Which E91 touring?
Discussion
A general question here as I'm looking to purchase a car for longer journeys. I posted a 'what car' thread, but ultimately seemed to boil down to me wanting an E91 as it would a) comfortable and b) more robust and happier sitting on the motorway. I also wouldn't really get bored of it as I think they look fantastic.
Not fussed by diesel or petrol but auto is my preference with the type of driving I'll be doing.
I've been looking at 325i variants solely as they seem to be more abundant than the 30i's. Diesel has put me off a bit due to the reliability factor but also the potential ULEZ issue. Not a deal breaker at all if I can be convinced that they are reliable, but still something to think about with regards to ULEZ. I won't be going into the zone every day as I love just outside of the proposed area in Watford.
Budget is £4k tops. What would you knowledgeable chaps recommend?
Not fussed by diesel or petrol but auto is my preference with the type of driving I'll be doing.
I've been looking at 325i variants solely as they seem to be more abundant than the 30i's. Diesel has put me off a bit due to the reliability factor but also the potential ULEZ issue. Not a deal breaker at all if I can be convinced that they are reliable, but still something to think about with regards to ULEZ. I won't be going into the zone every day as I love just outside of the proposed area in Watford.
Budget is £4k tops. What would you knowledgeable chaps recommend?
If you can stretch to the 330i, defo worth a look. Notably quicker than the 325i IME. (I test drove an E90 325i and found it slower than my E36 328i at the time).
Earlier N52 is probably less problematic than the later N53.
N52: water pump, vanos solenoids and oil leaks.
N53: High pressure fuel pump and (very expensive) injector issues.
This thread has all the deets: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Earlier N52 is probably less problematic than the later N53.
N52: water pump, vanos solenoids and oil leaks.
N53: High pressure fuel pump and (very expensive) injector issues.
This thread has all the deets: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
As above, I have an N52 330i auto from 2006 and on 87k miles. The last year it has started to cost money, but still a lot less than replacing:
Waterpump
Thermostat
Rear shocks
Front suspension arm
Windscreen washer pump
Plus: someone hit me whilst parked in car park which has pushed in the rear bumper behind nearside wheel. Probably about £800 to repair
Washer jets don't work properly now so I have pulled the fuse (halogen lights which are atrocious, but means not an MOT failure on the washers)
Drivers mirror was hit by another car and although the motor to adjust works, it doesn't hold the glass properly moving up and down so have to manually tilt glass
Rubber around windscreen is perishing especially at the top corners
None of these are deal breaking, but they are getting to be old cars and therefore require upkeep that adds up.
I still find it comfortable, good performance and a sweet engine (no oil leaks), but I'm at the point where I have stopped caring for it too much
Waterpump
Thermostat
Rear shocks
Front suspension arm
Windscreen washer pump
Plus: someone hit me whilst parked in car park which has pushed in the rear bumper behind nearside wheel. Probably about £800 to repair
Washer jets don't work properly now so I have pulled the fuse (halogen lights which are atrocious, but means not an MOT failure on the washers)
Drivers mirror was hit by another car and although the motor to adjust works, it doesn't hold the glass properly moving up and down so have to manually tilt glass
Rubber around windscreen is perishing especially at the top corners
None of these are deal breaking, but they are getting to be old cars and therefore require upkeep that adds up.
I still find it comfortable, good performance and a sweet engine (no oil leaks), but I'm at the point where I have stopped caring for it too much
I was looking for an E91 in 2018 and really struggled to find any manual 330is, so I bought a 325i.
It was fine, but just felt a bit lethargic especially on Motorways as it was really high-geared. So a year later I tried again and still struggled to find manual 330is, so I made a different compromise and got an E90 330i that I still have. As others have said the 330i is noticeably punchier than the 325i.
Both of mine had the earlier N52 engine as I'd had a Z4 with the same engine and really liked it, plus I had read of some of the issues that seem to afflict the N53 engines.
They both averaged 32/33 mpg, but I don't commute and can avoid rush-hours!
But if diesels are also an option a diesel 6 cylinder might be better than a 325i.
