BMW 320d E90 series, which iteration is best/most reliable?
Discussion
Morning chaps,
Looking to purchase an E90 saloon/estate and am interested in the 2.0 diesel. Looking on parkers and at a ton of used cars online, and my head is frazzled at how many versions there are available-not just of the 320, but also in 316/318d guise as well!
Part of me thinks would I be better off going for a well maintained E46 320d, for half/third the price?
Looking to purchase an E90 saloon/estate and am interested in the 2.0 diesel. Looking on parkers and at a ton of used cars online, and my head is frazzled at how many versions there are available-not just of the 320, but also in 316/318d guise as well!
Part of me thinks would I be better off going for a well maintained E46 320d, for half/third the price?
daveco said:
Morning chaps,
Looking to purchase an E90 saloon/estate and am interested in the 2.0 diesel. Looking on parkers and at a ton of used cars online, and my head is frazzled at how many versions there are available-not just of the 320, but also in 316/318d guise as well!
Part of me thinks would I be better off going for a well maintained E46 320d, for half/third the price?
Afraid I'm not really sure what your question is.Looking to purchase an E90 saloon/estate and am interested in the 2.0 diesel. Looking on parkers and at a ton of used cars online, and my head is frazzled at how many versions there are available-not just of the 320, but also in 316/318d guise as well!
Part of me thinks would I be better off going for a well maintained E46 320d, for half/third the price?
Your thread title says this:
"BMW 320d E90 series, which iteration is best/most reliable?"
Which I guess is an odd question. Generally the variation will be trim levels and the fact that BMW sold the 3 Series as 4 door saloon, 2 door coupe, 5 door estate and 2 door convertible.
So say 5 trim levels x 4 main models, easily gives you 20 variants straight off.
Most models also get a mid life facelift. Styling tweaks, maybe new engine options or updates. And often trim level changes.
That all said and done, a 320 is a 320. An SE or M Sport will be no more reliable than the other.
And largely this will be true across the entire model range. Some engines might have a know weakness or a gearbox for that engine only. But by and large BMW sell lots and lots of 3 Series. So none of them can really be unreliable.
As for the e46. Yes, no maybe. Depends entirely on what you want to achieve. They are good cars too, but you'll be getting an older car no matter how you slice it. You have to decide if this is value for money or not for you.
The 316d/318d/320d are all the same engine just in different states of tune I believe, I had a E91 318d as a loan car and I was expecting it to be slower than slow but it wasn't too bad at all.
I had the 177bhp 2.0d engine in a E61 520d and while it was pretty frugal I always recommend the 3.0d engine as it's far more punchy, sounds a little less agricultural and it's smoother too.
Had a E90 330d and currently have a E90 330i and both are nice all round motors, but I never really liked the engine much at all in my 520d, that engine is very frugal though in the 3 series so I can see why it's loved so much.
I had the 177bhp 2.0d engine in a E61 520d and while it was pretty frugal I always recommend the 3.0d engine as it's far more punchy, sounds a little less agricultural and it's smoother too.
Had a E90 330d and currently have a E90 330i and both are nice all round motors, but I never really liked the engine much at all in my 520d, that engine is very frugal though in the 3 series so I can see why it's loved so much.
April 2011 E90 320d ED (EfficientDynamics) manual saloon owner here.
The 320d is powered by an engine called the N47D20.
In my ED 320d model, it's a 163bhp variant of the same engine as sold in the 316d/318d/320d.
Although some of the ancillary parts vary by specific model (the 316d and 318d have a different turbo, but the same 2.0 block and head as the more powerful ones), they are all basically the same engine. If you want to have a poke about with parts numbers and things, realoem.com is a good site for checking BMW bits.
Until engines built in March 2011, the N47D20 engine had an issue with the tensioner for the chain drive, rectified on the later engines and with BMW offering a "product enhancement recall" for the older ones.
Other than that I don't know of specific issues with any of the small 3er diesels. I've heard some mutterings about weak automatic gearboxes. Hope this helps.
