Looking at buying an E90 320i...

[Loom]

What are the things to look out for when buying an E90 320i? I've read about the performance issues even though it looks decent on paper. Considering I'm used to an E36 316i I guess the 320i would be an upgrade performancewise.

What about reliability?

Are you stuck with run flat tyres with the E90 or does the boot have room for a spare tyre?

The specific car I'm considering is a 2005 320i, 80000 km, FSH and although it is the "Start" model it is advertised as being "full house" with mags and leather seats. It's advertised for R135k (dealer price) but I would try to get about R10k-15k off.

Thanks!

 

[msm]

Considering I'm used to an E36 316i I guess the 320i would be an upgrade performancewise.

Don't make assumptions like that - go drive one.

Spend at least 30 mins behind the wheel if you can - that's the best advise you gonna get on a 320i.

 

[Sankekur]

Can already see where this is going opcorn:

BTW, don't go for the start you get absolutely jack on them (they don't even get fog lights), as far as "full house" goes it just means that if the car was sold in the 90's it could have been considered to have all the extras.

 

[MikeR]

its like wearing wet underpants all day - annoying :mmm:

 

[Loom]

I also want to tow a caravan and attend the odd drag race.

What about reliability?

Just kidding about towing and drag racing. I'll test drive the car so I can make up my own mind about it's performance and see for myself what extras are included with the "full house" specs.

Fortunately I don't have experience in wearing wet underpants all day so I'll take your word for it, Mike :excited:

 

[Sankekur]

If well looked after it should be pretty reliable like most BMWs.

Full house usually means that the car has AC, PS and mag wheels, these things are pretty much standard on any BMW you will find although the 320i start comes with something ridiculous like 14" wheels.

Of course if you are advertising the car on auto trader full house might also mean that the car has any or a combination of the following, hydraulic brakes, steering wheel, forward facing driver's seat, brake pedal activated brake lights, tri-mode adjustable headlights (park, dim, bright), liquid cooled four stoke internal combustion engine and a gearbox with user interface

 

[Loom]

Thanks for clarifying what "full house" means! :clap: It does seem that you could bring a Start model up to Exclusive spec (or better) by choosing all the optional extras (and it came standard with 205/55 R16 wheels) but I'll be sure to ask the dealer about the items on your list!

 

[moranor@axis]

the 320i can tow a caravan very well...

backwards down a hill that is

 

[Sankekur]

You're joking but if I am not mistaken BMW actually list things like brake lights and steering wheel as standard kit.

 

[MikeR]

full house dont necessarily mean "full house" as we know it the standard stuff is sometimes referred to full house because they dont know better, go check it out and ask what the extras are.

Run flats would be standard if it where still under motorplan, not essential if out of motorplan, but you would have the problem of a non existent spare. Unless you get a mobility pack (spare in a bag if you want) I think miniMike is selling one.

They are reliable - but have to be worked to get them to move.

 

[Muney]

Enjoy getting your a$$ kicked by Golf 1.6s!

/thread

 

[Loom]

That's what the caravan is for - so I'll have an excuse

 

[Muney]

lol...then go for it. If I were you I would just strap 2 donkeys to the caravan. It would be much cheaper and still get you there in the same amount of time!






















I kid, I kid! :mmm:

 

[Sankekur]

The poor e90 320i guys...

The forum seems to becoming BMW(except e90 320i)Fanatics more and more everyday

 

[Ripple]

RE: Looking at buying an E90 320i...

I own a 320 e90 exclusive pack, and find there are pro`s and cons. Primarily aside of additional features the car is quite stable and reliable. It gives a decent economical drive and will surely beat a Golf 1.6 in looks and speed. the car is generally lower in suspension, therefore the ride can sometimes be a bit harder and furthermore run-flat tyres increases that tendancy. Run-flat tyres however serves its purpose. The poorly maintained south african roads do not always do the e90 justice, but it is a true bmw in its own right and can deliver the goods when required.

 

[moranor@axis]

:floggin:

 

[Loom]

RE: Looking at buying an E90 320i...

It gives a decent economical drive and will surely beat a Golf 1.6 in looks and speed.

Was the Golf towing a caravan?

Just kidding, thanks for the informative reply

 

[JustNN]

RE: Looking at buying an E90 320i...

and will surely beat a Golf 1.6 in looks and speed.

Top end you mean, right:thinking:

 

[Rennzport]

the 320s performance is perfect for traffic

the car is nice... just takes a while to get going
acceleration / overtaking is :hammerhead:

 

[andrewbuch]

Just get it. We got one. Its slow but we knew that. It was bought for my mom to get from here to there. If its well specd then its a decent car for town cruising or open road relaxed cruising. We also got a clean 2004 e46 318i auto with 83k km. Still got motorplan and exclusive pack for r120k.