BMW E90 330i Touring

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Discussion

Donatello

Original Poster:

1,035 posts

161 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
quotequote all
I see not many of these are about as the engine has been discontinued? Quite disappointed as we are going to be looking for an estate soon and don't do more than 12k a year so the petrol seemed fine for me.

Need an estate for our two dogs but loved the 330i. Any similar alternatives that could offer a good amount of fun and reasonable running costs?

off_again

12,294 posts

234 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
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Very latest and just launched 3 series is only available in 4 door at the moment. This model will currently not have the 3.0 straight 6 engine. The current model that is available as an estate, coupe and convertible can still be had with the 3.0 engine, but expect them to be phased out as the new model comes in.

328i is available which is the turbo petrol engine. Almost the same performance, just down on power but a lot more economical. From what the journo's say though, it lacks the noise and interactivity of the older engine. Shame. But technology advances and if customers dont by the engine, manufacturers wont make them.... its pretty simple.

Vladimir

6,917 posts

158 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
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Are you looking new or used?

The last 330i wasn't out for long but was a cracking car. 268bhp, great sound by dogged by reliability issues. BMW killed it off.

Tourings are called E91s BTW!

335i and 335d are both quick and available in Touring form. Latest Touring won't be out for a while yet but the current saloon is available in 335i form so I reckon it'll be out in Touring shape too.

Donatello

Original Poster:

1,035 posts

161 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
quotequote all
Thanks for the help guys. I have been looking at used vehicles. Not 100% sure on budget as don't know exactly when we will be buying.

Didn't realise they were E90/91/92/93 for that reason, just thought it was maybe face-lift versions. Learn something new everyday.

I was originally looking at big diesel estates and after a little calculation based on approx figures, the 330i was fine.

I like the idea of a pacey estate that in all fairness is quite economical.

Vladimir

6,917 posts

158 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
quotequote all
Donatello said:
Thanks for the help guys. I have been looking at used vehicles. Not 100% sure on budget as don't know exactly when we will be buying.

Didn't realise they were E90/91/92/93 for that reason, just thought it was maybe face-lift versions. Learn something new everyday.

I was originally looking at big diesel estates and after a little calculation based on approx figures, the 330i was fine.

I like the idea of a pacey estate that in all fairness is quite economical.
Unless you utterly hate diesels (most do!) then the 330d and 335d are worth a look.

Mid 13s to 100, high 30s to the gallon, low RFL on the post 2008 models.

The 335i is also very good but thirstier and higher on tax.

330i Tourings (the latest ones) seem pretty scarce.

Our 335d Touring fits two young kids, a dog and all our clobber in fine. They aren't huge but they are big enough for most.

rallycross

12,790 posts

237 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
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Try and find a 335 petrol superb machine 3.0' twin turbo 315'bhp but will average 30 mpg and can get high 30's on a motorway cruise.

Great value used they are so much cheaper than the equivalent 335d it would take years of use to recoup the difference in cost by fuel savings.

k15tox

1,680 posts

181 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
quotequote all
Vladimir said:
Unless you utterly hate diesels (most do!) then the 330d and 335d are worth a look.

Mid 13s to 100, high 30s to the gallon, low RFL on the post 2008 models.

The 335i is also very good but thirstier and higher on tax.

330i Tourings (the latest ones) seem pretty scarce.

Our 335d Touring fits two young kids, a dog and all our clobber in fine. They aren't huge but they are big enough for most.
are you trying to convert the world to buy BMW diesels?

kpb

305 posts

175 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
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Vladimir said:
Are you looking new or used?

The last 330i wasn't out for long but was a cracking car. 268bhp, great sound by dogged by reliability issues. BMW killed it off.
What were the reliability issues? Am thinking of a Z4C with that engine and would be interested to know.

Vladimir

6,917 posts

158 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
quotequote all
k15 - errmm why did I also talk about the petrols too then? It's a great all rounder, we like it, whoopee freaking too. Sorry we didn't go for a wrong wheel drive diesel Alfa...

