Buying an 8 Yrs old 325i E90

[BMW318CI]

Dear All,

As per title mentioned, i am now enthusiastically looking for a 325i E90, my budget is within RM100k only so i could only go for 6-9 years old of 325i E90. Hereby i got some questions to ask before hand.

1.) What are the most common mechanical issues of this car (engine, suspension components, brakes and etc)
2.) Will the electronic sensors are pain in the ass to source and replace ?
3.) Anyone wants to let go their E90 325i ? Mileage to me is not too much a problem, as long as all the important parts are in good conditions for me to go for some hoon during weekends. And of course safe to drive.

 

[DanzE90]

u going for pre LCI (pre facelift) or LCI (facelift) model?
I suggest to buy from previous owners as they will inform u the background of the car, rather than used car dealers.

 

[BMW318CI]

u going for pre LCI (pre facelift) or LCI (facelift) model?
I suggest to buy from previous owners as they will inform u the background of the car, rather than used car dealers.

I am going for pre LCI, i can't tell much difference between the two but there's definitely higher price for a LCI model. Sure, if i could i would love to deal with someone in the group, if their E90 is on sale.

 

[DanzE90]

within your budget u could get the LCI model, the differences are
front headlamps - LED signal
kidney grille
rear lamps
GM gearbox, pre LCI using ZF gearbox
hood design

or u try googling it

 

[BMW318CI]

Dear Dan,

Sounds like great package, in regards of the gearbox, you mentioned that Pre LCI is equipped with ZF gearbox and LCI is with GM gearbox. So what's the difference between the two ?

 

[DanzE90]

no idea on that need to as sifu..
but supposedly GM gbox should be better as the zf ones has solenoid/mechatronics/sensors issue.

 

[BMW318CI]

Dear Dan,

Seriously ? Wow, then i should up my budget to around RM100k to get the LCI E90, i don't have anything wrong with the gearbox in long run. I intend to use the E90 as daily ride ... My job requires me to work 50% out from office and on the road for a long time. Any other issues you would like to advised before i lay down my deposit? Just tested a 2009 LCI 325i selling at RM119k, handling is abit floaty to my taste (ownes a Lancer with hi-low so-hard adjustable), but the comfort definitely outmatched my Lancer. Acceleration wise is up to my expectation as a 220hp straight 6. Love the noise it makes.

 

[DanzE90]

maybe the msport e90 LCI would suite you better as its equipped with harsher absorbers too.

 

[BMW318CI]

Nah, the non-M sport is good enough for me, its just need a wider rear tyres. Anyway are your farmiliar with the used car dealers around Old Klang Road? I heard some drivers said some dealers sell quite good and nice E90. Even my ex-manager bought hers around Old Klang Road.

 

[DanzE90]

buying a used car depends purely on luck regardless where you buy it from. I got my e90 from a luxury used car dealer too but a week later it had aircond blower issues.
had to change it myself. I do suggest to buy from a member in this forum. at least they will tell you bout the whole history bout the car, maintenance, wear & tear parts changed etc.....rather than used car dealer sweet talks.

 

[BMW318CI]

Wow blower issue ... I assumed you did bring the car back to the dealer to ask them to fix it, and they didn't do a good job? Well i just have to wait for members in this forum send me their offer. Cheers.

 

[wingzee]

Since you mentioned that you travel alot, why not the 320d for better fuel consumption? 2011 LCI ones are going for only RM120k or lesser.

 

[bimmerdude]

dont trust the dealers. on top of that, they wanna profit from the transfer fee by charging 2k plus on average.

 

[BMW318CI]

Dear Wingzee,

That's a great suggestion, never thought of diesel as i drive petrol all my life. I will definitely take a look at those too. Are you having one? Is the engine noise significant compared to 325i petrol engine?

Dear bimmerdude

It looks like you did get con by one of those. Any stories you can share, and i am aware of that 2k transfer fee along when i bought my Lancer from the dealers too. I nego till the car price is disounted for another 2k and include that transfer fee in it.

 

[Prinze]

Test drove a 320d and a 325i before ending up with a 325i. But seriously.,..kinda regret that..so now that I have sold my 325i am looking out for a 320d again haha...

But similarly to the advice given, try not to get from dealers. Unless you are very very very sure of the car's condition. E90 is a great car for it's price now. LCI is definitely the way to go.

 

[wilsonlaw]

Hi BMW sifus. Saw this topic and matched with what's in my planning. Looked into carlist and mudah and found out E90 2007/8 that cost around RM70k-75k. Very tempting. Any comment or opinion on those selections? Please forgive me if my question sound silly as I'm super new to BMW cars and also this forum. Appreciate all sifus can give some comments.

 

[Herbert]

wilson,

Indeed the E90 (the 320i, 323i, 325i) are very affordable now. The 325i with the famous straight 6 cylinders would be my preferred choice for better hp and torque as compared to the other 2 models. Having said that, the new owner would be expected to spend about RM10k for replacement of the usual worn-out and/or degraded parts such as the suspension system , water cooling system and etc. There are plenty of valuable feedback from forum members on the E90 and I am sure you will give you a pretty good idea on your selection of choice.

 

[BMW318CI]

Test drove a 320d and a 325i before ending up with a 325i. But seriously.,..kinda regret that..so now that I have sold my 325i am looking out for a 320d again haha...

But similarly to the advice given, try not to get from dealers. Unless you are very very very sure of the car's condition. E90 is a great car for it's price now. LCI is definitely the way to go.

Spot on there, i have experienced the diesel power on a 740LD, to be frank, hated the truck engine noise. The straight 6 noise made by the 325i which i test drove at a dealer is like European Opera to me. I am gunning for a LCI now, since its newer, but don't mind buying a Pre-LCI from any members here if its well taken care of.

Hi BMW sifus. Saw this topic and matched with what's in my planning. Looked into carlist and mudah and found out E90 2007/8 that cost around RM70k-75k. Very tempting. Any comment or opinion on those selections? Please forgive me if my question sound silly as I'm super new to BMW cars and also this forum. Appreciate all sifus can give some comments.

I would avoid mudah advertised products, i only go for carlist and in this forum. Just my hunch telling me mudah got lots of con artists. Pick the 325i, top of the line, you would love its handling and smooth acceleration. The car looks better with age, just like my 318ci. The F30 does not look better than E90 but that's individual taste.

Dear all,

I am actively searching for a 325i E90 or E92, please send me a PM if you are interested to deal with me.

Thank you.

 

[Nmr Nik Soh]

for me..i'm looking for 320d e90(full stop) 2011 upward, looked at mudah rm108k++ year 2012 but feel concern about honesty dealer, my budget up to rm120k, hope my dream be come true before Mei next year

 

[wingzee]

Test drove a 320d and a 325i before ending up with a 325i. But seriously.,..kinda regret that..so now that I have sold my 325i am looking out for a 320d again haha...

But similarly to the advice given, try not to get from dealers. Unless you are very very very sure of the car's condition. E90 is a great car for it's price now. LCI is definitely the way to go.

Hi BMW sifus. Saw this topic and matched with what's in my planning. Looked into carlist and mudah and found out E90 2007/8 that cost around RM70k-75k. Very tempting. Any comment or opinion on those selections? Please forgive me if my question sound silly as I'm super new to BMW cars and also this forum. Appreciate all sifus can give some comments.

for me..i'm looking for 320d e90(full stop) 2011 upward, looked at mudah rm108k++ year 2012 but feel concern about honesty dealer, my budget up to rm120k, hope my dream be come true before Mei next year

Apart from the noisier engine, the 320d gives close to 7L/100km (mine and others Fuelly records proves that) with 380Nm and 184Bhp prior to chipping (which may churn up to 200ps + 440Nm). And you're paying much lesser for roadtax + fuel (Euro 5).

Getting from dealer is fine so long that you got the car properly checked prior to that deposit. Got mine from a dealer and is happy about it. Been close to 2.5 years now.