Thoughts on upgrading to this having come from an E90 325i?

[SiKkBaSs]

My dad is looking for an upgrade after many years which is kind of equivalent to his current car.

We felt like the G20 would be close and are enquiring about this:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505021...


Anyone have experience of these cars or thoughts?

This seems like a nice well kept example.

Thanks

[Mr Tidy]

I don't know anything about them but if I was looking to replace my E90 330i I'd want a straight 6 which sadly that doesn't have.

[SiKkBaSs]

Do any of the newer Beamers have them though, I think they stopped it

[Mr Tidy]

The 340i has (or maybe had) a 6, albeit with a turbo.

[brillomaster]

I'd call that a downgrade myself... 4cyl is less than 6!

But does that actually matter to your dad? What does he like or dislike about his current car? What does he want from a new one?

When I eventually replace my e90 330d, it'll likely be with either a 120d for super cheap tax, or a 430d so I can keep my 3 litre diesel, but in a slightly prettier shape.

Don't think I'd get a g20 though, just look massive, not particularly good looking and a load of tech and driver assist I probably don't want.

[Fore Left]

The G20 isn't that much bigger than the E90 and I'm sure the vast majority of people are not going to notice that its only got 4 cylinders.

https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/bmw-3-200...

[MarkJS]

The 30i engine is ok but I’d want to stick with 6 cylinders personally. You’ll get that with the M340i.

Your dad might find his E90 has a more solid interior than the G20. (Tech & looks are a huge step up though)

[RichFN2]

As others have said the M340i uses the 3.0 litre 6 cylinder engine, 365bhp and turbocharged so a good step up in performance:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505011...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504010...

Unfortunately the M340i is a more expensive car, so there will be a compromise on the mileage or year.

[ZX10R NIN]

That looks smart & they're a good reliable car,

I would say take a good look around before buying as there are some good (Giulia) four pot options, I'd recommend test driving one of these:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504281...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505011...

[Mr Tidy]

Fore Left said:

The G20 isn't that much bigger than the E90 and I'm sure the vast majority of people are not going to notice that its only got 4 cylinders.

https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/bmw-3-200...

Most people probably wouldn't notice the difference between a 4 and a 6 but anyone who owned a 6, like the OP's dad, probably would!

[M.F.D]

The B48 is a decent engine and can be tuned easily, but already this will be quicker than his E90, albeit with less charm.

The G20 is a good car, however I would be mindful that this is a pre-LCI and I'm sure £30k would get you into an LCI model which has a few differences but most notably the interior and infotainment setup. That said, 330i isn't a common spec, plenty 330e to choose from though.

M340i is no doubt the answer if wanting to keep to 6cyl, and a very compelling do it all car! However as stated there is a premium to pay for the extra performance.

[culpz]

RichFN2 said:

As others have said the M340i uses the 3.0 litre 6 cylinder engine, 365bhp and turbocharged so a good step up in performance:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505011...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504010...

Unfortunately the M340i is a more expensive car, so there will be a compromise on the mileage or year.

It's also now a mild hybrid technically, so there's a level of added complexity there. We all know that 6-cylinders are always the way to go with BMWs and the B58 is a peach, but I wouldn't want to own any kind of hybrid, mainly on fears of the costs if/when that electric battery goes. A similar reason why the 330e isn't a great used buy either IMO.

I have driven an 330e and still felt rapid, even though that was also a 4-pot. The B48 is also a pretty good unit overall and fairly strong, so I don't think it would put me off. The 330i would be a much simpler car to keep going.

[Rob 131 Sport]

culpz said:

RichFN2 said:

As others have said the M340i uses the 3.0 litre 6 cylinder engine, 365bhp and turbocharged so a good step up in performance:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505011...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504010...

Unfortunately the M340i is a more expensive car, so there will be a compromise on the mileage or year.

It's also now a mild hybrid technically, so there's a level of added complexity there. We all know that 6-cylinders are always the way to go with BMWs and the B58 is a peach, but I wouldn't want to own any kind of hybrid, mainly on fears of the costs if/when that electric battery goes. A similar reason why the 330e isn't a great used buy either IMO.

I have driven an 330e and still felt rapid, even though that was also a 4-pot. The B48 is also a pretty good unit overall and fairly strong, so I don't think it would put me off. The 330i would be a much simpler car to keep going.

I can’t understand why people have such a downer on 4 pot BMW’s. Based on my ownership experience they are great. For long term resale I would stay away from the 330e and go for the 330i. I don’t think your Dad will be disappointed.

[cerb4.5lee]

I went E90 330i to a F56 Mini Cooper S with the B48 2.0 4 cylinder turbo engine, and I didn't mind it to be honest. It isn't the most charismatic engine to use granted, but it was effective though I thought.

[culpz]

I'm looking at ordering the new M135 with the B48. Isn't it essnetially the same unit as the B58 with 2 less cylinders (obviously other supporting bits too)? It's BMW's EA888 really. Seems a pretty solid engine.