To E90 or not to E90 - Calling The Experts

[dyllindd]

Hi Guys

As many of you know, I had to say goodbye to my Baby (e46 318i) about 17 months back, but the time has come again for me to own a car.

I've heard both good and bad stories about the E90 320i, but seeing as I'm only 20 years old, this is the only model I can afford the insurance on.

I'm considering this:

BMW 320i In Red

R 169,995
2008
43976 km
Manual

Insurance: R1500pm as I've had fully comprehensive cover since June 2011 without any claims on my Old 2003 318i and dad's 2012 Corsa Utility 1.4 Sport.

Also what fuel consumption can I expect?

She currently resides at BMW Northcliff Auto.




















Thank you in advance for everyone's advice.

 

[msm]

This is my opinion:

Yes, on the E90, no on the 320i.

For R170k, you can do a lot better; for example, that can get you a 330i or 330d (if you're prepared to hunt a bit).

 

[dino_rox]

I say Wow to that car !!!!
The colour and the condition and mileage is awesome !!
(I own a 320i and I love it)

If the motorplan is still valid id say its a good buy . But msm is right a little bit of hunting may with that budget may be rewarding .
Your insureance premium would be high as its a sports car and you're only 20 years old .
I could advise perhaps taking an exclusive pack . Or browse a few dealerships and you may find the same car with higher mileage but way cheaper .

You could also enquire on a 320D . Everybody says they are way more economical than 320i
But be sure its on motorplan .

My avg fuelly on 320i with heavy 19" wheels is at 11.5l/100
Sometimes less and very economic on distances . But very sluggish

So that said your choice is a beaut indeed and will def turn a head .
But make sure you have options and dont he hasty with your purchase

Best of luck

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[BeamerMan]

The 320i with that mileage is good. I had mine up to 80000km and only had to change break lining and the velvotronic thingy. I was also 20 back then and it was a great car. Although the power can be very low to some, but I thought it was pretty decent.

It's all up to you but if I were you I would rather get something with a bit more mileage and look for a 325i or even 330 if you're lucky. I say this as the fuel consumption on the 320i isn't that great and very similar to the 325.

 

[dyllindd]

Thanks for the reply guys. I would also love a 325i or 330i or 330d but guy at insurance says they won't be able to cover me then because the 6 cylinders are classified as high performance cars. Apparently they will however cover me on the 320i/d as I drove the 318i N42 which is also a 2 litre for about 14 months without claiming.

 

[Riaan335]

holy crap. I'm glad I don't pay R1500 insurance on only one car per month. :argh:

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Great cars, that one looks great, coming from a 318i not much difference in power between that and a E90 320i. If performance is not an issue for you go for the 320i, its a BMW unlike what some power junkies on this forum seem to think.

Personally I prefer the 320D, caused I love mine. Great consumption with good power.

 

[Demontec]

Car looks stunning Esp. Red but I was in the same boat as u a month back well with the choice of car and a buddy of mine insisted I test drive the 320i and 320d and I decided immediately and I took the 320d
Rather go and test drive both and decide what ur happier with.

PS. Never thought I'd own a tractor but she's awesome and I have no regrets

 

[prado]

For R170k, why not spend some time looking for an LCI - facelift version? :fencelook:

The car looks great, definitely! The km? like new! And, it's manual! A brilliant machine, not a road rocket but a dream car to own at your age! Damn, a dream car to own at my age (twice yours!)!

But I was just wondering - you are probably going to drive it for a few years and considering that's it a pre-facelift, it may get dated too soon. And, getting a good price back on a pre-facelift may not be as good as a facelift later.

But, don't be discouraged - that car is beautiful. Even though the kms are low, Motorplan will expire after its 5th year. An LCI may have one or two years of Motorplan left to enjoy as long as it's below 100 000km.

Personally, I would contact a few dealers and check if they have an LCI in similar condition and price. If you can't get one at that price then settle on this one. It does look great indeed!

Decisions! Decisions! Good Luck! :thumbs:

 

[BeamerMan]

Agreed. Rather a 320d. It's not so much fun getting beat by a golf tsi

 

[///Shaun]

I have owned every 3 series in the BMW Range including a few 320i's

The 3 series is a perfect combination of family / style / sportiness in a car.

Close your eyes and buy this car , good value for money and mileage is low. See if you can extend motorplan for later on.

Yes its a tad slower than the higher models IMO later on in life when finances are better you can opt for a faster car if need be.

:thumbs:

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Not easily gona find a LCI for that price.

 

[///Shaun]

Not easily gona find a LCI for that price.

Its not a LCI

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Not easily gona find a LCI for that price.

Its not a LCI

I am refering to Prado's post. See above.

 

[sanesh21]

The 320i is a good all round car, as long as you not seeking performance, it's very decent. The one that you found looks awesome, I agree u rather try looking for a LCI , motorplan is important, from personal experience I can tell you, these motors have a lot of oil leak issues as they get older. Average fuel economy I get is around 10.5l/100km.

Another point I would like to make, is why don't you try put the insurance under your dads name? I've done this as they quoted me R4500pm for the M-Lite. Lol!!

 

[///Shaun]

Not easily gona find a LCI for that price.

Its not a LCI

I am refering to Prado's post. See above.

My bad....

:sorry:

 

[dino_rox]

Agreed. Rather a 320d. It's not so much fun getting beat by a golf tsi

Agreed .
But its much more fun seeing how much more sexier an e90 is compared to a golf tsi.

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[OppositeLockMT]

It looks great, not sure about the performance though. Just saw someone take off from a set of lights with one, didn't sound very nice.

 

[dyllindd]

Car looks stunning Esp. Red but I was in the same boat as u a month back well with the choice of car and a buddy of mine insisted I test drive the 320i and 320d and I decided immediately and I took the 320d
Rather go and test drive both and decide what ur happier with.

PS. Never thought I'd own a tractor but she's awesome and I have no regrets

I really am conflicted between the 320i and 320d but most dealers I have gone too won't let me test drive their cars because of my age.

I would possibly consider the 1 Series as well.

I live in Randburg and study at the University of Pretoria so my daily commute is 160km. I currently do it with my dad's Corsa Utility 1.4 Sport and I'm fed up with the crappy power output as well as the 4000rpm rev drone at 120 km p/h. And the Gautrein prices are also going up again in June.

But I really wish I could testdrive both to compare.

 

[samman325]

What a stunner of a car.

I've been looking around for a while as well and quite honestly there is next to nothing in that price range with the kilometers and condition of the one you are considering. I guess petrol or diesel is still your decision to make but considering your constraints with insurance, this is a real beauty that would probably serve you well for a good few years to come.

BMW premium selection is quality checked so there should be no funny business.

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