E90 325d sport auto v manual

[Chan61922]

Hey guys got opportunity to buy a 08 plate 325d sport convertible
Only problem is, it's manual

Does manual work with this car, or does it only marry with an auto,

Any common faults, dpf etc?
How does it react to remap?
Feel consumption? I do a lot of town driving and duals carriageways,occasional motorway blast will this sh*g the car?
Does it sound like a tractor? Will put me right off a convertible tractor

Any input appreciated

[Chan61922]

Sorry forgot to add, is stratstone bmw actually a bmw main dealer because I've noticed you get strastone in other car manufacturers aswell, is this just there approved used car department?
Cheers

[Smuler]

If in doubt, check your car is on AU database, if it's JR57.... the convertible, then it is definitely a Main dealer AU car

I have driven manual with the 330d so really can't see why it won't work with the 325d which I believe is a detuned version of same engine.

[Fox-]

I think it's a bit of a frustrating engine with the manual box - the manual box emphasis the fact it doesn't go anywhere at less than 1500rpm and it runs out at about 4000rpm. The auto smooths this over and makes the car far more pleasant to drive.

[Chan61922]

Sorry mate what's does AU stand For? Funnily enough the car Reg is actually jr57, but apparently it's private reg. And fox that's what I thought so, I always thought the 6 pot 3 litre works best in auto, I've driven a 530d sport in auto absolutely love that car in diesel, just this manual popped up now and I happen to be in the market looking for one, so just weighing up pro's and con's at the mo

[Smuler]

Approved Used, therefore coming with a 12 months warranty from BMW, roadside assistance and so on

this it?

http://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/3-Series/3.0-TD-325d-M-S...

[Chan61922]

Yeah that's it, hope your not eyeing it up too? Lol

[Chan61922]

What do you think, a good buy? If it was an auto I'd be taking a sicky from work today and on my way right now lol

[Smuler]

Nope, I was just being nosy. I think the price leaves room for negotiation given the age and miles and manuals are less popular; but I think if you want an auto, go for an auto. Unfortunately, in that model the next one one AU database is 4k more!

If you are interested, request a video.

[TheHound]

Christ the drivers seat is in a shocking condition given it only has 75,000 on the clock.

[Chan61922]

Yea auto would defo be a better shout, but think I'd be paying at least 2k more for a auto variant. Think I can live with a manual and put that extra 2k towards extended warranty, tyres and servicing. The seats don't look in too bad Nick, doesn't look like it's seen 75k though, is it possible bmw could get in clocked cars my mistake?, I.e previous owner clocked before MOT, Or are they on top of there game and know exactly what's been logged onto cars computer, along with any changes? I'm currently trying to get this car delivered to a dealer abit closer to me, you think this is possible? Even if at a cost? I'm in London, can't get up to Chesterfield due to work

[Fox-]

Smuler said:

I think the price leaves room for negotiation

It leaves no room at all as it's a Stratstone car - they price them at the lowest they possibly 'can' (hence the odd prices) and apparently negotiate no further according to a few of the salesmen when we used to have the car sales thread. As a result it always seems they are cheaper than anyone elses AUC.

[Chan61922]

That explains the odd £371 in the price, I was thinking maybe they were after 12k, still not a bad price considering its with a dealer.

[Smuler]

I had a discussion on a car with Stratstone last Summer, and they were definitely open to negotiate; car dropped 1k over the time I was looking at it. However, it's price ended with 995 so it's a really interesting point about the odd pricing!!

Try it, but I still say if you want an auto, get an auto.

[Chan61922]

Can't find a 08 plate on 75k for 12k least no convertible and sport, even coupes are hard to find

[Chan61922]

In auto that is

[Smuler]

so, when you test driving it then?

[Chan61922]

Waiting on a call from there business manager right now, been an hour and he ain't rang I'm trying to get them to deliver to a dealer abit closer to me, it's 2 hour plus drive otherwise can't get anyone to drop me this weekend, and a trains 3.5hours bloody annoying

[Chan61922]

FFS the blokes just rang me, it's sold this afternoon let a good un slip I think

[Smuler]

Bad luck, let's hope they are like buses and after waiting ages three come along at once!