Looking at a 320i or 325i E92

DuckSlice

hey all,

im looking to buy either a 320i or a 325i. been looking at the 2008 models. but have no problem going for a 2007 or so. high tax doesnt really bother me. im just wondering is there any common faults or anything i should be aware of.
i know the 6cyl are fairly reliable at this stage, i have had 2 of them before (e46) and never had any trouble with them. has this reliability carried on into the newer engines? also what are your thoughts on the 320 engine? i have heard stories of a lot of juddering and shaking at low revs.
i seen a nice 320 on autotrader with only 47k miles on it and considering going to look at it, but its a bit of a trek away. but if the engines are crap i wont bother going.

any advice greatly appreciated.

MetzgerMeister

Juddering and shaking is down to either ignition coils or injectors. I have this in my 335i.

bazz26

The 320i in the E92 is a 4 cylinder which would be enough for me to opt for the 325i. Coil packs and injectors can give trouble on the petrol engines with Efficiency Dynamics. Also look out for cracked alloy wheels, certain 19" rims are notorious for cracking. Try and get one with decent spec, the optional I-drive makes a lot of difference to the interior of the E9x.

MetzgerMeister

It doesn't need to be an Efficient Dynamics model foe coils and injectors to give trouble bazz

DuckSlice

I would prefer the 6cyl, but there isnt a great choice of them in ireland unfortunately. dont really want one with 19inch rims, 18 is big enough for me. had forget about the cracked alloys issue. what is in the i-drive?

bazz26

It is the Multi-Media screen interface which is a menu driven computer that controls functions like the cabin temperature, Sat Nav, stereo, Computer Based Service menu, Bluetooth, etc with a mouse type ball located next to the handbrake There were two types, Professional and Business. Professional cost alot more and included a larger screen, more detailed Sat-Nav system, twin DVD loader and built in hard drive.

E9x with iDrive:


E9x without iDrive:

DuckSlice

i havent even seen one with that extra and i have looked at a lot of adverts

bazz26

iDrive was a very expensive option on the 3 Series when new. Most Irish owners would not have stumped up for it. I had it in mine but mine was originally from the UK.