What to buy? :/

[herco]

Hey Guys!

Looking to buy a BMW in the R150k range.

I made a post awhile ago also asking a similar question, but with a much smaller budget. My situation changed recently, so I can afford something better now.

I am looking at a 120i or similar. I don't do a lot of KMs a month so fuel is not too much of a concern. I am looking for something that will last me a good 5 to 10 years, with a reasonable resale value.

I am going to get the car financed, so it should not be older than 10years if I understand the conditions correctly.

What do you guys recommend? DISCUSS! :ty:

 

[OppositeLockMT]

You can find a decent E90 for that price. We have an E87 120i which I'm personally not a fan of.

E90 325i - Autotrader

 

[OHVIV]

That's going to be a tough one ,really depends on which shape you looking to get into, car lasting is dependent on how you maintain it.

Goodluck

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

The E90 330i is close to that price now - not sure of condition though, else a decent E90 320d :coolShake:

 

[Charlie Brown]

My suggestion would be the following;

1.) The best option from a car / bang for the buck perspective would be an E90 320d, find the newest / lowest mileage possible.

2.) Resale wise, you are going get nothing for a 10 year old + BMW, particularly a diesel or a 6 cylinder - so a 320i would probably be the best bet resale wise.

 

[Zound]

BMW 130i M-Sport

2008 BMW 130i

2007 BMW 130i

 

[herco]

Thanks for all the inputs guys!

OppositeLockMT, why you not a fan of the 120i? Anything specific?

I am really looking into the 130i's, my only concern is the maintenance costs... It makes sense to me that the maintenance will be more expensive? Since it is a bigger CC motor? Or is it comparable to that of a 2l?

 

[OppositeLockMT]

Thanks for all the inputs guys!

OppositeLockMT, why you not a fan of the 120i? Anything specific?

I am really looking into the 130i's, my only concern is the maintenance costs... It makes sense to me that the maintenance will be more expensive? Since it is a bigger CC motor? Or is it comparable to that of a 2l?

Feels very lethergic and uninspiring, it's not the kind of car I feel like going for a spirited drive in. It does handle well though, but everytime I drive it and get back into my 328i I appreciate the E46 even more. Lack of torque from that 4cyl also makes overtaking tedious, not to mention the engine doesn't give you the aural pleasure that a 6cyl does.

 

[RAArmstrong]

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=62922

Buy this

 

[Andy1GP]

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=62922

Buy this

+1

I have recommended this to a friend. This is such a deal.

 

[Zound]

not sure about the difference in maintenance, but the 120i is a 4 cylinder so logic says its going to be cheaper to maintain. Just remember that the 130i is an entirely different machine. While the 120i will be nippy and good for simple commuting, the 130i is a seriously quick hatchback and will easily play with some of the fastest hatchbacks in the market today. 195kW and 0-100 in 6.1 seconds, this is an enthusiasts car.

 

[that_guy_Ettiene]

I still think that the regular maintenance on a 6 cyl will be more expensive eg. 6 sparkplug instead of 4, but, the 6 cyl wil be more reliable in the long run.

You can run it harder for longer, it sounds awesome.

And the BMW 6 cyl is pretty much bulletproof.

 

[herco]

Does anyone know the difference in fuel consumption between a 120i and a 130i, while you drive responsibly?

 

[that_guy_Ettiene]

If I hazard a guess, the 120i will give you anything between 8.5-11L/100km and the 130i between 9.5-13l/100km.
Both manual and a mix of city and open road driving. Keeping to speed limits.

 

[herco]

I think I should go with a 320d or a 130i...

I will sell my car then check what's available! Thanks again for all the inputs and opinions guys! Will keep you updated!

 

[Gizmo]

Seeing as you live on the reef, you will need a big engine or a turbocharged engine. NA 4cylinder motors lose too much power coming to the reef so scratch them off the list.

 

[Ratslaaf]

I'd go for the 320d, but then I'm biased...

 

[Maljan]

I would get the 120i with the lowest kilometers that fits inside the budget. The 130i is nice, but will eat more fuel and tyres than the 120i.

A diesel is a different animal altogether. It requires an adjustment in driving style, since all the grunt is at low revs. There is also the trade off between lower fuel consumption and higher service costs, but perhaps the diesel owners can give a definitive answer.

 

[sheranm5]

Why dont you get a 330d??Or maybe bump your budget abit and get a 335i?:rollsmile:

---

I also see a 320d for sale on the site,its an 185k but definitely worth a look!!

 

[OppositeLockMT]

We get 10.2/100km in our 120i and 14.5l/100km in our 530i (E60). Just to give you an idea.