E90 Buyers advice

[Midas335i]

You won't go wrong with a clean one :=):

 

[DieselFan]

It's only the e39 and e46 3.0ds that have auto box problems.

 

[akash]

The best e90 buying advice: Don’t buy an E90 320i

 

[mubz]

I too was in the market for an E90 05/06 model, had a look at a few 320i's, and from what i heard a lot of people complained about the 320i's, so i settled for a 330i petrol, got it for a few months now and couldn't be happier. my advise is stick to the 6 cylinder versions. i haven't driven a 320d but people talk good things about them so that's an option too. good luck

 

[Ravz]

I would love to get the 330i or 330d but way out of my price range.

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Im thinking worst case scenario... what are the common problems on the 320d and what does it cost to repair and should the turbo die what are the costs in replacing?

 

[lpret]

If that's your budget its worth shopping around, should find something with much less mileage than that!

I recently helped my neighbor shop around, and we found quite few '09 320i and 320d's with 85-90k km and still a good couple of months Motorplan left, all for less than R 200k.

just to give you an idea:



hope you find The one!

 

[Ravz]

Originally I was trying to get a high mileage cheaper model. I dont mind spending some money getting it right again but after the guys advised on the diesel I decided to stretch my budget to the max.

I have been considering that car on Autotrader as well but going through some of the threads on the forum and there's lots of mixed views on the 320d...

 

[lpret]

i bought my car with just over 40k in 2011, ticked over the 190k km mark last week and averaging 4.5k km's a month and the 1st part i had to replace due to failure was the Disa Flap the same week, this excluding all the usual wear and tear parts, brakes shock etc.

o yes, and diff was changed under MP still at around 80k km's

i initially went to look at a 320d and while very impressive torque wise, but the moment i pushed the button in my car and the I6 came to life i was sold!

 

[Midas335i]

I still have my 2009 320d auto, sitting at 155000kms :=):

Turbo blew at 41000kms which is rare for these cars :nonono:

Other than that it's been nothing but joy :joy:

 

[Ravz]

I have to agree, the tone of those 6 cylinders are sweet. I've driven the pre-facelift 325 quite a bit and find it quite sluggish unless really hammered and pedal to the floor.

Can these turbos be replaced with an aftermarket one?

 

[DieselFan]

Just remeber the e90s have a more complex suspension. So if you're planning on finding a higher mileage one that needs work. You might be in for a shock. If you do decide to go for one of these. Have it put on the lift and some one inspect the entire suspension and car. I think your best bet is to find a clean e46 330d or 330i. I find it a more comfortable drive than the e90 but the e90 has a better suspension setup.

A turbo on the e90 320d is about 9k afaik. If you do get a diesel just make sure you put a downpipe on it will make your turbo last longer.