E91 as a reliable family wagon on a budget?
Discussion
Hi all, am at the age where unfortunately I have to grow up and have a sensible family car for the weekends (alongside a less a sensible daily driver).
We're on a tight budget of £4k tops, although at that price i'd like to spend less and have some aside for any issues. Reliability is a must, plenty of room and a large boot important and sensible running costs would be nice. I'm looking at 10-15 year old Honda CR-Vs and Toyota RAV4s, but am wondering if a 3 series touring could deliver similar results in a more attractive and enjoyable to drive package at this price point.
In short, if I were to buy an E91 under £4k, what should I go for. It's like to be used for a mixture of short trips for shopping and longer runs, so diesel isn't out of the question, but potential dmf/egr/dpf issues are not something I'm keen to risk. I'm reading the 4 pot petrols are less reliable than the 6s, but while the performance of a 325i is attractive, the fuel economy isn't. I've seen a 08 320i (the 170bhp version) which looks good on paper, but are these capable of doing north of 100k miles without too many problems?
Any pointers much appreciated.
We're on a tight budget of £4k tops, although at that price i'd like to spend less and have some aside for any issues. Reliability is a must, plenty of room and a large boot important and sensible running costs would be nice. I'm looking at 10-15 year old Honda CR-Vs and Toyota RAV4s, but am wondering if a 3 series touring could deliver similar results in a more attractive and enjoyable to drive package at this price point.
In short, if I were to buy an E91 under £4k, what should I go for. It's like to be used for a mixture of short trips for shopping and longer runs, so diesel isn't out of the question, but potential dmf/egr/dpf issues are not something I'm keen to risk. I'm reading the 4 pot petrols are less reliable than the 6s, but while the performance of a 325i is attractive, the fuel economy isn't. I've seen a 08 320i (the 170bhp version) which looks good on paper, but are these capable of doing north of 100k miles without too many problems?
Any pointers much appreciated.
Have you checked them for size? They're not exactly very spacious or with a large boot. I'd love one as a family car but in the end can never get round how small they are inside. My parents have one, its great, but there are only 2 of them in the car. Would struggle with 4 up +luggage I think (unless you accept a roof box).
I'd echo the above. I have an e91 330i and the boot size is somewhat disappointing considering it's an estate car. We're a family of 3 and it will do for us though.
I can only speak for my own experience but we've just done 2000 miles on a 2 week trip to france/spain and it was faultless. didn;t use any oil either and munched up the miles.
If you're after economical and practical, there's far better, but if you want something a bit engaging to drive, nice looking and reasonable enough capacity for a small family then a 6 cylinder e91 is a good choice.
I can only speak for my own experience but we've just done 2000 miles on a 2 week trip to france/spain and it was faultless. didn;t use any oil either and munched up the miles.
If you're after economical and practical, there's far better, but if you want something a bit engaging to drive, nice looking and reasonable enough capacity for a small family then a 6 cylinder e91 is a good choice.
Run away from any 4 cylinder version apart from an M47 diesel. (Exhaust pipes point down).
Don’t forget the amazing M57 3.0d.
Like this one:
Afraid it’s a tad more than 4K though. 4K will buy an early non Sport 325d or 330d. Dpf faults are due to another faulty component. The dpfs themselves don’t actually fail-they can always be cleaned/unblocked.
Don’t forget the amazing M57 3.0d.
Like this one:
Afraid it’s a tad more than 4K though. 4K will buy an early non Sport 325d or 330d. Dpf faults are due to another faulty component. The dpfs themselves don’t actually fail-they can always be cleaned/unblocked.
Edited by helix402 on Thursday 13th June 16:59
I have a 2006 E91 (320d, M47 engine) at 125k miles. Reliability wise it is not a patch on the mazda 6 that came before it (that went to 160k miles before any problems). It is also much smaller inside than the mazda6. It also has less kit than the mazda!
On the plus side, it is quite nice to drive although the engine does not really suit it other than for cruising.
If I had a choice between an equivalent age/miles/condition mazda6 or the E91 it would be a hard one. Heart would probably go bmw, head the Mazda.
fwiw, things wrong with my 320d, either things I have fixed by the previous owner recently....
- front shocks and pretty much all joints shot, needs a complete refresh really.
- broke a front control arm!
- glow plug controller dead
- fuel flow regulator dead
- EGR thermostat dead so was running cold and got very coked up (and crap mpg)
- key holder/charger failed
- battery/alternator replaced
- discs/pads all round (ok, service items really)
- DMF and clutch going
- rear hatch wiring broken, a bodged repair to get the basics working but the glass opening and the load cover release don't work.
This that needed fixing on my mazda between 100k and 160k miles
- Err.. what do you mean, fix things?
Seriously, went I sold it it could have done with a couple of control arms and an aircon regass. Oh, and the rust.....
