Out with the old and in with the (not so) new.

[DangerD]

After owning my very first 320D a few years ago, I doubt I will drive anything else ever again!

I wanted to share my journey with you guys and help a few of you that have considered the diesels.

05' E90 320D (The old)
- Purchased at 140 000km
- Sold last Monday on 251 000km

Maintenance work done:
- Regular services every 15 000km
- Shocks were leaking and were changed at 235 000km
That's about it! Every service, the car went to Ross Duncan and had a thorough check. I always got the best advice from there, in terms of maintenance.
This car was an absolute pleasure to own and easy on the pocket, considering that nothing broke.

It is worth mentioning that the clutch started making a noise at 240 000km and would need to b replaced in the next 15 000km and the aircon probably would have needed a regas soon (it was still blowing cold, but was slowly getting weaker over the last few months).

I traded this stalwart in @ a meager R42 000. Considering a clutch change would be required which was quoted at R10 -12k, I'm content with the trade in offered.
(I see the dealer has this vehicle advertised at R80 000!!).

-----------------

11' E90 320D LCI Exclusive (The new)

Picked up this beaut with 90 000km on the clock for R150k with FSH (agents).
I couldn't believe how different these two cars are in terms of personality!
The ride quality on the LCI is a lot softer, the engine is far more refined and quieter as well.
For a little 15kw increase in power from the old car, the LCI pulls WAY better. Although, I'm sure it had something to do with the age and mileage of the 05'.

Pros:
- Hi-Fi sound upgrade (what a huge difference in sound! and it has a USB slot :bravo: )
- Bluetooth
- Partial Electric seats
- Auto dim rear view mirror
- Sunroof

Needless to say, I'm loving all the little comforts that my old tractor lacked.

Hers's a few pics from delivery day. This weekend she goes in for a full detail (clay, compound, wax, glaze). I will post some proper pics after the detail.
P.S The dealer I bought it from was horrendous in terms of Customer service. They promised to service the vehicle before the sale (all filters would be changed) as it was due, however, upon delivery, I find out that they only did an oil change!
The car wasn't even washed.

 

[KPM3_30]

Lovely car bud, exclusive model with a great spec (xenons, sunroof + HiFi sound) and low mileage!

Congrats and wish you many miles of smiles.. What/when do you plan for mods? DP is definitely something to consider.

 

[DangerD]

Lovely car bud, exclusive model with a great spec (xenons, sunroof + HiFi sound) and low mileage!

Congrats and wish you many miles of smiles.. What/when do you plan for mods? DP is definitely something to consider.

I considered it with the 05'. Never got around to doing it due to the age and mileage
With this one though, I plan on keeping it stock and in the best condition possible!

When I do decide to sell it off, the new owner would appreciate that.
Going to take it to Ross Duncan for a checkup in a few weeks, just to see if anything needs to be changed.

If it ever gets dented, I'd cry :roflol:

 

[SubLoaded]

Congrats bud. That sound upgrade will probably be the most pleasing refreshment for you. Sounds epic :thumbs:

 

[DangerD]

Congrats bud. That sound upgrade will probably be the most pleasing refreshment for you. Sounds epic :thumbs:

When I went to view it and opened the boot, I was suprised to see the amp tucked away.
The sound upgrade has me very very pleased so far! Really enjoying my music again!

 

[KPM3_30]

Lovely car bud, exclusive model with a great spec (xenons, sunroof + HiFi sound) and low mileage!

Congrats and wish you many miles of smiles.. What/when do you plan for mods? DP is definitely something to consider.

I considered it with the 05'. Never got around to doing it due to the age and mileage
With this one though, I plan on keeping it stock and in the best condition possible!

When I do decide to sell it off, the new owner would appreciate that.
Going to take it to Ross Duncan for a checkup in a few weeks, just to see if anything needs to be changed.

If it ever gets dented, I'd cry :roflol:

Do some reading up on the benefits of the DP, before you decide against it. You can always keep the old one they remove, if ever you need to revert to stock.

