Bmw 3 series touring advise

[MHeadling]

Hi Chaps, Just sold the Mrs Golf, We are looking for an estate car to replace it, I am looking at a used E90 shape BMW Touring.

I am not sure what to go for, diesel, petrol? All the diesel ones seem to have high mileage on them (prob ex rep cars).

Are there any engine sizes to avoid? Things to look for?

Any advice will be much appreciated!

[ianjoyner]

Check out www.bmwland.co.uk for lots of info. There is a bit of a buyers guide here:
http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=108166

The touring is the E91, with the saloon the E90. Nice cars if you look after them, not exactly bullet proof as they get older, but not too frightening to maintain either. Easiest used option if you've got a good main dealer near by is to get an AUC (Approved Used Car) you get a good warranty which lasts a year and can be extended. You pay a premium for the AUC peace of mind though.

Petrol vs diesel is really your preference. Diesel does more mpg, but generally costs more in maintenance and to buy, there's not that much in it overall. Diesels often feel faster because of the torque, but are less refined and don't sound as nice as the petrols.

The 6 cylinder cars (petrol and diesel) are generally more refined and better spec'd than the 4 cylinders, they also generally cost more (maintenance, fuel, buying), but a lot of people think they are worth it. There's really a huge range of engines, from the sensible 320d to the very fast 335i, with many in between it's down to what you're looking for. The 325d/330d are a pretty good balance between economy and performance.

Diesels in particular can lead to big bills if they go wrong, hence why it is worth looking for an AUC car, you always want to see a good history.

Option lists are extensive, so if you see a feature on one car don't assume another will have it. If you like gadgets there's lots, but it can be difficult finding a car with all the ones you want.

[Bagman]

I'd go along with that. I've got a 330d touring (e91). I thought that mix of speed and economy was ideal at the start but now think that it's not that necessary as the 2 litre diesel is no slouch and way more economical. That said I do a lot of long journeys, UK, Spain, Italy etc and always get out of the car thinking it's great. Get it on the autobahn for 3 or 4 hours and it's great. If you're after a genuine estate though I'd go for something else, think of this more as a big hatch. One more thing is the m/sports pack. It get's a bit of a slating in the reviews but I've found it to be no problem (I don't have any back problems though). Don't let it put you off a car and it does look good.

Saying that I'm not going to get another. I'll stick with BMW but will go for a 520d touring for the reasons I've mentioned above.

[KevLee]

Hey Mark, I'd agree with most of that above, I have an E91 320d and love it. As said, it's not the biggest estate there is but it's not bad. I decided against a 5 series, mostly due to budget, and went for a roof box for the times I need that extra space.... It does make me feel old though :)

I do like the 5 series though and would consider one in the future.

The 2.0 litre diesel may not beat and land speed records but it's pretty perky at 163bhp and has plenty of torque.

I'll be at maritime this weekend if you want to have a look.

[MattADH]

We have a 120D SE and have to say spec as standard is pretty good - parking sensors, auto lights, auto wipers, two zone climate, etc.

Like the 3 series, its not as big or practical as you would think. I didnt like the 1 series them really until I had one as a courtesy car and they are nice to drive.

[MHeadling]

Thanks alot for the feedback and the links guys, sounds like it has oople approval! :thumbsup:

I have found a nice 320d M sport in silver that I'm going to take a look at.

I'll have a read up on the BMW land forum before buying one.

Cheers for the offer Kev, I'll have a look at Maritime, I havent sat in one yet but its what the Mrs wants so best not to argue with a pregnant woman!

[shiny]

Thanks alot for the feedback and the links guys, sounds like it has oople approval! :thumbsup:

I have found a nice 320d M sport in silver that I'm going to take a look at.

I'll have a read up on the BMW land forum before buying one.

Cheers for the offer Kev, I'll have a look at Maritime, I havent sat in one yet but its what the Mrs wants so best not to argue with a pregnant woman!


Just check the chassis as the rear for fractures/ cracks!!!
just near the rear diff.......

