fuel consumption?? Is it normal for the steering to be more stiff than usual cars? (According to the mechanic who serviced the car it is normal saying it has more handling) the machanic didn't even gave me the report of what has been done and I have asked 3 times for it. I want to know as well what petrol it should really use 93 or 95? Oil castrol?
On the gauge the airbag icons keeps display I don't know why? There isn't a manual book in the car to check up for troubleshoots.
Please guys help me out?

Kind Regards
Ninja86

:=):

 

[Bandile]

Welcome, & congratulations on the purchase... Use 95 unleaded on the car, but best you stick to the same oil that the car has been using. With regard to the airbag, you need to have it cleared via the diagnostics. Good Luck!

 

[Webmaster]

Hey Ninja. Welcome and congrats on the purchase.
I have an '08 320i.
Firstly, relax. The car won't explode in your wallet.
Just do the regular stuff (oil, filters, diag, etc) at a reputable garage (like 808) and you will be fine.
Fuel - use 95 unleaded only.
Consumption - mine is around 8L freeway - 9.5L town. Do a decat with fooler/coding and you will see an improvement in consumption, pedal response. Also feeding less heat into your engine prolonging its life.
Steering - totally normal. It is stiffer than most cars but it is normal. No, stiffer doesn't mean more handling.
Oil - fully synth 5w-40. Brand? Up to you.
Get a dealer to check the Airbag issue.
Also, get your VIN from the windscreen and ask a dealer to pull up the CIA MP history of the car - it should be free at all dealers :fencelook:

Aaaand, lastly, enjoy every mile. :thumbs:

 

[cRed001]

Dude the impact of fuel consumption on your pocket is entirely dependant on your income level. If you earn relatively well I doubt you'd feel the pinch driving a 320i. So rather consider your own budget than other peoples warnings.

I drove a 320i for a while, and I managed around 6l/100km on an open road with some conservative driving. In town it will be probably be closer to 10l/100km's.
Stick to 95 otherwise it will feel sluggish

The steering is more stiffer than most but its actually something you'l come to enjoy.