E90: First buy questions

[MurderOfCrow]

Hey Guys,

I've been looking for a bit of an upgrade and the 3 series seems to tick all the boxes and I'd really love to own one. I'm totally new to the BMW world, and to be honest I'm pretty far from a petrol head, so I'm wondering if this is the wisest decision. Maybe you could help me out with a question or two:

1. The 320d looks good considering my needs (comfortable, fun to drive, fairly economical). My budget seems to fall in into the used E90 range around 100,000km or so. Is it likely to find one with that mileage that has a reasonable chance of needing little done besides regular maintenance intervals?
2. How good is the manual transmission in the E90 range? Is an auto box very likely to give problems?
3. For a first time buyer like me, would something like BMW Certified Pre-Owned be worth the extra cash, or would you reckon it's worth a try going the private owner route with an inspection and so on?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[herr bmw]

ask dippies or sabertooth tiger,they both have the 320d e90:rollsmile:

 

[Twinz]

320d is a good choice indeed.

Both transmissions is very good.

Go for a pre-certify buy but you may stumble upon a great private sale as well.

E90s are good cars....diesels will need a turbo replacement sooner or later as well as dampening pulleys will need replacement...check these.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

You on he right track. The 320D on the E90's are very reliable. They do not suffer the turbo problems of the early E46 320d's. Both transmissions is good, the auto on the diesels are actually very well suited for the motor, although I prefer manual, just more fun.

Consumption is great, I average between 6.4 and 6.7l/100km in city traffic, and 5.4l/100km on the open road. Going for a certified model is always a plus point. My car is on 52380km now, and only services has been done. No issues, so has Dippies' car who has done more than 120 000km allready. Service them regular and on time, and you wont have issues.

That said any second hand car needs a proper check out, get the vin number and pull the history with bmw.

You welcome to pm me if you need more info.

 

[Dippies]

All i can say is Read my Garage :thumbs:

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/member.php?action=profile&uid=12499&area=userpage

You will not regret it :thumbs:

 

[MurderOfCrow]

Thanks guys, that's all really helpful. raise:

I'm gonna start doing some shopping around and see what I find.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

you welcome :thumbs:

 

[Dippies]

Good luck. :thumbs:

 

[FaSTandFurious]

Good luck

 

[S1NGH 001]

I own two of them at the moment, superb cars, you will never go wrong with a well maintained one :thumbs:

The Auto boxes are extremely reliable :thumbs:

Just ensure that you get the car checked out properly before singing anything buddy

 

[M3KW]

Certified pre-owned has its benefits but do a check on these as well. Go for an AA 100 point check (I think its 100 point?) and get a history of the car. You should not have any problems. I had a loaner auto for 2 weeks and its a very nice transmission. You will have to service the car well and look out for turbo issues as well.

Good luck with your choice! Try go for a E90 facelift if budget permits!

 

[Dippies]

My car came with a 1000 Point check and a 1000 KM Confident drive as well as a Aa certificate and a 2 Year Scratch and dent policy free of charge. :rollsmile:

 

[S1NGH 001]

My car came with a 1000 Point check and a 1000 KM Confident drive as well as a Aa certificate and a 2 Year Scratch and dent policy free of charge. :rollsmile:

Show off :tease::rollsmile:

 

[Philip Foglar]

Yep, the E90 diesels are yummy and I think more reliable overall compared to the diesels from the E46, in particular the 320d, 330d was less troublesome. :thumbs:

 

[Dr Evil]

best thing about the e90 diesels I'm not mistaken is that it has a dipstick

Sent from my HTC One X using my finger

 

[Philip Foglar]

best thing about the e90 diesels I'm not mistaken is that it has a dipstick

Sent from my HTC One X using my finger

This is true! :thumbs:

 

[ASH]

Owned one out of M/Plan, no major issues to report on.........awesome car.

 

[Chismakop]

Awesome cars:thumbs: Never had any issues whatsoever on 60000km:inlove:

 

[LordPhoenix]

Go for a 330d. You only live once!

 

[ASH]

Yolo as they say, that the motto..........:biglol:

Go for a 330d. You only live once!