e90 Fuel efficiency

[novio]

Hey guys,

I am almost totally confused at this stage of looking to get a new car. Its been about a month of searching and mind changing, but let me put things in perspective:

With my office move next year, I will be doing 140 km per day instead of current 120 km. At the moment, I am getting 7.8l per 100km on my e36 328i as an average. Its a 50/50 highway/urban drive (time wise not distance) that I am currently doing and will probably be 60/40 when I move.

Its a lot of driving. But now, I cant decide on what the best choice is. I initially wanted a 130i since the engine 'technically' isnt much bigger, and I prefer cruising rather than flooring a car....so I thought the consumption figures would not vary that much. "Its how you drive, not what you drive"

However, I have to be realistic and practical. Fuel prices will continue to go up. Tolls could possibly be implemented. I have to save money. But I am googling different reviews and there is a lot out there that says diesels are not all that much cheaper to maintain. They may chow less fuel, but maintenance costs are higher so petrol engines turn out to be cheaper in the long run.

I will be keeping this car for the next three years at least, and obviously, the mileage will be clocking rapidly.....an important factor to consider when deciding on petrol vs diesel.

So here's my question...related to a choice of cars that I feel could be options....which car do you think would be the best buy (long term, cost effective and good cruisers)

I am looking at the following options within a 150k budget:

e90 323i
e90 325i
e90 320d
e90 330d/i - probably not an option since I cant find any for this price.

Since I am being 'responsible' with this decision, I would prefer the sportpack versions on each.

Please help guys. I am ready to buy, and need to do so before the next year starts.

Thanks all!

 

[herr bmw]

hi there.

diesel is more expensive to maintain but it balances out with the saving on fuel usage,if i look at the wifes navara,it is worth its weight in gold and wouldnt get rid of it for anything in the world(service every 7500km).it is even lighter than my 323i ,and the wife is only using it in town,where as i drive mostly higway,130km round trip.

personally i dont look at fuel consumption,but currently get an average of 11 kilos on a litre,i drive it because,its got comfort and all the power that i would need.

what i can say is,dont rule out the 320d,then i would say 325i before 323i,but if you can then 330d

hope this helps:thumbs:

 

[novio]

Thanks bud.

Any info helps. :thumbs:

 

[wikk3d88]

320d and extend the motorplan if you can.

 

[moranor@axis]

7.8l per 100km is very good :rollsmile:

 

[novio]

7.8l per 100km is very good :rollsmile:

Yep, thanks man. Its probably got something to do with a remap and m50 conversion and powerflow exhaust. But I cant keep her unfortunately. That topic was discussed at length on another thread.

I would like to keep this thread on track though :=):

 

[moranor@axis]

well the 330i will probably return the best figures because it is the most advanced engine but 7.8 will be hard to beat...

 

[alleng]

I was exactly in the same predicament as you and decided to go for the 325i E90 manual with sport pack. You are totally correct 'it is how you drive'. I am averaging around 10.5 km/l 50/50 long and short distances. I do tend to do a bit of aspirated driving once in a while just to make the heart skip a few beats

330i :thumbs:

 

[novio]

I'm guessing a 320i is out of the question?

 

[wikk3d88]

I'm guessing a 320i is out of the question?

its a little lethargic, and you're not going to get any better fuel consumption . 320d for the same money makes so much more sense.

 

[AshG108]

320i figures:

in town -9.5l/100km
long road - in jhb commute (7/4l/100km) & JHB-PMB trip (6.3l/100km)

drive the car right anf it will return good figures, if you want a cruiser, the 320i will be perfectly fine, up top the car has it grace of power

 

[Philip Foglar]

320d, that is all, oh and extend the motorplan... :thumbs:

 

[msm]

If you enjoy driving, the 330d offers the best compromise. Not as good consumption as the 320d, but with the right exhaust, you also won't miss a straight six petrol too much.

Seen a few guys offered around R130k to R150k on trade-ins recently, so if you're prepared to hunt a bit, I'm sure you'll get one close to your budget.

Unless you find a badly neglected model, they are fairly reliable too. Not much difference in maintenance costs over the petrol models. Yes, you service them more often, but they are generally cheaper to service too, so it balances out in the long run.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

I currently average 6.2l/100km in town and 5.5 open road.

 

[frikkieh]

The Hydraulic valve lifters on most of the 325 e90 engines are crap. You will have to listen out for the ticking lifters.
Ticking Noise SBSI B 11 09 07 -N52 Engine HVA System
Here is the link: http://www.rtsauto.com/bmw-e90-valve-train-lifter-ticknoise/
Only way to properly fix is replacing with a redesigned cylinder head.
Get the latest model you can find, earlier models suffer from this anomaly. Good luck with your e90 choice :thumbs:

 

[novio]

If you enjoy driving, the 330d offers the best compromise. Not as good consumption as the 320d, but with the right exhaust, you also won't miss a straight six petrol too much.

Seen a few guys offered around R130k to R150k on trade-ins recently, so if you're prepared to hunt a bit, I'm sure you'll get one close to your budget.

Unless you find a badly neglected model, they are fairly reliable too. Not much difference in maintenance costs over the petrol models. Yes, you service them more often, but they are generally cheaper to service too, so it balances out in the long run.

After long debating with the wife.....320d or 330d e90's are the winners we feel.

However, I do want the sportpack kit.

150k is my limit, so spread the word if you can.
I need to buy a car asap.

Thanks to all who helped on this thread. Love this forum :thumbs:

 

[ASH]

320d is most definitely what you should get with an extended motorplan. I owned one, which was bought with 100 000kms, old spec, didnt give any troubles while we had it. I miss seeing 1000km trip range on the obc, from my previous car............ :thumbs: .

 

[Loom]

So, what did you get? 320d, 330d or Audi?

 

[akash]

I would honestly stick with the E36 328i you have, considering you are getting quite good economy already. E90 323 or 325 economy is not gonna be much better as it is a much heavier car.

I assume the e36 328i is free hold.

I also take it that you going to finance the new car through a bank.

I would rather stick with the free hold e36 328i than go for a vehicle financed E90 even if it’s a D with the additional expense of a new car installment and additional fuel expense to travel 20 kms everyday for work .

Also depending on what mileage you get the E90 and if the car is still in motorplan, looking at the mileage you are doing, the motorplan will not last you that long.

Look at what you are spending now and what you will be spending should you go the E90 route and see if it’s worth the expense.

Also add the cost of insurance.

 

[Doomsdaya]

Old thread revival of note :rofl:

Novio sold his e36 for an Audi as per avatar...