The 320d is powered by an engine called the N47D20.
In my ED 320d model, it's a 163bhp variant of the same engine as sold in the 316d/318d/320d.
Although some of the ancillary parts vary by specific model (the 316d and 318d have a different turbo, but the same 2.0 block and head as the more powerful ones), they are all basically the same engine. If you want to have a poke about with parts numbers and things, realoem.com is a good site for checking BMW bits.
Until engines built in March 2011, the N47D20 engine had an issue with the tensioner for the chain drive, rectified on the later engines and with BMW offering a "product enhancement recall" for the older ones.
Other than that I don't know of specific issues with any of the small 3er diesels. I've heard some mutterings about weak automatic gearboxes. Hope this helps.
CraigyMc said:
April 2011 E90 320d ED (EfficientDynamics)
Until engines built in March 2011, the N47D20 engine had an issue with the tensioner for the chain drive, rectified on the later engines and with BMW offering a "product enhancement recall" for the older ones.
The later engines were supposed to be cured, but the issue does still arise, albeit less frequently on the later engines as well. My March 2012 registered 320d (F30) had a noisy timing chain from new.Until engines built in March 2011, the N47D20 engine had an issue with the tensioner for the chain drive, rectified on the later engines and with BMW offering a "product enhancement recall" for the older ones.
When you start the engine, let it idle and sit in the drivers seat and listen for a noise that sounds, what I can only describe like a single, gently shaken maraca from behind the centre of the dash. The timing chain is sited at the back of the engine compartment, and is most audible from inside. Raise the revs, and the cadence of the noise will increase. If it does that, walk away.
This is the best example I can find (this one is bad)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDkh3zD-4Xc
Mine started doing this quietly from about 500 miles. BMW said it was "normal". When I handed the car back at 3 years old it sounded just like the one in the video. I suspect BMWs response was a denial exercise because it proved the supposed "fix" actually wasn't. There's no point fitting modified parts to an engine that already has them, and the repair involves replacing the crankshaft as the sprocket is integral and can't be changed separately. Great piece of engineering.
In fairness to it, it did make 3 years and 55,000 miles without crapping itself, against my expectations.
The consensus seems to be that the earlier M47 turbo diesel is more reliable than the later N47, but who knows....
The normal rules apply - buy on condition/history rather than just mileage/reputation!
Mine (M47) is currently at 185,000KM, and is running very nicely. It uses hardly any oil. The water pump went, that´s about it, in the 20,000KM since we´ve had it.
The normal rules apply - buy on condition/history rather than just mileage/reputation!
Mine (M47) is currently at 185,000KM, and is running very nicely. It uses hardly any oil. The water pump went, that´s about it, in the 20,000KM since we´ve had it.
I have a 2007 320D with the earlier engine, which I've owned from 54k miles to the present 142k miles. I've known the car since new and the only fault has been a new turbo at about 90k. I fitted a re-conditioned one, which wasn't too expensive. Other than that the car's been faultless and returns 50-60 mpg on long runs depending how you drive it, with 45-50 mpg if you're in town or accelerating and decelerating a lot. I have no experience of the later engine, but my Dad has a 2011 ED and that's been faultless from 0-60k miles, returning about 10-15mpg higher than my aforementioned figures. The iDrive on mine is painfully slow, so I think that would drive me towards buying a newer model, despite the timing chain horror stories.
One thing I'm particularly keen on are the standard 16 inch wheels and RFTs that I've got on mine. Of all the BMWs that I've tried (which is a hell of a lot, virtually the whole range from the mid 90s to today), it's one of my favourite combinations, for later BMWs at least (post E36). People that ditch the RFTs tend to suffer from a lack of damping (bouncy bouncy!), BMW's big wheels (17, 18, 19 etc) tend to give too jittery a ride and they can negatively affect handling too, giving quite a sharp transition across slip angles and often understeer. With the standard 16s and standard tyres the 320d is, in my opinion, one of the most fluid driving and balanced saloons I've ever driven. I drift mine at a variety of slip angles virtually every day and the whole package just seems to gel nicely (unlike my previous Z4C or 330ci for example). The standard tyres are also extremely affordable, but that's not really a concern because of the huge length of time they seem to last, even when the car is driven very quickly most of the time.
