[axxwest]

Hey everyone, my name is Alex and I live in the cayman islands (Caribbean)
Due to my location, I have to bring in a bmw for my self from overseas.

I just wanted to get some opinions, my options are:
E90 320i, 323i or 325i. The years are between 2005-2008/9
The roads here are iffy (some smooth, some rough) and the fastest you will every go on this tiny island is 40-50 mph so engine power isn't a big issue, I'm leaning more toward fuel economy (I'm coming from a little toyota yaris)
I want modding capability as well
I was looking at the website beforward.jp to order it from (if you know any other websites, please let me know)

What are the main differences between these models?
I appreciate the help
Thanks again!

[Rudz]

Originally Posted by axxwest

Hey everyone, my name is Alex and I live in the cayman islands (Caribbean)
Due to my location, I have to bring in a bmw for my self from overseas.

I just wanted to get some opinions, my options are:
E90 320i, 323i or 325i. The years are between 2005-2008/9
The roads here are iffy (some smooth, some rough) and the fastest you will every go on this tiny island is 40-50 mph so engine power isn't a big issue, I'm leaning more toward fuel economy (I'm coming from a little toyota yaris)
I want modding capability as well
I was looking at the website beforward.jp to order it from (if you know any other websites, please let me know)

What are the main differences between these models?
I appreciate the help
Thanks again!

The 320i and the 23i are 4 cylinder engines whilst the 325i is a 6 pot, a lot more refined than the other two and the mpg is not not vastly different , get this if u r able to, if u r able to stretch a bit further I'd recommend getting a trouble free peach of a car in a 330i

There is a sticky about problems with the 320i read up before u decide, quite a few on this forum have had nothing but issues with it

[Shafz325]

Originally Posted by Rudz

The 320i and the 23i are 4 cylinder engines whilst the 325i is a 6 pot, a lot more refined than the other two and the mpg is not not vastly different , get this if u r able to, if u r able to stretch a bit further I'd recommend getting a trouble free peach of a car in a 330i

There is a sticky about problems with the 320i read up before u decide, quite a few on this forum have had nothing but issues with it

Isn't the 323i in the E90 a detuned 2.5 6pot? Either way I'd go for the 325i as it has less problems than the other two and the years you're talking about is the N52 engine which is more reliable than the N53 engine in the later models. Or as said above stretch to the 330i if possible!

[xPETEZx]

I would recommend the 325i or 323i, as both of these are based on a 6pot.
The 320i is a 4 pot and has quite a few problems.

Not sure why people are recommending a 330i... wasnt a car he mentioned. My aswell recommend an M3? if he can stretch...
He also mentioned he wont be driving past 50mph much.

[djgandy]

325i. If roads are bad get something with 17" wheels. Avoid 4 cylinder engines like the plague, especially as it sounds like getting repairs done is not straightforward.

[AlanYoro35i]

avoid 320i at all cost.

[axxwest]

It would be nice if anyone knows any websites to bring one in. I basically only know beforward.jp and tradecarview.com . I should have said this in the orginal post but I am only 20 (soon 21) and I don't want insurance to eat me alive.

Originally Posted by Rudz

The 320i and the 23i are 4 cylinder engines whilst the 325i is a 6 pot, a lot more refined than the other two and the mpg is not not vastly different , get this if u r able to, if u r able to stretch a bit further I'd recommend getting a trouble free peach of a car in a 330i

There is a sticky about problems with the 320i read up before u decide, quite a few on this forum have had nothing but issues with it

I thought that both the 23i and the 25i had a 2,490cc engine while the 20i has 1,990cc engine.

Originally Posted by djgandy

325i. If roads are bad get something with 17" wheels. Avoid 4 cylinder engines like the plague, especially as it sounds like getting repairs done is not straightforward.

We have a local BMW dealership here on island; Its just that, they charge an arm and a leg to do everything.

Originally Posted by xPETEZx

I would recommend the 325i or 323i, as both of these are based on a 6pot.
The 320i is a 4 pot and has quite a few problems.

Not sure why people are recommending a 330i... wasnt a car he mentioned. My aswell recommend an M3? if he can stretch...
He also mentioned he wont be driving past 50mph much.

I would probably never go above 45 to be honest cause they are like no long straight roads here.

