E90 LCi 330d comments and suggestions

[machielrey]

Hi there fanatics!

This is my first post on the forum, even though I have been following a bunch of the threads for a while. I have to marvel at the awesome community you've got going here, and was hoping to get some assistance in my latest venture

In the past few months my 2004 polo 1.6 (my first car, owned since 2005) has become especially boring and my mind has wandered to some of the more exciting offerings Bavaria has to offer. My father has owned a total of 7 or 8 BMW's and it has always been one of my dreams to follow in his footsteps, even if it is only his automotive taste footsteps! After receiving a raise very recently, and reconsidering the fact that I need to drive a large amount for work, I have been looking at E90's and the new 1 series as options, first starting at the petrol models. However, I have now made peace with the fact that I can probably derive as much or more pleasure from a good diesel while still looking after my fuel expenses.

I think I am looking for the following:
2009 LCi 330d
Exclusive package
Budget: around R300k
Expected length of ownership: 5 years
Mileage: less than 65 000km

I am unsure whether I would prefer a manual, but saw that I can expect the manual to be more frugal. I am also not sure what to expect in terms of maintenance costs in general, especially after motorplan has expired. I am not (at the moment, at least) very much interested in modding the car, but like the options that come with the T-diesels, and believe that the manual gearbox will be better able to handle the increase in torque from a new chip.

I would really appreciate any feedback which could guide me in the right direction wrt transmission and maintenance, and perhaps within the next few months I will be posting pics of my new baby


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[msm]

I am unsure whether I would prefer a manual, but saw that I can expect the manual to be more frugal. I am also not sure what to expect in terms of maintenance costs in general, especially after motorplan has expired. I am not (at the moment, at least) very much interested in modding the car, but like the options that come with the T-diesels, and believe that the manual gearbox will be better able to handle the increase in torque from a new chip.

I would really appreciate any feedback which could guide me in the right direction wrt transmission and maintenance, and perhaps within the next few months I will be posting pics of my new baby


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

In my opinion, the auto box is better suited for the nature of this engine. The E90 330d has a ZF auto box rated at around 700NM, so even with some modding, the gearbox is not really going to be a real problem. Several of the modded E90's on this forum are auto's too. My suggestion is to spend some time test driving both and see what you prefer. There's also some recommendations on changing gearbox oil's etc - just do a search on the forum for this.

As far as reliability goes, the 330d's seem to be one of the less troublesome models in the E90 range. There less reports of turbo problems on the 3.0d motors compared to the 2.0d motors. However, most LCI's are still under MP, so it's a bit early to tell. The 330d's are even proving to be more reliable than their petrol counterparts (i.e.335i) (Flame suit on with that last statement)

Lastly, here's some useful info on DPF's too on the diesels. Have a read through if you get a chance: Deisel DPF Article

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BTW, for long distance driving the auto gearbox gives you better economy due to the taller final gear than the manual. I'm too lazy to search my archives for the exact ratios - I'm sure one of the other forum members can elaborate on this.

 

[MikeR]

I am unsure whether I would prefer a manual, but saw that I can expect the manual to be more frugal. I am also not sure what to expect in terms of maintenance costs in general, especially after motorplan has expired. I am not (at the moment, at least) very much interested in modding the car, but like the options that come with the T-diesels, and believe that the manual gearbox will be better able to handle the increase in torque from a new chip.

I would really appreciate any feedback which could guide me in the right direction wrt transmission and maintenance, and perhaps within the next few months I will be posting pics of my new baby


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

In my opinion, the auto box is better suited for the nature of this engine. The E90 330d has a ZF auto box rated at around 700NM, so even with some modding, the gearbox is not really going to be a real problem. Several of the modded E90's on this forum are auto's too. My suggestion is to spend some time test driving both and see what you prefer. There's also some recommendations on changing gearbox oil's etc - just do a search on the forum for this.

As far as reliability goes, the 330d's seem to be one of the less troublesome models in the E90 range. There less reports of turbo problems on the 3.0d motors compared to the 2.0d motors. However, most LCI's are still under MP, so it's a bit early to tell. The 330d's are even proving to be more reliable than their petrol counterparts (i.e.335i) (Flame suit on with that last statement)

Lastly, here's some useful info on DPF's too on the diesels. Have a read through if you get a chance: Deisel DPF Article

---

BTW, for long distance driving the auto gearbox gives you better economy due to the taller final gear than the manual. I'm too lazy to search my archives for the exact ratios - I'm sure one of the other forum members can elaborate on this.

---

:thumbs: wot he said...I still hate that Auto box though.

 

[machielrey]

Thanks a lot for the info

I find it quite interesting that the quoted consumption figures for the manual vs auto show that the manual should be at least 10% more economical for extra-urban use. But from what I gather from other threads, BMW tests their cars at around 100km/h for those figures, which wont benefit a longer 6th gear in the auto gearbox.

 

[UpNcOmiNg!]