With regard to M Sport vs non M Sport, for the latest generation of 1, 3 and 5 series it's a no brainer to go for M Sport, as you need it to get nicely balanced handling, but with the previous E90 generation the jury's out, so I'd recommend trying both if you can. The E90 M Sport had better quality dampers, but many people complained of the harsh ride.
My 320d is certainly the best practical everyday car I've owned. Yes, it's a diesel and yes, it's a bit slow, but the handling is lovely for a four seater saloon and practicality wise it does all I need (heavy roof rack use 2-3 days a week in summer, towing my race car, carrying car spares around, coping with snow filled lanes in winter). There are a few gripes on my '07 model, namely indicators that keep turning off too early (usually right in the middle of a junction!), a slow iDrive, a cruise control that sometimes doesn't re-engage on the first click and I need the seat to go an inch lower and the steering wheel to come about 1-2 inches closer to me. I'm nitpicking though, as it's the best everyday car I've owned and to prove that I've owned it for the longest time and furthest mileage by quite some margin, and its the only car I've ever owned that I'm thinking of replacing with the same again. As with any car though, I would go for the latest model I could afford to benefit from the small improvements that tend to happen with any model.
One thing I'm particularly keen on are the standard 16 inch wheels and RFTs that I've got on mine. Of all the BMWs that I've tried (which is a hell of a lot, virtually the whole range from the mid 90s to today), it's one of my favourite combinations, for later BMWs at least (post E36). People that ditch the RFTs tend to suffer from a lack of damping (bouncy bouncy!), BMW's big wheels (17, 18, 19 etc) tend to give too jittery a ride and they can negatively affect handling too, giving quite a sharp transition across slip angles and often understeer. With the standard 16s and standard tyres the 320d is, in my opinion, one of the most fluid driving and balanced saloons I've ever driven. I drift mine at a variety of slip angles virtually every day and the whole package just seems to gel nicely (unlike my previous Z4C or 330ci for example). The standard tyres are also extremely affordable, but that's not really a concern because of the huge length of time they seem to last, even when the car is driven very quickly most of the time.
With regard to M Sport vs non M Sport, for the latest generation of 1, 3 and 5 series it's a no brainer to go for M Sport, as you need it to get nicely balanced handling, but with the previous E90 generation the jury's out, so I'd recommend trying both if you can. The E90 M Sport had better quality dampers, but many people complained of the harsh ride.
My 320d is certainly the best practical everyday car I've owned. Yes, it's a diesel and yes, it's a bit slow, but the handling is lovely for a four seater saloon and practicality wise it does all I need (heavy roof rack use 2-3 days a week in summer, towing my race car, carrying car spares around, coping with snow filled lanes in winter). There are a few gripes on my '07 model, namely indicators that keep turning off too early (usually right in the middle of a junction!), a slow iDrive, a cruise control that sometimes doesn't re-engage on the first click and I need the seat to go an inch lower and the steering wheel to come about 1-2 inches closer to me. I'm nitpicking though, as it's the best everyday car I've owned and to prove that I've owned it for the longest time and furthest mileage by quite some margin, and its the only car I've ever owned that I'm thinking of replacing with the same again. As with any car though, I would go for the latest model I could afford to benefit from the small improvements that tend to happen with any model.
Thanks for all the info chaps!
Let me clarify, I'm looking for a saloon or estate version, SE or sport but preferably sport as I like the interior on those models. Budget is pretty much anything up to about €16k however I'm reluctant to spend that much when I see tidy E46 examples or E90 models for less than half this.
Car would be used for work and for weekends so will be driven about 12-15,000 miles a year.
All cars post '08 in Ireland are taxed on emissions so '08 and newer are €270 a year, prior to this it is €760 and taxed on engine size, so it would be nice to get something that is 2008 or newer. However most are showing over 130,000 miles which I'm a little reluctant to go see considering I plan to hang onto this car for a few years.
