Buying F11 320i...
Discussion
Hi All,
I've had my e39 (530i T) for 11 years now and am seriously considering a newer car. Mostly because of the hassle of running an older car and to run something a bit cheaper for a while (fuel / tax / parking).
Seriously considering a F31 320i or 328i. Likely in Sport / Modern / Luxury spec (not SE). Around 6 years, 50k miles, ~£12k.
Question is, is this a good move? Specifically:
- Is it reasonable to expect that a 6 yr old 320i will only require regular servicing and minor work?
- Would a fully laden 320i struggle on a long trip on the m-way (we do UK - Italy a few times per year)?
- The stats say that F31 boot is larger than E39. Seems odd, can anyone confirm?
I've had my e39 (530i T) for 11 years now and am seriously considering a newer car. Mostly because of the hassle of running an older car and to run something a bit cheaper for a while (fuel / tax / parking).
Seriously considering a F31 320i or 328i. Likely in Sport / Modern / Luxury spec (not SE). Around 6 years, 50k miles, ~£12k.
Question is, is this a good move? Specifically:
- Is it reasonable to expect that a 6 yr old 320i will only require regular servicing and minor work?
- Would a fully laden 320i struggle on a long trip on the m-way (we do UK - Italy a few times per year)?
- The stats say that F31 boot is larger than E39. Seems odd, can anyone confirm?
- Is it reasonable to expect that a 6 yr old 320i will only require regular servicing and minor work? - Look up the N20 engine and it's foibles. I think the timing chains can give issues.
- Would a fully laden 320i struggle on a long trip on the m-way (we do UK - Italy a few times per year)? - It shouldn't struggle too much Turbo flexibility an all that
- The stats say that F31 boot is larger than E39. Seems odd, can anyone confirm? - I'd struggle to think a 3. has as big of a boot as a 5. It depends how they measure as the roofline is much more sloping on a 3 vs a 5 series. The 5 series also has air suspension on the rear axle to stop it looking too droopy under heavy load.
I'd go for a 328i from your 530i. 15 more HP then, and no drawbacks compared to a 320i.
5 Series estate boots have never been overly generous. The E36 Touring plastic load liner won't fit an E61 for example.
A 320i will be okay with regular oil changes and stuff. The F30 wasn't the best constructed 3 Series tbh with lots of niggly issues but they're not dogs although some can be a bit rubbish. Some engine troubles (timing chain as usual), electric steering racks etc. But BMW quality has really improved since 16-17 with the G cars being a lot better than the F models - maybe the late F30 improved.
A 320i will be okay with regular oil changes and stuff. The F30 wasn't the best constructed 3 Series tbh with lots of niggly issues but they're not dogs although some can be a bit rubbish. Some engine troubles (timing chain as usual), electric steering racks etc. But BMW quality has really improved since 16-17 with the G cars being a lot better than the F models - maybe the late F30 improved.
Some good thoughts, thanks. Indeed self-levelling is something I'd likely miss from my E39 as it works great, then again, one less complication.
Have read a bit re N20 issues. Not sure whether the more recent B48 engine is also liable to this, seems not?
Lots of "little niggly issues" is exactly what I don't want from a car! My E39 still works like new, each parking sensor, climate control, rear wiper, etc. Granted I have kept on top of stuff, but that's what I'm hoping to avoid now as I have less time to look after the car.
Wondering whether an LC1 F31 might be that bit better on this front? I'm not sure whether they were improved or are just newer and not yet subject to as many issues.
In terms of boot space, I have brochures for both E39 Touring and the F31. The boot volumes are given as follows:
Seats up: E39 460 | F31 495
Seats down: E39 (n/a) | F31 1500 (I've found other sources quoting 1380 for the E39, not sure how reliable that is.)
Is this mainly due to the F31 being taller and perhaps the inside glass line higher within the car?
Have read a bit re N20 issues. Not sure whether the more recent B48 engine is also liable to this, seems not?
Lots of "little niggly issues" is exactly what I don't want from a car! My E39 still works like new, each parking sensor, climate control, rear wiper, etc. Granted I have kept on top of stuff, but that's what I'm hoping to avoid now as I have less time to look after the car.
Wondering whether an LC1 F31 might be that bit better on this front? I'm not sure whether they were improved or are just newer and not yet subject to as many issues.
In terms of boot space, I have brochures for both E39 Touring and the F31. The boot volumes are given as follows:
Seats up: E39 460 | F31 495
Seats down: E39 (n/a) | F31 1500 (I've found other sources quoting 1380 for the E39, not sure how reliable that is.)
Is this mainly due to the F31 being taller and perhaps the inside glass line higher within the car?
Triumph Man said:
Plus as an E39 owner you are doing well for all the parking sensors to be working 
I get your point about quitting whilst you’re ahead though.
I get your point about quitting whilst you’re ahead though. 
Can you believe even the aircon gas is still the factory one? Mind you... Over 11 years and just 32k miles I have spent £10k in maintenance alone on that car. Not sure how "ahead" I actually am!
RiccardoG said:
Triumph Man said:
Plus as an E39 owner you are doing well for all the parking sensors to be working I get your point about quitting whilst you’re ahead though.
I get your point about quitting whilst you’re ahead though. Can you believe even the aircon gas is still the factory one? Mind you... Over 11 years and just 32k miles I have spent £10k in maintenance alone on that car. Not sure how "ahead" I actually am!
I find that not working out the total expenditure helps haha
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff