-
Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
F30 320i advice
- Thread starter Zenith
- Start date
FerdiBotha
Well-known member
Zenith said:
It does make quite a big difference i.t.o throttle response.
The stock sound system is more or less the same as the stock E90 sound.
cOlDFuSiOn
New member
Having owned/currently have/driven 2 x E90s/3x F30s/1 x F20 I can make a few comments.. :rollsmile:
The E90 does indeed feel much heavier on the road and perhaps the heavy steering makes one feel it is more planted.. Then again I had 320i's so not much power to get the car out of shape. The F30 to me is a much nimbler car I quite enjoy the electronic steering which gets lighter or heavier depending on how you drive/mode you are in. What I can say is that the 8J 225 wheels at the rear do not work.. You want thicker tyres at the rear..
Wind noise.. Yes the F30 has wind noise.. My 2012 was worse than my current ones.. The LCI seems to be the most silent in that department..
Performance wise yes there is no comparison, the F series pulls well.. Depending on your point of reference, but it's not blazingly fast.. Quite decent for a daily. A GTI will still klap you..
The gearbox I am not too sure about.. Open road it's all good, in traffic it seems to shift too aggressive for my liking but that could just be the version of SW on my box.. Not sure.. But it shifts like hell when you floor it, great box IMHO
Fuel wise.. Hmm.. There has been a thread about the 220i/320i.. They seem to be averaging 10l/100.. My reference is 320d at 7l/100, 118i at 6/7l/100, 335i at 13-14l/100 (that is driving nicely now..
) combined cycle if that helps..
Sound system on the base F30 is not great.. I have to admit.. My 320d was a let down.. The HK system is what you want, But some guys have been installing after market..
Diesel maintenance.. Mine was on plan so no real impact BUT it had oil changes like it was going out of fashion.. Like every 8000kms IIRC..
Lastly the standard seats also are not too lekker, the Sport seats are what you want..
So all being said I would go for a MSport model.. Go drive a few and decide..
All the best! :coolShake:
O yes the Mode button.. Eco pro runs the car on 80% power if memory serves, on my 335i it almost feels/sounds like the car is on NO boost.. Comfort mode works well for daily, Sport sharpens up the response and on an auto box should keep the revs higher.. I drive in Sport+ whenever I get a chance.
The E90 does indeed feel much heavier on the road and perhaps the heavy steering makes one feel it is more planted.. Then again I had 320i's so not much power to get the car out of shape. The F30 to me is a much nimbler car I quite enjoy the electronic steering which gets lighter or heavier depending on how you drive/mode you are in. What I can say is that the 8J 225 wheels at the rear do not work.. You want thicker tyres at the rear..
Wind noise.. Yes the F30 has wind noise.. My 2012 was worse than my current ones.. The LCI seems to be the most silent in that department..
Performance wise yes there is no comparison, the F series pulls well.. Depending on your point of reference, but it's not blazingly fast.. Quite decent for a daily. A GTI will still klap you..
The gearbox I am not too sure about.. Open road it's all good, in traffic it seems to shift too aggressive for my liking but that could just be the version of SW on my box.. Not sure.. But it shifts like hell when you floor it, great box IMHO
Fuel wise.. Hmm.. There has been a thread about the 220i/320i.. They seem to be averaging 10l/100.. My reference is 320d at 7l/100, 118i at 6/7l/100, 335i at 13-14l/100 (that is driving nicely now..
) combined cycle if that helps.. Sound system on the base F30 is not great.. I have to admit.. My 320d was a let down.. The HK system is what you want, But some guys have been installing after market..
Diesel maintenance.. Mine was on plan so no real impact BUT it had oil changes like it was going out of fashion.. Like every 8000kms IIRC..
Lastly the standard seats also are not too lekker, the Sport seats are what you want..
So all being said I would go for a MSport model.. Go drive a few and decide..
All the best! :coolShake:
O yes the Mode button.. Eco pro runs the car on 80% power if memory serves, on my 335i it almost feels/sounds like the car is on NO boost.. Comfort mode works well for daily, Sport sharpens up the response and on an auto box should keep the revs higher.. I drive in Sport+ whenever I get a chance.
cOlDFuSiOn said:Having owned/currently have/driven 2 x E90s/3x F30s/1 x F20 I can make a few comments.. :rollsmile:
The E90 does indeed feel much heavier on the road and perhaps the heavy steering makes one feel it is more planted.. Then again I had 320i's so not much power to get the car out of shape. The F30 to me is a much nimbler car I quite enjoy the electronic steering which gets lighter or heavier depending on how you drive/mode you are in. What I can say is that the 8J 225 wheels at the rear do not work.. You want thicker tyres at the rear..
