E90 320Si... what to look for?
Discussion
I have had a quick search, but I can't find much info on PH on this topic. I'm probably using one term incorrectly.
Anyway, I have a few semi-interesting BMWs and I'm looking to add another, specifically a 320Si. I am aware they can have a habit of blowing up etc. But do current / former owners have any advise on what to look for when buying? Specifically any things that are a really nice to have, or anything that is a 'walk away' problem? For instance if the wheels are kerbed / kerb rash are they so insanely expensive to refurb? Any parts that are Si specific and are hard to find / BMW no longer make?
I'm aware they had certain unique parts, let alone the engine.
I'm looking for one that I hope I won't lose a fortune on, but it won't be a cotton wool car. I will drive it, use it and enjoy it - I tend to keep my cars rather than sell them, but occasionally I do sell.
Also, I see online a few people claiming there are only 130 - 150 left from the initial delivery of 500 cars. With this in mind, I appreciate that the very best examples can carry a premium, however, the potentially risky nature of them may keep speculators to a minimum? I see a few around at the moment for around £2500 to £3000. I am not in a huge rush to get one mind, so I can wait for the right car.
I am based in the Midlands, so within reason I can go anywhere in the UK for the right car.
I appreciate any help I get when looking for foibles / follies of these cars.
Anyway, I have a few semi-interesting BMWs and I'm looking to add another, specifically a 320Si. I am aware they can have a habit of blowing up etc. But do current / former owners have any advise on what to look for when buying? Specifically any things that are a really nice to have, or anything that is a 'walk away' problem? For instance if the wheels are kerbed / kerb rash are they so insanely expensive to refurb? Any parts that are Si specific and are hard to find / BMW no longer make?
I'm aware they had certain unique parts, let alone the engine.
I'm looking for one that I hope I won't lose a fortune on, but it won't be a cotton wool car. I will drive it, use it and enjoy it - I tend to keep my cars rather than sell them, but occasionally I do sell.
Also, I see online a few people claiming there are only 130 - 150 left from the initial delivery of 500 cars. With this in mind, I appreciate that the very best examples can carry a premium, however, the potentially risky nature of them may keep speculators to a minimum? I see a few around at the moment for around £2500 to £3000. I am not in a huge rush to get one mind, so I can wait for the right car.
I am based in the Midlands, so within reason I can go anywhere in the UK for the right car.
I appreciate any help I get when looking for foibles / follies of these cars.
Personally I'd save a few quid and just buy a 330i for lower running costs and a bit more performance!
But if you've got your heart set on a 320Si this Readers Cars thread might be useful:- https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
But if you've got your heart set on a 320Si this Readers Cars thread might be useful:- https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Although I normally don’t really like four pots, I do like the SI it was a unusual and that makes it cool.
The OE finish on the style 216 alloys seems to be a bit of an unknown; from what I can tell neither BMW nor BBS made the ral colour known. The stickers are sods to find, but I know of a company who can supply another set. I really like the 216 slots and am glad that my 33pi touring came with them.
Fishy Dave on here has owned a couple of them and I recall him buying a spare engine….just in case.
They’re pretty cheap now, so I’d say give it a whirl and see how you get on.
The OE finish on the style 216 alloys seems to be a bit of an unknown; from what I can tell neither BMW nor BBS made the ral colour known. The stickers are sods to find, but I know of a company who can supply another set. I really like the 216 slots and am glad that my 33pi touring came with them.
Fishy Dave on here has owned a couple of them and I recall him buying a spare engine….just in case.
They’re pretty cheap now, so I’d say give it a whirl and see how you get on.
Just had my wheels refurbed and got hold of the stickers.
And it’s for sale on a well-known auction site.
But in all seriousness, they are a 16v four pot so people who are used to turbos find them gutless. They do go but need to be revved - only when warm.
The main thing you notice is the lack of weight in the nose - they turn in very crisply.
Anyway, I’m sure David Smitheram (who used to own mine) will be along soon - he has owned three. Dig his readers car thread out.
Given they are genuine BMW homologation cars, values in the Uk are crazy low. They are worth a lot more in Europe.
There is also a facebook group.
And it’s for sale on a well-known auction site.
But in all seriousness, they are a 16v four pot so people who are used to turbos find them gutless. They do go but need to be revved - only when warm.
The main thing you notice is the lack of weight in the nose - they turn in very crisply.
Anyway, I’m sure David Smitheram (who used to own mine) will be along soon - he has owned three. Dig his readers car thread out.
Given they are genuine BMW homologation cars, values in the Uk are crazy low. They are worth a lot more in Europe.
There is also a facebook group.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff