Hi Forum,
Newbie here, looking for a bit of advice and have read plenty of posts already.
I'll be making my long awaited entry into the world of BMW.
Until today, I was looking at a used 2007/2008 320i E90 Manual with roughly 91000km (56544 odd miles) which is selling for around ZAR 159000 (GBP 12484) which is roughly the going rate for this age/milage/model in South Africa. 320i is pretty standard with no real frills and fancies.
Then I walked into a dealer that has a 2007 330d E90 Auto with 108000km (67108 odd miles) which is selling for ZAR 199995 (GBP 15703) which is also around "standard" for this type of blah/blah/blah... The 330d is full house. Sunroom, PDC, etc. (no iDrive)
Both vehicles are immaculate. When I say immaculate, they seriously look brand new. No leather wear or stretching. Steering wheels and peddles are like new. just lovely vehicles. Both are out of motor plan but from what I can tell or feel (from driving) their engines and mechanics are great.
Both vehicles I would be trading in a nearly new (2010) Dodge Calibre 2.0 SXT Manual and paying in a bit of cash to get to either car.
I was also considered leasing a new 3 series, but at this stage in my life I'm looking at "easing" into the BMW experience if you know what I mean.
My thinking is... get a second hand and well looked after vehicle that I can hopefully afford to maintain myself. (not carry out the physical work myself, by this I mean maintain with my own cash rather than an extended motor plan)
I absolutely LOVE the power and driving experience in the 330d but am worried about maintenance and turbo failure, etc.
I absolutely LOVE the "maintainability" of the 320i petrol engine as I've heard (just heard... could be wrong) that they are relatively inexpensive to fix, etc)
The idea of leasing a new BMW is also AN option, but it is one that i'd like to avoid as I prefer and enjoy to OWN a vehicle. If I can't afford to own it now, I would rather wait a few years when I can buy it cash.
Could I perhaps get some honest opinions on both 320i and 330d?
(I guess that I am fishing for people to tell me to get the 330d which I'm sure I'll find, but please be honest about known problems, experienced problems or possible problems)
I looked at extending the motor plan for the 330d which would give me 12 months or 20 000km at a cost of ZAR 44000 or GBP 3454
This is HEAVY. It tells me that BMW asking this price on a motor plan extension for this particular type of vehicle, that in it's current state it COULD possibly cost near to this in repairs in the near future (they are calling near future 12 months or 20 000km)
As a bit of FYI... that type of repair would be out of my budget to just swallow without it hurting
I do roughly 20 000km per annum.
Your guys input is truly valued. Please be kind. I know that I'm asking a whole lot here.
Chris
Newbie here, looking for a bit of advice and have read plenty of posts already.
I'll be making my long awaited entry into the world of BMW.
Until today, I was looking at a used 2007/2008 320i E90 Manual with roughly 91000km (56544 odd miles) which is selling for around ZAR 159000 (GBP 12484) which is roughly the going rate for this age/milage/model in South Africa. 320i is pretty standard with no real frills and fancies.
Then I walked into a dealer that has a 2007 330d E90 Auto with 108000km (67108 odd miles) which is selling for ZAR 199995 (GBP 15703) which is also around "standard" for this type of blah/blah/blah... The 330d is full house. Sunroom, PDC, etc. (no iDrive)
Both vehicles are immaculate. When I say immaculate, they seriously look brand new. No leather wear or stretching. Steering wheels and peddles are like new. just lovely vehicles. Both are out of motor plan but from what I can tell or feel (from driving) their engines and mechanics are great.
Both vehicles I would be trading in a nearly new (2010) Dodge Calibre 2.0 SXT Manual and paying in a bit of cash to get to either car.
I was also considered leasing a new 3 series, but at this stage in my life I'm looking at "easing" into the BMW experience if you know what I mean.
My thinking is... get a second hand and well looked after vehicle that I can hopefully afford to maintain myself. (not carry out the physical work myself, by this I mean maintain with my own cash rather than an extended motor plan)
I absolutely LOVE the power and driving experience in the 330d but am worried about maintenance and turbo failure, etc.
I absolutely LOVE the "maintainability" of the 320i petrol engine as I've heard (just heard... could be wrong) that they are relatively inexpensive to fix, etc)
The idea of leasing a new BMW is also AN option, but it is one that i'd like to avoid as I prefer and enjoy to OWN a vehicle. If I can't afford to own it now, I would rather wait a few years when I can buy it cash.
Could I perhaps get some honest opinions on both 320i and 330d?
(I guess that I am fishing for people to tell me to get the 330d which I'm sure I'll find, but please be honest about known problems, experienced problems or possible problems)
I looked at extending the motor plan for the 330d which would give me 12 months or 20 000km at a cost of ZAR 44000 or GBP 3454
This is HEAVY. It tells me that BMW asking this price on a motor plan extension for this particular type of vehicle, that in it's current state it COULD possibly cost near to this in repairs in the near future (they are calling near future 12 months or 20 000km)
As a bit of FYI... that type of repair would be out of my budget to just swallow without it hurting
I do roughly 20 000km per annum.
Your guys input is truly valued. Please be kind. I know that I'm asking a whole lot here.
Chris
