E90 320i -What Do I Need To Know - LCi?

[SiT]

Morning,

I am inbetween cars and houses and faced with a job move meaning I NEED a car now, I have been surviving up until now sharing my wife’s and cycling but the new office is not doable by bike.

Looking at an E90 LCi 2011 car, have option of a 320d and a 320i but don’t think the diesel is really a starter - I don’t do ‘diesel journeys’ and worry about the DPF, also read about timing change rattle etc. I am not looking to spend much so mileage will be 100k type level.

In terms of the 320i it’s a manual which is a shame, would have loved another auto but it’s not a deal breaker. Just need to understand a bit more about the engine - reliability, issues to look out for, ability to take high miles.

I am guessing it’s a fairly straight forward affair being a 2.0 NA engine without the complications of turbos etc.

What sort of mileage would a clutch need doing on a manual and is it a belt or a chain???

Any help greatly appreciated - hoping to sort this out over next few days.

Adding to that if anyone has a nice saloon/touring they are looking to sell then let me know.

Si

[SiT]

I prefer commuting in an auto that’s all, this isn’t a rip snorting weekend toy it’s a daily and I enjoy the relaxing nature of an auto for that sort of driving.

Yes the diesel seems notorious for timing chain stretch, hence trying to research the 320i.

Si

[SiT]

Thanks for that, what are the N52 and N55 engines? What are they fitted too?

Si