E90 - 320i Maintenance

LevanM

Active member
Hi Guys

This must have been asked before but good to ask again :tiptoe:

My Sister is looking at getting a E90 320i with under 80000KM on the clock and base spec.

Whats the most that she should be paying for it and whats troublesome with the car?
 

EmD20v

Member
isnt the 320i prone to so many ongoing problems, even if you fix the common issues they will just eventually reoccur
 

LevanM

Active member
EmD20v said:
isnt the 320i prone to so many ongoing problems, even if you fix the common issues they will just eventually reoccur

Thanks bud, will tell her to stay away from it.
 

akash

Well-known member
The price on the 320i will be based on the model and spec Exclusive, Msport, etc

I would rather go e90 323i if she can, if the E90 325i is out of reach, the inline six are far better engines, the 320i fuel consumption is not the best either, small engine and heavy body to pull.

If she has to buy the 320i, check he cars history at BMW.
Check for excessive smoke on startup and under acceleration, 320i’s have valve stem issues.

Common E90 issue are the
Water pump: I just spent R9500 replacing mine
Oil filter housing leak (easy fix)
If it’s a MSport check the suspension
The diff is also a weak point. It may last a bit longer on the 320i
 

ChefDJ

///Member
EmD20v said:
isnt the 320i prone to so many ongoing problems, even if you fix the common issues they will just eventually reoccur

Not really.

There are scores of E90 320i's on this forum that don't have "so many ongoing issues even if repaired".
 

///Avi

///Member
Hi Bud,

Just do a quick search on the forum for "valve stem seals". That is one of the biggest issues that the car will have in its lifetime. That usually occurs at around 150k km. I drove my car until 186k km and it never needed valve stem seals replaced. I did my tappet cover gasket and vacuum pump gasket at around 150k-160k km I think (Probably came to like R3k in total). If you are in Gauteng the complete valve stem seal replacement, tappet cover gasket and vacuum pump gasket should cost around R8k. Leo Haese PTA had a special in the past. If the car has a full service history then I would say go for it. Maybe ask Tris for an idea on retail prices for these cars.

Having said that, doesn't she rather want to go for a 6 cylinder or even a diesel?


LevanM said:
EmD20v said:
isnt the 320i prone to so many ongoing problems, even if you fix the common issues they will just eventually reoccur

Thanks bud, will tell her to stay away from it.

This is incorrect. People say stay away from these cars because they are the slowest bimmers from the E90 era (4 cylinder). They are reliable and comfortable and will outperform most non bimmers on the highway. I loved my E90 320i. I wanted a 6 cylinder bimmer, that's the only reason I changed
 

LevanM

Active member
My Vrow works with the owners sister:
https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-ba...-milage-urgent-sale/1001909189980911124222809

Is it a good buy?
The sister claims that her brother has taken extremely good care of the car and its only ever been to BMW.

Retail is R135k and trade is R105K
I will make the guy an offer if enough of the pro's on here say its a good buy.


Speed is not an issue for my sister but fuel is.

She is currently looking at a Polo TSI or Hyundai i20. I feel the BMW is a better and safer car but do not want her spending a fortune to maintain it.
 

Ashiel

Member
Bud i have an E90 320i... I have no issues with it... its on 180K KM and no smoke... had an issue with the fuel pump... other than that regular services and Tyres...

I agree that it is kak slow and the consumption is not the greatest.
 

Neve24

New member
Hi,I second Ashiel,320i's are great comfortable cars. Sold my one last month with 186k km. No smoke or repetitive issues.

The 2010 you're looking at has great mileage, check service history & would be even better if one owner.




Sent from my SM-A300FU using Tapatalk
 

Nick

Honorary ///Member
Mine is headed to 150k soon, i havent had a day of trouble with her.

I just do her services more regular than BMW would recommend and its happy days.
 

LevanM

Active member
Neve24 said:
Hi,I second Ashiel,320i's are great comfortable cars. Sold my one last month with 186k km. No smoke or repetitive issues.

The 2010 you're looking at has great mileage, check service history & would be even better if one owner.




Sent from my SM-A300FU using Tapatalk

Full service at BMW and one owner.

Will be arranging to see the car today or tomorrow.
 

momo1

Well-known member
Only thing you have to worry about is Valve stem seals at around 140,000km and there are a few cases of the Valve tronic motor going wonky , other than that no Real Issues!
 
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