E90 320D Still a Good Buy?

[dyllindd]

Hi Everyone,

Hope that you are all keeping well. Due to the wonderfully deteriorating economic landscape in our country, I am in need of a family vehicle, however, I cannot afford anything decent new.

Is an E90 320D still a good and reliable purchase? (That's if I can find a good example).
Obviously lower kilometers and a full service history is first prize.
I've also heard that during the E90 LCI production years, the timing chain was moved to the front of the engine that makes it easier to replace.

Are there any factors to consider when looking for a good example? Any parts availability problems or issues that cannot be fixed easily anymore?

I'd prefer an automatic, non-M Sport example due to the shining example of roads that SANRAL & JRA have left for us to try and drive on.

Thanks In Advance!

 

[need_4_speed]

The 320d's are reliable, they need some work done around 150 000 km but it's not that expensive.

I've perosnally seen someone drive theirs to 300 000km.

Good luck finding one in this crazy used car market, even bumping my budget to 160k is not helping. I seen 1 decent low mileage-ish 320d on fb marketplace this year and it was sold within hours which is too fast for me to make sure that the car is legit.

 

[AshG108]

The E90 is a VERY solid platform, more so the LCi and very easily maintainable. At high mileage, besides normal wear and tear, the vibration dampener should be changed, remove the CAT and fit Downpipe and software...and then perhaps a drop-in K&N or BMC filter and an xHP tune for the gearbox makes the car much smoother also. Look after it with 10000km oil changes maximum, 7500km too is also acceptable if you can and this car will return the favour.

Interior bits like soft touch items and door handles with wear over time but easily replaceable and to find parts are an easy task.

If you can find a good, clean and honest one with lower part of the 200k mark, seen some with around 139 - 150k mark recently...then I would say don't hesitate to invest some time into considering it carefully.

Till this day, I still miss mine....more than enough power, very nimble and absolutely great on consumption.

 

[LYFGP]

The E90 is a VERY solid platform, more so the LCi and very easily maintainable. At high mileage, besides normal wear and tear, the vibration dampener should be changed, remove the CAT and fit Downpipe and software...and then perhaps a drop-in K&N or BMC filter and an xHP tune for the gearbox makes the car much smoother also. Look after it with 10000km oil changes maximum, 7500km too is also acceptable if you can and this car will return the favour.

Interior bits like soft touch items and door handles with wear over time but easily replaceable and to find parts are an easy task.

If you can find a good, clean and honest one with lower part of the 200k mark, seen some with around 139 - 150k mark recently...then I would say don't hesitate to invest some time into considering it carefully.

Till this day, I still miss mine....more than enough power, very nimble and absolutely great on consumption.

If I may ask... Is there any actual difference in performance or sound when using a K&N or BMC filter compared to the normal air filter?

 

[VinceM]

Various tests conducted did not find any performance gains from those filters.
OE filters are effective and cost friendly.

 

[DRCraig]

Hi

The E90 LCI 320d is a very good choice on any given day; provided it comes with a solid maintenance record. I, for one, own ×2 320d's for a very good reason.

You can check my profile for numerous threads and comments regarding 20d's.

Regards

 

[naeem9]

Hi

The E90 LCI 320d is a very good choice on any given day; provided it comes with a solid maintenance record. I, for one, own ×2 320d's for a very good reason.

You can check my profile for numerous threads and comments regarding 20d's.

Regards

What about the pre-facelift, the 20d with the M47 engine?

 

[AshG108]

If I may ask... Is there any actual difference in performance or sound when using a K&N or BMC filter compared to the normal air filter?

I did it for longevity on the car, I preferred to wash the filter more often and service the car more often when I had it so the K&N made a bit more difference. The car felt a bit more nippy when it had the K&N rather.

On my M135i, there was a distinct difference when I fitted the K&N, the induction sound increased and when you let off the accelerator...there was a more audible sound compared to the stock filter. Perhaps in the diesel not so much sound upfront but the car felt good, I fitted it after dong Stage 2 & DP.

 

[DRCraig]

What about the pre-facelift, the 20d with the M47 engine?

Both are reliable, but the N47T is the one to buy if you envisage a 20d.

1. Power difference of 15kw and 40nm.
2. Issues leading to timing chain and turbo failures sorted with the N47, more over the with the N47T (Apr 2010 and onwards)
3. Preventive maintenance would be regular oil changes, egr-delete, swirl flap-blank and a decat on both platforms.

 

[naeem9]

egr-delete, swirl flap-blank and a decat on both platforms.

Please advise on a reputable workshop in Gauteng that can do the above

 

[DRCraig]

Please advise on a reputable workshop in Gauteng that can do the above

I used RK Motion here in the WC. Not sure if they have a branch in Gauteng. Have seen some good reviews on Madness Motorsport too.

