E92 325i Coupe SE - thoughts and experience

[JFReturns]

Evening all,

I'm after a practical, modern, frugal petrol car and the E90 Coupe just fits my criteria. What I really mean is it doesn't really fulfill my criteria but I pretty much fell for one when I was viewing a boring Mercedes estate.

Any thoughts on real world MPG, reliability, power, handling, comfort, must have options, buying tips etc. appreciated.

This is the one I viewed but seems overpriced? Going to have a look at an alternative on Thursday.

Thank you,

Robert.

[a4cabrio]

My advice would be to avoid Big Motoring World like the plague, 2 mins on Google will explain all.

As for a 325i, it depends which engine you will be going for, the early 325i in the e90 was a 2.5l but that was later changed to a 3.0l engine which was more powerful and economical.

[Phateuk]

a4cabrio said:

My advice would be to avoid Big Motoring World like the plague, 2 mins on Google will explain all.

<snip>

This.

[JFReturns]

My budget would be for a 2007 so the 2.5. If I averaged 28mpg+ I would be happy - is this realistic?

[Ultuous]

Probably optimistic, but depends on your journeys... I get 23ish on my commute to and from work (approx 5 miles city, 5 miles b-roads) but nearer 30 on a decent motorway run.

[a4cabrio]

JFReturns said:

My budget would be for a 2007 so the 2.5. If I averaged 28mpg+ I would be happy - is this realistic?

I'm unsure if that's possible in a 2.5l, I have a n53 330i and I average 29mpg, so 28mpg might be a bit optimistic from an early 2.5l, but I suppose a lot depends on what type of use it'll be getting, city driving, motorway driving etc etc

If you could stretch your budget it would be worth getting the n52 3.0 engine, very reliable engine by all accounts

[JFReturns]

Thanks for this both. I only commute 24 miles a day so that mpg I can live with.

Finally, how do they wear their miles? I'm looking at 70,000 milers and would like to keep long term (well, two years at least). Any specific things I should look for on the test drive?

[tomic]

Phateuk said:

a4cabrio said:

My advice would be to avoid Big Motoring World like the plague, 2 mins on Google will explain all.

<snip>

This.

I'll probably get flamed for this, but I got my 330i M Sport coupe from Big Motoring World and I've actually been pretty pleased with the service I got.

The car had a couple of problems after I collected it which they bent over backwards to sort out, had a full set of Bridgestone runflats fitted at the PDI (a grands worth of tyres)and was loads cheaper than anywhere else. They also gave me the What Car "Clean" trade in price for my old car even though the bodywork was ropey. They do a hard sell on the gardx crap, warranties and finance, but I didn't take any of it.

Dealers like Car Giant and Big Motoring world aren't perfect, but they are aware of consumer protection law and if your car has apparant faults, then they know they have to sort them out - unlike most small independent dealers who just get cars in from the auction, stick them on sale and hope for the best. Then if you're unlucky the dealer might not take your calls when you complain and you end up out of pocket(as I have in the past!).

[JFReturns]

tomic said:

Phateuk said:

a4cabrio said:

My advice would be to avoid Big Motoring World like the plague, 2 mins on Google will explain all.

<snip>

This.

I'll probably get flamed for this, but I got my 330i M Sport coupe from Big Motoring World and I've actually been pretty pleased with the service I got.

The car had a couple of problems after I collected it which they bent over backwards to sort out, had a full set of Bridgestone runflats fitted at the PDI (a grands worth of tyres)and was loads cheaper than anywhere else. They also gave me the What Car "Clean" trade in price for my old car even though the bodywork was ropey. They do a hard sell on the gardx crap, warranties and finance, but I didn't take any of it.

Dealers like Car Giant and Big Motoring world aren't perfect, but they are aware of consumer protection law and if your car has apparant faults, then they know they have to sort them out - unlike most small independent dealers who just get cars in from the auction, stick them on sale and hope for the best. Then if you're unlucky the dealer might not take your calls when you complain and you end up out of pocket(as I have in the past!).

I've been to the larger site and it was okay-ish. Huge turnover of stock, but the nicely priced cars advertised on Autotrader are never at the site, or have just been sold

The smaller site in Canterbury was better. The salesman we spoke to was pushy, but not too bad. However, its the price that puts me off! The 325 coupe listed above is around a grand too much IMO so I won't consider it.

[JFReturns]

I've calculated my fuel costs based on 20mpg and it's not too bad, but I'm going to consider the 320i as it seems to have the efficient 2.0 engine with 170bhp but appears far more frugal.

Anyone care to share their experience of this engine? I'm concerned it won't have quite enough 'shove' to keep me entertained compared to the older 2.5.

[tomic]

JFReturns said:

tomic said:

Phateuk said:

a4cabrio said:

My advice would be to avoid Big Motoring World like the plague, 2 mins on Google will explain all.

<snip>

This.

I'll probably get flamed for this, but I got my 330i M Sport coupe from Big Motoring World and I've actually been pretty pleased with the service I got.

The car had a couple of problems after I collected it which they bent over backwards to sort out, had a full set of Bridgestone runflats fitted at the PDI (a grands worth of tyres)and was loads cheaper than anywhere else. They also gave me the What Car "Clean" trade in price for my old car even though the bodywork was ropey. They do a hard sell on the gardx crap, warranties and finance, but I didn't take any of it.

