Wanting to purchase a E90

[EmD20v]

Hi Guys, ive always wanted a BMW and when I eventually got to purchase one the deal went sour and the car was returned.

I have read a few threads and I am picking up a trend to stay away from the e90 320i. Is this car really that bad???? :-o I see so many on the road and lots for sale, sure the car cant be that bad, can it?lol......there is quite a few selling with high mileage would this be advisable to consider as I would think that the previous owner would of dealt with all the issues of the car seeing as it lasted so long? The other car I fancy is a Mpack 325i e90 with about 180k on the clock for about 110k, would this be a reasonable deal? im dead confused and would like an E90 with Mpack bumpers and sunroof coz i love the look but also dont want something thats going to break. I am downscaling my car expenditure as im going into another business route so my budget is max 120k.......yor advise would be appreciated.

I have so far considered the following:

E46 330ci 2002
E90 320i 2006 - 2008
E90 323i auto - 2007 with 200k on the clock but very well looked after
E90 325i manual with 180k on the clock

 

[DieselFan]

320d.

Nothing wrong with the 320i. It's just a bit of a donkey and has 1 or 2 common problems which can cost a pretty penny

 

[ChefDJ]

Out of that hole list I would say the E46 is the best option. At 120k you can get a stunner and still have change to keep aside for any work it might need.

If you want E90, get a diesel.

 

[NavZ]

Mpack 325i e90 with about 180k on the clock for about 110k :rollsmile:
Def keep away from the 320i.

 

[levi325is]

Diesel FTW raise:

 

[FiRi@Rennzport]

Is the e46 Ci a face lift? if it is, I think it's a damn beautiful car which you won't regret. Solid drive, awesome looks and reliable. Great first bmw to drive.

 

[EmD20v]

So I went to test drive the 325i nd all I can say is damn I am in love with that Bavaria 6pot soundraise: car is very neat, car body is dead straight, no prior body work done on car.... Except dealer selling it giving it an artful polish :blueCry: can see those shiny polish marks everywhere on the car

The car has FSH with BMW and has 183k on the clock and it's manual for 109k.....is this a good buy? Also how is consumption like?

 

[///Moose]

The mileage is on the high side so the most important thing to check would be what previous maintenance has been done especially clutch, brakes, bearings, water pump etc coz these can add up quickly.

What year model is it?
The 325i is not much lighter on fuel than a 330i.
Personally I would negotiate further to perhaps R95-100k depending on what needs attention.

Other option is I would pay higher and look for a 330i or 330d

 

[EmD20v]

The mileage is on the high side so the most important thing to check would be what previous maintenance has been done especially clutch, brakes, bearings, water pump etc coz these can add up quickly.

What year model is it?
The 325i is not much lighter on fuel than a 330i.
Personally I would negotiate further to perhaps R95-100k depending on what needs attention.

Other option is I would pay higher and look for a 330i or 330d

Thanks for the feedback, its a 05 model, clutch feels very good, gears change smooth as silk...everything is still very smooth and light. Car drives very good bit hard on some hectic bumps but i put that down to the msport kit.....the 109k is really my max I want to spend. I'm going to look round for some nice neat E46's as well now. Going to test a 320i with sportpacks and 18's very very neat car with 170k on clock for 85k....apparently cared as owner is a bmw enthusiast

 

[EmD20v]

so i went to test drive the 320i auto 05model, guy looked after the car very well....done the valve stem seals a couple of months ago and repaired an oil leak. Drove the car drives well and the engine sounds clear of any issues, car has about177k on the clock....i can get it for 80k, is it still a no?lol

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

I say if you can live with the "lack of power", get the 320i, it is after all a properly build safe BMW. I have nothing against it, but chose a 320d as I often go on holiday and see the in laws and needed more power and economy without having to down shift to go uphill or to overtake.

 

[MaverickWRX]

If it was me id go with the 320d

 

[EmD20v]

its difficult finding a 320d in my budget though, i at least want sunroof with the car, msport bumpers i can also fit afterwards......I'm definitely not buying it for performance, its for work and back and cruising with the fam on weekends. I must say though i am inlove with the 325i, tht engine note :cartel:

 

[Dewald Basson]

330i e46, good fuel savers, lots of power and they are bulletproof.

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

I and not sure if I am right but I think they are cheaper maintain than the e90's??

 

[EmD20v]

330i e46, good fuel savers, lots of power and they are bulletproof.

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

I and not sure if I am right but I think they are cheaper maintain than the e90's??

thanks, i might be going to look at the silver one, the last example in your list

 

[Dewald Basson]

330i e46, good fuel savers, lots of power and they are bulletproof.

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

I and not sure if I am right but I think they are cheaper maintain than the e90's??

thanks, i might be going to look at the silver one, the last example in your list

That one does look very neat. Just know that 2.5 is a bit heavier on juice than 330i. Because of the lack of Nm. Best I get in town is 10.2l/100-10.5l/100

 

[EmD20v]

thats still fine for me as my previous G5 GTI use to average 10.5-11/100km,lol....granted my current car Polo GTi has spoiled me as I get between 7.5-9\100km in town driving

 

[Vicus]

Just be aware that with the E90, the 320i is a totally different animal to the F30. With the diesel the difference between the E90 and F30 is much less.

If you buy an E90 320i, you will be back on this forum within months, asking how you can upgrade the power. Yes, I realize you said you are not that concerned about power. But, trust me, after a couple of months this will change.

If you go the E90 320i route, be very, very sure you are going to be happy driving one of the slowest, most under-powered BMW's around.

 

[Dewald Basson]

thats still fine for me as my previous G5 GTI use to average 10.5-11/100km,lol....granted my current car Polo GTi has spoiled me as I get between 7.5-9\100km in town driving

You will see that on the open road at 125km/h(gps) Pta to Jozi I get 8.0L/100 flat. And make peace with the fact you will being doing some "age" maintenance. Got my car at 122xxx is at 168xxx now. Replaced the power steering pump (2000 bucks), LCAB(+-1200), discs & pads(+- 3500), diff bush(2300+labour), prop bush(750+labour), and alternator pulley(450+labour). The last three parts where done in one go at Ross Duncan the rest I did myself at no labour cost :rollsmile: This does not include the oil services.

I need to replace the shocks and shock mounts next(+- 5000). Just so you are aware that you will have to replace parts.

 

[EmD20v]

shot and thanks for all the info guys, much appreciated....guess an aftermarket warranty is a must,lol