Time to buy an E90

[tman]

Hi Guys!

Been reading threads for the last few days and I finally decided to register!

Im currently driving a 2000 E46 328i, and after 300 000km its time for her to retire!

I have been shopping around for a E90 replacement, 320i, 320d, 323i, 325i ect but I am undecided.

I have R200k MAX to spend, and its a tricky business balance the km's VS model VS year. :nonono:

Im currently leaning towards the 320d as the fuel economy is pretty good, but I see I can get a newer 320i for about the same price?

Im not too concerned about power/acceleration etc as my current 328i has taught me to drive like Im on a permanent economy run.

Thoughts and suggestions on my next buy?

Thanks in advance! raise:

 

[Dmonic1]

2008 model 320d with some motor plan....

 

[tman]

2008 model 320d with some motor plan....

For 200k Im looking at about 80 000km on the above mentioned model.

Is 20 000km / 1 year enough to sort out any possible problems under motorplan? Thats actually the reason I was contemplating the 320i

 

[frikkieh]

Welcome Tman.
They are all great cars. e90 320d is a good choice.
I have a 325i that gives me between 11.5 and 14.5 l / 100km in town driving...For a diesel that should be around 8 max.

But you have to calculate how far you drive on ave per annum and based on that work out if it does justify to pay that premium for the diesel.

All the best with your choice :thumbs:

 

[tman]

I have a 325i that gives me between 11.5 and 14.5 l / 100km in town

Thats about what I get on my current car.

I drive around 30 000km per year, does that justify the diesel?

 

[Syl]

Welcome Tman!! Enjoy your stay!

For 200k I'm sure you should be able to pick up a really decent E90 with motorplan.

A 320i might be a slight let down power wise for you since your switching from a 328i. I would rather go for the 320d or even beter and perhaps a more comfortable transition for you would be a 323i or so.

But if you say your not really looking for the performance, then a 320i or d in excellent condition should be a very reliable and good choice. Its not as powerfull, but its still a BMW and still has the comfort and quality we enjoy in a BMW.

My 2 cents!


For interests sake:
My 320i gets around 9.5l/100km city driving, and about 8.9l/100km highway.

 

[tman]

Welcome Tman!! Enjoy your stay!

For 200k I'm sure you should be able to pick up a really decent E90 with motorplan.

A 320i might be a slight let down power wise for you since your switching from a 328i. I would rather go for the 320d or even beter and perhaps a more comfortable transition for you would be a 323i or so.

But if you say your not really looking for the performance, then a 320i or d in excellent condition should be a very reliable and good choice. Its not as powerfull, but its still a BMW and still has the comfort and quality we enjoy in a BMW.

My 2 cents!

Thanks for the reply.

Only reason im not sold on the 320i is because I currently drive a A/T Transmission (absolute dream) and from what Ive read on this forum the 320i A/T is kinda....MEH!

Or am I over reacting?

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Tman Welcome buddy. Shop around a bit. Make a list of a few (320, 320d, 325, etc) and go test drive them all. Coming from a 328, the 320 might frustrate you a bit. I had a E90 323i before and loved it, the sound was great, but economy goes to my 320d.
If tou buy a 320, stear clear from the auto.

As I always its your money, hence your choice, so happy shopping, shopping for a new car is fun, enjoy.:thumbs:

---

Welcome Tman!! Enjoy your stay!

For 200k I'm sure you should be able to pick up a really decent E90 with motorplan.

A 320i might be a slight let down power wise for you since your switching from a 328i. I would rather go for the 320d or even beter and perhaps a more comfortable transition for you would be a 323i or so.

But if you say your not really looking for the performance, then a 320i or d in excellent condition should be a very reliable and good choice. Its not as powerfull, but its still a BMW and still has the comfort and quality we enjoy in a BMW.

My 2 cents!


For interests sake:
My 320i gets around 9.5l/100km city driving, and about 8.9l/100km highway.

Trust me, there is plenty performance in a 320D, 135kw and 380nm and you cun run flat out all day long and still use less juice then a 1.3.

 

[frikkieh]

320d FTW raise:

 

[abmi0000]

If its between 320's, then it would be diesel for me.

By the way, welcome and good luck.:thumbs:

 

[naickers]

I sw this one a few weeks ago, spoke to the owner, he used to work for SMG Durban, got a nice surprise in it or a legit buyer, car is in excellent condition. Saw and drove it, wife changed her mind or I would have bought it,
http://durban.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Vehicles-cars-325i-M-Sport-BMW-W0QQAdIdZ376387681

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

I sw this one a few weeks ago, spoke to the owner, he used to work for SMG Durban, got a nice surprise in it or a legit buyer, car is in excellent condition. Saw and drove it, wife changed her mind or I would have bought it,
http://durban.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Vehicles-cars-325i-M-Sport-BMW-W0QQAdIdZ376387681

Car looks very nice, 325 is definately a step up from the 323i. Great price. :thumbs:

 

[Twinz]

Welcome :thumbs:

 

[petrivanzyl]

320d definitely!

 

[tman]

I sw this one a few weeks ago, spoke to the owner, he used to work for SMG Durban, got a nice surprise in it or a legit buyer, car is in excellent condition. Saw and drove it, wife changed her mind or I would have bought it,
http://durban.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Vehicles-cars-325i-M-Sport-BMW-W0QQAdIdZ376387681

WOW, what a bargain!!!

 

[Syl]

Welcome Tman!! Enjoy your stay!

For 200k I'm sure you should be able to pick up a really decent E90 with motorplan.

A 320i might be a slight let down power wise for you since your switching from a 328i. I would rather go for the 320d or even beter and perhaps a more comfortable transition for you would be a 323i or so.

But if you say your not really looking for the performance, then a 320i or d in excellent condition should be a very reliable and good choice. Its not as powerfull, but its still a BMW and still has the comfort and quality we enjoy in a BMW.

My 2 cents!

Thanks for the reply.

Only reason im not sold on the 320i is because I currently drive a A/T Transmission (absolute dream) and from what Ive read on this forum the 320i A/T is kinda....MEH!

Or am I over reacting?

Nope your not over reacting! I have an Auto E46 318i as well, same engine, but the auto really drags it down. Huge difference! You've read right! Stear clear of auto 320i's!


@Sabretooth tiger
I personally havent driven a 320d yet, but from what I've read all over I definetely believe you! I really want to drive one sometime...

 

[tman]

Thanks for all the replies guys!

My mind is pretty much made up, 320d it is !!! raise:

Except for checking with BMW for accident history, is there anything else in particular that I should be wary of? Specific suspect noises, rattles, wear and tear?

 

[Philip Foglar]

You cannot go wrong with an E90 320d auto, or manual if you prefer like I do. Sip fuel and go like hell! :thumbs:n't

Still good cars, but wouldn't bother with the 320i, especially automatic!

 

[vylint]

I agree with all the posts regarding how awesome it is to drive a E90 320d....the fuel saving is noticeable and so is the acceleration power! I am thoroughly impressed with my 320d. I can only imagine how it must feel to drive a 330d...:rollsmile:

 

[herr bmw]

hi tman,welcome.

the reason i didnt go the 320d route was because of the turbo.had lots of problems with my golf tdi,so put me off.

but it seems that the 320d is built proof,as ive found out on this forum

i went the 323i e90 route and was happy with it.2008,with 62000km when i bought it and it was priced at R215 000 at club motors fountains
getting 10 to 12 km per litre,work and back and down to durban 15 to 17 km per litre

so good luck with your choice,and keep us updated