Discussion
pmorg4 said:
rottenegg said:
If you have up to £15K and want a 6 pot (and who can blame you) then I'd be targeting the F30/31 330d personally.
E90s are nice cars, but they are seriously dated now. Whilst the F3x platform isn't exactly cutting edge either, it does have a much stiffer bodyshell and the electric steering feels nicer as well, imo. Well, I say 'feel' (neither platform has much of that) but the 'weighting' feels better.
It's such a good all rounder, especially in Touring flavour. Smooth, quiet and refined during the commute, and actually pretty rapid when the mood takes you. And in M Sport flavour, it's an accomplished handler as well. 50mpg if driven sensibly. 40mpg if driven hard all the time.
If steering feel is an issue the E9x 335i retained the hydraulic power steering throughout the model's life, unlike the other variants that switched over to electric steering for the latter part of the E9x production. Which results in far better steering feel than any of the electrically assisted models, at a cost of probably less than 1 MPG.E90s are nice cars, but they are seriously dated now. Whilst the F3x platform isn't exactly cutting edge either, it does have a much stiffer bodyshell and the electric steering feels nicer as well, imo. Well, I say 'feel' (neither platform has much of that) but the 'weighting' feels better.
It's such a good all rounder, especially in Touring flavour. Smooth, quiet and refined during the commute, and actually pretty rapid when the mood takes you. And in M Sport flavour, it's an accomplished handler as well. 50mpg if driven sensibly. 40mpg if driven hard all the time.
For that budget however you're probably creeping into F3x 335i/340i territory which would be my choice, much as I enjoy the E91.
Id be getting the best e91 330d or 335d for your budget.
The e90 facelifted e90 look the best imo.
The difficulty will be finding one thats had the money spent on it. They are at an age that everything will need to be replaced. Look for an owner who has done the maintenance required and they should be a good buy.
One thing I did notice with my e91 was it scraped on speed bumps and multi story inclines. It was low but on oem shocks and springs.
Picture of my old one.
If I needed a diesel car again I’d have no hesitation in getting another.
The e90 facelifted e90 look the best imo.
The difficulty will be finding one thats had the money spent on it. They are at an age that everything will need to be replaced. Look for an owner who has done the maintenance required and they should be a good buy.
One thing I did notice with my e91 was it scraped on speed bumps and multi story inclines. It was low but on oem shocks and springs.
Picture of my old one.
If I needed a diesel car again I’d have no hesitation in getting another.
Belle427 said:
The issue i find is that 99% of people dont maintain them like we would so by the time you start looking at cars the history can be a problem.
What are the recommended oil change intervals on something like the N57 330d?
Agree; that's what put me off E9x cars 9and them being too small for me) when I was looking. Similar with F3x cars, but they're a good bit younger too, so still plenty out there with decent BMWSH and able to get warranty too; just need to ensure the ones you see have the paperwork to back up the SHWhat are the recommended oil change intervals on something like the N57 330d?
For oil changes; I'd want to see at least every 12 months/10k miles at a minimum personally...
d_a_n1979 said:
plenty out there with decent BMWSH
d_a_n1979 said:
For oil changes; I'd want to see at least every 12 months/10k miles at a minimum personally...
These two statements don't sit well together, generally FBMWSH means serviced per the CBS meaning up to 2 year and 20k service intervals 
pmorg4 said:
d_a_n1979 said:
plenty out there with decent BMWSH
d_a_n1979 said:
For oil changes; I'd want to see at least every 12 months/10k miles at a minimum personally...
These two statements don't sit well together, generally FBMWSH means serviced per the CBS meaning up to 2 year and 20k service intervals And then I stated for me personally I'd want to see changes every 10k max / 1 year etc
Instead of criticising, help the OP by adding your advice
d_a_n1979 said:
My comment was meaning, in a sense, that there are cars with full BMWSH but it still needs to be checked through and not to be taken as gospel, as alrady stated
And then I stated for me personally I'd want to see changes every 10k max / 1 year etc
Instead of criticising, help the OP by adding your advice
Wasn't a criticism of you, more a veiled criticism of BMW's crazy service plans for anything in the last 10-15 years And then I stated for me personally I'd want to see changes every 10k max / 1 year etc
Instead of criticising, help the OP by adding your advice
Point being, in the past a book full of dealer stamps was a good thing, whereas nowadays you're almost certainly not going to get dealer stamps against 10k/1 year intervals, more likely an enthusiast going above and beyond the computer will be using an indy or DIY. I'd be much happier with the latter, I don't think dealer servicing is anything special.
Belle427 said:
20k between oil changes worries me on any car no matter how good the oil is.
I'm always ott but every 6000 is where I'd be roughly.
We took the 2006 E90 330d from 3k miles to a 157k miles only using the manufacturers CBS schedules without any issues. Although I do understand why some like to change their oil earlier than that though. I'm always ott but every 6000 is where I'd be roughly.
The F30 330i is quite rare. People either seem to have gone for the 320i or the 340i. I have a 330i. Read this thread:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
all about my experiences with the F30 330i before you think about buying one.
