BMW F30 318i or 320i
Discussion
I've run my F30 318d for just over 3 years now and have to say its been an extremely dependable vehicle. Unfortunately, being a 2014 model it is one of the last with the N47 engine and therefore EURO 5. Also, as I now get a mileage allowance for my monthly work trip and otherwise do few miles as work from home, I don't really need a diesel. However, I do like this particular model and don't have a need for a big engined car, so wondered if a simple switch to a Post LCI 318i or 320i would be a sensible move as I just fancy a move away from diesel. The 318i has a 1.5 3 pot Mini engine I think and the 320i just the 184BHP 2 litre engine. So feedback would be welcome from anyone who has owned one or driven one. I know many people say "go 328i or 330i" but numbers are fairly thin on the ground and it seems you pay a significant premium for additional performance, which frankly I don't need as I have got on fine with just 143BHP and 0-60 in 9 secs these past few years!! Its the balance and handling of a car I value more and the smaller engined cars have less weight up front.....and yes I know the 330i these days is a 2 litre petrol engine.....
We test drove a 320i back in Dec 2022 and it was a solid car to be fair; test drove a 328i as well, but as both were poor spec, we didn't go for either and settled on my F31 325D
I'd deffo go for the 4 pot over the 3 pot personally
And they can be remapped quite well too if that's your thing
I'd deffo go for the 4 pot over the 3 pot personally
And they can be remapped quite well too if that's your thing
Court_S said:
The three pot engine was grand in my wife’s old MINI and it’s ok on a 1 series, but I’d want the bigger, four pot in a 3 series personally.
Yeah I tend to agree. The diesels are fine with only 140 or so ponies but the torque level compensates. The 3 pot petrol doesn't have enough ponies or torques...!I have a newer 320i and would agree with the above that, on a 3 series, the 4 cylinder is probably the better choice. Unless you really will only use it lightly and not for longer trips.
On a 1 or 2 series I think the 3cyl is a good option, particularly for more local use.
Seek out the LCI examples as they have the B48 engines that are much stronger than the earlier "N" ones with none of the inherent issues.
On a 1 or 2 series I think the 3cyl is a good option, particularly for more local use.
Seek out the LCI examples as they have the B48 engines that are much stronger than the earlier "N" ones with none of the inherent issues.
RiccardoG said:
I have a newer 320i and would agree with the above that, on a 3 series, the 4 cylinder is probably the better choice. Unless you really will only use it lightly and not for longer trips.
On a 1 or 2 series I think the 3cyl is a good option, particularly for more local use.
Seek out the LCI examples as they have the B48 engines that are much stronger than the earlier "N" ones with none of the inherent issues.
Yes I am looking for B48 version - out of interest what is your MPG? Maybe difficult to comment if you've not owned one, but does it feel lighter in the nose (compared with say the 4 pot diesels which IMO are a little understeery for a RWD car).On a 1 or 2 series I think the 3cyl is a good option, particularly for more local use.
Seek out the LCI examples as they have the B48 engines that are much stronger than the earlier "N" ones with none of the inherent issues.
greenarrow said:
... out of interest what is your MPG?
I "think" the board computer tends to say ~30mpg in London driving and ~40mpg on Euro trips. But as I do few miles per year its not something I pay much attention to. Its certianly more economical than the 530i E39 we had before, I fuel up once a quarter on average! (bar road trips)greenarrow said:
Yes I am looking for B48 version - out of interest what is your MPG? Maybe difficult to comment if you've not owned one, but does it feel lighter in the nose (compared with say the 4 pot diesels which IMO are a little understeery for a RWD car).
I’ve got a lci 320i, and previously had a 320d. It’s definitely lighter and I think steers better. I’ve run it for the last three years and performance is fine.I get about 45 out of it on a normal run, although the mrs is more like 39.
in ecopro seen 50mpg out of it on a motorway run if your very careful.
Been happy with ours
Uncle boshy said:
greenarrow said:
Yes I am looking for B48 version - out of interest what is your MPG? Maybe difficult to comment if you've not owned one, but does it feel lighter in the nose (compared with say the 4 pot diesels which IMO are a little understeery for a RWD car).
I’ve got a lci 320i, and previously had a 320d. It’s definitely lighter and I think steers better. I’ve run it for the last three years and performance is fine.I get about 45 out of it on a normal run, although the mrs is more like 39.
in ecopro seen 50mpg out of it on a motorway run if your very careful.
Been happy with ours
Court_S said:
The three pot engine was grand in my wife’s old MINI and it’s ok on a 1 series, but I’d want the bigger, four pot in a 3 series personally.
Totally agree- although you're marginally kinder to the 3-pot 1 Series than I would be- it's absolutely on the cusp of unacceptably slow for me, especially when you consider it's meant to be the 'sporty' option out of the competition. A 3-Series I think would tip it over the edge...I've driven a few G20 320i's and they're decent, you won't be blown away by the performance but coming from an N47 318d it'll be more than fine, and in a lighter F30 chassis it should actually be fairly sprightly. My Dad used to have a G20 330i ZF8 (so slightly more clever efficiency stuff, but higher state of tune) and averaged 45mpg, over 50mpg was pretty achievable on a motorway run.
Edited by Sofa on Friday 14th June 22:50
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