At that mileage, I think you'll be all clear for any big ticket items. Do your auto gearbox service at ZF in the next 10-15k or so.

 

[DangerD]

Do some reading up on the benefits of the DP, before you decide against it. You can always keep the old one they remove, if ever you need to revert to stock.

At that mileage, I think you'll be all clear for any big ticket items. Do your auto gearbox service at ZF in the next 10-15k or so.

I tried to read up about the auto box service. Some say change the oil , some say don't.
What's the deal with those boxes?

 

[Jeremy.d]

Congrats raise:

 

[Twinz]

Congrats on the new diesel.:bravo:

Thanks for the honest report on the one you sold:thumbs:

 

[KPM3_30]

Do some reading up on the benefits of the DP, before you decide against it. You can always keep the old one they remove, if ever you need to revert to stock.

At that mileage, I think you'll be all clear for any big ticket items. Do your auto gearbox service at ZF in the next 10-15k or so.

I tried to read up about the auto box service. Some say change the oil , some say don't.
What's the deal with those boxes?

Go to ZF (forum advertisers) and they will advise you after testing your current oil. Rather save the gearbox by changing the oil, which you should be able to do at that mileage (<120k)

Much cheaper than a gearbox rebuild.

 

[yush1]

Lovely. Black looks great but Im sure it will keep you busy trying to keep it clean. :thumbs:

 

[golfer23]

congrats on the car, looks awesome. my bro has a black e46 318i, you gotta put in a lot to maintain a black car!

along with the ZF auto service, my car is def going to require it.
What are the costs of the autobox service?

 

[tman]

Perfect daily. Low km LCI E90's are becoming scarce!

Congrats!

 

[Nikhil]

Congrats bud lol90 Lci is always a beaut

 

[PsyCLown]

Congrats man! Geez, that is a pretty great deal indeed!

Where about are you and which dealer did you get it from BTW?
I'd also recommend you consider a DP and possibly software as well, the car really comes alive then and you can always revert back to stock when you want to sell - if need be.

Also gearbox flash sounds well worth it.

 

[Beemerbro]

Wow that's an amazing car for R150K at that 90k mileage:blowheart:kisses (to the car)
Now you're wondering about ATF in your autobox?...I will say unequivocally that you should change it, regardless of the "sealed for life" advice in BMW autoboxes.
I have personal experience of autobox failures on two BMWs previously at around 120k. Some last longer, others not, but it will likely fail at some point if you don't change that ATF. A little research online and from other international forums and you will find a lot of information on this issue so I'd say check it out.
ZF has been recommended by some people here, and of course they're right if you're not a petrol head. But they will blow a hole through your pocket. The hole is still smaller tho compared to the one of an autobox rebuild or replacement.
Changing ATF is pretty easy work if you do engine services yourself but if not then use someone who knows how to do it, or go to a specialist like ZF as a last resort.
There are plenty of Youtube channels you can subscribe to that will take you through a step by step guide of how to do it and it can save you a fortune.
I changed mine in December twice, using those videos and the Haynes manual. Make sure to get the correct oil and filter and you should be fine.
I'm so jealous of your car:thumbs:

 

[VinceM]

The handling of an e90 LCI is amazing,

The 320d are strong motors, For some odd reason I just love a sunroof,
And in tilted format , it gives the car a really nice stance,

Please check if you don have the Auto beam feature, they were quite common on these and it's a pleasure to have.

Wish you many miles with your new baby

 

[DangerD]

Go to ZF (forum advertisers) and they will advise you after testing your current oil. Rather save the gearbox by changing the oil, which you should be able to do at that mileage (<120k)

Much cheaper than a gearbox rebuild.

Will do! From what I read, they're all the way in Germiston and not open on Saturdays. Will have to take a day of leave I guess.

Lovely. Black looks great but Im sure it will keep you busy trying to keep it clean. :thumbs:

Sent her for a detail this morning. The guy keeps sending me update pics and its looking awesome so far! Will post up pics when she's back.

