F30 LCI 320i opinions?
Discussion
Hey guys, I'm looking for some opinions on the 320i with the b48 engine. There seems to be a lack of info/reviews on them online!
Am I right in thinking that all LCIs come with the b48 engine in the UK?
Also, when searching if a car is LCI or not in 2015 - I'm using the rear lights as my indication! Is a fool proof way of spotting an LCI in an advert?
Interested to hear what MPG is of the engine too.
Considering it over a 320d at the minute.
Thanks very much!
Am I right in thinking that all LCIs come with the b48 engine in the UK?
Also, when searching if a car is LCI or not in 2015 - I'm using the rear lights as my indication! Is a fool proof way of spotting an LCI in an advert?
Interested to hear what MPG is of the engine too.
Considering it over a 320d at the minute.
Thanks very much!
I guess if you wanted 100% certainty , get last 7 digits of VIN and go to a decoder for build date.
Otherwise , as per link , which says September as LCI
Will tell you the engine code too.
https://www.carwow.co.uk/blog/bmw-3-series-old-new...
I found 320i suffered with lag and sounded awful for a petrol.
320d was smoother and felt faster , diesel sounds are diesel sounds
But understand why people avoid diesels these days.
Otherwise , as per link , which says September as LCI
Will tell you the engine code too.
https://www.carwow.co.uk/blog/bmw-3-series-old-new...
I found 320i suffered with lag and sounded awful for a petrol.
320d was smoother and felt faster , diesel sounds are diesel sounds
But understand why people avoid diesels these days.
Touring442 said:
Pay a bit more for a 328i. They really do go well, and are good on fuel. 40 on a run is easy.
^^^ this ^^^I ran a 328i Touring auto for 3 years/40K.
A 2000 mile trip around Europe with a roof box on saw low 40s overall. Goes well too.
A 60-70mph in commuting traffic to work will see an indicated 50mpg.
MY friend has one 2018 model. Its fine but if your buying it as an alternative to a 20d engine with similar economy then youll be crying. My friend drives slower than my grandma to eek out MPG from it and the best hes managed combined is 33-34 which is on par with most 2 litre petrol engines. His previous x drive 320d done 44-45 on the exact same journeys. Won't feel as quick for obvious reasons, I guess it sounds nicer in town.
As others have said id try and get a 28i engine as its a much nicer version and i doubt it will be much extra in fuel when you need economy.
In saying that though there is nothing wrong with the 20i, its a nice engine, feels fine, and won't feel lacking but it won't feel particularly great at anything either
Comes down to the cost of the car doesn't it, if a 328i is 4k more than I dont think its worth 4k more etc etc Choice is yours
As others have said id try and get a 28i engine as its a much nicer version and i doubt it will be much extra in fuel when you need economy.
In saying that though there is nothing wrong with the 20i, its a nice engine, feels fine, and won't feel lacking but it won't feel particularly great at anything either
Comes down to the cost of the car doesn't it, if a 328i is 4k more than I dont think its worth 4k more etc etc Choice is yours
Chamon_Lee said:
My friend drives slower than my grandma to eek out MPG from it and the best hes managed combined is 33-34 which is on par with most 2 litre petrol engines.
A short while after buying my 320d I wondered if I'd been better off with a 320i (especially after hearing about the N47 issue and potential DPF problems). Glad I chose the 320d after seeing your post, those mpg figures would have made me weep! 
Smuler said:
I found 320i suffered with lag and sounded awful for a petrol.
320d was smoother and felt faster , diesel sounds are diesel sounds
But understand why people avoid diesels these days.
As with any petrol engine the B48 needs revved a little to get the power, compared to the low down torque of an equivalent diesel.320d was smoother and felt faster , diesel sounds are diesel sounds
But understand why people avoid diesels these days.
It goes well in the (lighter) Cooper S. I've never found it laggy.
Deep Thought said:
Smuler said:
I found 320i suffered with lag and sounded awful for a petrol.
320d was smoother and felt faster , diesel sounds are diesel sounds
But understand why people avoid diesels these days.
As with any petrol engine the B48 needs revved a little to get the power, compared to the low down torque of an equivalent diesel.320d was smoother and felt faster , diesel sounds are diesel sounds
But understand why people avoid diesels these days.
It goes well in the (lighter) Cooper S. I've never found it laggy.
I had more fun in a Cooper S I borrowed , but it was a 2010 so must be different engine.
Deep Thought said:
Smuler said:
I found 320i suffered with lag and sounded awful for a petrol.
320d was smoother and felt faster , diesel sounds are diesel sounds
But understand why people avoid diesels these days.
As with any petrol engine the B48 needs revved a little to get the power, compared to the low down torque of an equivalent diesel.320d was smoother and felt faster , diesel sounds are diesel sounds
But understand why people avoid diesels these days.
It goes well in the (lighter) Cooper S. I've never found it laggy.
cerb4.5lee said:
I've never found the B48 engine in my Cooper S to be laggy either. I even think it sounds pretty decent inside the cabin with the piped in noise.
I've a JCW exhaust on mine now and changed the piped in noise to the JCW noise to match. Lots of pops and bangs from the exhaust on the overrun when its hot and a deeper note to it.
Just the standard JCW exhaust - the one that would be displaced on a JCW if it had a PRO exhaust fitted.
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