E90 320d - Looking to buy

[Ankh87]

Hi all,

It's probably been covered a fair few times on here but I would like a more up-to-date information about the E90 2.0d.

I've got about £3k-£3.5K for a mile muncher. I know it's not a lot but that's all I have spare.

I've been looking at E90 320d M Sport but wonder if it's worth getting over the SE and other models? Also there's a difference in engine power as I assume they have different versions of their engine. Am I better off getting the 163bhp or the 177bhp? Of course on my budget these have got over 100k miles on them so any information on what to look out for would be great.

Thanks a lot


Edit. I do 75 miles a day 90% is on the M1

Edited by Ankh87 on Wednesday 18th September 15:42

[ZX10R NIN]

Look up N47 issues & you may well (& quite rightly) start looking at other options, the timing chain issue is well documented so proceed with caution there are much better alternatives at this price point.

[Ankh87]

ZX10R NIN said:

Look up N47 issues & you may well (& quite rightly) start looking at other options, the timing chain issue is well documented so proceed with caution there are much better alternatives at this price point.

Would would you recommend?

[joropug]

Look for a pre 07/⅝7 plate one with 163bhp and it's a great buy.

The later one has the chain issues. I think swirl flap issues at this age were fixed but I removed them on my 530d anyway.

My brother and dad have both had the 163 engine with tuning boxes fitted. No DPF either

[ZX10R NIN]

CLK220 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Avantgarde

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

CLC220 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

C Class Saloon

Elegance

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Avantgarde SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

These are pretty much bulletproof drivetrain wise but make sure the Gearbox fluid & filter changed.

[keo]

As an alternative a Mondeo or Passat could be another option?

[Ankh87]

OK I'll have a look at those versions.

I've read about timing chain issue but surely this is just something that would have been fixed going on the age of the car?

Any other alternatives would be great. As I'm not sure what I want, just something that isn't going to be dull to drive.

[Ankh87]

ZX10R NIN said:

These are pretty much bulletproof drivetrain wise but make sure the Gearbox fluid & filter changed.

C Class is worth a look. I definitely need rear doors or the Coupe would be nice. Got a baby human to cart about.

[Shiv_P]

Ankh87 said:

OK I'll have a look at those versions.

I've read about timing chain issue but surely this is just something that would have been fixed going on the age of the car?

Any other alternatives would be great. As I'm not sure what I want, just something that isn't going to be dull to drive.

It's an engine out job, not even worth doing for the type of car it is
I'd look at a mondeo for a similar sized car that can be interesting to drive

[Mr Tidy]

There were 2 engines fitted to these, the M47 to the early ones (163 bhp and no DPF) and the N47 fitted to the facelift models in early 2007 (177 bhp and a DPF).

Apart from the "swirl-flap" issues with the M47 I believe they are pretty long-lasting - and I'm sure I read that later ones like in the E90 had plastic flaps so even if they get into the engine they don't cause the issues the earlier metal flaps did. But you can get them blanked off anyway.

Quite a few N47 engines have had cam-chain issues (google is your friend) although plenty obviously haven't. But at your budget fixing one is likely to cost as much as the car! I had a 123d with the N47 engine and got past 80K with no issues, but decided to sell before it bankrupted me.

Prior to that I had an E46 3 Series with the M47 that was just as good, albeit less powerful obviously.

The reason is as someone said it's an engine out job on the N47, because the cam-chain is on the back of the engine for some reason.

Quick link here to another thread on here about N47 engines:- https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

The other issue with the N47 engines in the facelift is they have stop/start fitted which means they have an AGM battery that needs to be coded to the car if you replace it. My 123d needed a new one after just 4 years - BMW quoted over £300 to supply and fit back in 2012, but even at an independent BMW garage it was over £250.

Then the starter motor died in less than 6 years, and the new one cost over £600! I turned stop/start off every time I used it after that.

In your situation I'd definitely be looking for one of the earlier 163 bhp models, even if road tax is a few quid dearer!

But the beauty of any 3 Series is that they usually drive better than any of their competitors - you just need to buy the right one!

Luckily I don't do many miles now, so I've currently got an E90 330i and I'm really pleased with it.

Just a thought, but if you could find a 330d in budget it might be a better choice as they don't seem to suffer as many issues as the 320ds.

Happy hunting anyway.

[dai1983]

My nephew bought one despite my advise. Cam chain started to rattle and he was quoted £2k by a dealer but had a specialist do it for half that.

[Ankh87]

Thanks all for the advise.

The problem is I'm not really sure what I want. Due to the amount of miles I do I want something comfy but still inspiring to drive. People say that the 3 series is a fun car to drive.

I'm not a Passat fan at all. Don't like the look of them at all.

CClass look nice but my issue is with the mpg. the CDI don't seem to get above 50mpg which with my old car I were easily getting the quoted book figure 58mpg without really trying.