Let me clarify, I'm looking for a saloon or estate version, SE or sport but preferably sport as I like the interior on those models. Budget is pretty much anything up to about €16k however I'm reluctant to spend that much when I see tidy E46 examples or E90 models for less than half this.
Car would be used for work and for weekends so will be driven about 12-15,000 miles a year.
All cars post '08 in Ireland are taxed on emissions so '08 and newer are €270 a year, prior to this it is €760 and taxed on engine size, so it would be nice to get something that is 2008 or newer. However most are showing over 130,000 miles which I'm a little reluctant to go see considering I plan to hang onto this car for a few years.
If you want something that rides and handles, don't dismiss the ED model. Only available as a saloon from about 2010. It's overlooked by most because it was the "efficiency" model rather than the "M Sport", but despite a slightly detuned engine (down about 15bhp, but same torque), the real story was 16" non-runflat Michelins and lowered SE suspension. The net result was a car which could cover bumpy roads in a fluid manner which the "sporty" models can only dream of. It looks like a taxi, and it would be better with the optional sports seats, but to drive it will be the best 320d you will find. I am sure you will end up with an "M Sport", but if you get the chance, give the ED a try down a back lane.
In other news, 2010 was the facelift (LCI) year, so you get different lights and a curvy bonnet. I believe the iDrive went to a hard drive at the same time so you might want to aim for one of those if the budget allows.
In other news, 2010 was the facelift (LCI) year, so you get different lights and a curvy bonnet. I believe the iDrive went to a hard drive at the same time so you might want to aim for one of those if the budget allows.
RicksAlfas said:
If you want something that rides and handles, don't dismiss the ED model. Only available as a saloon from about 2010. It's overlooked by most because it was the "efficiency" model rather than the "M Sport", but despite a slightly detuned engine (down about 15bhp, but same torque), the real story was 16" non-runflat Michelins and lowered SE suspension. The net result was a car which could cover bumpy roads in a fluid manner which the "sporty" models can only dream of. It looks like a taxi, and it would be better with the optional sports seats, but to drive it will be the best 320d you will find. I am sure you will end up with an "M Sport", but if you get the chance, give the ED a try down a back lane.
In other news, 2010 was the facelift (LCI) year, so you get different lights and a curvy bonnet. I believe the iDrive went to a hard drive at the same time so you might want to aim for one of those if the budget allows.
Thanks Rick, the tax is even cheaper on the ED models (€200/year) and the budget does stretch to them so they are priority. I was wondering why they looked sportier/lower than the usual SE models so your info clarifies that. In other news, 2010 was the facelift (LCI) year, so you get different lights and a curvy bonnet. I believe the iDrive went to a hard drive at the same time so you might want to aim for one of those if the budget allows.
There are 2011 320d which seem to have either 177 or 184hp, is this a mistake by the garage, or did the late E90 share the same engine as the next gen F series?
I think the ED runs about 20mm lower, primarily for aero reasons, although I'm assuming the effect on the CofG does bring noticeable handling benefits, yes. I've yet to drive one, so can't comment on the handling from experience, although I've ridden in my Dad's 2011 ED many times and it certainly feels very good from the passenger seat.daveco said:
There are 2011 320d which seem to have either 177 or 184hp, is this a mistake by the garage, or did the late E90 share the same engine as the next gen F series?
The E90 came with both engines - from 2011 the 320d is 184bhp, and the ED was (and still is) 163bhp.Because the ED has lower drag it's not that much slower in a straight line - mine's done 143mph in Germany.
I agree with the statement about optional sports seats. Mine has them..
BMWspeak for "facelift model" is LCI (stands for Life Cycle Impulse). The E90 LCI was available from 2010, and included upgrades to a lot of minor things; for example, the lights (the initial E90 had halogen bulbs in the rear, the LCI has LEDs).
