[Vin295]

G'day guys,

Looking into buying an E90 at the end of the year.

Either a 320i or 323i just due to budget and the fact that I'm not looking to do too much performance work.

Pretty new to all this, so wondering;

Which of these models is the best and why?
and
What year is too old? Looking at some 2010 ones, would it be bad going older than that?

Would appreciate any comments or any other suggestions, cheers!

[Testercles]

There are really only two variations. Early E90s and then the upgrade to E90 LCI.
Aside from that specific model year doesn't matter too much.
If possible I would go for an LCI 6 cylinder, not a 4. They're a bit more reliable and a stronger motor.
The LCI adds LED tail lights, LED indicators in the headlights, new boot/bonnet and slightly different grill.

[Boganian Rubes]

Wouldn't you prefer a 320d?
The engine noise really isn't bad at all, I can't remember what the difference in power was but torque and economy really trumps over that of a 320i. Like it shits on it

[Vin295]

Originally Posted by Testercles

There are really only two variations. Early E90s and then the upgrade to E90 LCI.
Aside from that specific model year doesn't matter too much.
If possible I would go for an LCI 6 cylinder, not a 4. They're a bit more reliable and a stronger motor.
The LCI adds LED tail lights, LED indicators in the headlights, new boot/bonnet and slightly different grill.

Right right, gotcha. That would mean post 2008 I'm assuming?

Thanks mate.

[Testercles]

2009+ for LCI.
If possible you want to go for the Professional iDrive which has your wide-screen option.
M Sport is always nice to have for the roofliner in black instead of grey and lower suspension but you'd definitely go 323i over 320i M Sport.

[Vin295]

Originally Posted by Boganian Rubes

Wouldn't you prefer a 320d?
The engine noise really isn't bad at all, I can't remember what the difference in power was but torque and economy really trumps over that of a 320i. Like it shits on it

Haven't really considered it tbh, will have a look, cheers.

[Trev88]

Originally Posted by Vin295

Haven't really considered it tbh, will have a look, cheers.

320d is much better than the 320i haha

[bradsm87]

I'd go 325i just for the engine note, otherwise 320d FTW!

IMHO 325i>320d>323i>320i

If engine sound and silky-smooth inline 6 doesn't mean much to you:

320d>325i>323i>320i

[Boganian Rubes]

Woah bro my 320d is silky smooth :/

[Trev88]

Originally Posted by Boganian Rubes

Woah bro my 320d is silky smooth :/

Haha don't forget how fast yours is too lol

[Socket]

Depends on how much you have to spend. In terms of age 2008 min if on a budget otherwise buy the newest you can afford. Without wanting to upset anyone 335i or 135i are the best models hands down

[Mayuri Krab]

I would aim for a 325i if possible, the E9x 320is are too slow/gutless IMO, felt slower than my Skyline even back when it was stock.

[Trev88]

You can't go wrong with a 335i or 135i. Awesome cars. Just remember to have some spare $$$ to fit the car up in case

[BM3Rrrr]

I had a 320i pre lci. It was ok but soo gutless and there is no performance mods for it so you'll be stuck with what you get. What is your budget if you don't mind me asking.
I would seriously consider spending a bit more and getting a 335i or 135i. you will not regret it

[Pete.J]

Originally Posted by Socket

Depends on how much you have to spend. In terms of age 2008 min if on a budget otherwise buy the newest you can afford. Without wanting to upset anyone 335i or 135i are the best models hands down

I second that, I used to own a 325i in manual with plenty of high quality suspension mods. I sold it last year, added money on top and bought an E92 335i, it owns the 325i in every way possible!

[Vin295]

Cheers guys, really appreciate it.

335i would be great but budget would not allow. Looking at around 20k max. ://

Looks like a 320d or 325i is the way to go.

[aaron_]

Wait 6 months. Buy a 335i

[aaron_]

Check out this BMW 335i.
https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/d...AG-AD-14175230

Here you go - that's drive away as well so deduct 2000 for on roads, negotiate 2000 off and you have a $22000 car

[bradsm87]

MY10.5-onwards 320d has a little more power (more than likely among other improvements).

Something like one of these:

https://www.carsales.com.au/private/...SE-AD-4556316/

https://www.carsales.com.au/private/...SE-AD-4538750/

https://www.carsales.com.au/private/...SE-AD-4533570/

[Unknown_Car]

Originally Posted by Vin295

Cheers guys, really appreciate it.

335i would be great but budget would not allow. Looking at around 20k max. ://

Looks like a 320d or 325i is the way to go.

Where are you located? In the states?

[Vin295]

Located in Victoria.

Cheers guys.

The 335i I can't get unfortunately at this stage.

Seems like a 320d will be the one, will wait and see in 8 months though.

Appreciate the advice.

[Trev88]

Originally Posted by Vin295

Located in Victoria.

Cheers guys.

The 335i I can't get unfortunately at this stage.

Seems like a 320d will be the one, will wait and see in 8 months though.

Appreciate the advice.

For 320d, Get the performance power kit one if u want stock with power but it's extremely rare. Alternatively you can add an aftermarket dpf delete and tune which is a cheaper power option.