Owner Review: Is diesel engine suitable for D-segment sedan? - My 2011 BMW 320d E90 MSport

Basic information

2011 BMW 320d E90 MSport

Reasons why I bought this car

I was doing long-distance weekly travelling (Shah Alam - Johor Bahru - Shah Alam) and thought of getting a good car to serve that purpose. The criteria for the car are as follows:

1. Good fuel consumption
2. Minimal on the maintenance cost
3. Sporty look & feel
4. Decent power

Car selection process

● I had a budget of RM250,000

● Models that I have considered include: Volvo S40, Mercedes-Benz C200

● Reasons why I chose this car:

1. Good fuel consumption - being a diesel car, it is very efficient.  I can averagely do 5.8l/100km (for long-distance/highway drive)
2. Minimal on the maintenance cost: free labor & parts under BMW Service & Repairs Inclusive (BSRI) for 3 years/60k KM & diesel engine is robust & cheaper to maintain (no spark plugs)
3. Sporty look & feel: M-Sports model
4. Decent power: 184bhp & 380Nm

User experience

● I have already done 270,000km.

The car is still serving its purpose taking me to Johor every week.  It has taken us to various places.  The longest distance I’ve driven the car is to Krabi, Thailand (& back).  It’s powerful and very economical in terms of fuel consumption and maintenance cost.  To me, the car is a keeper.  The diesel engine is so robust.  Furthermore, there's no more diesel sedan nowadays (in Malaysia).

Pros of my car

1. Efficient fuel consumption

2. Low cost on maintenance
3. Powerful engine
4. It's a driver's car – joy
5. Timeless design

Cons of my car

It's a driver's car, with M Sport setup, the ride is on the stiff side and it is quite uncomfortable for the passengers.  The car is also low, making entry/exit from the car difficult.  The staggered setup for the tyres (F225 & R255) making tyres rotation impossible and being a rear-wheel-drive machine, the rear tyres will usually wear out at 60k KM interval.  So far (Alhamdulillah + touch wood), I've never had a major problem with the car.  Some of the minor issues are:

1. carbon deposits in the turbo - Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) delete
2. Belt tensioner snapped (2 episodes) - replaced the belt tensioner and idle pulley
3. Replacement of radiator hose due to leakage

Ratings

Total Score: 4

Performance: 5

Quality & Features: 5

Space: 3

Ride Comfort: 4

Fuel Economy: 5

Price & Cost: 4

Summary

It's a good sport sedan for the driver.  Timeless design, even today I still look back at the car (to appreciate its beauty) after I have made a couple of steps from the parked car.  Very economical for the total cost of ownership.  I intend to keep the car for my son.