It was fine, but just felt a bit lethargic especially on Motorways as it was really high-geared. So a year later I tried again and still struggled to find manual 330is, so I made a different compromise and got an E90 330i that I still have. As others have said the 330i is noticeably punchier than the 325i.
Both of mine had the earlier N52 engine as I'd had a Z4 with the same engine and really liked it, plus I had read of some of the issues that seem to afflict the N53 engines.
They both averaged 32/33 mpg, but I don't commute and can avoid rush-hours!
But if diesels are also an option a diesel 6 cylinder might be better than a 325i.
TotalControl said:
A general question here as I'm looking to purchase a car for longer journeys. I posted a 'what car' thread, but ultimately seemed to boil down to me wanting an E91 as it would a) comfortable and b) more robust and happier sitting on the motorway. I also wouldn't really get bored of it as I think they look fantastic.
Not fussed by diesel or petrol but auto is my preference with the type of driving I'll be doing.
I've been looking at 325i variants solely as they seem to be more abundant than the 30i's. Diesel has put me off a bit due to the reliability factor but also the potential ULEZ issue. Not a deal breaker at all if I can be convinced that they are reliable, but still something to think about with regards to ULEZ. I won't be going into the zone every day as I love just outside of the proposed area in Watford.
Budget is £4k tops. What would you knowledgeable chaps recommend?
Save more money and buy a better exampleNot fussed by diesel or petrol but auto is my preference with the type of driving I'll be doing.
I've been looking at 325i variants solely as they seem to be more abundant than the 30i's. Diesel has put me off a bit due to the reliability factor but also the potential ULEZ issue. Not a deal breaker at all if I can be convinced that they are reliable, but still something to think about with regards to ULEZ. I won't be going into the zone every day as I love just outside of the proposed area in Watford.
Budget is £4k tops. What would you knowledgeable chaps recommend?
I had a E90 325i saloon from new as a company car and did about 45k miles over 18 months. This replaced a much loved E46 325i coupe.
Positives for the E90 were that the engine was turbine smooth and apart from the ride it was very refined- and seemed well screwed together.
The biggest negative was the appalling ride- due largely I think to the run flat tyres, possibly compounded by me optioning sports suspension. The engine felt gutless due to lack of torque, although if you were in the mood it was enjoyable to rev out. I had a fuel card so the cost didn’t bother me but the fuel consumption if revved out was terrible (worse in fact than the 2003 E46 M3 I bought to replace it with). It also had the notchiest gearbox of any of the 5 manual BMW’s I’ve owned.
At the time I drove various other e90’s with my favourite being a 330d MSport auto. I also tried a 330i which was noticeably quicker than my 325i.
Positives for the E90 were that the engine was turbine smooth and apart from the ride it was very refined- and seemed well screwed together.
The biggest negative was the appalling ride- due largely I think to the run flat tyres, possibly compounded by me optioning sports suspension. The engine felt gutless due to lack of torque, although if you were in the mood it was enjoyable to rev out. I had a fuel card so the cost didn’t bother me but the fuel consumption if revved out was terrible (worse in fact than the 2003 E46 M3 I bought to replace it with). It also had the notchiest gearbox of any of the 5 manual BMW’s I’ve owned.
At the time I drove various other e90’s with my favourite being a 330d MSport auto. I also tried a 330i which was noticeably quicker than my 325i.
TotalControl said:
I'm starting to think this is sound advice.
Whilst few and far between there are some good ones out there at that kind of money. Just 2 weeks ago we sold our 75k mile E91 325i SE for a smidge over what you are looking to spend. Whilst it had some bodywork challenges (what 17 year old car doesn't), the interior was in fantastic condition and it didn't want for anything mechanically. If you are not in a rush, something will come up.AliMc99 said:
I had a E90 325i saloon from new as a company car and did about 45k miles over 18 months. This replaced a much loved E46 325i coupe.
Positives for the E90 were that the engine was turbine smooth and apart from the ride it was very refined- and seemed well screwed together.
