[Chrisw100]

hello everyone

My names chris, Im 20 and Im from worcester (sounds like Im trying to be on take me out here lol)

anyway Im looking at buying my first bmw, if you like my first proper car as my first car was a vauxhall corsa which I still own.

I have searched the site as much as I can but I'm still getting used to it and may be looking in the wrong places, Im hoping to soon be purchasing a e92 320 coupe, I initially thought the 320d but my annual mileage is around 8500 and I do about 30 miles a day, a short motorway drive and then a country road to where I work (Morgan motor company) however after looking at the price of diesel atm and the fact a diesel is more to purchase and more to insure! (:s) I started looking at the 320i's, however after reading on the site about engine problems I'm a little worried, although I cant find any details on what these "problems" are and wondered if anyone could help?

I have had a look at BMW's claimed MPG figures and obviously the diesel is coming out better but I know what's on paper can be nothing like real like driving in the real world so wondered what your opinions are on the 320I and 320D and if anyone has anything that also may help me choose which one to go for it would be extremely appreciated as atm Im stumped!

Really appreciate it guys.

Thanks

[davyk31]

Go for diesel, more MPG so people like it better when you resell and yes the car costs more but retains value better. Also diesel more tuneable if you wish to go down that route but depends a bit on what year of car you are buying.

All this from a previously very committed petrol head but economics and the fact that BMW diesels are so good has changed me a bit. 320d really is a cracking car but drive both to see which you prefer. To me the 320d feels so much more punchy than the rather low on torque petrol engine. Then try a 330d or a 335d and you will be mega confused !!

[ALF_E90]

The biggest running cost of a car is depreciation. Depending on how much you are spending and how long you are keeping it, you may well lose more money on a 320d compared to a 320i of an equivalent age/mmileage - the better depreciation of the 320d means a much higher purchase price for the same age/spec.

Also, BMW petrol engines seem to have their issues but diesels do too - again depends on mileage/age but any turbocharger is a question of "when not if" it fails, and when they go they can take out much of the engine with them if you are unlucky, so beware people quoting reasonable-sounding refurbed turbo costs as that may be just the start of the bother!

I'm not knocking the mega-successful 320d just trying to put the other side of the argument. Mostly it will come down to your preferences as diesels are nothing like petrols to drive and which you prefer will be down to you.

[Chrisw100]

Cheers guys, looking for 07/08 with no more then 65,000 miles with fsh and looking to keep it for 4/5 years

[zltm089]

e92....good choice!!!...

i would go for the petrol one...;-)

u live once...so don't worry too much about depreciation and petrol prices!

[zltm089]

20 yrs old in an e92....the biatches will be all over you!!!....make the most out of it!...

[Chrisw100]

Originally Posted by zltm089

e92....good choice!!!...

i would go for the petrol one...;-)

u live once...so don't worry too much about depreciation and petrol prices!

Haha thanks matey!. Looks like you have a petrol one, any light on the "problems" with the petrols? I've also read the diesels are punchier and seem faster but better on fuel, not sure for the distance I drive diesel would be better though?

[E92westy]

Test drive them both and make your own mind up.
I bought a 320i E92 which I eventually rejected due to 'issues' but that's not to say there aren't good ones out there.
Replaced with a 320d E90 which is a different drive.....
Much more 'punchy', more economical and much, much better results from a tuning box/ remap.
Faster? That depends I suppose, but certainly an easier 'overtake' in the diesel than the petrol.

With your mileage, I'm tempted to say save your money and get a 330i though...

[fastloop]

Originally Posted by E92westy

With your mileage, I'm tempted to say save your money and get a 330i though...

I don't even dare think about what the insurrance would be on a 330i for a 20 year old? Probably somewhere between "Sorry we can't insure you" or the rediculous high quotes.

[Chrisw100]

Originally Posted by 335rocks

I don't even dare think about what the insurrance would be on a 330i for a 20 year old? Probably somewhere between "Sorry we can't insure you" or the rediculous high quotes.

bad enough on a 320i or 320d tbh mate!