[SeCsTaC]

Hey guys, I'm considering buying a 2014 320i that has the sports and lighting package only. It's currently at 50,000 miles so warranty has just expired. What's the general consensus on warranty for these cars? I see from my research that they share the N20 with the 328i, with slight differences. Any owners want to chime in regarding reliability? Thanks

[p30amg08]

I don't know many details I had one as a loaner I was talking to my service advisor and he said that 320i seems to have the most problems

[2014BMW320iMSport]

I've had mine for about a year. Bought it with 16,000 miles on it and drive quite a bit. Currently have 43,000 miles on it. No issues to speak of mechanically. Mine is a 2014 with a manual and the sport package and lighting package. My only issue is with one of the side bolster's on the driver's seat which began to crack. BMW fixed it under warranty.

[SeCsTaC]

Originally Posted by 2014BMW320iMSport

I've had mine for about a year. Bought it with 16,000 miles on it and drive quite a bit. Currently have 43,000 miles on it. No issues to speak of mechanically. Mine is a 2014 with a manual and the sport package and lighting package. My only issue is with one of the side bolster's on the driver's seat which began to crack. BMW fixed it under warranty.

That's good that the car has been sound mechanically. Have you done any mods to it?

I'll be putting 20-25k miles annually on the car so I need something that'll hold up.

[sjpaul]

Originally Posted by SeCsTaC

Hey guys, I'm considering buying a 2014 320i that has the sports and lighting package only. It's currently at 50,000 miles so warranty has just expired. What's the general consensus on warranty for these cars? I see from my research that they share the N20 with the 328i, with slight differences. Any owners want to chime in regarding reliability? Thanks

I've got about 45k miles on mine with zero issues. So far the N20 is looking like a pretty reliable engine.

320i with sport and lighting is pretty much the perfect build for this car - well done

[IndotagSwizz]

mine just hit 70k miles and its been tuned since it had 3k miles, only issues are same recalls as 328's and 335's, so far its been great I'm already on my 3rd set of tires

[BMWApp]

I got my 320i new last March and so far it has been a great car. It also has the Sport package and lighting package. It has about 13,500 miles and while that's not a lot to speak for yet, I have had no issues. I'm glad to hear everyone above with more miles on their 320i's saying theirs have been reliable.

I'm looking forward now to getting a tune done on it so I can enjoy the car even more. Good luck with your purchase and enjoy!

[BMWtight2me]

Originally Posted by p30amg08

I don't know many details I had one as a loaner I was talking to my service advisor and he said that 320i seems to have the most problems

Like what? It's nearly identical to the 328i and puts out lower psi.

I've had mine running tuned for 25k+ miles, zero issues.

[PK2348]

Originally Posted by SeCsTaC

Hey guys, I'm considering buying a 2014 320i that has the sports and lighting package only. It's currently at 50,000 miles so warranty has just expired. What's the general consensus on warranty for these cars? I see from my research that they share the N20 with the 328i, with slight differences. Any owners want to chime in regarding reliability? Thanks

I would say there is a good possibility it was modded by previous owner. That can have an effect on long term reliability.

[goj]

Originally Posted by PK2348

I would say there is a good possibility it was modded by previous owner. That can have an effect on long term reliability.

You do realize that most cars are not modded right? I would say that the possibility that this car was modded is quite low.

[BMWtight2me]

The 320i is less popular for modding than the 328i or 335i. Not that many 320i tuners in the states.

[PK2348]

Originally Posted by goj

You do realize that most cars are not modded right? I would say that the possibility that this car was modded is quite low.

Most 320s do not come with sport and light packs. This one was likely a special order. So it was likely someone knowledgeable, who might have an interest in modding.

[goj]

Originally Posted by PK2348

Most 320s do not come with sport and light packs. This one was likely a special order. So it was likely someone knowledgeable, who might have an interest in modding.

BMW stocks all kinds of configs on lots. a 320i with 2 packages seems like that isn't too far fetched to be on a lot. In fact there's a significantly higher probability it was on a lot than it was tuned.

A 320i can be tuned and some people here have done it but it is by far the least likely of the 3 engines to be tuned

[rambi]

Originally Posted by p30amg08

I don't know many details I had one as a loaner I was talking to my service advisor and he said that 320i seems to have the most problems

That's what i was told on my 13 528 fully loaded and 14 328 it's bs just to upgrade.

[PK2348]

Originally Posted by goj

BMW stocks all kinds of configs on lots. a 320i with 2 packages seems like that isn't too far fetched to be on a lot. In fact there's a significantly higher probability it was on a lot than it was tuned.

A 320i can be tuned and some people here have done it but it is by far the least likely of the 3 engines to be tuned

Maybe it's true where you are. In my area sport and light packs are extremely rare. Most 320s are xdrive with premium.

[SeCsTaC]

Thanks for the replies guys. If I do go through with this purchase, do you think the N20 needs an aftermarket warranty for 3k? I will be driving 20-25k miles a year, but if the n20 is reliable enough I may just pass on the warranty and save that money for if repairs do come up

[Labeef]

I've had a 320i for roughly 2.5yrs and 20k miles. Car has been solid other than one issue at 150 miles. It needed it's differential seals replaced. I'm guessing one was nicked during manufacturing. Other than that zero problems.

However, it's hit or miss. I know someone with a 320i who has been stranded 3 times due to 3 faulty high pressure fuel pumps and swears they will never buy a BMW again. My recommendation is to look at the key read data/maint. history. Since the vehicle is under warranty/maint. plan, every visit to the dealer/repair would be documented. Find a car that has had minimal dealer visits and you should be fine.

To be honest, I love my 320i. It's a fantastic daily driver and it's more than you need to have fun. I would definitely lease one again. The only other car I would get beside this car is either a 340i/M3. IMO, I feel like the 28i isn't worth the price premium and doesn't offer much more than the 20i.

[sirch]

My 320i is great no problems to date.

[320FAMILY]

I am at 37k miles. Only issues I have had was the info screen malfunctioned and needed replaced around 30k miles.

I may trade-in this summer before I get to close to losing the warranty though.

[Jtc411]

Same as every other car. Some people have no issues others have more than they are comfortable with. We're at a time where most cars are pretty reliable. But all cars are hit or miss it seems. Even hondas and toyotas

[CRJdriver]

I am at 53k from new and bar the first 5-10K. at 17-21 psi everyday. lots of track time, doesn't even consume oil. Nor was there any oil in the Intercooler.

Only problem is the stupid battery going flat because I don't lift and coast so "The ultimate prius machine" can charge the agm battery.

[motorwerkeman]

Can you hold out for a 1/2015 build or newer?

320i is a fine car, but the timing chain and guide on anything with an N20 built before 2015 can fail leaving you with a large repair bill.