Perfect daily. Low km LCI E90's are becoming scarce!

Congrats!

I really had to hunt for this one. The day I took delivery, another dealer called me with a 2011 320D as well. 113 000km for R140k.
Also not bad.

Congrats man! Geez, that is a pretty great deal indeed!

Where about are you and which dealer did you get it from BTW?
I'd also recommend you consider a DP and possibly software as well, the car really comes alive then and you can always revert back to stock when you want to sell - if need be.

Also gearbox flash sounds well worth it.

Johannesburg. The car was at a dealer in Pretoria, called Auto Integrity (independent). You'll find my formal complaint on Hello Peter. It was a frustrating experience!

I spent a large part of last night reading up about the DP + SW. You guys are bad influences. Everything I read, pointed to all the upsides and none of the downsides. I was looking for possible issues, but I found none!

Wow that's an amazing car for R150K at that 90k mileage:blowheart:kisses (to the car)
Now you're wondering about ATF in your autobox?...I will say unequivocally that you should change it, regardless of the "sealed for life" advice in BMW autoboxes.
I have personal experience of autobox failures on two BMWs previously at around 120k. Some last longer, others not, but it will likely fail at some point if you don't change that ATF. A little research online and from other international forums and you will find a lot of information on this issue so I'd say check it out.
ZF has been recommended by some people here, and of course they're right if you're not a petrol head. But they will blow a hole through your pocket. The hole is still smaller tho compared to the one of an autobox rebuild or replacement.
Changing ATF is pretty easy work if you do engine services yourself but if not then use someone who knows how to do it, or go to a specialist like ZF as a last resort.
There are plenty of Youtube channels you can subscribe to that will take you through a step by step guide of how to do it and it can save you a fortune.
I changed mine in December twice, using those videos and the Haynes manual. Make sure to get the correct oil and filter and you should be fine.
I'm so jealous of your car:thumbs:

Thanks for the fantastic tip! In that case, I will have a chat to Ross at Ross Duncan Auto, I trust him with my life. He diagnosed stuff on my old lad's E90 320i that 3 other mechanics couldn't resolve! Failing that, I'll go to ZF. Not a chance that I'm willing to do this myself :roflol:

The handling of an e90 LCI is amazing,

The 320d are strong motors, For some odd reason I just love a sunroof,
And in tilted format , it gives the car a really nice stance,

Please check if you don have the Auto beam feature, they were quite common on these and it's a pleasure to have.

Wish you many miles with your new baby

I'm also a sucker for that sunroof. It does have high beam assist. The added comforts are definitely welcome!

 

[Diesel]

Congrats. :thumbs:

 

[Beemerbro]

It would be interesting to hear ZF's procedure of changing ATF because as far as I'm aware you can't remove all the oil as about half of it is retained in the torque converter. To get all of it out you'd have to take the whole transmission out and open it which is very costly. The usual procedure that I know is commonly used is to drain whatever comes out and refill, drive for couple of thousand miles then drain and refill again and repeat this three times and by then most of the old oil will have been removed. I've done this myself twice in SA on my BMWs and have just completed a total flush here in the UK on an Astra that was done by a local workshop and they followed the same procedure.
Now I had a look at ZF quotes in a car Magazine last year and was shocked at the prices they were quoting for an autobox service between R25k-R35k. I wondered whether this was for each visit you attended and if they were using the method I described, does it mean you will pay that figure 3 times?:rage:

Ask Duncan auto how they do it, and I'm pretty sure they will tell you it must be changed two or three times for a complete flush.

I did it myself and the total cost for 3 ATF changes came to around R5000 for 15 litres of oil, Febi filter, BMW gasket, BMW sump screws. I bought all of it in London. BMW SA will ask for about R600 a litre of oil. But if you do some research of the specific oil required you might find it a lot cheaper elsewhere. Your local garage that you trust will charge you far less than ZF I'm sure.

If you do go to ZF ask them how they do theirs so we can hear more.