Not sure what the issues were with the 330i but I've seen many forum posts from stricken owners. Might be worth googling!!

Donatello

Original Poster:

1,035 posts

161 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
quotequote all
I certainly don't hate diesels. I was looking at the 320d and the 330d touring recently, only thing that bothers me is the tendancy for higher mileage with diesels at high prices (I understand why as it is all about demand).

Once I looked at economy and did some rubbish maths with our mileage, I decided to mention to the other half that a 330i would be alright on fuel so we should look.

The search will go on. Any alternatives people would recommend to the 330i or 335i touring? (I think the 335i would be difficult as it is newer/slightly more expensive and mostly automatic? I want manual!)

martin mrt

3,770 posts

201 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
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You want manual so that firmly rules the 335d out. Shame really as IMO its possibly the best combination that the E91 came in (i am biased however)

Vladimir

6,917 posts

158 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
quotequote all
Have a good look on the UK section of E90Post.com for any issues. Or call a good independent BMW garage (a main dealer won't admit to issues!) and ask them about them. It's hard to gauge how bad they were as forums tend to distill issues and sometimes make them look worse!

335is have issues too - they tend to blow high pressure fuel pumps up. But then most cars have the odd hiccup or two.

TBH with fuel prices like they are, a petrol is probably a more sensible option than it used to be.

The 320d is very efficient but four pot diesels really are a bit hateful (we have one!) in terms of noise and delivery.


k15tox

1,680 posts

181 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
quotequote all
Vladimir said:
k15 - errmm why did I also talk about the petrols too then? It's a great all rounder, we like it, whoopee freaking too. Sorry we didn't go for a wrong wheel drive diesel Alfa...

Not sure what the issues were with the 330i but I've seen many forum posts from stricken owners. Might be worth googling!!
sorry probably just going off previous post on different threads. but you always seem to mention your 335d.

whats the alfa got to do with it? its not an estate car and i didnt recommend it.

looking at your garage the majority of your cars owned have been FWD.

so pipe down and stop acting like the driving RWD driving god with your open diffed auto beemer.



Vladimir

6,917 posts

158 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
quotequote all
k15tox said:
sorry probably just going off previous post on different threads. but you always seem to mention your 335d.

whats the alfa got to do with it? its not an estate car and i didnt recommend it.

looking at your garage the majority of your cars owned have been FWD.

so pipe down and stop acting like the driving RWD driving god with your open diffed auto beemer.
The guy is after a 330i or similar. So it's completely RELEVANT.

You however have never owned a 3 series or anything like it so why even comment? Classic trolling. As for RWD driving god - eh? And my old car list doesn't contain TWO Corsas does it...?

Back to the OP - I'd search hard for a 330i and get it checked over carefully. Any budget in mind?


Edited by Vladimir on Thursday 19th January 11:55

Beyond Rational

3,524 posts

215 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
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So what are these 330i reliability issues?

DanielJames

7,543 posts

168 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
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I know of someone who had continuous problems with his 330i, ended up swapping for a 335i!

s m

23,223 posts

203 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
quotequote all
Beyond Rational said:
So what are these 330i reliability issues?
On the later DI cars the high pressure fuel pump can fail

cheadle hulme

2,457 posts

182 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
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Get a pre LCI car with the non DI engine if you're worried about reliability.

per 2007 for most, but check first

Ps, there is a thread in the BMW forum on "Where are all the 330i E91s" or similar. can't link on phone.

R0B.

124 posts

186 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
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kpb said:
What were the reliability issues? Am thinking of a Z4C with that engine and would be interested to know.
With the the Z4C there's an issue with the HVA(hydraulic tappets)which BMW seem unable to cure, not sure if this is the same engine though?

RicksAlfas

13,394 posts

244 months

Thursday 19th January 2012
quotequote all
Beyond Rational said:
So what are these 330i reliability issues?
Coil packs and fuel pumps mainly.