BMW 330 Touring

[AntTPIV8]

Hello. I'm considering buying a 330 Touring. I've not yet decided on a petrol or a diesel, I'm still not sure what the government are going to do about diesels.

Looking for either a late E90 or early F30. I suppose that's actually E91 and F31?

So the real question here is, what do I need to look out for specifically on these cars? What are the common issues? Anything in particular that I should know?

Thanks.

Edited by AntTPIV8 on Tuesday 28th November 17:14

[rassi]

E91 330i would be a NA 3 litre 6 cylinder 272 bhp, F31 330i a turbo 2 litre 252 bhp. On balance an F31 would be much more up to date car but with a less exciting engine. A 330d in either shape likely a faster daily. If you want an automatic, go for F31, the 8 speed is much better gearbox

[Mike335i]

As said above the older E91 will have a nicer engine, but the F31 should be more economical and feel more powerful in the low and mid range as it has a turbo.

The E90 range is getting on a bit now and doesn't come with much as standard. You would probably find a better spec on the newer generation, which comes with iDrive across the range for example.

The diesel is a 6 pot regardless of generation, but will be more economical in the newer shape. I would say that for the foreseeable future, a diesel does make sense as long as you do the miles to make it worth it.

[Eddieslofart]

I have a new F31 330d. I have had an E90 335d.

The F31 feels better built by some margin. If you are never going to do miles, get a petrol though.

Tractor juice/low miles/= dpf failure early in it’s life.

[Mr Whippy]

Surely if you just get it warmed through once a week and give it some beans the DPF, if a regen is required, will do so?

If you just do a daily low speed commute and never go for a proper run the fine you may hit issues.

Why BMW can't program a message to 'go for a long drive, regen overdue' is another thing.

[AntTPIV8]

I do about 52 miles per day as a commute, plus what ever else I do as non commuting.

[Mike335i]

So about 15k per year assuming a few thousand non commuting miles and a 5 day working week. Diesel will probably be right for you.

[Maracus]

The early F31 will be a 328i, the 330i came mid life on the F31. As said, both turbo 4 pots.

I sold my 328i auto 3 months ago after 3 years and 40k. Only issue was a new catalytic convertor that was replaced under warranty.