Wind noise.. Yes the F30 has wind noise.. My 2012 was worse than my current ones.. The LCI seems to be the most silent in that department..
Performance wise yes there is no comparison, the F series pulls well.. Depending on your point of reference, but it's not blazingly fast.. Quite decent for a daily. A GTI will still klap you..
The gearbox I am not too sure about.. Open road it's all good, in traffic it seems to shift too aggressive for my liking but that could just be the version of SW on my box.. Not sure.. But it shifts like hell when you floor it, great box IMHO
Fuel wise.. Hmm.. There has been a thread about the 220i/320i.. They seem to be averaging 10l/100.. My reference is 320d at 7l/100, 118i at 6/7l/100, 335i at 13-14l/100 (that is driving nicely now..
Sound system on the base F30 is not great.. I have to admit.. My 320d was a let down.. The HK system is what you want, But some guys have been installing after market..
Diesel maintenance.. Mine was on plan so no real impact BUT it had oil changes like it was going out of fashion.. Like every 8000kms IIRC..
Lastly the standard seats also are not too lekker, the Sport seats are what you want..
So all being said I would go for a MSport model.. Go drive a few and decide..
All the best! :coolShake:
O yes the Mode button.. Eco pro runs the car on 80% power if memory serves, on my 335i it almost feels/sounds like the car is on NO boost.. Comfort mode works well for daily, Sport sharpens up the response and on an auto box should keep the revs higher.. I drive in Sport+ whenever I get a chance.
Are the normal non-M seats really that uncomfortable? Compared to the E90? I don't think I'll be able to spring for the M-sport version, besides isn't the ride harsher with the sports suspension and larger wheels/tires?
cOlDFuSiOn
New member
Hey Bud, perhaps I am just biased, but the Sport seats just feel much nicer to me.. The standard seats feel very 'flat' and I don't like that. So just my bias I think.. You get the Sport seats in some of the Sport/Luxury models depending on options were ordered so not exclusive to the MSport models.
The MSport suspension is harder yes.. Correct if you have a thicker sidewall ride quality should be better. But our roads are so rough it is tough either way.. I have no complaints regarding the MSport suspension nor the standard.. The MSport just corners much better IMO but that could also because the rear tyres are thicker.
It all comes down to preference I guess :=):
I suggest you go drive a few and get a feel for them, that is the best option.
The MSport suspension is harder yes.. Correct if you have a thicker sidewall ride quality should be better. But our roads are so rough it is tough either way.. I have no complaints regarding the MSport suspension nor the standard.. The MSport just corners much better IMO but that could also because the rear tyres are thicker.
It all comes down to preference I guess :=):
I suggest you go drive a few and get a feel for them, that is the best option.
LukeHawk
Member
Ive had my F30 320i for a couple of months now. I can safely compare it to my dads E90 320d, and my previous F20 118i.
the E90 320d to me felt more powerful than stock 320i F30. not exactly more faster or anything, but more punchier and "stronger" because of the greater torque (being a diesel and all). But if youre comparing 320i to 320i... F30
In terms of looks... E90 looks better in M-sport and non-M-sport compared to a non-M-sport F30 (hate the look of the standard F30 tbh) but the M-sport F30 takes the cake. Just the perfect amalgamation of aggressiveness and sexiness. My car literally turns heads, and its not even something fancy. But if you dont have the dolla on hand for an M-sport, then E90 wins
F30 has the perks of looking modern, and will continue to look "new" even when the next model is out.. the E90 is going to look very dated very soon (if you care about that sort of thing). F30
M-sport seats in the F30 are great... funny story- my dad hated them because he was too fat to fit in them.. until I showed him you can adjust the "wings". now he hates his E90 seats :crazylaugh: F30
I cant really compare sound... IMO my F30 sounds better than my dads E90. The bass can be a bit heavy though for no reason.. but turning it down in the settings makes it all good. perfectly fine for me. F30
In terms of price, im pretty sure you can find a much better spec'd E90 now than the stock-standard F30 at the same price. E90
Final remarks:
IMO The F30 needs Xenon lights and an M-sport kit to look as good as it does. without it, its really not better than an E90 because you could get a better E90 for the same price most likely- which takes the power/speed difference out of the competition. But 320i to 320i.. F30 still wins. (you could always put on an M-sport bumper later to make it look better)
the E90 320d to me felt more powerful than stock 320i F30. not exactly more faster or anything, but more punchier and "stronger" because of the greater torque (being a diesel and all). But if youre comparing 320i to 320i... F30
In terms of looks... E90 looks better in M-sport and non-M-sport compared to a non-M-sport F30 (hate the look of the standard F30 tbh) but the M-sport F30 takes the cake. Just the perfect amalgamation of aggressiveness and sexiness. My car literally turns heads, and its not even something fancy. But if you dont have the dolla on hand for an M-sport, then E90 wins
F30 has the perks of looking modern, and will continue to look "new" even when the next model is out.. the E90 is going to look very dated very soon (if you care about that sort of thing). F30
M-sport seats in the F30 are great... funny story- my dad hated them because he was too fat to fit in them.. until I showed him you can adjust the "wings". now he hates his E90 seats :crazylaugh: F30
I cant really compare sound... IMO my F30 sounds better than my dads E90. The bass can be a bit heavy though for no reason.. but turning it down in the settings makes it all good. perfectly fine for me. F30
In terms of price, im pretty sure you can find a much better spec'd E90 now than the stock-standard F30 at the same price. E90
Final remarks:
IMO The F30 needs Xenon lights and an M-sport kit to look as good as it does. without it, its really not better than an E90 because you could get a better E90 for the same price most likely- which takes the power/speed difference out of the competition. But 320i to 320i.. F30 still wins. (you could always put on an M-sport bumper later to make it look better)
BMW555
New member
Hey there,
I been driving a E90 and F30 for some time now. The F30 is a much easier car to drive over the E90.
