BMW E90 323I Opinions and Common Issues

[EEE90]

Hi Guys

My first post here so please be gentle :=):

Thinking of purchasing an E90 and found a 2009 323I auto with 82 000km on the clock.

Wanted to ask what the common problems are to look out for, and whether the 323i's are generally reliable or problematic?

What would one be looking at Fuel Consumption wise?

 

[husaindindar]

Hi there.
Welcome!

Those motors are bullet proof.
Common issues:
Water pump / thermostat - fails at around 120k km
Vanos solenoids - round about 120k km also
If its an auto, highly recommend an oil service at ZF before 100k km
Door lock actuators - depends on usage but around 10 years for driver side.
Oil consuption can be a problem
Oil cooler housing gaskets - around 100k km.

The motor is lazy at takeoff, but cruises very well.
Fuel consumption is bad in town, but brilliant on open.
Overall its a solid motor and body, might be a little lethargic but definately better than a 320i



It's definitely not a daily commuter, unless your commute is open road.

 

[Yulz9081]

Agreed with the above.

Had one from new for about 3 years, very thirsty for daily commute in town - Averaged between 12-14l/100km. It is lethargic for urban driving but was a real pleasure on the highway. The 6 cylinder soundtrack is quite lovely too.

 

[NtandoN]

Welcome.

With that mileage, sounds like a good find. Just make sure you check the maintenance history. I also concur with the post above.

 

[///Avi]

These cars are generally quite reliable.

I don't want to be that guy...But rather go for a 325i or 330i. They are all similarly priced.

If you are getting the 323i at a really really really good price then go for it.

 

[EEE90]

Would it be advisable to rather search for a 320D?, as it will be a daily vehicle.

 

[Yulz9081]

Would it be advisable to rather search for a 320D?, as it will be a daily vehicle.

Yes definitely or a 330d if within budget.

 

[akash]

Argh dude. Everyone will say rather go, 325i or 320d for the power. Its become like almost a standard response here.

Reality is that unless you are driving over 4000rpm daily it makes no sense.

I've had my 323i since 2010, its currently just short of 300 000kms

Major work done:
Water pump (most e90 suffer this issue) replaced at 99 000kms
Radiator replaced in 2015
Leaky water pipe replaced this year
Oil filter housing cooler gasket replaced last year.

Best bit is the car still has its original clutch from the factory

The 323 is not a performance car so keep that in mind. If power is the goal, dont buy a 323i


Other than that you wont go wrong.

 

[[email protected]]

@Yulz9081 How is the 330D on fuel consumption? compared to the 320D? Wouldn't it be more thirsty in city driving?

 

[///Avi]

Valid points @akash on your experience with the car.

But for similar fuel consumption why not go for more power?

No doubt that the 323i will be reliable.

@[email protected] The 330d should be well under 10l/100km on mixed driving.

 

[Yulz9081]

@Yulz9081 How is the 330D on fuel consumption? compared to the 320D? Wouldn't it be more thirsty in city driving?

It is more thirsty, but having had both x20d and x30d daily drivers in the past, it is worth spending a bit more for the 30d. Average consumption (heavy foot dependent) on the 30d is around 9-9.5l/100km.

The 320d however is the perfect daily, it is hard for me to part with mine currently after 9 years.

 

[CK4LIFE]

Had my 323i for 2yrs. As Akash said, it's not a performance car, just a normal 6pot. Bought it at 90 000km, sold it at 135 000km and never had to replace a thing. It can be very thirsty though as a daily.

 

[EEE90]

Well if anyone knows of a super clean 320D for sale at around the R120 000 mark please let me know.

I am very pedantic so the car must be super clean.

Thanks for the help thus far!!!!

 

[KPM3_30]

Well if anyone knows of a super clean 320D for sale at around the R120 000 mark please let me know.

I am very pedantic so the car must be super clean.

Thanks for the help thus far!!!!

@EEE90, there you go. Probably about the best option you will find, at your price point.

https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=91574

 

[Paul_Pret]

Had a 2010 LCi from 2011 to 2015, put around 100 000km on it.
No problems, tyres was expensive as it was M-sport.
No issues with oil consumption, no gearbox issues, no electronics issues.
Fuel consumption for the life of the car was 8.9li/100km if I recall correctly, that was daily work traffic, plus every second weekend a 400km long trip.
When I traded it in, I think the mileage was about 150 000km, and it really required no attention or anything.

 

[notmikeyshultz]

Just Do It!