E92 320D or 325d/330d

[domasn]

Hello guys!


Im looking into buying BMW 320d 2007 the fuel efficiency is good but I feel like the 330d would be ideal but I'm slightly worried about the running costs of a 3 liter engine. I feel like I would be missing out on the performance, the one limiting factor is insurance, I can afford the insurance for the 320d as I'm 22 it would be a £500 pounds difference for the 330d so my question is: Is it worth to suffer the costs and enjoy or to go sensible and get the 320d?


Any advice appreciated

[DoubleD]

How many miles do you do?

[domasn]

In a year I'd say 10k+

[domasn]

I'd have a 30 mile x 3 commute to uni. Work is kinda close its around 6 miles away so 3-4 times a week.

[DoubleD]

At those low miles mpg isnt going to make a huge difference to your costs of ownership

[domasn]

So you reckon I should go for the 325d/330d?

[ZX10R NIN]

Yes & they're more reliable than the 320d so go for a 330d if you can find a good one or a 325d if you can't.

[Toed64]

Don't consider buying a 4 cylinder diesel BMW made between about 2007 up until 4 or 5 years ago, until you have googled BMW N47 timing chain failure.

The 6 pot diesels are much better engines.

[Mr Tidy]

At 10K miles a year you are on the borderline for the diesel/petrol dilemna!

I had an N47 diesel in my 123d, but bailed on that at 81K miles after 6+ years and converted to petrol! Primarily based on advice from my BMW Indy who recommended a 6 cylinder engine, ideally petrol!

As a result I've had an E91 325i since March, and in my 3K miles the OBC is currently on 35.7 mpg - works for me!

[Mr Tidy]

At 10K miles a year you are on the borderline for the diesel/petrol dilemna!

I had an N47 diesel in my 123d, but bailed on that at 81K miles after 6+ years and converted to petrol! Primarily based on advice from my BMW Indy who recommended a 6 cylinder engine, ideally petrol!

As a result I've had an E91 325i since March, and in my 3K miles the OBC is currently on 35.7 mpg - works for me!

[cerb4.5lee]

I've had 520d/330d/330i and overall I preferred the 330d's engine. The 520d was thirsty and not that quick, the 330i felt gutless unless thrashed...plus I thought it was thirsty(26mpg). Whereas the 330d felt torquey/effortless and offered decent economy.

The 640d I had was the best of the lot though for performance/economy, so a 335d would be my pick, but I guess the insurance rules it out for you.

[nunpuncher]

Buy one with 6 cylinders or by another make.

Others may disagree but the N47 engine found in the 320d of that age is a horrible thing.

[sdpoo]

+1

Another one for don't buy the ~2007 320d. I had an older one which had a turbo seal failure, wrecked the engine at a cost of £3k to replace with a recon.

I've heard the 330d is a much more reliable engine (and also loads better to drive).

[keo]

At 22 and only doing 10k a year I would be looking for a fun hot hatch.

But out of those I would go 330d

[domasn]

Thank you, everyone, for the advice! After considering the of options I'll have to go with the 325d if I can find one maybe 330d. Also one more question would it be best to go for the M sport model or the SE, roads around here are pretty bad is the suspension that stiff on the M sport?

[cerb4.5lee]

I've always gone M sport but I will admit that the SE rides miles better. The SE isn't anywhere near as composed in the corners as the M sport though for me.

[DoubleD]

The 3.0 petrol is a more fun engine when you are pushing it. The 3.0 diesel has lower down power but isnt very exciting.

Only you will know which suspension is best for you. Go and test a few and see what you think.

[cerb4.5lee]

DoubleD said:

Only you will know which suspension is best for you. Go and test a few and see what you think.

I had been used to the M sport but I had a SE for a week as a loan car, and I was grateful straight away for the much softer and compliant ride. It was only until I got to a corner that I missed the M sport, because the SE rolls a fair bit more in comparison.

Agree that the OP is best to test both and see which ride/handling he prefers.