Depends what kind of driving you do.
If its lots of town, I suggest an auto box, more highway then you can go manual. Traffic is also so much nicer to deal with in an auto.
If I were to get an 330d I would go auto all day every day.
Either way you'll get a fantastic car from a330d. They amazing in every respect!

 

[machielrey]

Depends what kind of driving you do.
If its lots of town, I suggest an auto box, more highway then you can go manual. Traffic is also so much nicer to deal with in an auto.
If I were to get an 330d I would go auto all day every day.
Either way you'll get a fantastic car from a330d. They amazing in every respect!

Most of my driving is around the Cape Town CBD on the highways, probably a 80/20% split between highway/urban driving.

The reasons I would prefer a manual are:

• Fun Factor when going on "spirited drives"
• Increased control over driving
• The manuals seem to be rarer - might be a long term "investment"
• Fuel consumption (not so sure about this after previous posts)

I am a little worried that it will be difficult to get a manual model with the Exclusive pack - if I were a person in the market for a new manual 330d in 2009, I would guess that the M Sports pack would be the obvious choice.

The reasons I would prefer an auto:

• Less effort for day to day driving
• Much easier to get with Exclusive pack

 

[petrivanzyl]

For a R300k budget you should get a very good specimen. What are you waiting for........DO EEEET:thumbs:

 

[prospect]

I had more fun driving my ex manual E90 330d than my current auto 335i. Manual 330d's are difficult to find though.

 

[machielrey]

So the search is on!

Is there consensus on what the premium is (in Rands) of buying through a BMW dealership vs privately?


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[XMAX]

My opinion is that buying a 330d in manual is not the best idea... shorter rev range means more shifts more often...


I currently own a tuned 330d auto and will commend the auto box, as it works extremely well on short runs as well as long distance...


Whilst the manual is quoted at 10 percent more frugal than the auto... This is actually a negligable difference in economy.


I think that you should not consider that buying a manual will make the car more desirable for future sales. The best way to improve the future value is to take great care of the car, service regularly and get a Sport Pack or M Sport version.


I would look around for a car with Idrive. Whilst not a deal breaker, having the idrive makes for a nicer car.



Also... Tuning the car is definitely a good idea. Promotec are doing great things in Cape Town at the moment.. Adding a tune has been proven to improve economy along with performance.. And once you drive a tuned 330d, you will always want to own a tuned 330d.

 

[Twinz]

Whatever you decide, 330d an excellent choice. :thumbs:

 

[NavZ]

Once you drive a tuned 330d, you will always want to own a tuned 330d.

Until you drive a 335d :rollsmile:

 

[Philip Foglar]

If you want to chip and modify the car, then automatic is going to be the way to go, but if that's not your aim then the manual is perfect and really fun to drive. I have driven a few 330d manuals lately (but pre LCI) and they are really nice to drive and quite "forgiving" compared to the 330i manual believe it or not. I did not find gearing to be short to be honest. :thumbs:

 

[machielrey]

After the comments above I am in two minds about the transmission for the 330d I guess the only way to figure it out will be some thorough road tests for both!

After speaking to a fellow fanatic with an e46 330i, he made me realise that with my typical driving I should not write off a 330i too quickly. They seem to be a little more affordable to buy and maintain (especially out of MP) and will also be a lot of fun to drive. I have driven a bunch of diesels lately (my father used to own a 2004 530d which was particularly impressive) but I am not too sure whether petrol or diesel will get my heart racing more, so I guess there is yet another excuse for some test driving.

I will definitely be looking for a model with Idrive and the exclusive pack, but not sure how easy models like these are to find, eish...

 

[fhm1]

Hi there fanatics!

This is my first post on the forum, even though I have been following a bunch of the threads for a while. I have to marvel at the awesome community you've got going here, and was hoping to get some assistance in my latest venture

In the past few months my 2004 polo 1.6 (my first car, owned since 2005) has become especially boring and my mind has wandered to some of the more exciting offerings Bavaria has to offer. My father has owned a total of 7 or 8 BMW's and it has always been one of my dreams to follow in his footsteps, even if it is only his automotive taste footsteps! After receiving a raise very recently, and reconsidering the fact that I need to drive a large amount for work, I have been looking at E90's and the new 1 series as options, first starting at the petrol models. However, I have now made peace with the fact that I can probably derive as much or more pleasure from a good diesel while still looking after my fuel expenses.

I think I am looking for the following:
2009 LCi 330d
Exclusive package
Budget: around R300k
Expected length of ownership: 5 years
Mileage: less than 65 000km

I am unsure whether I would prefer a manual, but saw that I can expect the manual to be more frugal. I am also not sure what to expect in terms of maintenance costs in general, especially after motorplan has expired. I am not (at the moment, at least) very much interested in modding the car, but like the options that come with the T-diesels, and believe that the manual gearbox will be better able to handle the increase in torque from a new chip.

I would really appreciate any feedback which could guide me in the right direction wrt transmission and maintenance, and perhaps within the next few months I will be posting pics of my new baby


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Go for the Auto. I had a 2009 330d LCI, this was the best BMW i have ever owned :thumbs: . You wont regret it.