e92 320i review

[dwj]

hie guys..i was about to get a e92 320i.is it a good choice?how is the performance,the ride and etc?some people say its bad because its underpower cause it only had 170hp.is it really that bad? to those who own this model, could you please advice me about it? overall is ok?

 

[splee]

Bro horse power is a very subjective thing. It depends on each individual. Having said that, horse power is never enough. The more you have the more you want. That's why people spend so much to upgrade their cars. 170hp gives you a decent ride but don't expect exhilarating ride. If you just want a prestige daily ride to work and you don't normally drive fast on motorway then I suppose 320i is good enough.

 

[anaksarawak]

Bro, 320d will be a better choice. For petrol may I suggest that you do for E90 325 or better E92 335 :rock:

 

[wideawake]

335i. Period

 

[fifty5]

E90 320i is 170hp? I thought around 155?

 

[ck82]

N47D20C is 184hp. But N47 engine has a worrying premature wear on the timing chain. Best is to get the car to be inspected by a good workshop to check but there is no guarantee on that. Try to find those manufactured after March 2011. My 2 cents.

 

[Mavik]

If you can afford it, just go straight and get the E92 335i. Well worth the money because the power is there.

 

[initialM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZLN-SmHqzI

 

[dwj]

The year of the car I'm looking at is year 2009 e92 320i. I currently driving e36 328i. Though 328 has 198hp but does it really had a big different compare to 170hp?btw N47D20C has 184hp? Year 2009 using which engine then? 335i would b perfect but the road tax is kinda exp.my 328 already cost me rm1600+ a year. The thing that I'm worried is a friend of mine said that 320i has a lots of problem.is it true? Thx for all the opinion guys!!

 

[initialM]

U own a 328 and I'll bet u regret wt 320. 1st 328 is 191hp and yes its big different compare to 170hp. 2nd its torque of 328 the u will miss compare to 320. 2nd 335 roadtax is only 2,077 and value for money for stock 306hp and 400nm. I dun wan to say much but trust me u wont regret buying 335i.

 

[Fadhlan]

The 4 cylinder in the 320i got tensioner and valve seal issues. I saw that from at least 3 of my friend's 320i already.

In terms of reliability - 325i, 320i, 335i

In terms of speed (fun & joy) - 335i, 325i, 320i

I recommend the 335i. It's a fast car. Just need to spend some on Roadtax and maintenance.

 

[initialM]

If rich like fadhlan better buy M3. For me 335i is value for money or poor man sports car. I previously also owned 325. No experience on 320i. In terms of re liability for me is subject on how u treat the car and each car has its own advantages and disadvantages. 335 brand new was rm480k if not mistaken. Another thing ur buying used car and keep in mind there should be wear and tear unless u bought full history car with wear and tear done. I owned E46 328 too before same as you so worry you'll regret with 320i. Try to test drive all car or at least take test ride. Then only you decide. Good luck with your choice bro.

 

[dwj]

The 4 cylinder in the 320i got tensioner and valve seal issues. I saw that from at least 3 of my friend's 320i already.
In terms of reliability - 325i, 320i, 335i
In terms of speed (fun & joy) - 335i, 325i, 320i
I recommend the 335i. It's a fast car. Just need to spend some on Roadtax and maintenance.

That means it's true that 320i do have problem on the engine issue? The tensioner n valve seal is it a serious issue?

 

[dwj]

If rich like fadhlan better buy M3. For me 335i is value for money or poor man sports car. I previously also owned 325. No experience on 320i. In terms of re liability for me is subject on how u treat the car and each car has its own advantages and disadvantages. 335 brand new was rm480k if not mistaken. Another thing ur buying used car and keep in mind there should be wear and tear unless u bought full history car with wear and tear done. I owned E46 328 too before same as you so worry you'll regret with 320i. Try to test drive all car or at least take test ride. Then only you decide. Good luck with your choice bro.

It's true! Thx for the info! Hopefully I'll get a good one!

 

[Fadhlan]

Depends on how do you define serious. Valve seals replacement can take you back around RM1,600 and tensioners can be replaced around RM800. Means that money that is suppose to be spent on mods, are instead spent on keeping the car in good condition. Those are issues commonly found in 320i engines, but it does not mean that all 320i engines are like that.

Same as 335i and 325i engines, each has their own common issues. I was driving a 325i engine for 4.5 years, and the only breakdown I got was due to water pump, in which I replaced. Not a serious issue, but it's money that I need to spend not on mods. I also had the O2 sensors replaced when it got burned out, also money I did spend just to keep it running. In comparison to the 320i and 335i engines, I think the 325i has less engine issues. The only issue I have is that the 325i is slow in comparison to the 335i.

So I recommend, if budget permits of course, to get the 335i. Preferably the one that is for sale by a Club member.

 

[toiletroll]

for my E90 320i... here are some of the things i have changed for my car
my experience with the cost of maintenance as follows:
1. servicing: less than RM400 for fully-synthetic oil castrol titanium, air-filter, and oil-filter
2. changing the oil seals and gasket (i think) to solve the oil leak issue RM600.
3. there are 4 coils for 320i and each coil cost about rm180 with labour. i replaced 1 coil this week.. and my car is a 2010 car. expect the other 3 coil will need to be replace soon
4. One of my computer board... (dunno what they call) that controls the power window, lights, and etc wasn't working.. so i got it replaced... cost me about rm2000 with labour...
5. rear break pad with sensor... OEM Germany abour RM280... original about RM450 or less

i think the above are normal wear and tear... it doesn't happen often.. but do expect some repair may be needed in the future..