Help buying a BMW

Uneilb

Member
I have had the F30 320i and it wasnt bad coming from the E90 320i which was a donkey of note. Shortly after this one of the guys on the forum had a great deal on his f30 330d with only 32000kms on it, was probably one of the best cars I have owned, sold it last month. With a bit of a heavy foot consumption would be around 9-10 l/100kms, long distance cruising I got around 6. The torque on this car makes it a real treat to drive. The cost to extend plan by one year without kms is around R24k. As the guys have advised drive as many cars as you can to get a feel for them.
 

///M Individual

Well-known member
Go and test drive a 320d as well. You may be pleasantly surprised at the standard power. Sure it's not as fast as a 328i or 330d but it is very impressive for what it is. I for one do not need anything more than a BMW with a 2.0d.
Really love these motors.
 

Salt

///Member
OK...plan is to go test drive a few and then give feedback.

What do you guys pay on insurance?
 

NtandoN

///Member
330d FTW
PROS: power, reliability, consumption, fun factor, tuning potential, etc
CONS: tyre wear

I agree test drive as much as possible to make up your own mine.
 

Iceman007

Active member
I was a petrol head and my first BMWs were both straight 6 325i. I have seen to much 320i/328i with engine issues. Just trying to help. If you want to buy a 320i or 328i then its your choice.

From the response on the forum should give you an indication. Im not a 320i or 328i owner but there was a response from one and if he could choose would take a 330d. Look the 320d in past was a donkey then they made jt faster in the e90, then they had timing issues and this seems to be solved in the e90 facelift onwards. Who knows maybe the issues are all solved in the new 3 series. BMW know the issues but wont admit to it but they do seem to work on it in the new models till they perfect it. The choice is in your hands and you are the one that should be satisfied not us. Good luck :thumbs:
 

Salt

///Member
No of course...honestly is what I am asking for. I need to make a good decision here. Just want to ask why the guys are no in favour of the petrol motors. @Iceman007 you are not the first one saying you've seen engine issues on the petrol N20 motors...are those due to the timing chain issues I've seen? I believe those were fixed from 2015 onward but I am not sure though.

Also, keen to know what the going rate on insurance is for a 330d?

From what I've heard here everyone with a 330d has not had any major issues which is good to hear.
 

///Avi

///Member
Hi Bud,

The face lift cars (2015 year model) are the 320i (B48) and 330i (B48). The 320i (N20) and 328i (N20) are pre-facelift cars (build date up to 2014, some could even be registered in 2015 possibly but still have 2014 build date).

If the B48s are in your budget then go for those. I haven't heard complaints from owners.

The F30 335i (N55) would also be an option. This is a 6 cylinder and not too many issues with this motor.
 

Salt

///Member
You guys have all really helped a lot. I have an much better understanding regarding what I am looking at and looking for now.

So the 328i was replaced by the 330i (B48) in 2015?
 

Riaad

Events Organiser
Salt said:
You guys have all really helped a lot. I have an much better understanding regarding what I am looking at and looking for now.

So the 328i was replaced by the 330i (B48) in 2015?

thats correct...f30 330i is only available in the LCI...personally, i havent seen them selling @ <350k and still have Motorplan:thumbs:
 

Salt

///Member
OK...so if I want to go petrol and avoid the N20 motors I have to go for a 2015 manufactured car which leaves me with 320i, 330i or 335i or I can go diesel any year for the F30 range? Guessing the 335i is heavy on juice hehehe.
 

KPM3_30

Moderator
Staff member
Salt said:
OK...so if I want to go petrol and avoid the N20 motors I have to go for a 2015 manufactured car which leaves me with 320i, 330i or 335i or I can go diesel any year for the F30 range? Guessing the 335i is heavy on juice hehehe.

You pay to play.. The average fuel consumption should be 11l-12l/100km mixed driving or thereabouts.

A 335i is for the thrills and frills. If consumption is a determining factor, you should consider diesel variants (any year). The 320i/330i would likely have similar fuel consumption, around 8l-9l/100km mixed driving.

Given your search criteria, you're probably looking at the 320i/320d.
 

///M Individual

Well-known member
I agree with KPM that in your criteria and budget you looking at a 320i or 320d.

Between those I think the 320d is a no brainer. More power and better consumption.
 

Salt

///Member
Thanks guys, at least I have a good understanding around the models now. However I don't think I will get a 320i or d...I will be disappointed with performance in no time and will waste money. I will go give them a try but I know myself. I've seen a few 330d's under a 100 000km 2014/2015 models for just over R300k...so maybe worth I stretch my budget a little and get one of those...especially since you have all given that car such good feedback? There is a 2015 330d sport at Dada's motorland with 93 on the clock for R340k and a 2014 330d sport with 97 on the clock for RR320k and another at Xquisite 2014 with 91 on the clock for R310k...perhaps should look at one of those.

Don't you guys with the diesels miss the exhaust sound of a petrol? hehehe
 

///M Individual

Well-known member
What vehicle are you currently driving bud?

Diesel with a downpipe actually sounds pretty awesome - I don't miss a petrol at all.

Good luck with your search.

The right one will come along don't stress!:thumbs:
 

Salt

///Member
Must say...when I've heard a diesel being floored...it generally has a sound like a tornado that's blowing everything apart...not sure if that makes sense but ya...sounds pretty awesome. I am gonna be a little patient and keep looking for the right one. When I find one I think might be it, if you guys don't mind I am gonna post here to get some input and maybe some advice for things to look for on it. I know I've asked a 100 questions but I really appreciate the feedback from all.
 

Salt

///Member
Hi all. Hope everyone is well. I am getting closer to a purchase...not 100% decided yet but its getting there hahaha. Right now I am trying to source decent insurance quotes for a 320d and 330d M Sport. Thus far my current insurer has quoted me R1600pm for either but I recon I can do better. I've had my drivers for 19 years and haven't claimed for a car in 10 years. I've spoken to some other F30 owners and they are paying roughly R700pm and way younger than me so I will try a few places tomorrow. Any suggestions?

Must say I am so excited I've already decided on the BMW M Sport car I am gonna buy to drive with :roflol:
 

StrollingCoal

Active member
Just my 2c but the 20d's are quite fulfilling in terms of power etc..I never had a dull moment in my E90 320d :cartel:

WRT insurance, it's really a minefield out there...I paid just over R500 on my E90 and currently paying R700 on my Scirocco. Mind you this is after 2 write off claims in the past 5 years :fencelook:
 

Salt

///Member
Thanks a mil. I just tried Outsurance and now they owe me R800 lol. Quoted me R1500pm...don't get it. I haven't claimed for a car in 10+ years and have had my lic for 19 years now. Trying a broker someone suggested now.
 
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