Is this a good buy or should I wait?

[LonestarJ450]

Hi All!

I am new to the bmw car scene and would really appreciate any advice possible.

I am currently driving a 2011 Chevrolet utility bakkie 1.8L sport and it has 110589km on the clock. I bought it new and am now looking for an upgrade.

I found a 2010 E90 320i for sale with 82000km on the clock for R105 000.

The 320i will be my new daily drive. My question to all the “oomies” with experience, is still a smart move? Will my general maintenance costs be more? Is this a reliable car to move to even thought it is opd and has less than 100 000km on the clock?

 

[AdiS]

I would rather hunt around for a 323i or 325i. The 320i is (subjectively) a little underpowered, and not the most reliable engine in the boarder scheme of things. I would say you could likely find a similar deal on these models with some patience.

 

[Cape_Tonian]

:withStu:

 

[China]

I owned a E90 320i, had it for a few months and traded in on a E90 320d, the fuel consumption on the 4 pot petrol motors are horrible and has no power. Like Adis and Lonestar said, if you are looking for a petrol variant, rather go for the 6 cylinder motors, stronger and fuel consumption is the same as the 4 pot.
Or just get a diesel man.

Also, valve stem seals are a common problem on the E90 320i's and they tend to show up round about 110k on the clock.

 

[MR_Y]

According to Sagie and Adam (Buyers Guide on Ignition), the 320i E90 is the worst 3 series ever made.

 

[VinceM]

Yup, I owned one, and used to watch paint dry with my foot flat on the pedal.
I had bought it brand new and the motor used to irritate me (sounded like a diesel) despite complaining and taking it in for check up, nothing changed. It’s just how that motor is.

 

[LonestarJ450]

Ggg’s that is a lot to take in! But I think I got it! So the 320i is actually a bad buy? According to under power and reliability issues?

Does any of the higher petrol variants also have reliability issues? Or is it just better to go for diesel? I read up and noted that the 320i has valve issues but is that not also the same on the other variants??

The only problem is my budget is capped at R110 000. Would you get a decent car for that price as a started?

 

[AdiS]

A 320d is probably the best overall option. Fast enough not to be annoying, and both frugal and reliable. Take your time, you should be able to find a decent one in your budget.

 

[husaindindar]

Since you're saying it's going to be a daily,
I highly suggest a 320d.
I daily a 325i and I can say that the motor revs and sounds epic,
but it's not the best daily. Fuel consumption is not bad considering its a 2.5 inline 6 however it's a tad high. The 320d will be better bang for buck as a daily.

On the flip side, the 6 pot cruises at high speed with ease on the long run, the E90 6 pots are the last of the NA inline 6 motors from BMW
So you will be driving the last of the legendary!


Brain: 320d - it makes sense
Heart: 325i - it makes me happy

 

[ET was here]

6 cylinder engine is the one to have, must have !

 

[Claudio]

E90 320d all day long :thumbs:

 

[MR_Y]

320d E90 is a legend.
Just try to find one that has been well cared for.

 

[Twinz]

320d

Avoid the 320i

 

[kramz]

320d will be my pick too. Our 320i gave endless hassles. So if you can, rather buy the 320d

 

[SubLoaded]

Get a 320d

I had an E90 320i (when i didn't know much about these cars - just wanted a Beemer). Returned it after 2-3 days. Couldn't stand it

 

[msm]

I think from the previous comments, it's pretty obvious that the 320i should be avoided. However, seeing that you're within a tight budget on your purchase, please also factor in maintenance costs.

Ensure that you put aside R10k-R20k per year in general maintenence, preventative or otherwise. The pick of the bunch in terms of running costs is certainly the 320d, but even that may need Tyre replacement and some minor repairs, ranging from injector or turbo refurbishment, cooling system refresh, brake disc replacement and other little E90 electronic gremlins like door lock actuators, etc.

General rule of thumb is that a cheaper car out of MP might have a bit more in terms of catching up on items than a higher priced one. As an example, many people trade in just before major ticket items come up for a service (disc's, Tyres, brake flush, etc) Nothing wrong with a cheaper car, but just be prepared for that first service when you get a list of items that need to be sorted.

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

Maybe look for an E46 in your price range? Then you can get something for maybe 60/70/80k and have cash for maintenance.. 330d or 330i

My 2c :thumbs:

 

[kramz]

Maybe look for an E46 in your price range? Then you can get something for maybe 60/70/80k and have cash for maintenance.. 330d or 330i

My 2c :thumbs:

This is a nice option too...especially if you can get your hands on an individual spec. There's something special about the e46 individual :chef: this is it

 

[rsgordini]

I say keep the bakkie. We had one Corsa 1,8 with close to 200000km and not days issue. Also it is definitely faster than a 320i and more economical.

Still got R100k for that bakkie even though mileage was high.

 

[LonestarJ450]

Thank for everyone’s input!

I think based on the advice, to keep the bakkie and save up for a 320D/325i/330i which is newer model and when I can afford the maintenance costs!


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