The biggest negative was the appalling ride- due largely I think to the run flat tyres, possibly compounded by me optioning sports suspension. The engine felt gutless due to lack of torque, although if you were in the mood it was enjoyable to rev out. I had a fuel card so the cost didn’t bother me but the fuel consumption if revved out was terrible (worse in fact than the 2003 E46 M3 I bought to replace it with). It also had the notchiest gearbox of any of the 5 manual BMW’s I’ve owned.
At the time I drove various other e90’s with my favourite being a 330d MSport auto. I also tried a 330i which was noticeably quicker than my 325i.
I had this driving an E60 on 17 inch wheels after the E39. The ride was atrocious even back then when the roads weren't as grim as they are now. In most cases the E39 was a better car tbh. Positives for the E90 were that the engine was turbine smooth and apart from the ride it was very refined- and seemed well screwed together.
The biggest negative was the appalling ride- due largely I think to the run flat tyres, possibly compounded by me optioning sports suspension. The engine felt gutless due to lack of torque, although if you were in the mood it was enjoyable to rev out. I had a fuel card so the cost didn’t bother me but the fuel consumption if revved out was terrible (worse in fact than the 2003 E46 M3 I bought to replace it with). It also had the notchiest gearbox of any of the 5 manual BMW’s I’ve owned.
At the time I drove various other e90’s with my favourite being a 330d MSport auto. I also tried a 330i which was noticeably quicker than my 325i.
I just sold an E91 - if you want cheap, look at the SE - mine had Msport wheels and was pretty tidy with 133k, struggled to get £2200 for it.
They are good solid cars, had mine for over 7 years, but had the water pump fail, coils, plugs at 90k, vanos etc.
Fuel wise they love a drink and the 2.5 sounds on paper faster than it is - plus even when driving miss daisy, would never crack 30mpg over a weeks commute. 3.0 is the more powerful, but in honesty Im glad I got what I did for it as with any BMW parts when they go wrong are not cheap.
Avoid any 4 pot engine. You will get the owners saying they are on 150k etc, but they are not a good engine.
They are good solid cars, had mine for over 7 years, but had the water pump fail, coils, plugs at 90k, vanos etc.
Fuel wise they love a drink and the 2.5 sounds on paper faster than it is - plus even when driving miss daisy, would never crack 30mpg over a weeks commute. 3.0 is the more powerful, but in honesty Im glad I got what I did for it as with any BMW parts when they go wrong are not cheap.
Avoid any 4 pot engine. You will get the owners saying they are on 150k etc, but they are not a good engine.
AliMc99 said:
I had a E90 325i saloon from new as a company car and did about 45k miles over 18 months. This replaced a much loved E46 325i coupe.
Positives for the E90 were that the engine was turbine smooth and apart from the ride it was very refined- and seemed well screwed together.
The biggest negative was the appalling ride- due largely I think to the run flat tyres, possibly compounded by me optioning sports suspension. The engine felt gutless due to lack of torque, although if you were in the mood it was enjoyable to rev out. I had a fuel card so the cost didn’t bother me but the fuel consumption if revved out was terrible (worse in fact than the 2003 E46 M3 I bought to replace it with). It also had the notchiest gearbox of any of the 5 manual BMW’s I’ve owned.
At the time I drove various other e90’s with my favourite being a 330d MSport auto. I also tried a 330i which was noticeably quicker than my 325i.
The runflats have an awful lot to answer for. My E92 has Eibach springs, 19’s but on standard tyres but it actually rides really well. Much better than when it was on runflats. It’s still quite fur, but it no longer thuds and crashes through pot holes like the tyres are filled with concrete.Positives for the E90 were that the engine was turbine smooth and apart from the ride it was very refined- and seemed well screwed together.
The biggest negative was the appalling ride- due largely I think to the run flat tyres, possibly compounded by me optioning sports suspension. The engine felt gutless due to lack of torque, although if you were in the mood it was enjoyable to rev out. I had a fuel card so the cost didn’t bother me but the fuel consumption if revved out was terrible (worse in fact than the 2003 E46 M3 I bought to replace it with). It also had the notchiest gearbox of any of the 5 manual BMW’s I’ve owned.
At the time I drove various other e90’s with my favourite being a 330d MSport auto. I also tried a 330i which was noticeably quicker than my 325i.
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