[shiny]

Check out www.bmwland.co.uk (http://www.bmwland.co.uk) for lots of info. There is a bit of a buyers guide here:
http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=108166

The touring is the E91, with the saloon the E90. Nice cars if you look after them, not exactly bullet proof as they get older, but not too frightening to maintain either. Easiest used option if you've got a good main dealer near by is to get an AUC (Approved Used Car) you get a good warranty which lasts a year and can be extended. You pay a premium for the AUC peace of mind though.

Petrol vs diesel is really your preference. Diesel does more mpg, but generally costs more in maintenance and to buy, there's not that much in it overall. Diesels often feel faster because of the torque, but are less refined and don't sound as nice as the petrols.

The 6 cylinder cars (petrol and diesel) are generally more refined and better spec'd than the 4 cylinders, they also generally cost more (maintenance, fuel, buying), but a lot of people think they are worth it. There's really a huge range of engines, from the sensible 320d to the very fast 335i, with many in between it's down to what you're looking for. The 325d/330d are a pretty good balance between economy and performance.

Diesels in particular can lead to big bills if they go wrong, hence why it is worth looking for an AUC car, you always want to see a good history.

Option lists are extensive, so if you see a feature on one car don't assume another will have it. If you like gadgets there's lots, but it can be difficult finding a car with all the ones you want.

Sound advice but keep in mind!!
Depending on the age of the car your looking at the diesel will most likely be fitted with a DPF ( diesel perticulate filter). If you do very low mileage of a stop start type then diesel cars are not for you!!!
They will block up and require a dealer to carry out a regeneration that will not only cost you but also shorted the DPF life span....
VG turbos are also a problem and in some cases need replacement at 80k ish...
Petrol cars depending on your engine selection are almost as good on fuel and in most cases cheaper to run in day to day use.....

Nuff said

[Dazzler]

Just check the chassis as the rear for fractures/ cracks!!!
just near the rear diff.......

Shiny,

I think this is a well documented (search the net) E46 issue, not E90/1.

The rear subframe is substantially changed for the E90 range.

So unless you've seen different, I don't think this is applicable?

[shiny]

Shiny,

I think this is a well documented (search the net) E46 issue, not E90/1.

The rear subframe is substantially changed for the E90 range.

So unless you've seen different, I don't think this is applicable?

if its well documented why buy one? the odd problem i think most people would think nothing of, but a chassis cracking!!!!!

[shiny]

Shiny,

I think this is a well documented (search the net) E46 issue, not E90/1.

The rear subframe is substantially changed for the E90 range.

So unless you've seen different, I don't think this is applicable?


have heard different yes! still it may not apply to all vehicles!

[MHeadling]

Thanks for the info, I am going for a E91 touring, I'm just looking for something with low mileage so what ever comes up but I like my TDi A3 so am swaying towards diesel but as the Mrs wont do many miles petrol would be ok.

I am looking for something sub 60,000 miles and 07/08 reg.

[MHeadling]

Well just picked up a E91 320d in grey with leather, all v nice! :thumbsup:

Thanks for the help on here fellow ooplers.

I am going to give it a bit of a clean up and want to clean the leather seats, any ideas on what stuff to buy to get them looking nice?

[Bagman]

Just out of interest how do you think it compares to your Audi?

[Allan]

Mark us auto glym products they do a nice leather cleaner/conditioner and stains on the carpets try their upholstery stuff.

[MHeadling]

Thanks for the info Allan, I will give them a try, in the mean time I have bought some Zymol leather cleaner and this seems ok to me.

Bagman: This BMW was for my wife as we needed a bigger car, I have only driven it once but it seems a very nice car, solid, comfy and nice finish. Its a different beast to the A3 but they have both been great cars and would have another one.

The A3 is a bit more fun and the BMW is a bit of a comfy motorway car.

Hope this helps and thanks to the other lads who posted about the E91 I am very pleased with it :thumbsup: