Thoughts on the BMW 320D E90?

[krzysiek]

Hey guys,

I'm in the market (hopefully) for a new FG XR6 EcoLPI. Going mainly for the performance while still cheap-to-run factor. I like the looks, and the interior too. Hoping to wait for the FG II before making a purchase though... so I could be waiting a long time.

I have just recently looked at some BMW's. Never really considered them because, well, I'm probably not very educated in them. I've just never really bothered to check out their cars, as I wouldn't be interested in their 4-cyclinder Petrols, would possibly be interested in the N/A 6 but from brief looks at the KW/torque figures and weight of car, I feel an FG XR6 would provide a lot more for the money.

Anyway, I've spent a day or two browsing over and I love how the BMW's look. I would, if anything, be interested in the BMW 320D E90. I believe they have something like 130KW/380N or thereabouts. Given that our Astra TD at home has around 115KW/320N and has some pull, I figure the BMW might go well.

What are your thoughts on it? Fuel economy seems quite good, and would be providing me pretty much a very similar cost of running as to the Ford.

What about servicing costs? Are these cars reliable, if anyone knows?

And don't even get me started on the BMW 330D... LOL, a bucket-load of torque. Love it. Too expensive, haha. But the 320D seems a nice choice, still would have a bit of a kick, cheap to run, looks great inside and out. Thoughts?

PS: Spent an hour looking to see if I can import a 330D from UK because they're SO BLOODY CHEAP but they're not on the SEVS register (no BMW's are???) so I can't import it unless it is a personal import. Bloody sucks. Because there is a lot of $$$ to be made if I imported and re-sold even. Too bad.