Bmw 320d e90

shortie111

Hi All,

Looking for some advice on buying a bmw 320d e90, hoping for either a 2005 or a 2006 model. I hear that the 2006 - 2008 models give engine problems?? If so, would I better off going with a 2005 model? I'm no expert when it comes to cars so ANY advice would be greatly appreciated Thanks!

Ahoy Ahoy

I have a nov 2005......great for a year-last 6 months have been nothing but trouble to be honest. Fuel pump first, dtc problem. Smaller problems like lights and electric windows.

In saying that it's a great car when running ok. Comfortable and beautiful.

weekaizer

It's the 2007-2011 n47 engine that gives timing chain trouble. The m47 engine is the reliable one And was used until mid 2007. Don't buy one with the n47 engine unless you want to buy a ticking time bomb would b my advice!

bazz26

Swirl flaps should be removed, turbo breather filter should be changed every 3rd oil service to prolong the life of the turbo, these are the most common things to take note of. ABS/DTC model along with ABS wheel sensors can also be troublesome on them.

Another thing to note is that they came from the factory with run flat tyres and there is no tyre well in the boot for a spare. Most owners ditch the run flat tyres for standard ones to improve the ride.

HandsomeDan

Bar the chain issues which are rare and can be sorted, the newer type engine 2008+ is a far superior unit by every measure.

The ancient older engine dates back to 1998 and is truly a dog of a thing.

bazz26

HandsomeDan wrote: »

Bar the chain issues which are rare and can be sorted, the newer type engine 2008+ is a far superior unit by every measure.

The ancient older engine dates back to 1998 and is truly a dog of a thing.

The M47 engine was reworked for the E90 and went from 150bhp to 163bhp and is far from a dog. And if I had to do it again I'd put up with some less refinement over a ticking time bomb timing chain every time. It's more common on them than you think.

HandsomeDan

bazz26 wrote: »

The M47 engine was reworked for the E90 and went from 150bhp to 163bhp and is far from a dog. And if I had to do it again I'd put up with some less refinement over a ticking time bomb timing chain every time. It's more common on them than you think.

Nonsense, the difference between the two engines is night and day.

3 Series buyers, always go with the 2008+ option. Test drive the much inferior -2007 version if you are not convinced, and see for yourself.

Paddy@CIRL

HandsomeDan wrote: »

Nonsense, the difference between the two engines is night and day.

3 Series buyers, always go with the 2008+ option. Test drive the much inferior -2007 version if you are not convinced, and see for yourself.

Do you own an N47 one per chance? :pac:

I've a 2006 320d M Sport with the 163hp M47 and absolutely love the thing to bits. It does everything well and with a simple re-map you're looking at a 200hp / 300lb/ft car which is capable of 50+MPG. Whilst the N47 177hp car is smoother, I wouldn't touch one with a big, big stick.

bazz26

HandsomeDan wrote: »

Nonsense, the difference between the two engines is night and day.

3 Series buyers, always go with the 2008+ option. Test drive the much inferior -2007 version if you are not convinced, and see for yourself.

I totally disagree, I've driven both extensively and owned the latter. If I was buying again it would be the M47. Would not take a N47 again if you gave it to me for free because of the timing chain issue.

Ahoy Ahoy

"Another thing to note is that they came from the factory with run flat tyres and there is no tyre well in the boot for a spare. Most owners ditch the run flat tyres for standard ones to improve the ride."

Exactly what I did. Improved the ride immensely.

shortie111

haha needleless to say, I'm more confused now what to buy! I can't really afford the newer models (07 onwards) so was thinking either 2005 or 2006! Is there much difference between the 2005 and the 2006 models? (engine, timing chain problems in particular)

bazz26

No the E90 didn't get any major changes until late 2007. As long as you keep on top of the things I called out in my first post then it should be ok.

shortie111

bazz26 wrote: »

No the E90 didn't get any major changes until late 2007. As long as you keep on top of the things I called out in my first post then it should be ok.

Thanks bazz26 (and everyone else) for your comments! Good to get some advice

shortie111

Thanks to everyone for their input....ended up getting a 05 320d! So far so good so fingers crossed