Some how for me the E90 feels more solid and heavy, where the F30 feels lighter but easier to drive and park. You will certainly enjoy the turbo and the 8 speed gearbox over the E90.
Wind noise does exist in the F30 but with the radio switched on, its barely noticeable.
F30 lighter is slightly lighter on fuel.
I been driving a E90 and F30 for some time now. The F30 is a much easier car to drive over the E90.
Some how for me the E90 feels more solid and heavy, where the F30 feels lighter but easier to drive and park. You will certainly enjoy the turbo and the 8 speed gearbox over the E90.
Wind noise does exist in the F30 but with the radio switched on, its barely noticeable.
F30 lighter is slightly lighter on fuel.
Ash_Jhb
Active member
Zenith said:
Definitely the F30 whether petrol or diesel. Much better car with lots of standard features. No question. Both have the turbos and the same power but the diesel is a stronger contender,subject to cash outlay, for all the reasons mentioned. But both are equally good and better than the E90. Go for it.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks guys for the excellent advice. I think I know what my decision will be.
Now I just have to sell my 320i. Spoke to a BMW rep regarding trading my car in and he tells me best case R60K, worst case around R50K.
E90 2005 320i, white, exclusive model, manual with 172000 km on the clock. Maybe I should sell on gumtree? They tell me the selling value is R75000.
Apologies if this is the wrong forum but can anyone direct me to a panel beating company in Cape Town that won't rip me off?
I need to fix some dents on my old car before I sell.
Now I just have to sell my 320i.
Spoke to a BMW rep regarding trading my car in and he tells me best case R60K, worst case around R50K. E90 2005 320i, white, exclusive model, manual with 172000 km on the clock. Maybe I should sell on gumtree? They tell me the selling value is R75000.
Apologies if this is the wrong forum but can anyone direct me to a panel beating company in Cape Town that won't rip me off?
I need to fix some dents on my old car before I sell.
Hi All F30 owners,
Thanks for the info so far, this has helped to convince me of looking for a good F30 as well.
I would like the LCI 320i but they are scarce and still quite pricey. Need to play the patience game but getting tired of the E90 320i now.
So I'd like to know how good the F30 is in terms of reliability and maintenance?
The E90 320i is a good engine but requires a lot of maintenance in my opinion after 150 000km, Valve stem seals, leaky valve cover, oil filter housing gaskets etc, coils, chain noise/tensioner issues, etc.
Are there many owners of the F30 here that have gone past 160 000 km mark and maybe even over 200 000km and can report on the maintenance issues in comparison to a E90 320i?
What are the common failures on a high mileage F30?
Is the level of difficulty of DIY repairs/servicing/maintenance on a F30 any different from a E90?
Thanks for the info so far, this has helped to convince me of looking for a good F30 as well.
I would like the LCI 320i but they are scarce and still quite pricey. Need to play the patience game but getting tired of the E90 320i now.
So I'd like to know how good the F30 is in terms of reliability and maintenance?
The E90 320i is a good engine but requires a lot of maintenance in my opinion after 150 000km, Valve stem seals, leaky valve cover, oil filter housing gaskets etc, coils, chain noise/tensioner issues, etc.
Are there many owners of the F30 here that have gone past 160 000 km mark and maybe even over 200 000km and can report on the maintenance issues in comparison to a E90 320i?