Mine is also now starting to use oil - about a litre every 5000 miles, whereas previously it never used any between services. Mrs Magnum has the same engine (B48) in '20i' form, and that's using slightly more oil than mine. Both between 60000 and 70000 miles. None of my previous BMWs have ever used a drop between services.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
all about my experiences with the F30 330i before you think about buying one.
Mine is also now starting to use oil - about a litre every 5000 miles, whereas previously it never used any between services. Mrs Magnum has the same engine (B48) in '20i' form, and that's using slightly more oil than mine. Both between 60000 and 70000 miles. None of my previous BMWs have ever used a drop between services.
Magnum 475 said:
The F30 330i is quite rare. People either seem to have gone for the 320i or the 340i. I have a 330i. Read this thread:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
all about my experiences with the F30 330i before you think about buying one.
Mine is also now starting to use oil - about a litre every 5000 miles, whereas previously it never used any between services. Mrs Magnum has the same engine (B48) in '20i' form, and that's using slightly more oil than mine. Both between 60000 and 70000 miles. None of my previous BMWs have ever used a drop between services.
The B48 in the F56 Cooper S I had never used any oil between services either. Had it from new and then up to 19k miles. The F82 M4 doesn't use any oil between services as well, and I've took that from 13k to 38k miles up to yet. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
all about my experiences with the F30 330i before you think about buying one.
Mine is also now starting to use oil - about a litre every 5000 miles, whereas previously it never used any between services. Mrs Magnum has the same engine (B48) in '20i' form, and that's using slightly more oil than mine. Both between 60000 and 70000 miles. None of my previous BMWs have ever used a drop between services.
The Merc on the other hand never makes it between services without needing a litre of oil adding to it. I find the oil usage interesting with how much it differs between different engines. The E90 330i needed a litre of oil adding for every 2k miles it did, the thirsty sod!
Belle427 said:
20k between oil changes worries me on any car no matter how good the oil is.
I'm always ott but every 6000 is where I'd be roughly.
That's about right; I do every 6 months; but that's just me being me. I only do c4k miles a year; but for less than a price of a full tank of premium fuel; I can do x2 oil changes with 5W30 and using Mann/Mahle filters etc...I'm always ott but every 6000 is where I'd be roughly.
Just peace of mind
pmorg4 said:
d_a_n1979 said:
My comment was meaning, in a sense, that there are cars with full BMWSH but it still needs to be checked through and not to be taken as gospel, as alrady stated
And then I stated for me personally I'd want to see changes every 10k max / 1 year etc
Instead of criticising, help the OP by adding your advice
Wasn't a criticism of you, more a veiled criticism of BMW's crazy service plans for anything in the last 10-15 years And then I stated for me personally I'd want to see changes every 10k max / 1 year etc
Instead of criticising, help the OP by adding your advice
Point being, in the past a book full of dealer stamps was a good thing, whereas nowadays you're almost certainly not going to get dealer stamps against 10k/1 year intervals, more likely an enthusiast going above and beyond the computer will be using an indy or DIY. I'd be much happier with the latter, I don't think dealer servicing is anything special.
Re dealer searvicing - that's if you can/want afford it! Their prices are stupidly OTT at times
d_a_n1979 said:
Belle427 said:
20k between oil changes worries me on any car no matter how good the oil is.
I'm always ott but every 6000 is where I'd be roughly.
That's about right; I do every 6 months; but that's just me being me. I only do c4k miles a year; but for less than a price of a full tank of premium fuel; I can do x2 oil changes with 5W30 and using Mann/Mahle filters etc...I'm always ott but every 6000 is where I'd be roughly.
Just peace of mind
cerb4.5lee said:
pmorg4 said:
rottenegg said:
If you have up to £15K and want a 6 pot (and who can blame you) then I'd be targeting the F30/31 330d personally.
E90s are nice cars, but they are seriously dated now. Whilst the F3x platform isn't exactly cutting edge either, it does have a much stiffer bodyshell and the electric steering feels nicer as well, imo. Well, I say 'feel' (neither platform has much of that) but the 'weighting' feels better.
It's such a good all rounder, especially in Touring flavour. Smooth, quiet and refined during the commute, and actually pretty rapid when the mood takes you. And in M Sport flavour, it's an accomplished handler as well. 50mpg if driven sensibly. 40mpg if driven hard all the time.
If steering feel is an issue the E9x 335i retained the hydraulic power steering throughout the model's life, unlike the other variants that switched over to electric steering for the latter part of the E9x production. Which results in far better steering feel than any of the electrically assisted models, at a cost of probably less than 1 MPG.E90s are nice cars, but they are seriously dated now. Whilst the F3x platform isn't exactly cutting edge either, it does have a much stiffer bodyshell and the electric steering feels nicer as well, imo. Well, I say 'feel' (neither platform has much of that) but the 'weighting' feels better.
It's such a good all rounder, especially in Touring flavour. Smooth, quiet and refined during the commute, and actually pretty rapid when the mood takes you. And in M Sport flavour, it's an accomplished handler as well. 50mpg if driven sensibly. 40mpg if driven hard all the time.