 

[LYFGP]

I did it for longevity on the car, I preferred to wash the filter more often and service the car more often when I had it so the K&N made a bit more difference. The car felt a bit more nippy when it had the K&N rather.

On my M135i, there was a distinct difference when I fitted the K&N, the induction sound increased and when you let off the accelerator...there was a more audible sound compared to the stock filter. Perhaps in the diesel not so much sound upfront but the car felt good, I fitted it after dong Stage 2 & DP.

thanks for the response sir.

 

[AshG108]

If I may ask... Is there any actual difference in performance or sound when using a K&N or BMC filter compared to the normal air filter?

No not really on the diesel... on my M135i there was a difference but none on the 320d

 

[Riaad]

No not really on the diesel... on my M135i there was a difference but none on the 320d

there is definitely a significant sound difference on the n57 in the f series (airbox is at the back of the engine).

I recall on @FiRi@Rennzport ex. 120d the drop in filter gave abit of intake noise as well..there was a video somewhere in that build thread.

 

[FILV]

If i had to, i would buy a Lci E90 any day.
Really miss mine. Solid build quality, excellent nvh, perfect road handling with amazing steering feel.
As competent as a comfortable long distance family cruiser as it up a tight and twisty road.

1000km on a tank, plus with map enough power to make you smile.
Excellent resale value. What else would one want in a car?

All the common maintenance items have been mentioned,
The last production year was 2012, so naturally as with any car you should budget for a full suspension refresh, and just in case, a gearbox rebuild (25-35k)

 

[FILV]

wow not many decent looking ones on Autotrader. These seem to be the best on sale now:

BMW 3 Series 320d auto for sale in Pretoria - ID: 27586172

Used 2011 BMW 3 Series 320d auto For Sale - R 174 900 - ID: 27586172

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 3 Series 320d M Sport for sale in Randburg - ID: 27659529

Used 2011 BMW 3 Series 320d M Sport For Sale - R 154 900 - ID: 27659529

www.autotrader.co.za

 

[Benji]

A bit of a thread hijack...what are peoples thoughts on the X1 20d, I understand this is basically a rebodied E91 320d? A friend is looking for a "cheap and reliable BMW SUV" and his budget is around 130k.

A bit of an impossible task, but with a bit of luck, he could get into a X1 20d...although he would find a better E90 LCI or 120d for that price.

Otherwise a first gen X3, but that is considerably older with associated maintenance requirements

 

[rodga]

A bit of a thread hijack...what are peoples thoughts on the X1 20d, I understand this is basically a rebodied E91 320d? A friend is looking for a "cheap and reliable BMW SUV" and his budget is around 130k.

A bit of an impossible task, but with a bit of luck, he could get into a X1 20d...although he would find a better E90 LCI or 120d for that price.

Otherwise a first gen X3, but that is considerably older with associated maintenance requirements

Isnt the x1 fwd?

 

[FILV]

A bit of a thread hijack...what are peoples thoughts on the X1 20d, I understand this is basically a rebodied E91 320d? A friend is looking for a "cheap and reliable BMW SUV" and his budget is around 130k.

A bit of an impossible task, but with a bit of luck, he could get into a X1 20d...although he would find a better E90 LCI or 120d for that price.

Otherwise a first gen X3, but that is considerably older with associated maintenance requirements

The E84 is based on a E91 Touring.
The are actually awesome buys because they are rear wheel drive, or X-drive and still have hydraulic steering.
Also cool to note from 2012 to 2014 they came out with F30 mirrors and most importantly the F series gearbox, so the modern, faster and efficient ZF8. So great buys!

like this, check.
E90 Msport interior. And i you get it speced with Climate control you get the E90 climate control buttons. If not you get horrible manual lego knobs like from the 1st gen 1 series.

BMW X1 sDrive20d M Sport for sale in Paulpietersburg - ID: 27703093

Used 2014 BMW X1 sDrive20d M Sport For Sale - R 199 000 - ID: 27703093

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW X1 sDrive20d Auto for sale in Centurion - ID: 27489812

Used 2015 BMW X1 sDrive20d Auto For Sale - R 209 900 - ID: 27489812

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW X1 sDrive20d M Sport Auto for sale in Edenvale - ID: 27698176

Used 2015 BMW X1 sDrive20d M Sport Auto For Sale - R 239 900 - ID: 27698176

www.autotrader.co.za

 

[AshG108]

there is definitely a significant sound difference on the n57 in the f series (airbox is at the back of the engine).

I recall on @FiRi@Rennzport ex. 120d the drop in filter gave abit of intake noise as well..there was a video somewhere in that build thread.

Thats cool, if it does then lekker. My LCi 320d didn't have any but then again, it had the DP and full exhaust and the intake was totally stock...fully closed. I had not taken any notice of any changes, the M135i was upfront, very vocal. The butt dyno on the diesel though did feel a placebo effect of the car running more nippy That for me was enough ha ha