What car - 320d (177) or 325d e92 M Sport

[stuart-b]

Hi all - having a bit of a 'Diesel' dilemma.

My 'What car' thread in GG wasn't very successful as I had basically already made up my mind to get a e92 3 series. But my question is, 320d or 325d?

I live abroad, and need something rock solid reliable until I venture back to the UK full time in a couple of years. For my budget of 10k, I seem to be able to have a few nice options around 2007~ M Sport between 40-60k miles. A couple of 325d's have come up occasionally.

I have a couple of concerns:-

- Being 6 cylinder, injector problems and servicing, likely to be an issue?
- Will the bigger engine warm up (10 minutes to work)
- Reliability issues of either engines?

I have seen a few tuning companies offering 210 bhp for the 2.0, and I'm not sure on the 325d, although I've read they are the same engine as the 330d, swapping injectors and a re-map could see north of 275 bhp.

Almost sounds too good to be true - coming from an avid petrol head.

This would be my first Diesel (apart from a company Van bought 3 years ago).

What's the catch??? Who else is glad they opted for Diesel over Petrol?

[stuart-b]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Excellent - thanks. Actually I'm after the Coupe so it really is the wrong picture!

I think I'll stick to the 320d after a lot of reading, thanks. The only thing that interested me was the 6 cylinder + potential unlockable power after a few tweaks of the 325d. When the time comes I could just sell the car and get the 330d, save the hassle.

[Fox-]

I'd be a bit nervous of a £10k E92 diesel, can you really get one that isn't a bit tatty or been to the moon and back? Especially an M Sport?

That aside, 325d every time. The extra refinement takes the edge of that diesel thrum.

[stuart-b]

Fox- said:

I'd be a bit nervous of a £10k E92 diesel, can you really get one that isn't a bit tatty or been to the moon and back? Especially an M Sport?

That aside, 325d every time. The extra refinement takes the edge of that diesel thrum.

Yes, point taken - anything E90+ series is fine -

Also, just seen this...



520d - 67k miles. Up for just under 10k - could be another option.

I'm worried the larger 3.0 won't stretch its legs enough.

[to3m]

Fox- said:

I'd be a bit nervous of a £10k E92 diesel, can you really get one that isn't a bit tatty or been to the moon and back? Especially an M Sport?

That aside, 325d every time. The extra refinement takes the edge of that diesel thrum.

My only experience is with the E46, but I really must agree. At the very least, test drive both types.

To my ears, the six cylinder engine sounds incomparably better from inside the car. It's a bit phlegmy at low revs, but once you start using the accelerator the engine smoothens out, and if you press on it develops a keen, growly edge, that I've somehow yet to tire of hearing. The four cylinder engine, by comparison, never really sounded very happy when it was being worked - though it did sound rather better than some other cars I've been in.

[pointedstarman]

6 cylinder every time. Especially if you're new to diesels; the extra refinement is noticeable. Only reason for the 320 is if you're really after maximum fuel economy in which case get a 318d. The 2 litre diesels are perfect for company car buyers but if you're spending your own money company car tax doesn't come into it.

As for reliability, I've driven 3 litre bm's for well over 100k miles now without a single fault. Don't have one now - wife uses a 120d for the daily commute and I have a van

I remapped a E91 330d using AMD at Lakeside and got 301bhp on thier rolling road. Ate rear tyres but very little could keep up with it. Would recommend it for 325 or 320.

[_bryan_]

Are you intending on doing a lot of mileage? Only reason I ask is you say it's only ten minutes to work. If not surely you're better off getting a petrol? Less reliability issues and more for your money.

[Fox-]

If you dont do the mileage a petrol one will be better for sure.

That said you emphasis the requirement for something 'rock solid reliable'. A 5+ year old used BMW is not 'rock solid reliable'. It's a great car - one many of us are happy to pay to fix for the enjoyment they give us - but rock solid reliable they are not.

[Panda76]

I've dropped down to much lower mileage these days and once I have finished beating my E91 up I will be moving onto petrol.Tourer if its a 3 or saloon if its a 5.

The x25i and x30i are worth looking at.

I have been in the E91 around 2.5 yrs now and its been ok to be fair.Only issues being central locking actuator gave up,dsc pressure sensor failure.Covered under warranty.

I,m currently doing the change thermostats game as they can go duff and screw your mpg up.Changed a duff egr one and still not running upto temp although it has improved.Main one next to cure the crappy mpg.

[stuart-b]

Yes day to day is a short journey but weekends will be lots of trips to the coast, italy, hungary and germany. Also need to do the 2000 mile round trip to the UK every year. Hence a diesel could provide a substantial saving over 24 months. I have a lead foot. I managed 13 mpg in a Z4 35si in germany. Would not like.to.reapt.too often :-) will drive.a.few.and see. Thanks. Any experience of.the.2.0PD from VW/Audi? The.170.

Ok mobile had a complete fit and too long to remove full stops sorry.

[SBN]

If its a coupe you desire 10k would get a very nice e46 330d and leave a few quid aside for any unplanned maintenance.

I tend to agree with others that at 10k you may get a very tatty e92 and based on your original post you said you wanted a rock solid car.

As for the vag, yeah they are ok... And they have their issues eg injectors, dpf etc but they don't compare to a bmw on a long haul.

Ps a 5 series might be also a great option

[stuart-b]

SBN said:

If its a coupe you desire 10k would get a very nice e46 330d and leave a few quid aside for any unplanned maintenance.

I tend to agree with others that at 10k you may get a very tatty e92 and based on your original post you said you wanted a rock solid car.

As for the vag, yeah they are ok... And they have their issues eg injectors, dpf etc but they don't compare to a bmw on a long haul.

Ps a 5 series might be also a great option

Thanks, as I said above I'm not worried as long as it's E90+ So happy even for 2006/2007 model. I've seen a few around for 10k with 40-50k miles.

Not too worried if it costs a few quid to keep it on the road, I'm buying 2nd hand to avoid the depreciation - I've always spent money on my cars to keep them in top condition.

Also seen a nice 2006 5 Series M sport 2.0d for 10k, reduced - I fly back to the UK tomorrow, so I'll take the various models for a spin. I had the pleasure of driving the 1.9 VAG unit for a few thousand km's, which was very nasty to drive (in my opinion) and I stayed clear ever since. Thanks for the feedback.

[carsarecool]

Had the same dilemma last year.

As good (powerful) as the 4 pot diesel is, it is not too refined.

I drove both and had a 520d M Sport for 3 years, plus a 123d M Sport - when I changed the 6 cylinder model was a must.

Re-map it to 250 ish and you will have a fast, economical car.

Mine does 49mpg average on a 700 weekly commute up the A303 and back.

Good luck with your search!

[stuart-b]

Increased the budget to 15k as I really wanted the 3 coupe. A very nice salesman took me for a spin when I was back in the UK, and even though it was an auto, what a fantastic car (2.0d). The auto helped, as there was a lot less vibration, so the whole experience was a lot more refined. This was the LCI up for 23k, so a bit over budget, but I have found a selection around ~16k who I may be able to haggle down. ~40k miles max, leather, xenon, 2.0d, manual or auto.

I have taken a real liking to the red - although not sure on the resale values, but I think they look fantastic. Not very popular though, although I've had Porsche Guards red in the past, and that tends to fade, so perhaps this might have the same issue?