[jyle099]

Im struggling between choosing the F30 328i Sport Line 2013 or the E90 330D 2010.
the 328i is 3K more and can someone please way in the pros and cons for each one. Thank you.

[Feddersen]

I would go for the F30 just because it is a generation newer if they are equally configured. It is also a bit bigger and more comfortable.

Have you tried them both? A lot of the feeling of how "BMW-ish" the car is depends on the options added. If it is a bare F30 compared to a fully loaded E90 i might go with the E90.

[haagm58]

Have you thought about the long term plan for the car? Will you be heavily modifying it? What are your goals - performance, economy, etc.?

I have an F30 328d sport line and am very happy with it, though being a d the mod options are limited. It gets excellent mileage, has plenty of torque, is very comfortable, and has enough mod options to keep me happy.

[jyle099]

Yeah thats the thing with modifying and what not. I would most likely prefer mods/performance over economy and I like the raspy petrol noise more then the dentist drill the Diesels give off. I know the 330D will last longer but the F30s overall appearance just takes the cake for me. nice headlights and more spacey i suppose

[PhizzurpF]

This is tough. Personally, I wouldn't touch an N20/26 unless it was built after Feb 2015 to avoid potential timing chain failure.

However, I also wouldn't advise buying a 2 gen old model. The G20 will begin to age the f30 in the next few years, especially non m-sport builds, and the e90s will start looking very dated.

[jyle099]

Ill show you which ones im looking at in specific

E90 330d - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...-6272263/?Cr=3

F30 328i - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...18228933/?Cr=1
does this F30 even have DayTimeRunning Lights?
This might help

[PhizzurpF]

If you're referring to the the f30 in the link, yes it does have DRL. I see them activated in the 2nd photo.

[DJ_Todo]

I'm leaning towards the F30. Both are nice, but I like the cosmetic options available for F30s better

[haagm58]

How long do you plan to keep it and how many miles do you drive annually? The 330dwill provide much better mileage and significantly more power, as well as last longer (the engine, I mean).

The F30 looks nicer, in my opinion, and has great upgrade/modification potential. Plus as others have said, it's only 1 generation behind the latest, whereas the E is two gens behind.

[jyle099]

Yeah I wont be driving it like crazy amount but just the average 15,000KM annually. F30 does look a lot nice with the headlights being more aggressive but the day time running lights on that F30 look kinda weak so do you reckon id need a new leds in it?
I do want to upgrade the exhaust and im thinking of getting a bootmod3 tune to the F30 where as the E90 wont have many exhaust options in comparison to the F30.

[Feddersen]

If you consider upgrading the exhaust there is no idea in chosing a diesel.

[Elvisfan]

Originally Posted by jyle099

Ill show you which ones im looking at in specific

E90 330d - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...-6272263/?Cr=3

F30 328i - https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...18228933/?Cr=1
does this F30 even have DayTimeRunning Lights?
This might help

Is the 328 a 13 or a 14? It says 2013 but says MY14. Is that an Australian thing?

[amancuso]

I'd go with the E90d over an early N20 engine.

[les anderson]

Get the VIN and register for mybmwgarage to see exactly what each car has for factory installed options.

The halogen headlights suck and should be replaced with LEDs.

I also do think that you need to look at a preemeptive timing chain service if you go f30 or you risk serious issues. Maybe it was already done? If so I would do it. A $200 tune on that car gets the 0-100kmh down to around 5 secs.

Don't fool yourself into rationalizing either of these cars actually making sense to buy! If you are going to buy a fun car choose the newer one that can go a lot faster Just mind that timing chain!

[jyle099]

Yeah the timing chain is a big concern but when talking to the dealer ill mention that and hopefully ill be able to get it for a cheaper price unless the timing chain has recently been changed. Same with the Halogen lights they look a bit dodgy and some new LED ones will be required cause they look so run down and beat.
In terms of the 2013make but MY14 im not to sure but ill ask for the VIN number and do some more research cause im not too sure honestly, very weird.

[jyle099]

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...-6251056/?Cr=2

This one has also just popped up on the market and im for sure after a month or two ill be able to get it for a really cheap price considering it has a dent on the side door/maybe side skirt. Could just do an Msport side skirt swap for $300 instead of getting another replacement. At least in this the daytime running lights look healthy.
What are your thoughts? From what ive heard a 2012/13 N20 isn't all that reliable but is there anyone who has owned one that could tell me potential issues and struggles they behold! What would an annually repair cost look on one of these as well, assuming im doing an average of 15,000KM /9320Miles a year.

[natesi]

You would have to be crazy to buy a F30 328i (with the n20 engine) of that year, due to the timing chain issue. E90 wins by default.

[JasF30]

Originally Posted by Feddersen

I would go for the F30 just because it is a generation newer if they are equally configured. It is also a bit bigger and more comfortable.

Have you tried them both? A lot of the feeling of how "BMW-ish" the car is depends on the options added. If it is a bare F30 compared to a fully loaded E90 i might go with the E90.

Agreed

[M Smurf]

Originally Posted by jyle099

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...-6251056/?Cr=2

This one has also just popped up on the market and im for sure after a month or two ill be able to get it for a really cheap price considering it has a dent on the side door/maybe side skirt. Could just do an Msport side skirt swap for $300 instead of getting another replacement. At least in this the daytime running lights look healthy.
What are your thoughts? From what ive heard a 2012/13 N20 isn't all that reliable but is there anyone who has owned one that could tell me potential issues and struggles they behold! What would an annually repair cost look on one of these as well, assuming im doing an average of 15,000KM /9320Miles a year.

I have a '13 F30 328i approaching 100k miles. Rock solid! Not a damn thing has gone wrong with it. Absolutely love it! Bone stock build and no intention to mod it at all. I haven't babied it either.

I, personally, wouldnt let the timing chain "issue" dissuade you. Sure there are horror stories out there with it as is everything else. It's really statistically insignificant. Dont be misled about what other say here since this forum doesn't represent the millions of F30s like mine with zero problems. My .02

[jyle099]

You have convinced me and im getting an F30 2012/2013 model.
lets hope all goes well for me and thank you all for the help and guidance towards a lot of things. Means a lot <3

[haagm58]

Originally Posted by jyle099

You have convinced me and im getting an F30 2012/2013 model.
lets hope all goes well for me and thank you all for the help and guidance towards a lot of things. Means a lot <3

Good luck with your purchase and enjoy the ride! We look forward to your involvement in the forum.

[The0pportunist]

I would personally pick the 6 pot e90.

I would put E90 build quality above the F30 and most importantly BMW 6 pots are far more reliable.

It is a hard decision so i feel for you, Good luck