Buying an E90 320i in 2020?

Norensien

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy something a little nicer than the 2008 susuki swift i currently have. I've been looking into what i can get for around the 4-5000 mark and see a lot of bmw 3 series for sale.

There's a lot of information online about trying to get a 325i over a 320i as the 6 cylinders are more reliable (and obviously snappier) etc. but unfortunately most companies look to not want to insure me on a 325i as i'm not 25 so this kind of rules out this option for me.(24)

I'm wondering if it is worthwhile going for the 320i keeping in mind most are around 2008 with about 150,000 miles on them, There does seem to be a fair few with FSH.

Am i nuts ? and if so any recommendations on alternatives ?

thanks

Notch000

BMW is going to be a whole lot more maintenance needed than your swift

Leonard Hofstadter

You're better off sticking with your Swift for another bit and when you're older and able to afford the insurance for a six cylinder model, getting one then. Those 320is with the direct injection are troublesome but a BMW is simply never going to be as cheap to run as a non premium make car.

Norensien

thanks for your replies,

i can afford the insurance (paying 1500 atm for my suzuki, he quoted me 1800 for the bmw when i turn 25).

i reckon your right about holding off on getting a 320i. Would i be in any way better going for an audi or much of the same ? theres a few a4 / a5 that seem decent enough.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

If you're hell bent on an e90 and you dont mind a diesel there are a few 318/320d out there with the m47 engine in 2008. Highly recommend engine and plenty of poke compared to your suzuki. Be carful though as a lot of those 2008 and up model come with an N47 and the issues they bring. It's also hard find one that hasn't been previously owned by a tool who likes big sun strips and €200 coilovers.

Norensien

thanks, yeah i might take a look at some 320d's. swift is a 2008 1.6 which has treated me well but just need something bigger at the moment. i'm not in any huge rush to buy so i guess ill just look around for now and look at a few other options.

landmarkjohn

I think you need to be handy with the spanners and diagnostics to run E90 (any of them probably at this stage)

We have 2006 318i in the family fleet and I like it, it is a good drive.

PsychoPete

I went from an E90 to a Swift Sport, I'd take a Swift Sport any day of the week. The Swift was flawless but with the E90 I put shocks,top mounts,arms, abs sensors and a few modules into it