Originally Posted by Shafz325

Isn't the 323i in the E90 a detuned 2.5 6pot? Either way I'd go for the 325i as it has less problems than the other two and the years you're talking about is the N52 engine which is more reliable than the N53 engine in the later models. Or as said above stretch to the 330i if possible!

I guess the 320i is ruled out. I can't seem to find a 330i for sale anywhere

Originally Posted by Yoro35i

avoid 320i at all cost.

I looked at the thread about the problems and it's making me back off of BMW all together lol


This is one that I was looking at: http://www.beforward.jp/bmw/3-series...396/id/443437/
Thanks everyone for the help! Waiting to hear back from you!
-Alex

[SHEEDI]

Originally Posted by axxwest

It would be nice if anyone knows any websites to bring one in. I basically only know beforward.jp and tradecarview.com . I should have said this in the orginal post but I am only 20 (soon 21) and I don't want insurance to eat me alive.


I thought that both the 23i and the 25i had a 2,490cc engine while the 20i has 1,990cc engine.

We have a local BMW dealership here on island; Its just that, they charge an arm and a leg to do everything.


I would probably never go above 45 to be honest cause they are like no long straight roads here.

I guess the 320i is ruled out. I can't seem to find a 330i for sale anywhere



I looked at the thread about the problems and it's making me back off of BMW all together lol


This is one that I was looking at: http://www.beforward.jp/bmw/3-series...396/id/443437/
Thanks everyone for the help! Waiting to hear back from you!
-Alex

All brands and their models have some sort of issues, please don't buy any car
the model you see in pic below is trouble free model, get that

[axxwest]

Originally Posted by SHEEDI

please don't buy any car
the model you see in pic below is trouble free model, get that

Lol, the horse

[SHEEDI]

Na 335 Xi all 4 wheels

Originally Posted by axxwest

335i?

[NEFARIOUS]

Originally Posted by SHEEDI

All brands and their models have some sort of issues, please don't buy any car
the model you see in pic below is trouble free model, get that

Wow. Now I see why the Chinese translation of BMW is "寶馬" (bao ma) or litererally, "treasured horse" . But regardless, that picture looks more like a donkey to me.

Then again, that model emits liquid and solid waste, often at will instead of at determined service intervals and locations in lieu of petrol exhaust, its responsiveness is often subjective, requires refueling even when parked, and its ride quality is extremely bumpy even on smooth roads.

[axxwest]

Anyone?

[jotty]

As I have pointed out before, don't ignore the 320 completely as it can be as good as any as long as it's had the coils etc replaced by BMW.
Those of us who have had it done are having no further issues, so far touch wood, cross fingers and toes.

[axxwest]

Just found a 2006 320i wit 43,776 km priced at £4450
Good deal or not?

[E90325iM-SPORT]

Sell organs and buy m3!

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by axxwest

Just found a 2006 320i wit 43,776 km priced at £4450
Good deal or not?

2005-2006 320i has no coil issues but has many other issues.
Search 320i common problems and read
- Rocker cover gasket (especially in hot climate)
- Vanos
- PCV

and there are many others.

Also, when you drive it, it has most of the power on the upper RPM so you end up reving it really high. Not as rewarding as many other bmws.

[Jase 320d]

A lot has been mentioned on the engine here but nothing on the trim level

Id go for an SE model if i were you will be much more at home on rural twisting roads

Msport spec will probably be too low and uncomfortable

[axxwest]

Originally Posted by makkan00

Search 320i common problems and read
- Rocker cover gasket (especially in hot climate)

It's extremely hot here so that will be a problem
I'll see if I can find a 325i for the better engine?

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by axxwest

It's extremely hot here so that will be a problem
I'll see if I can find a 325i for the better engine?

BMW makes different radiators for the cars with hot climate and that is evident from their car specs.

If you simply import it from UK, none of them will have it. You will have to get that changed at your local dealer in your country so it survive the climate in your country.

Diesel may do better in your country as they run on lower temperatures.

[axxwest]

BUMP!

Finally going to make the leap by friday and these are my options:

2007 320i with 59,950km - $8,300us
2009 320i with 109,509km - $6,935us
2006 320i (M Sports) with 95,169km - $6,670us
2006 323i with 81,650km - $6,405us
2006 323i with 102,489km - $6,996us

Any thoughts?
Which one would make me a happy camper?

I also find that the 323i's have a lower idle rev?

[axxwest]

Anyone?

[Pacman83]

Poor roads? Small islands? My suggestion?
None of the above. You need a 4x4