320D/ED - Commuting?

[giblets_]

I know, I know - It's been done a 1000 times but I've got some specific questions which I couldn't find on another thread + Searching on my phone is buggered.

I commute approx 20k PA, mostly motorway. I'm looking to change cars and I've got my eye on an F30 but I have a couple of questions.

- I know the 320D engine is known to be agricultural etc, but this doesn't bother me. I've had 6cyl BMW Diesels and they're great but economy is the key driving force here. I'd like a car that can do >450 miles to a tank, which is something I haven't had yet.
- Is this engine really that troublesome? I normally keep cars for 2 years and it's going to spend most of it's time on 70 mile motorway roads and 30 miles of A roads. I need it to be reliable, but there are so many horror stories out there of this engine..
- Current daily is an 08 W204 which hasn't given me any major headache, due to a lack of DPF and simple 5sp gearbox, but it's due a change now.

- The ED model is well within my budget but I just can't stand those 16" alloys, I know they're built for purpose but I am willing to sacrifice a few MPG for the sake of 17/18's. Can ED wheels be changed? Again, read many a tale about this not being possible.

- If a 20d engine is really a no go what so ever, would I be better off with a late LCI E90 330d? I wouldn't mind, but it looks so dated compared to the F30 now.

I'd appreciate all comments.

[ZX10R NIN]

You can change the wheels on the ED but it will have a very small effect on economy

The 2.0d is okay if you're driving force is economy then get the ED.

[giblets_]

ZX10R NIN said:

You can change the wheels on the ED but it will have a very small effect on economy

The 2.0d is okay if you're driving force is economy then get the ED.

That's even better then, I don't want to have the 16's on it, so will probably go up to 18s.

Looking at 2013 ED at present - Heard so many horror stories with the 20d engine so I wanted to make sure it's a safe bet for sensible use.

[pimpchez]

giblets_ said:

ZX10R NIN said:

You can change the wheels on the ED but it will have a very small effect on economy

The 2.0d is okay if you're driving force is economy then get the ED.

That's even better then, I don't want to have the 16's on it, so will probably go up to 18s.

Looking at 2013 ED at present - Heard so many horror stories with the 20d engine so I wanted to make sure it's a safe bet for sensible use.

What horror stories? Go look at a V40 D4 manual then 65mpg + and <100g/km of co2

[CraigyMc]

giblets_ said:

ZX10R NIN said:

You can change the wheels on the ED but it will have a very small effect on economy

The 2.0d is okay if you're driving force is economy then get the ED.

That's even better then, I don't want to have the 16's on it, so will probably go up to 18s.

Looking at 2013 ED at present - Heard so many horror stories with the 20d engine so I wanted to make sure it's a safe bet for sensible use.

I've had one since 2011 (E90). No problems whatsoever.

Changing from summers to winters (both on 16" wheels) is the difference between 65mpg and 55mpg.

[daemon]

giblets_ said:

ZX10R NIN said:

You can change the wheels on the ED but it will have a very small effect on economy

The 2.0d is okay if you're driving force is economy then get the ED.

That's even better then, I don't want to have the 16's on it, so will probably go up to 18s.

Looking at 2013 ED at present - Heard so many horror stories with the 20d engine so I wanted to make sure it's a safe bet for sensible use.

If you go for one, dont stick to the 20K interval on servicing or whatever it is, get it done every 9K miles, and use good oil and a filter. Check the oil level weekly and keep it topped up.

[CraigyMc]

daemon said:

giblets_ said:

ZX10R NIN said:

You can change the wheels on the ED but it will have a very small effect on economy

The 2.0d is okay if you're driving force is economy then get the ED.

That's even better then, I don't want to have the 16's on it, so will probably go up to 18s.

Looking at 2013 ED at present - Heard so many horror stories with the 20d engine so I wanted to make sure it's a safe bet for sensible use.

If you go for one, dont stick to the 20K interval on servicing or whatever it is, get it done every 9K miles, and use good oil and a filter. Check the oil level weekly and keep it topped up.

Mine doesn't use any oil at all, and just clicked over 90K.