Found the E90 320d replacing the E82 120d

[FerdiBotha]

The 320d ticked over 270 000 km last week, so I treated it to an oil service and a new diesel filter.

I also repaired and completely resprayed the front bumper, and I’m pretty chuffed with how it turned out. Nice to finally have the front end looking the way it should again.

I know a lot of people prefer the blacked-out kidney grilles, but personally, I really like the chrome kidney grilles that came on the 6-cylinder E90s. If anyone has a set they’re willing to sell, or knows where I can source a decent set, please let me know.

On to some even better news: my wife is expecting our second child. I genuinely regard it as one of the biggest blessings we could have asked for, and we’re incredibly grateful.

Interestingly, this has also made me think quite a bit about the future of the E90. I don’t want to make an impulse decision and immediately jump into an SUV simply because that seems to be the trend these days.

We’re still in the process of smashing down our bond, with the goal of having it paid off by September 27. The baby is due in February 27, which means I’ll have roughly seven months of using the E90 as a proper family car before the bond is hopefully history and we can consider upgrading to a bigger family car.

So, for those who have actually lived with one: is the E90 realistically big enough for a family of four?

Obviously, I’m expecting the boot to be the biggest challenge once a pram, baby gear, etc. enter the equation. But I’d be interested to hear from anyone who has actually used an E90 as a family car with two kids (infant and toddler specifically).

Regards
Craig

We are a family of 4. My wife drives the E90 daily and I drive a double cab.
What we have found is that the E90 has sufficient space for daily school runs and short getaways, but space becomes an issue as soon as a stroller, camping cot and other larger items need to be transported along with luggage, diaper bags etc. Admittedly my wife tends to rather pack more than our family typically needs, especially when it comes to the kids' stuff. For this reason, the double cab is our go to vehicle for long trips.
I was recently considering replacing the E90 with an X3 to allow us to use the BMW on longer trips, although we decided against this due to sentimental reasons. I have since made peace with the fact that the double cab will remain our preferred vehicle for long trips. The alternative will be to get a small trailer to supplement the lack of space in the E90 on longer trips. This will be a relatively small cost in comparison to investing in a more expensive SUV.

 

[DRCraig]

We are a family of 4. My wife drives the E90 daily and I drive a double cab.
What we have found is that the E90 has sufficient space for daily school runs and short getaways, but space becomes an issue as soon as a stroller, camping cot and other larger items need to be transported along with luggage, diaper bags etc. Admittedly my wife tends to rather pack more than our family typically needs, especially when it comes to the kids' stuff. For this reason, the double cab is our go to vehicle for long trips.
I was recently considering replacing the E90 with an X3 to allow us to use the BMW on longer trips, although we decided against this due to sentimental reasons. I have since made peace with the fact that the double cab will remain our preferred vehicle for long trips. The alternative will be to get a small trailer to supplement the lack of space in the E90 on longer trips. This will be a relatively small cost in comparison to investing in a more expensive SUV.

This is some valuable insight. Thanks

 

[AshG108]

We are a family of 4. My wife drives the E90 daily and I drive a double cab.
What we have found is that the E90 has sufficient space for daily school runs and short getaways, but space becomes an issue as soon as a stroller, camping cot and other larger items need to be transported along with luggage, diaper bags etc. Admittedly my wife tends to rather pack more than our family typically needs, especially when it comes to the kids' stuff. For this reason, the double cab is our go to vehicle for long trips.
I was recently considering replacing the E90 with an X3 to allow us to use the BMW on longer trips, although we decided against this due to sentimental reasons. I have since made peace with the fact that the double cab will remain our preferred vehicle for long trips. The alternative will be to get a small trailer to supplement the lack of space in the E90 on longer trips. This will be a relatively small cost in comparison to investing in a more expensive SUV.

Consider also using a roof box as an alternative to a trailer. I had one on my E90 and it was superb, no worrying about the trailer for space, parking and park away at destination etc.

I still have my roofbox till now, using it after 4 cars later and brilliant condition, holds up well over time.