On the plus side, it is quite nice to drive although the engine does not really suit it other than for cruising.
If I had a choice between an equivalent age/miles/condition mazda6 or the E91 it would be a hard one. Heart would probably go bmw, head the Mazda.
fwiw, things wrong with my 320d, either things I have fixed by the previous owner recently....
- front shocks and pretty much all joints shot, needs a complete refresh really.
- broke a front control arm!
- glow plug controller dead
- fuel flow regulator dead
- EGR thermostat dead so was running cold and got very coked up (and crap mpg)
- key holder/charger failed
- battery/alternator replaced
- discs/pads all round (ok, service items really)
- DMF and clutch going
- rear hatch wiring broken, a bodged repair to get the basics working but the glass opening and the load cover release don't work.
This that needed fixing on my mazda between 100k and 160k miles
- Err.. what do you mean, fix things?
Seriously, went I sold it it could have done with a couple of control arms and an aircon regass. Oh, and the rust.....
SouperJim said:
Reliability is a must
Buy Japanese then.I've got an E91 325 and reliable it isn't. Fun to drive when it's working,
but it's ability to produce large bills every year or two makes it a somewhat
less attractive option.
Someone with deeper pockets who simply *must* have rear wheel drive
would probably like the E91.
However, I am now too old to worry about FWD versus RWD, so
I'll be buying Japanese next time. If it's got cruise control, all round parking sensors
and about 150 BHP, then I'll have it. Mazda and Toyota are in the frame.
dcb said:
Buy Japanese then.
I've got an E91 325 and reliable it isn't. Fun to drive when it's working,
but it's ability to produce large bills every year or two makes it a somewhat
less attractive option.
Someone with deeper pockets who simply *must* have rear wheel drive
would probably like the E91.
However, I am now too old to worry about FWD versus RWD, so
I'll be buying Japanese next time. If it's got cruise control, all round parking sensors
and about 150 BHP, then I'll have it. Mazda and Toyota are in the frame.
You better stay clear of the Toyota’s with the N47!I've got an E91 325 and reliable it isn't. Fun to drive when it's working,
but it's ability to produce large bills every year or two makes it a somewhat
less attractive option.
Someone with deeper pockets who simply *must* have rear wheel drive
would probably like the E91.
However, I am now too old to worry about FWD versus RWD, so
I'll be buying Japanese next time. If it's got cruise control, all round parking sensors
and about 150 BHP, then I'll have it. Mazda and Toyota are in the frame.
I’m not sure the Mazda 6 is the pinnacle of reliability:
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mazda/6-2008...
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mazda/6-2008...
nitrodave said:
I'd echo the above. I have an e91 330i and the boot size is somewhat disappointing considering it's an estate car. We're a family of 3 and it will do for us though.
I can only speak for my own experience but we've just done 2000 miles on a 2 week trip to france/spain and it was faultless. didn;t use any oil either and munched up the miles.
If you're after economical and practical, there's far better, but if you want something a bit engaging to drive, nice looking and reasonable enough capacity for a small family then a 6 cylinder e91 is a good choice.
+1 I can only speak for my own experience but we've just done 2000 miles on a 2 week trip to france/spain and it was faultless. didn;t use any oil either and munched up the miles.
If you're after economical and practical, there's far better, but if you want something a bit engaging to drive, nice looking and reasonable enough capacity for a small family then a 6 cylinder e91 is a good choice.
Our 330i MSport e91 will fit our family of 3 and small dog, but I swear I could actually fit more in my Clio RS!
However, it’s just lovely to drive and sounds like a bmw should.
E91 318d 2012 here - Best car I've owned, fits all I need in the back, perfect for European holidays, drives great and rather wafty on 16" stocky wheels, feels solid and not even a squeak or rattle in 111k miles, very solid car.
And yes, before someone chirps in, it's the famous N47 engine, it should of blew up long ago according to the internet
but Mazda have a pretty bad rep when it comes to cam chains also, tread carefully...and look at service history mainly frequently changed oil.
Superb mpg, £30 tax, easily 900 miles on a full tank, excellent motorway vehicle - can't see me selling it anytime soon.
And yes, before someone chirps in, it's the famous N47 engine, it should of blew up long ago according to the internet
but Mazda have a pretty bad rep when it comes to cam chains also, tread carefully...and look at service history mainly frequently changed oil.Superb mpg, £30 tax, easily 900 miles on a full tank, excellent motorway vehicle - can't see me selling it anytime soon.
I had a couple of 4 cylinder turbo-diesel BMWs for nearly a decade and over 120K because I was taking a company car allowance and getting the HMRC business mileage rates.
They were good, but not exactly exciting!
Then in 2014 I finally discovered straight 6 N/A petrols - I wish I had tried them before.