[scot_aln]

On the BMW be careful if only checking the power output. The N47 engine was used in 163BHP form in the ED models.

[Rider007]

I wouldn't buy another one. Ran a 320d manual 177hp estate for 7 years. Two turbos went and a clutch. Very hard ride ride on run flats and very uncortable seats.Get something japanese. That being said I'm on a 2016 C Class now, worlds apart.

[scot_aln]

Rider007 said:

I wouldn't buy another one. Ran a 320d manual 177hp estate for 7 years. Two turbos went and a clutch. Very hard ride ride on run flats and very uncortable seats.Get something japanese. That being said I'm on a 2016 C Class now, worlds apart.

Get off the C Class you'll scratch it

We all have our bias based on experience and luck. I'm pretty sure the turbo isn't BMW manufactured but unless remanufactured 2 does sound terribly bad luck but could happen on any turbo car. Run flats I'm with you, seats are a very personal choice. When a little younger the sports seats were comfy now they make me feel fat !

[NewUsername]

Mr Tidy said:

stuff...
The other issue with the N47 engines in the facelift is they have stop/start fitted which means they have an AGM battery that needs to be coded to the car if you replace it. My 123d needed a new one after just 4 years - BMW quoted over £300 to supply and fit back in 2012, but even at an independent BMW garage it was over £250.

Then the starter motor died in less than 6 years, and the new one cost over £600! I turned stop/start off every time I used it after that.

stuff..

Interestingly my 125k 2011 320d E91 LCI doesn't have stop start so not all of them do (nov 11 build date), it does however have the annoying battery as standard however Halfords will sort it for £130 so no big deal there....

[ChrisDT]

I've an E90 320d M-Sport that I run, love it. Love the way it drives, the way it looks etc (It's Carbon Black with Lemon Leather) Had the recalls for the wiring and the timing chain done at BMW and it's been (Touch Wood) a great car.

I don't use it as much as i'd hope anymore as we split between that an a dog car (E46 330 Touring). But love the look of the E90 on the road. I'm going to sell it but just to get an LCi M-Sport estate.

[NewUsername]

Ankh87 said:

Thanks all for the advise.

The problem is I'm not really sure what I want. Due to the amount of miles I do I want something comfy but still inspiring to drive. People say that the 3 series is a fun car to drive.

I'm not a Passat fan at all. Don't like the look of them at all.

CClass look nice but my issue is with the mpg. the CDI don't seem to get above 50mpg which with my old car I were easily getting the quoted book figure 58mpg without really trying.

You wont get much more than 50 out of an e90 320d if you want to enjoy driving it......you would with the lower powered ones.....

[scot_aln]

NewUsername said:

Ankh87 said:

Thanks all for the advise.

The problem is I'm not really sure what I want. Due to the amount of miles I do I want something comfy but still inspiring to drive. People say that the 3 series is a fun car to drive.

I'm not a Passat fan at all. Don't like the look of them at all.

CClass look nice but my issue is with the mpg. the CDI don't seem to get above 50mpg which with my old car I were easily getting the quoted book figure 58mpg without really trying.

You wont get much more than 50 out of an e90 320d if you want to enjoy driving it......you would with the lower powered ones.....

Also best stay clear of 320d autos if economy is your thing. Whilst the new 8 speeds seem to manage impressive figures in the F30 the older auto in E90 was much less economical than the manual.

I used to do a daily commute of 192 miles which was mainly motorway but not all and not slow for economy. That used to record 52.3mpg (when you do that kind of commute for a couple of years you don't for the numbers or I don't). On the odd occasion there were 50mph restrictions that would be closer to 60mpg. Around town though 40 or so is more likely.

[NewUsername]

scot_aln said:

NewUsername said:

Ankh87 said:

Thanks all for the advise.

The problem is I'm not really sure what I want. Due to the amount of miles I do I want something comfy but still inspiring to drive. People say that the 3 series is a fun car to drive.

I'm not a Passat fan at all. Don't like the look of them at all.

CClass look nice but my issue is with the mpg. the CDI don't seem to get above 50mpg which with my old car I were easily getting the quoted book figure 58mpg without really trying.

You wont get much more than 50 out of an e90 320d if you want to enjoy driving it......you would with the lower powered ones.....

Also best stay clear of 320d autos if economy is your thing. Whilst the new 8 speeds seem to manage impressive figures in the F30 the older auto in E90 was much less economical than the manual.

I used to do a daily commute of 192 miles which was mainly motorway but not all and not slow for economy. That used to record 52.3mpg (when you do that kind of commute for a couple of years you don't for the numbers or I don't). On the odd occasion there were 50mph restrictions that would be closer to 60mpg. Around town though 40 or so is more likely.

Ive done 100k in my E91 320d msport and concure with your long trip mpg of 53-55

Never had it lower than 46 even for prolonged use commuting in and out of Birmingham