E90 320i VS 320d? Real world economy? General advice!

[lambo_xx]

Hello,

Ok looking at a run around for my other half, thinking about a 320 coupe. It's mostly going to be a town car, not that many long journeys, so just wondering which would be the most economical overall? Diesel is better on paper but I've always thought diesels aren't so good around town?

Also, any other recommendations on what to look for (probably 2007-2010 cars)? Not decided whether it'll be a manual or auto. We aren't that fussed really.

Thanks for any advice in advance!

[johnfm]

DO NOT BUY A 4 CYLINDER E90.

Far too many issues with the 320i - from coils, to leaky injectors and other faults. Horrible engine compared to the 6 cylinder 325. Don't waste your time. Get the 320D or go for the 325i.

Thank me later.

[tomic]

johnfm said:

DO NOT BUY A 4 CYLINDER E90.

Far too many issues with the 320i - from coils, to leaky injectors and other faults. Horrible engine compared to the 6 cylinder 325. Don't waste your time. Get the 320D or go for the 325i.

Thank me later.

This

But the difference between the 4 and six cylinder cars is not just the engine. Better brakes, better traction control, hillstart assist if you get a manual. Unless you do the mileage to justify the 320d try to go six cylinder.

[Smiley198700]

tomic said:

This

But the difference between the 4 and six cylinder cars is not just the engine. Better brakes, better traction control, hillstart assist if you get a manual. Unless you do the mileage to justify the 320d try to go six cylinder.

the autos have hill hold if this is what you mean? Also they get the funky cruise control needle thing around the speedo which i don't think the 4cylinder ones have.

Plus they sound much, much better and are as smooth as silk

[abarber]

I had an E92 320i for a while whilst my 330i was in for servicing. It was pretty average tbh, a far cry from the creamy six cylinder bliss that BMW are renowned for.

It had to be worked hard to get anywhere and so actually returned less mpg overall for me.

[Fox-]

abarber said:

I had an E92 320i for a while whilst my 330i was in for servicing. It was pretty average tbh, a far cry from the creamy six cylinder bliss that BMW are renowned for.

It had to be worked hard to get anywhere and so actually returned less mpg overall for me.

I had an E90 320i for about 2 months in 2006 - same thoughts really. It was barely any more economical than my 530i.

[davenice003]

My 2011 E90 320i (manual with start/stop) returns 21-24mpg commuting 8 miles into SW London during the morning rush hour and about 27-28mpg on the return journey when the roads are much quieter. The official figures for the car are 34mpg (urban), 53mpg (extra urban), 44mpg (combined).

I did the same journey once in a new F31 320d auto touring with X drive and I got 40mpg, although I drove it very carefully in eco-pro mode as it was a loan car.

I chose petrol as I do under 7,000 miles a year. I plan to replace the 320i with a 335i / Cayman in the not too distant future.

Edited by davenice003 on Sunday 16th November 23:45

[Max M4X WW]

Slightly off topic but are the E46 1.8 4cyl's just as bad? Looking for a run around but thinking it may have to be an E36 318is!

[Chan61922]

I was also considering a 320i but a sport and convertible, test drove a few and realised how underpowered they are, I currently own a 318ci sport, and find that a lot more capable, but then again the convertible adds a lot more weight, but the coupes I Beleive are fairly heavy too. I'm currently in market for 325 sport but manual because I too don't want nothing too juicy so a 325/330 auto is out the picture. I think your best bet is a 320d se coupe, be hard to find low mileage 320d sport coupe within your budget. However if your not doing enough miles and short journeys diesel may not be for you. 320i will give you headache it's priced cheaper than the other models for a reason, it's just a entry level model

[woogie]

I have a 320d convertible , I get between 51 to 55 mpg on motorways and 41 urban just driving round town 30-35 mph .