In 2018 I bought an 06 plate E91 325i on 132K miles with full BMW SH that I had for a year - the only issue I had was a failed electric water pump, which isn't cheap at the best part of £250 for a Pierburg OEM one. Just don't buy it from BMW as they charge over £500!
Despite the miles it drove just fine but it felt a bit lacking to me, so earlier this year I replaced it with an E90 330i which I justified because it had the rare split/fold rear seats! And anyway it goes much better.
I don't do enough miles to justify a diesel any more, but if I did I'd want a 325d or 330d - ideally one with no DPF!
Road tax may be dearer, but you're likely to save the difference on repair bills.
They were good, but not exactly exciting!
Then in 2014 I finally discovered straight 6 N/A petrols - I wish I had tried them before.
In 2018 I bought an 06 plate E91 325i on 132K miles with full BMW SH that I had for a year - the only issue I had was a failed electric water pump, which isn't cheap at the best part of £250 for a Pierburg OEM one. Just don't buy it from BMW as they charge over £500!
Despite the miles it drove just fine but it felt a bit lacking to me, so earlier this year I replaced it with an E90 330i which I justified because it had the rare split/fold rear seats! And anyway it goes much better.
I don't do enough miles to justify a diesel any more, but if I did I'd want a 325d or 330d - ideally one with no DPF!
Road tax may be dearer, but you're likely to save the difference on repair bills.
helix402 said:
I’m not sure the Mazda 6 is the pinnacle of reliability:
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mazda/6-2008...
Yes, that is worth mentioning - don't get a diesel! Petrols are reliable........https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mazda/6-2008...
LordHaveMurci said:
Honda Accord tourer or Skoda Octavia estate is where I'd start looking.
Agree with this; but have you thought about an E39 525/530D touring or maybe a 525/530i petrol touring?Edited by LordHaveMurci on Thursday 13th June 21:33
They're out there and as long as they've been looked after and maintained properly; you'd get a good car for £4k and under IMO. You just need to make sure that they're not rusty or if they have some (the UK cars ALWAYS do); that it's simple to fix and not full sills/jacking points/rear arches work etc...
The better your budget, the better the car and the E39 tourings have plenty of space
My E90 330 was really really reliable - far better than the E46 that it replaced. It also felt like a much better made car. They feel tiny compared to more modern cars though, OK in the front but there wasn't much room in the back behind the drivers seat for me and only six foot.
Fuel wasn't too bad on the 330 (auto); 23mpg around town and 33+mpg on a longer run. It went in the end because my other half who used it more than I did got cheesed off with the economy / VED. These were far less than the depreciation on the MINI that she wanted.
Fuel wasn't too bad on the 330 (auto); 23mpg around town and 33+mpg on a longer run. It went in the end because my other half who used it more than I did got cheesed off with the economy / VED. These were far less than the depreciation on the MINI that she wanted.
d_a_n1979 said:
Agree with this; but have you thought about an E39 525/530D touring or maybe a 525/530i petrol touring?
They're out there and as long as they've been looked after and maintained properly; you'd get a good car for £4k and under IMO. You just need to make sure that they're not rusty or if they have some (the UK cars ALWAYS do); that it's simple to fix and not full sills/jacking points/rear arches work etc...
The better your budget, the better the car and the E39 tourings have plenty of space
How about the E60 523i? Don't fancy the economy on the 525/530 much.They're out there and as long as they've been looked after and maintained properly; you'd get a good car for £4k and under IMO. You just need to make sure that they're not rusty or if they have some (the UK cars ALWAYS do); that it's simple to fix and not full sills/jacking points/rear arches work etc...
The better your budget, the better the car and the E39 tourings have plenty of space
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Mileage is low but consistent on the MOT history and as it's petrol, "should" be fine...
At the moment I'm headed for a Pug 3008 or a Qashqai, so anything to save me from that fate.
Edited by SouperJim on Friday 14th June 09:45
SouperJim said:
How about the E60 523i? Don't fancy the economy on the 525/530 much.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Mileage is low but consistent on the MOT history and as it's petrol, "should" be fine...
At the moment I'm headed for a Pug 3008 or a Qashqai, so anything to save me from that fate.
523i will do the same mpg as a 525/530i.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Mileage is low but consistent on the MOT history and as it's petrol, "should" be fine...
At the moment I'm headed for a Pug 3008 or a Qashqai, so anything to save me from that fate.
Edited by SouperJim on Friday 14th June 09:45
Seriously reliability ? ........................ buy jap otherwise you will only be disappointed 
I work on both and there is no comparison and there never was 
I own a BMW for my daily but am ex Honda from the 80/90's and I get to repair mine for free kind of 
I work on both and there is no comparison and there never was I own a BMW for my daily but am ex Honda from the 80/90's and I get to repair mine for free kind of Edited by Sardonicus on Friday 14th June 11:07
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