What are the things to look out for on a e90 LCI 320d

[Chucky]

Good day, all

As the title says, what things do I need to look out for when buying a LCI e90 320d?
I have found a car that peaks my interest, as I am looking for something Auto with 4 cyl as a daily forced induction is not required.
I found a e90 320d within my budget and its mileage is still under 150 000kms which is perfect.

As it comes to my knowledge of these cars its slim to none aside from the fact that ive driven a pre-facelift model and was quite impressed with the performance and economy. I also have very limited knowledge on diesels as well so all advice on these would be welcome and prepeare me for what to expect in terms of common issues and maintenance.

A red flag Ive noticed on the car ive seen is that it doesnt have its factory wheels on. Its a Msport that has OEM BMW wheels but its from another model, i think from a non msport e90. Wheels i can always source and change, but I need to know if these are good cars to daily drive.

Thanks!

 

[Big_L]

Hi Chucky,

Great choice. Overall they are pretty solid cars provided that they have been maintained well. The most common issue is the Vibration damper, check if this has been done previously.

There are a number of threads on the forum that will give you good insight into these cars, I used all that information when purchasing my 320d and after a year and a bit of ownership, I have not regretted my choice. I use mine daily and it has been nothing but good to me.

 

[DRCraig]

Hi Chucky. There are various threads on 320d E90's on this forum as mentioned by @Big_L

Just to reiterate:
1. Check vibration dampener pulley and the drivebelt.
2. Oil service intervals max 10 000km.
3. Check undercarriage for coolant. Usually the connecting branch fails around the 200 000km mark.
4. If the catalytic converter is still in place, remove it asap. Seeing it's a low mileage diesel the cat is most likely clogged. The same counts for the EGR-valve.
5. Mornings are becoming colder, so a lot of components are at their weakest when cold, best is to view the car early in the morning and do a cold start. Listen, smell and observed in the engine bay and exhaust.

Just a side note: My 2c, the style 193 fits the E90 M Sport the best for your future reference.

 

[Chucky]

Thanks for the advice and responses, @DRCraig style 193's was actually exactly the wheels i had in mind , also some 225's were on the radar too.

 

[alwynpv]

Hi Chucky. There are various threads on 320d E90's on this forum as mentioned by @Big_L

Just to reiterate:
1. Check vibration dampener pulley and the drivebelt.
2. Oil service intervals max 10 000km.
3. Check undercarriage for coolant. Usually the connecting branch fails around the 200 000km mark.
4. If the catalytic converter is still in place, remove it asap. Seeing it's a low mileage diesel the cat is most likely clogged. The same counts for the EGR-valve.
5. Mornings are becoming colder, so a lot of components are at their weakest when cold, best is to view the car early in the morning and do a cold start. Listen, smell and observed in the engine bay and exhaust.

Just a side note: My 2c, the style 193 fits the E90 M Sport the best for your future reference.

I own a e90 2011 320D, got it with 66 000km on the clock in 2013, now 247 000km on the clock:

1. Never had vibration dampener Pulley issues
2. Trusted the on-board service interval, no issues yet
3. Had major coolant leak on 208 000km in OCT 2021, local mechanic replaced the failed Connection Branch for R1700 parts and labour included
4. No comment
5. Slight "tjirrie tjirrie" when starting up in the cold, but nothing that I'm not used to.

Additional comments:
6. Bought Black Oil service package from BMW in NOV 2023, 3 oil services(parts and labour) for R4200 total.
7. Fuel economy currently 6.3l/100km (typo previously, sorry) on my daily commute. 60km return trip, roughly 70% highway.
8. Best car for traffic and the long road, torque is fantastic.
9. ALWAYS ensure the windscreen replacement is done with a windscreen that has the BMW logo on it. I've had mine re-replaced twice due to the auto wipers not playing nicely with the generic glass.
10. I thought about upgrading, but all I'll get is fancy gadgets that don't really matter, so I'll drive it till 500 000km

 

[DRCraig]

I own a e90 2011 320D, got it with 66 000km on the clock in 2013, now 247 000km on the clock:

1. Never had vibration dampener Pulley issues
2. Trusted the on-board service interval, no issues yet
3. Had major coolant leak on 208 000km in OCT 2021, local mechanic replaced the failed Connection Branch for R1700 parts and labour included
4. No comment
5. Slight "tjirrie tjirrie" when starting up in the cold, but nothing that I'm not used to.

Additional comments:
6. Bought Black Oil service package from BMW in NOV 2023, 3 oil services(parts and labour) for R4200 total.
7. Fuel economy currently 6.3km/l on my daily commute. 60km return trip, roughly 70% highway.
8. Best car for traffic and the long road, torque is fantastic.
9. ALWAYS ensure the windscreen replacement is done with a windscreen that has the BMW logo on it. I've had mine re-replaced twice due to the auto wipers not playing nicely with the generic glass.
10. I thought about upgrading, but all I'll get is fancy gadgets that don't really matter, so I'll drive it till 500 000km

I'm with you on keeping the E90 20d for years to come. Mine is on 205 000KM now.

Had my vibration dampener pulley, drivebelt and tensioner replaced on 200 000km as my drivebelt had some rubber breaking off and pulley, after some inspection, had small cracks. Rather than waiting for it to fail, I replaced it.

These parts are bound to fail. Some sooner than others.

 

[alwynpv]

I'm with you on keeping the E90 20d for years to come. Mine is on 205 000KM now.

Had my vibration dampener pulley, drivebelt and tensioner replaced on 200 000km as my drivebelt had some rubber breaking off and pulley, after some inspection, had small cracks. Rather than waiting for it to fail, I replaced it.

These parts are bound to fail. Some sooner than others.

Noted, thanks. I'll keep an eye out for it.

Rough price estimate on your Pulley+Belt+Tensioner replacement cost? Just for sanity check when I decide to do mine.

 

[DRCraig]

Noted, thanks. I'll keep an eye out for it.

Rough price estimate on your Pulley+Belt+Tensioner replacement cost? Just for sanity check when I decide to do mine.

From BMW fit and supply maximum you would pay is R12k-R13k.

They also do a post-inspection for free recommended 500km after fitment. 2 year warranty on aforesaid parts.

 

[Chucky]

Thanks for all the info guys, I went to go check out the car I had my eye on in the flesh and dissapointingly it was in rough shape and decided not to go through with the purchase(it needed a full body paint job due to sun damage), will keep my eye out for another one that fits my liking, Ive seen some for sale with over 300 000kms on the clock proving how durable and reliable these 320d's actually are.

PS no matter how decent or perfect a car looks in the pictures ALWAYS go see it in person before buying it sight unseen.