BMW Diesel has really evolved since its initial launch, the E36 325tds was the first Diesel i came across and well, im not E36 mad but i swore i would never buy a diesel at that time. Mainly as the few that i had come across were either in the scrap yard or at a mechanic. Very seldom do you see one on the road.
While owning my E46 330i, my Father In Law had purchased an E46 330d and the first time i drove it i was in awe of how spectacular it is. I considered swapping the 330i for the 330d but decided not to. Anyways, a couple months later i was going to immigrate but visa's became an issue so that got canned, however i had sold my E46 in preparation to move.
This was when i was faced with a choice between a Golf 6 GTI and an E90 330d. I had the pleasure of test driving the G6 for a weekend and returned it to the dealer on Monday, while i was there the owner of the 330d came in to trade his car. I was still to test drive one at another dealer. I met with the guy wanting to trade his in, took the car for a drive. Made him an offer and today, almost 3 years later i can safely say i own thee most perfect car, in terms of reliability, space, comfort and looks.
Since day 1, in December 2011, the 330d has been a daily drive. I can count the days in the last 3 years it was parked. Hence, the mileage ticked over to 200 000km last night. I purchased it with 117k km. 83 000km in just under 3 years means its been used, a lot. I love the car, it joys me to jump in and drive it.
I guess, arguably, the main reason is fuel consumption. She still averages 8.5l/100km on my daily 26km commute via residential areas to work and back home. The usual family shopping trips, visiting my sister in PTA, attending BMWFanatics events all around GP and the common trip to KZN and back a couple time a year. Not forgetting the impromptu family holiday trips around the country. On longer trips, it provides endless fun and at great consumption. My last trip to kzn and back yielded 4.6l/100km over the entire 1200km odd.
With all this talk of great consumption, i will also mention that in the same breath, i have put the car through its paces. In the almost 3 years of ownership, she has been around Kyalami race track. Attended many 400m and 1000m drag events and is still alive. Even shocked a few at the local evening shenanigan spots!
Yes, i have customized the cosmetics a bit and a few times over the years but its a personal OCD that i have. I cannot stop making it look better and better. Its still not 100% to my satisfaction. Will get there eventually.
Reliability is a huge plus side for me. With this car, not a lot has gone wrong *touch wood*. The infamous "BMW after 100 000km is a ticking time bomb" saying is not true in this case. The M57 still purrs, even though for 75k of the last 83k has been modded a little. All vitals are in check. It has never left me stuck on the side of the road with any engine failure. I did have a blowout once, 1 hour on the side as i had replaced tyres with non-rft. Flatbed to the rescue!
In the last 3 years, apart from the the normal oil change, services. I have spent the following:
Failure:
Crankshaft Dampner Pulley - R8 000 (Warranty paid R6500)
Preventative Maintenance:
Injectors - R12 000 (Warranty paid R4000 as 2 were leaking)
Glowplug - R4 000 (Was not necessary but did it anyways)
Gearbox Service - R3 000 (Due to the increase in torque)
Thats it, services are not mentioned as we all have to services them for them to look after us.
With 200 000km on the clock, i will be replacing the following:
Shocks
Springs - HnR Lowering Springs as a gift to it for the awesome service.
Suspension parts (LCA's, mounts, etc)
Another small gift is to replace the tail lights, they are in the country and will be collected and fitted soon.
All in all, the E90 330d has proved (to me), that it is an all rounder. Perfect race, family and daily car.
Heres to another 200 000km of trouble free motoring! (IA)
Arbee
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