discussion First time potential BMW E90 325i buyer

[Zee87]

Good Morning everybody

I have always loved BMW but only had the means to seriously consider buying one recently.

I found a E90 LCI 2011 325i with 140 000kms. The vehicle looks very neat and has full service history. The only issue i see is that the time between the previous 2 services is about 7 years and only 40k kilometres done in those 7 years.

So basically service done in 2015 @ 111000km and then next in 2023 @ 140000km. Could this pose problem?

I have videos of the vehicle since it isn’t in Johannesburg. Im not sure how to post the video though.

I’m just looking for advice. If somebody with more knowledge could help I would be very grateful.

 

[kgosi_f30_340i]

Good Morning everybody

I have always loved BMW but only had the means to seriously consider buying one recently.

I found a E90 LCI 2011 325i with 140 000kms. The vehicle looks very neat and has full service history. The only issue i see is that the time between the previous 2 services is about 7 years and only 40k kilometres done in those 7 years.

So basically service done in 2015 @ 111000km and then next in 2023 @ 140000km. Could this pose problem?

I have videos of the vehicle since it isn’t in Johannesburg. Im not sure how to post the video though.

I’m just looking for advice. If somebody with more knowledge could help I would be very grateful.

Shew. I don't know if the car having gone to service that long ago is really an issue or not. The W210 I have was my grandfather's car and it had sat in the garage with no service or being driven for all of lockdown and then some (so around 2 years). All it needed was a major service and its back to working optimally. The issue is the change in milage without service for that long. I would say try get an understanding from the seller on why the car sat for so long with no service. There may be other things at play with the car that could be a huge problem.

 

[husaindindar]

Hi.

Having owned a E90 325i, I can say that is a problem.
These motors dont like sludge. It causes vanos gear, vanos solenoid, vanos filter issues. Also a whole of issues with the CCV/PCV system.
The sludge just builds up in these motors because of extended oil changes in motorplan and after, if not well looked after.
I get a hint of milage tempering here also. Something doesnt add up.

Not the most effiecient motors ever, and also does not pack a great deal of punch either.
Water pump and thermnostat is another part that needs replacement and is a little expensive, but not that bad.

On the good side, they make really good highway cruisers and the motor is very smooth, reving all the way past 7k rpm.

If it were my money, I'd look for a 2010 upwards 320d, do DP and stage 2 with XHP.
It would put miles of smiles on my face, and still be economical.
I daily a 320d E90 with DP stage 2 XHP. I love it more than my G20 330d!

 

[CK4LIFE]

7 year gap is a problem...as above maybe consider 320d instead

 

[Zee87]

Shew. I don't know if the car having gone to service that long ago is really an issue or not. The W210 I have was my grandfather's car and it had sat in the garage with no service or being driven for all of lockdown and then some (so around 2 years). All it needed was a major service and its back to working optimally. The issue is the change in milage without service for that long. I would say try get an understanding from the seller on why the car sat for so long with no service. There may be other things at play with the car that could be a huge problem.

I spoke to the dealer now and he says the reason was the previous owner worked in the mining industry and so always used his bakkie on those roads. The vehicle mostly stayed parked in the garage.

 

[KPM3_30]

I spoke to the dealer now and he says the reason was the previous owner worked in the mining industry and so always used his bakkie on those roads. The vehicle mostly stayed parked in the garage.

Do your own homework and verify whatever you can before you take the plunge. Trusting the dealer could turn out to be a huge mistake, you can expect no support once everything is said and done.

Remember his job is to sell you a car, that's it. These cars are not limited or scarce in any way, shape or form.. On to the next one, IMHO.

 

[Zee87]

Do your own homework and verify whatever you can before you take the plunge. Trusting the dealer could turn out to be a huge mistake, you can expect no support once everything is said and done.

Remember his job is to sell you a car, that's it. These cars are not limited or scarce in any way, shape or form.. On to the next one, IMHO.

Okay i get you. How does one go about checking the history of a vehicle besides taking what the dealer says at face value. Sorry junior buyer here 😅

 

[Zee87]

Theres also a 2010 320i manual FSH with 110000 kms. Between this and the 325i which would be the better buy. Are the 320’s very sluggish?

 

[Spanky]

The vehicle looks very neat and has full service history. The only issue i see is that the time between the previous 2 services is about 7 years and only 40k kilometres done in those 7 years.

Lol wat?

Dunno how you define FSH, but that's not it.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

I owned a e90 323i and then a 320d. The 320d is the better one I owned between the two of them. That said there is just something special about a normally aspirated straight 6 BMW.
If it was my money I would walk away. The gap between services is just too big and I am more inclined to believe anything my ex says then a car dealer. There is plenty of better examples around as KPM3 already mentioned.

 

[Zee87]

I owned a e90 323i and then a 320d. The 320d is the better one I owned between the two of them. That said there is just something special about a normally aspirated straight 6 BMW.
If it was my money I would walk away. The gap between services is just too big and I am more inclined to believe anything my ex says then a car dealer. There is plenty of better examples around as KPM3 already mentioned.

Thanks for the advice. A manual with low kms’s are just so rare compared to auto.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Thanks for the advice. A manual with low kms’s are just so rare compared to auto.

Rather take your time. Dont let a poor example spoil your initial bmw ownership.
In this case the "low kms" has a big cloud hanging over it. I would rather buy a higher mileage example with a good service history as it will show it was actually maintained correctly.

 

[Gordvisr]

Okay i get you. How does one go about checking the history of a vehicle besides taking what the dealer says at face value. Sorry junior buyer here 😅

TAke the car for a test drive, go to the nearest BMW dealer give them the key and ask for a quotation on a oil service and if they dont mind to print out the service history.

 

[Zee87]

TAke the car for a test drive, go to the nearest BMW dealer give them the key and ask for a quotation on a oil service and if they dont mind to print out the service history.

i have pictures of the service book. It was serviced regularly at a bmw dealer up till 2015. Then the 7 year gap. Next service done at RMI workshop. I am going to take the advice of my betters and walk away.

 

[Zee87]

is the 320i LCI a good option. As far as I have researched the 6 cylinders are best for reliability.

 

[Big_L]

is the 320i LCI a good option. As far as I have researched the 6 cylinders are best for reliability.

I have also done extensive research when buying my first BMW and with the help of everyone on this forum, I settled for the 320d LCI and have never regretted my decision, all smiles everyday . My advice, go for a 320d.

 

[modocrat]

is the 320i LCI a good option. As far as I have researched the 6 cylinders are best for reliability.

🏃‍♂️

 

[Zee87]

🏃‍♂️

so stay away from 320i?

 

[KPM3_30]

so stay away from 320i?

I think everyone here has pretty much eluded to this. The N46 does not have a reputation for reliability or performance, so why bother?

If 4 cylinder, 320d.
If 6 cylinder, 330i, 330d or 335i, the latter if you have a need for speed and deep pockets.

The end.

 

[NabbyM32]

I have also done extensive research when buying my first BMW and with the help of everyone on this forum, I settled for the 320d LCI and have never regretted my decision, all smiles everyday . My advice, go for a 320d.

I have to agree with you .. Had doubts of selling this year but then I sit and think what do I replace the 320d with. Overall its an amazing vehicle. Best car iv owned to date.