For that budget however you're probably creeping into F3x 335i/340i territory which would be my choice, much as I enjoy the E91.
Like Lee's my 2005 330i has HPAS too and it's much better than the EPAS I had in my 3.0Si Z4s.
I think id lean toward the 330d as i prefer the low down torque driving characteristics and better fuel economy, its just the engine that worries me but i will do some more research on it.
I appreciate its been said if they are looked after they are generally ok but its still a concern.
I have already had to spend £4000 replacing an engine in a poxy NIssan in the last 5 years that failed at 37000 miles so thats left a very sour taste in my mouth.
I appreciate its been said if they are looked after they are generally ok but its still a concern.
I have already had to spend £4000 replacing an engine in a poxy NIssan in the last 5 years that failed at 37000 miles so thats left a very sour taste in my mouth.
Thought I’d add a few of my thoughts since I too hadn’t owned a BMW before my current car. In October last year, I bought a 2007 320i SE manual saloon for just under £2k, meticulously looked after with below average mileage (110k I think it had).
Negatives:
Inferior gearbox to what I’ve had before - very ‘notchy’, definitely the worst manual I’ve had. Don’t know if it’s just my example or BMWs in general of this era, but I would definitely look at an auto.
Oil consumption, I’m putting in one litre every 1000 or so miles or so, very normal apparently, my mechanic actually said this is good for the age of car!
Spec: whilst remembering it’s a 2007 model, it still seems poorly equipped to me, for a premium brand. No auto headlights, folding mirrors, heated seats - about the only ‘luxury’ is auto climate and auto dimming mirror. I appreciate this will be a positive to some, but I like gadgets!
Now some positives!
Looks: subjective of course, but mine is a well maintained example and to my eye, looks understated and smart.
Build quality: definitely a step above what I’ve had before. No creaks, rattles etc.
The drive: without question the best driving car on local back roads. Again, not sure if it’s a BMW thing or because it’s RWD, but it feels immense fun to chuck around corners, and assured doing so.
I would have another, but I definitely would look for an auto and a better spec.
Negatives:
Inferior gearbox to what I’ve had before - very ‘notchy’, definitely the worst manual I’ve had. Don’t know if it’s just my example or BMWs in general of this era, but I would definitely look at an auto.
Oil consumption, I’m putting in one litre every 1000 or so miles or so, very normal apparently, my mechanic actually said this is good for the age of car!
Spec: whilst remembering it’s a 2007 model, it still seems poorly equipped to me, for a premium brand. No auto headlights, folding mirrors, heated seats - about the only ‘luxury’ is auto climate and auto dimming mirror. I appreciate this will be a positive to some, but I like gadgets!
Now some positives!
Looks: subjective of course, but mine is a well maintained example and to my eye, looks understated and smart.
Build quality: definitely a step above what I’ve had before. No creaks, rattles etc.
The drive: without question the best driving car on local back roads. Again, not sure if it’s a BMW thing or because it’s RWD, but it feels immense fun to chuck around corners, and assured doing so.
I would have another, but I definitely would look for an auto and a better spec.
cerb4.5lee said:
pmorg4 said:
rottenegg said:
If you have up to £15K and want a 6 pot (and who can blame you) then I'd be targeting the F30/31 330d personally.
E90s are nice cars, but they are seriously dated now. Whilst the F3x platform isn't exactly cutting edge either, it does have a much stiffer bodyshell and the electric steering feels nicer as well, imo. Well, I say 'feel' (neither platform has much of that) but the 'weighting' feels better.
It's such a good all rounder, especially in Touring flavour. Smooth, quiet and refined during the commute, and actually pretty rapid when the mood takes you. And in M Sport flavour, it's an accomplished handler as well. 50mpg if driven sensibly. 40mpg if driven hard all the time.
If steering feel is an issue the E9x 335i retained the hydraulic power steering throughout the model's life, unlike the other variants that switched over to electric steering for the latter part of the E9x production. Which results in far better steering feel than any of the electrically assisted models, at a cost of probably less than 1 MPG.E90s are nice cars, but they are seriously dated now. Whilst the F3x platform isn't exactly cutting edge either, it does have a much stiffer bodyshell and the electric steering feels nicer as well, imo. Well, I say 'feel' (neither platform has much of that) but the 'weighting' feels better.
It's such a good all rounder, especially in Touring flavour. Smooth, quiet and refined during the commute, and actually pretty rapid when the mood takes you. And in M Sport flavour, it's an accomplished handler as well. 50mpg if driven sensibly. 40mpg if driven hard all the time.
For that budget however you're probably creeping into F3x 335i/340i territory which would be my choice, much as I enjoy the E91.
With the F3x platform, you can extract a little feel depending on tyres used. Non run flats, forget it, even the ContiSport 7. With the run flats I've used there's a murmour of information coming through! The trouble is, if you use a rubber coupling in the steering column, then you're never going to get any feel. Bin that off and things will improve. Plus the soggy fluid filled control arm bushes, etc.
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