new 4 cylinder petrol engines in the E90/E91 - still poor??
new 4 cylinder petrol engines in the E90/E91 - still poor??
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excel monkey

Original Poster:

4,809 posts

257 months

Monday 21st March 2011
quotequote all
I have a 57-reg 320d, one of the early Efficient Dynamics models. It's been a good car, but I'd like something newer with a bit more space, so am looking at nearly new E91 tourings.

Looking at the spec sheets, the power outputs and mpg/CO2 figures of the 318i and 320i have both improved since a few years ago, with the 320i now able to drag itself from 0-60 in 8 seconds.

Are these new four cylinder petrol engines any better than they used to be? Or are they still rubbish? Do they have the same coil pack issues that affect the new N53 sixes?

Running costs and insurance costs are important, so I have ruled out the six cylinder petrols and diesels, despite how well they go and how nice they sound...

Vladimir

6,917 posts

188 months

Monday 21st March 2011
quotequote all
I would get a 320d over a 320i ANY day. The 18i and 20i units are very troublesome and seriously gutless for a fairly heavy car.

All other units are pretty good, some are excellent.

excel monkey

Original Poster:

4,809 posts

257 months

Monday 21st March 2011
quotequote all
Vladimir said:
I would get a 320d over a 320i ANY day. The 18i and 20i units are very troublesome and seriously gutless for a fairly heavy car.

All other units are pretty good, some are excellent.
Market prices seem to reflect your view. The price premium for a 320d over an equivalent spec 320i is about two grand on a 09/59 reg car, from what I've seen.

Interesting. Maybe all the "OMG - modern diesels are a ticking timebomb" panic about DMF/EGR/DPF issues is unjustified?

Tea Pot One

1,870 posts

258 months

Monday 21st March 2011
quotequote all
The E90 320d is a superb car ... I am sure a 318i or 320i would seem positively slow in comparison given the way the power is delivered. Oh, and give far worse fuel figures.

NoelWatson

11,710 posts

272 months

Monday 21st March 2011
quotequote all
excel monkey said:
I have a 57-reg 320d, one of the early Efficient Dynamics models. It's been a good car, but I'd like something newer with a bit more space, so am looking at nearly new E91 tourings.

Looking at the spec sheets, the power outputs and mpg/CO2 figures of the 318i and 320i have both improved since a few years ago, with the 320i now able to drag itself from 0-60 in 8 seconds.

Are these new four cylinder petrol engines any better than they used to be? Or are they still rubbish? Do they have the same coil pack issues that affect the new N53 sixes?

Running costs and insurance costs are important, so I have ruled out the six cylinder petrols and diesels, despite how well they go and how nice they sound...
I had a 320i auto when my car was in getting fixed, and I thought it was dire.

BMWBen

4,906 posts

231 months

Monday 21st March 2011
quotequote all
I drove an 08 320i coupe as a courtesy car. It was fking disgusting.

pattyg

1,385 posts

257 months

Monday 21st March 2011
quotequote all
And I had a 320i M Sport Vert that was the worst waste of £38k ever. Great to look at foul to drive.