From what I gather from the stations that I go, they don't really run dry all the time. It's just that the government apparently impose a quota for them daily. I think this may be due to people reselling these fuel to gain some profit. Diesel for industrial usage are not subsidised by the government so some people earn from there. But there is a marker in industrial diesel and subsidised diesel. They always randomly take fuel sample from my factory for testing if we bought subsidised diesel. Still people are doing it. -_-
But it could be that they really run dry too! Assuming if the storage tank is the same size as the petrol, but those trucks always pump hundreds of litre at a time.
I myself did experience 4 out of 5 station on a same night I went they either say finish diesel or finish quota. Quite annoying when ur car says only less than 50km to go!
Best thing is when you find a station that has diesel left, their nozzle doesn't fit!
I think that is my only main rant about owning a 320d. I don't have much issues finding a station with fitting pump in KL or on most highway. But where I stay in Klang, only few fits.
All in all, I think that 320d is much more fun compared to a 320i. But if I do have the extra $$ I would definitely go for a 328i or 335i.
The 320d may be loud at idle, but it's not unreasonable. At cruising speed, it is definitely quieter than 320i. Except for those stupid run flats. So damn noisy!
Torque on 320d (specially with power kit) its very very addictive!
Maintenance wise, I'm not quite sure what's the diff with 320i & 320d. As this is my first time owning a diesel passenger car and first time bimmer. Heck, I haven't even done my 1st service with BSRI yet!
But from what I gather, overall ownership would definitely be more expensive than 320i due to more frequent maintenance needed for a 320d. That's when your BSRI runs out.
You don't have to worry about spark plugs but you do have to watch out for the injectors after your BSRI. Malaysian diesel quality is not that good, but it ain't that bad either.
You'll have to worry about the water being present in your fuel. Dirty diesel? It'll be filtered out by your fuel filter, if it is clogged then you'll get lower pressure in your fuel pump and your car will warn you about it (I hope BMW has it LOL).
No one can help on this but some water "may" get into your combustion chamber via the nozzle and corrode the nozzle. I attach two photos here for you guys to see what damage can be done to your nozzles.
These photos are from nozzles used on industrial engines of 22litre sized. You can see one has slight corrosion on the nozzle hole and the other is badly damaged.
The badly damaged nozzle, I doubt you'll find these cases in Malaysia anyway. This was caused by corrosion on the nozzle which in turn made the nozzle unable to atomise the fuel. So the fuel was pumped into the combustion chamber like using a hose, and too much fuel was supplied. So the engine heated up and caused the piston to melt and siezed. This happens in extreme conditions in the middle east where ambient temp are more than 50C and fuel quality is equivalent to Euro I or lower. Sulphur level of 1000-2000ppm.
The slightly damaged nozzle, now this may cause a little issue in atomisation of the fuel. Where usually it will be changed. But in Malaysia, we haven't really had these sort of issues unless the engines have been run for ages. We have industrial diesel engines in our factory here that are more than 15-20years and it is still working fine. Usually they have their nozzle changed or checked for defect after 4000hrs running time. Which is like 167days of the engine being used for 24hrs.
I would definitely recommend 320d owners to try have their nozzle checked after their BSRI has ended. Depending on the mileage you guys do, I don't know what is the guideline for diesel passenger cars. But for myself, I would try to find a qualified technician to check it every 40-50k km if possible.
That being said, anyone knows where in Klang I can find good honest technician for my 320d? Or anywhere in Shah Alam, PJ or Subang area could do too.
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