discussion F30 2013 320D or 2014 320i

[E90Francois]

F30 335i for 250K? Brother, please don’t do that to yourself. You seem knowledgeable on cars, but also quite stubborn. Recipe for disaster in my view.

You’ve moved quite far from wanting something reliable to where you are now (child coming, wife driving it more than you, etc). I’d also recommend a 320d here as everyone has suggested.

If your diesel trauma is that huge, then perhaps get another brand for a little while before going back to BMW? 250K doesn’t get you a petrol engine that’s both newish and reliable (you may find a LCI 320i/318i with heavy milage). Best option would be a 330i F30, but a good one is north of 300K which is over your budget.

Ultimately it’s your choice. Just make the right one.

I think the lemon of mine has given me cold feet towards diesels, but as mentioned earlier, its not the norm and i got taken by the seller.

A bit off topic, but what convinced me to get the diesel 320d: I was driving the z3 2.8 at the coast in an old abandoned resort / reserve. A mix of sweeping turns, tight turns, hair pins and relatively long straights with roads tarred and never used.
With nothing but a old rusty chain across the entrance.

I was going for a spirited drive and not long in the rearview i saw red car getting closer. Someone else also knew about the little gem tucked away in the bushes. It ended up being a F30 320d manual sport with software done and a downpipe.
It stuck to the back bumper of the Z like glue and the z had nothing left to give. Eventually we both stopped had a chat and went for another spirited drive this time with him leading, and the z3 lost ground slowly but surely.

That's when i realized maybe the logburners are not as bad as the diesels of old. (80's isuzu kb 220 diesel my old man had if i remember correctly)

So i got myself a 320d e90, the lemon and never really got to enjoy the car.

 

[modocrat]

So where exactly is this abandoned resort? #AskingForAFriend

 

[E90Francois]

I'm not telling lol all I'm saying it was a nature reserve that they tried to make into a resort and ended up being used for protection services offices then finally closed down 😁

 

[zuber akoon]

Hi guys

I'm new to this group
I'd just like some advice I'm intended on purchasing a 2008 135i n54 with mileage of 158 000 kms, the price is at 140k. I would just like to know the members input and thoughts on this ? I don't have deep pockets, I don't wrench it, I've heard alot of bad stuff about these cars. Would a n55 be a better buy? I intend on using the car on weekends probably twice a week. Turbo cores were done in this car about 10k kms ago but it has a slight waste gate rattle. I haven't taken the car for a diagnostic test as yet. Just need advice if I'm heading in the right direction

Thanks in advance

 

[DRCraig]

Hi guys

I'm new to this group
I'd just like some advice I'm intended on purchasing a 2008 135i n54 with mileage of 158 000 kms, the price is at 140k. I would just like to know the members input and thoughts on this ? I don't have deep pockets, I don't wrench it, I've heard alot of bad stuff about these cars. Would a n55 be a better buy? I intend on using the car on weekends probably twice a week. Turbo cores were done in this car about 10k kms ago but it has a slight waste gate rattle. I haven't taken the car for a diagnostic test as yet. Just need advice if I'm heading in the right direction

Thanks in advance

The forum is content rich on N54/N55, but my advice to you is to rather curb the idea of a x35i if your budget is constraint. It's imperative to have at least R40k for maintenance if anything goes wrong.

For around R120k, you can pick up a nice pre-lci 330i E90 manual and have R20k surplus for maintenance.

My 2c.