It appears that for the F30 BMW went back to halogen bulbs on cost grounds, as well as "decontenting" in a few other ways (eg. the bootlid went from gas struts with no boot space intrusion on the E90 to annoying "swan-neck" support things on the F30).
The ED is quite a low car - it's about 15mm lower than standard, but doesn't run on stiff suspension. The idea was to cut drag, and for this it works - but you will occasionally drag the car's chin on the ground in multistorey car parks and the like.
The ED comes on Michelin Enery saver 205/55/R16s, which are quiet, last a long time, and give a great ride quality to the car. They are only about £65 a corner to replace as well.
Basically, I bought one because I recon it's the best. My budget allowed me to get a lot of other cars too (I tried the C-class and the 5er too) - this was the best for me.
CraigyMc said:
daveco said:
There are 2011 320d which seem to have either 177 or 184hp, is this a mistake by the garage, or did the late E90 share the same engine as the next gen F series?
The E90 came with both engines - from 2011 the 320d is 184bhp, and the ED was (and still is) 163bhp.Because the ED has lower drag it's not that much slower in a straight line - mine's done 143mph in Germany.
I agree with the statement about optional sports seats. Mine has them..
BMWspeak for "facelift model" is LCI (stands for Life Cycle Impulse). The E90 LCI was available from 2010, and included upgrades to a lot of minor things; for example, the lights (the initial E90 had halogen bulbs in the rear, the LCI has LEDs).
It appears that for the F30 BMW went back to halogen bulbs on cost grounds, as well as "decontenting" in a few other ways (eg. the bootlid went from gas struts with no boot space intrusion on the E90 to annoying "swan-neck" support things on the F30).
The ED is quite a low car - it's about 15mm lower than standard, but doesn't run on stiff suspension. The idea was to cut drag, and for this it works - but you will occasionally drag the car's chin on the ground in multistorey car parks and the like.
The ED comes on Michelin Enery saver 205/55/R16s, which are quiet, last a long time, and give a great ride quality to the car. They are only about £65 a corner to replace as well.
Basically, I bought one because I recon it's the best. My budget allowed me to get a lot of other cars too (I tried the C-class and the 5er too) - this was the best for me.
CraigyMc said:
The ED comes on Michelin Enery saver 205/55/R16s, which are quiet, last a long time, and give a great ride quality to the car. They are only about £65 a corner to replace as well.
SoapboxI'm in exactly the same car as you Craigy. Not only are the tyres quiet, long lasting and ride well, but they have more than enough grip for the car and power. It really does prove that modern cars are massively over wheeled and tyred in the majority of circumstances. Yes, it looks better. But if car designers could manage to style their cars to suit more modest wheels and tyres, cars would not only be cheaper to run but they'd be much nicer to drive too. They may well be safer too. By the time a car is a few years old and the owner is faced with replacing 255/19s at £300 each, they cut corners by buying some Handw
k GT Ditchfinders to save money...yet their car doesn't really need such massive rubber in the first place.Apologies daveco - back on topic.
Mine were both EDs.
Both ED and non-ED versions have identical torque figures. The extra 21 PS of the non-ED is delivered at the top of the rev range. It pulls hard past 4,000 RPM where the ED is starting to tail off. That's really the only difference.
In normal A to B use, you won't notice any performance difference between the two. The ED goes very well indeed.
I could almost guarantee low 60s to the gallon on a motorway run, staying under 80 mph. If I was careful, and in ideal traffic conditions, I could coax it into the 70s. I never saw less than 50 calculated average over a tankful however I drove it.
Both ED and non-ED versions have identical torque figures. The extra 21 PS of the non-ED is delivered at the top of the rev range. It pulls hard past 4,000 RPM where the ED is starting to tail off. That's really the only difference.
In normal A to B use, you won't notice any performance difference between the two. The ED goes very well indeed.
I could almost guarantee low 60s to the gallon on a motorway run, staying under 80 mph. If I was careful, and in ideal traffic conditions, I could coax it into the 70s. I never saw less than 50 calculated average over a tankful however I drove it.
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