What are the common failures on a high mileage F30?
Is the level of difficulty of DIY repairs/servicing/maintenance on a F30 any different from a E90?
Maybe start your own thread and not contaminate mine?
I'm thinking instead of going M-sport F30 I buy a non-M and just get aftermarket body kit. Ride quality will be better too. I believe there is a supplier on the forum who deals with that stuff.
Completely agreed that it transforms the look of the car. I could also buy the M-sport steering wheel too if I want for added sportiness
LukeHawk said:
I'm thinking instead of going M-sport F30 I buy a non-M and just get aftermarket body kit. Ride quality will be better too. I believe there is a supplier on the forum who deals with that stuff.
Completely agreed that it transforms the look of the car. I could also buy the M-sport steering wheel too if I want for added sportiness
FerdiBotha
Well-known member
I'm sure by making a normal 3-series a M-sport model you will just end up spending a lot more money than you would have if you just purchased an M-sport model.
If comfort is an issue (to me an M-sport F30 is comfortable enough, especially when compared to an E90) then you would probably end up spending less if you just fitted other suspension on an M-sport vehicle.
I wouldn't even bother trying to convert one car to another though..
If comfort is an issue (to me an M-sport F30 is comfortable enough, especially when compared to an E90) then you would probably end up spending less if you just fitted other suspension on an M-sport vehicle.
I wouldn't even bother trying to convert one car to another though..
tman said:
Yeah but an Msport model might be R60k or more over the non-N. If I get aftermarket M-parts, like getting the Msport bumper, sideskirts and rear diffuser, it's going to be a fraction of the price. Plus it will transform the look of the car. Plus the ride will surely be less harsh as I'm not using the sports suspension.
I'm not taking the car onto the track so I don't need a sports suspension. I'm sure the non-M will be fine on public roads. Unless I'm mistaken here.
FerdiBotha
Well-known member
Zenith said:
You will have to fit full front bumper, sideskirts, rear bumper (not just diffuser).
Then you will have to fit new wheels (as anything below 18" will look out of place with with M-sport bodykit) and tyres. OEM wheels and tyres alone could cost upwards of R20k.
A new steering wheel will be around R8-R10k as well.
The interior (trim, seats and rooflining) still won't be M-Sport which will drop you in a position where you have to explain why you changed all the exterior parts to M-Sport parts if you try to sell the car. Convincing a prospective buyer that the car is accident free could be quite the challenge..
TurboLlew
Honorary ///Member
FerdiBotha said:
New steering wheel will also require different buttons, back cover, airbag and wiring... these are only a fraction of the changes you will have to make to do it properly (including settings) - car will look odd without M Sport suspension as well (unless you lower it).
Doing a good job on the body parts is not a cheap exercise either. I think you are over estimating the price differential and under estimating the effort, time and money required to re-create an M Sport.
cOlDFuSiOn
New member
The 19" OEM MSport wheels alone will cost a fortune from BMW NEW. The 18s even look out of place on the MSport.
Last I checked ONE Front 19" Rim (8J small) was R8k and a proper RFT Tyre will cost you R2-3k for a front at least if you lucky.. So that's R10-11k for ONE Front rim + Tyre. You don't want a second hand set as they are most likely buckled/stuffed anyway.
Building one up is money thrown away no matter how long one plans to keep a car and you'll spend much more than R60k, My 2c..
Last I checked ONE Front 19" Rim (8J small) was R8k and a proper RFT Tyre will cost you R2-3k for a front at least if you lucky.. So that's R10-11k for ONE Front rim + Tyre. You don't want a second hand set as they are most likely buckled/stuffed anyway.
Building one up is money thrown away no matter how long one plans to keep a car and you'll spend much more than R60k, My 2c..
NtandoN
///Member
From a comfort point of view, I've got an exclusive E90 and an MSport F30. I can tell you now that the F30 is as comfortable if not more than the E90. Yes, the MSport is lowered and has sports suspension but in comfort mode it is very smooth. I must say I was actually surprised that the suspension isn't stiffer. Converting a non-Msport to Msport can be very costly, don't even try that.
Most people prefer the Msport looks and rims but if you are happy with purchasing a non-Msport F30 go for it! It will be YOUR car at the end of the day and YOU have to be happy with the purchase.
Most people prefer the Msport looks and rims but if you are happy with purchasing a non-Msport F30 go for it! It will be YOUR car at the end of the day and YOU have to be happy with the purchase.
sash
///Member
Zenith said:
On the contrary.., why should he start another thread if the question is the same. Are the replies supposed to be copied to the other thread? If his thread gets more replies, will you contaminate his?
I dont understand how asking the same question is contaminating the thread?