Dealers like Car Giant and Big Motoring world aren't perfect, but they are aware of consumer protection law and if your car has apparant faults, then they know they have to sort them out - unlike most small independent dealers who just get cars in from the auction, stick them on sale and hope for the best. Then if you're unlucky the dealer might not take your calls when you complain and you end up out of pocket(as I have in the past!).

I've been to the larger site and it was okay-ish. Huge turnover of stock, but the nicely priced cars advertised on Autotrader are never at the site, or have just been sold

The smaller site in Canterbury was better. The salesman we spoke to was pushy, but not too bad. However, its the price that puts me off! The 325 coupe listed above is around a grand too much IMO so I won't consider it.

The Canterbury site was where I got mine. If it hangs around too long they will reduce the price so keep an eye on it.

[a4cabrio]

tomic said:

Phateuk said:

a4cabrio said:

My advice would be to avoid Big Motoring World like the plague, 2 mins on Google will explain all.

<snip>

This.

I'll probably get flamed for this, but I got my 330i M Sport coupe from Big Motoring World and I've actually been pretty pleased with the service I got.

The car had a couple of problems after I collected it which they bent over backwards to sort out, had a full set of Bridgestone runflats fitted at the PDI (a grands worth of tyres)and was loads cheaper than anywhere else. They also gave me the What Car "Clean" trade in price for my old car even though the bodywork was ropey. They do a hard sell on the gardx crap, warranties and finance, but I didn't take any of it.

Dealers like Car Giant and Big Motoring world aren't perfect, but they are aware of consumer protection law and if your car has apparant faults, then they know they have to sort them out - unlike most small independent dealers who just get cars in from the auction, stick them on sale and hope for the best. Then if you're unlucky the dealer might not take your calls when you complain and you end up out of pocket(as I have in the past!).

I wouldn't flame you at all, I'm really pleased you are happy with you're car, I don't know my way round a car very well so I'd rather look at what a main dealer has to offer, purely for the warranty and security. I think I done ok buying from a main dealer, I paid slightly more than others were priced at, but not too much, £500 tops and also got a 2 year bmw warranty, so I'm happy.

[Matt99man]

JFReturns said:

My budget would be for a 2007 so the 2.5. If I averaged 28mpg+ I would be happy - is this realistic?

This should not be too hard, I get an indicated 30 mpg from mine. Generally 29 when brim to brimmed. That's on a 25 mile round trip every day to work through the a50 traffic that can be very slow and stop start. I've done 40 on a run many times.

[JFReturns]

Matt99man said:

This should not be too hard, I get an indicated 30 mpg from mine. Generally 29 when brim to brimmed. That's on a 25 mile round trip every day to work through the a50 traffic that can be very slow and stop start. I've done 40 on a run many times.

Thanks for the reply Matt. That makes the 325 (2.5) a valid option.

I'm going to test drive one or two Thursday, but can you tell me a little about your ownership experience thus far?

[Phateuk]

I realised I meant to add more to my last post but it double posted and I got side tracked.

Anyway - have you considered the saloon rather than coupe? When I was considering these the saloon was often a fair bit cheaper - especially if in SE guise. You should get a newer/lower milage etc car for your money, or a cheaper one and save some towards fuel.

[Fox-]

Phateuk said:

I realised I meant to add more to my last post but it double posted and I got side tracked.

Anyway - have you considered the saloon rather than coupe? When I was considering these the saloon was often a fair bit cheaper - especially if in SE guise. You should get a newer/lower milage etc car for your money, or a cheaper one and save some towards fuel.

The Saloon is also a fairly nasty looking thing whereas unusually for a 3 Series Coupe, which prior to the E92 looked like a 2 door 3 Series saloon, the E92 was quite different exterior styling wise.

It also has felt lined door bins and the E90 has plastic ones. If that isnt enough to convince you then what is

[Phateuk]

Fox- said:

Phateuk said:

I realised I meant to add more to my last post but it double posted and I got side tracked.

Anyway - have you considered the saloon rather than coupe? When I was considering these the saloon was often a fair bit cheaper - especially if in SE guise. You should get a newer/lower milage etc car for your money, or a cheaper one and save some towards fuel.

The Saloon is also a fairly nasty looking thing whereas unusually for a 3 Series Coupe, which prior to the E92 looked like a 2 door 3 Series saloon, the E92 was quite different exterior styling wise.

It also has felt lined door bins and the E90 has plastic ones. If that isnt enough to convince you then what is

I agree, personally I was looking at msport saloons (best of bad situation) but as the OP was considering an E92 SE I thought maybe an E90 wouldn't be too bad

My considerations at the time went from E92 (slightly over budget), E90 sport (couldn't get on with styling), onto E60 Sport (pre LCI a bit dated, LCI too much), ended up with an E86 Z4.

[JFReturns]

I'd be in serious trouble with SWMBO if I turned up in another two seater

I'll check out the saloon but have to say they don't grab me..

[s m]

JFReturns said:

My budget would be for a 2007 so the 2.5. If I averaged 28mpg+ I would be happy - is this realistic?

Autocar tested a 6-sp manual box mated to this engine ( 2.5 218bhp/184lbft )

Consumption figures they recorded were

Test average 27.2 mpg
Touring route 36.1 mpg
Track use 11.6 mpg

[JFReturns]

That's encouraging. I'm test driving an auto so will expect slightly lower but that's fine.

Test driving a 325 [2.5] tomorrow and will report back! I'm not convinced the 320i is the engine for me...