BMW owners, advice please
Discussion
Right. I'm sure this has been done to death but I cannot seem to find the info I need through the search function. So apologies in advance
Very simple. Up to 8K to spend. I need practicality, some grunt, and reliability. Nothing over 3L. Preferably 2L, or maybe a 1.8 if it's exceptional. Relatively recent (5 years, maybe?). Not too bothered about petrol or diesel except obviously the latter is a bit more reassuring when it comes to looking at high mileage on a prospective car (yes, I know, petrol engines don't explode after 50K but diesels are just about warming up by then). Wife will quite often use it for town commute but we have another car for that if the BMW gulps too much. Having never owned a BMW before (hell, as a new driver - ex biker - having never owned any car before)should I prepare to sell the wife to medical science to cover BMW parts/servicing or do good approved independents take a bit of the sting out of these things. And is there anything specific I should be asking of a seller? (on the subject of seller's, anyone know any trustorthy ones - this car buying malarky is doing my nut in. Everywhere I turn I hear horror stories about people being palmed off with s
t cars)
So, what model, what year, and what mileage whould I be thinking of (don't worry, I don't need an exhaustive list)
And before anyone says it, yes there are other manufacturers I'm looking at but I'd like to get this question squared away in my own head.
Cheers all
Very simple. Up to 8K to spend. I need practicality, some grunt, and reliability. Nothing over 3L. Preferably 2L, or maybe a 1.8 if it's exceptional. Relatively recent (5 years, maybe?). Not too bothered about petrol or diesel except obviously the latter is a bit more reassuring when it comes to looking at high mileage on a prospective car (yes, I know, petrol engines don't explode after 50K but diesels are just about warming up by then). Wife will quite often use it for town commute but we have another car for that if the BMW gulps too much. Having never owned a BMW before (hell, as a new driver - ex biker - having never owned any car before)should I prepare to sell the wife to medical science to cover BMW parts/servicing or do good approved independents take a bit of the sting out of these things. And is there anything specific I should be asking of a seller? (on the subject of seller's, anyone know any trustorthy ones - this car buying malarky is doing my nut in. Everywhere I turn I hear horror stories about people being palmed off with s
t cars)So, what model, what year, and what mileage whould I be thinking of (don't worry, I don't need an exhaustive list)
And before anyone says it, yes there are other manufacturers I'm looking at but I'd like to get this question squared away in my own head.
Cheers all
We bought at auction an Ex-Lease 520D. It was an 07 facelift model, then 3 years old.
Ran it from 110,000 miles to 150,000 in 18 months, doing a mixture of school run, and sometimes my work mileage.
Performed well in both roles. Only bill was a 57p spring in a brake shoe (handbrake), and £150 or so on a thermostat. Servicing was cheap also, £180 from a stealer.
Consumption was about 43 on the school run role, and 50 when I was using it for work.
ETA - Sold if for £500 less than I paid for it.
Ran it from 110,000 miles to 150,000 in 18 months, doing a mixture of school run, and sometimes my work mileage.
Performed well in both roles. Only bill was a 57p spring in a brake shoe (handbrake), and £150 or so on a thermostat. Servicing was cheap also, £180 from a stealer.
Consumption was about 43 on the school run role, and 50 when I was using it for work.
ETA - Sold if for £500 less than I paid for it.
I've got a 320d and love it. I've driven the whole range, and not being bothered about straight line speed (single seaters and my 2-11 have de-sensitised me to that - the same for you and bikes?), the M3 was my favourite due to the suspension and rear diff, but the others feel much the same, so the 320d was my favourite as it has just enough power to overtake and prevent frustration, but can still do up to 60mpg wise on the motorway (my best is 63mpg on a 35 mile to work) and average about 45. It's also the most common model secondhand, so you can choose your ideal spec (eg mine has a tow bar yhat extends and retracts at the push of a button). Standard 16" wheels work best with run flats as that's the standard setup, and grip levels are low enough to drift about whenever you want. In the wet, power oversteer is there on demand below 40mph, which can be fun. Downsides are the turbo weakness; mine went at 80k miles, but I got a local mechanic to fit a reconditioned one for £1400 all in - he and others agreed that once that was done I was fine for loads more miles. The gearboxes are a bit notchy and sticky when cold - that's normal. My Dad got BMW to fit another gearbox to his at 5k miles, but it was just the same.
Joey Ramone said:
Right. I'm sure this has been done to death but I cannot seem to find the info I need through the search function. So apologies in advance
Very simple. Up to 8K to spend. I need practicality, some grunt, and reliability. Nothing over 3L. Preferably 2L, or maybe a 1.8 if it's exceptional. Relatively recent (5 years, maybe?). Not too bothered about petrol or diesel except obviously the latter is a bit more reassuring when it comes to looking at high mileage on a prospective car (yes, I know, petrol engines don't explode after 50K but diesels are just about warming up by then). Wife will quite often use it for town commute but we have another car for that if the BMW gulps too much. Having never owned a BMW before (hell, as a new driver - ex biker - having never owned any car before)should I prepare to sell the wife to medical science to cover BMW parts/servicing or do good approved independents take a bit of the sting out of these things. And is there anything specific I should be asking of a seller? (on the subject of seller's, anyone know any trustorthy ones - this car buying malarky is doing my nut in. Everywhere I turn I hear horror stories about people being palmed off with st cars)
So, what model, what year, and what mileage whould I be thinking of (don't worry, I don't need an exhaustive list)
And before anyone says it, yes there are other manufacturers I'm looking at but I'd like to get this question squared away in my own head.
Cheers all
It looks like you are heading into N47 timing chain territory. You should familiarise yourself with the potential issues. Start here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N47#Timing_chain_...Very simple. Up to 8K to spend. I need practicality, some grunt, and reliability. Nothing over 3L. Preferably 2L, or maybe a 1.8 if it's exceptional. Relatively recent (5 years, maybe?). Not too bothered about petrol or diesel except obviously the latter is a bit more reassuring when it comes to looking at high mileage on a prospective car (yes, I know, petrol engines don't explode after 50K but diesels are just about warming up by then). Wife will quite often use it for town commute but we have another car for that if the BMW gulps too much. Having never owned a BMW before (hell, as a new driver - ex biker - having never owned any car before)should I prepare to sell the wife to medical science to cover BMW parts/servicing or do good approved independents take a bit of the sting out of these things. And is there anything specific I should be asking of a seller? (on the subject of seller's, anyone know any trustorthy ones - this car buying malarky is doing my nut in. Everywhere I turn I hear horror stories about people being palmed off with s
t cars)So, what model, what year, and what mileage whould I be thinking of (don't worry, I don't need an exhaustive list)
And before anyone says it, yes there are other manufacturers I'm looking at but I'd like to get this question squared away in my own head.
Cheers all
I should have mentioned that. Wikipedia will give you the years, but my car is an '07 163bhp engine without that timing chain issue, but newer ones have it. I've yet to see figures on the percentage of cars affected though. Watchdog failed to mention that in their report, so I suspect it's a fairly unlikely occurrence.contractor said:
It looks like you are heading into N47 timing chain territory. You should familiarise yourself with the potential issues. Start here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N47#Timing_chain_...
You see, this is the sort of thing that is turning this supposedly esciting buying-a new-car process into a nightmare!It could be low occurrence, high risk. You could mitigate it by buying from BMW and getting an AUC, or by adding a BMW insured warranty etc (thus they will repair if SHTF). Of course, your budget may rule out buying from certain places (due to dealer tax), or certain years.
At least now you are aware and can investigate and make an informed decision...
At least now you are aware and can investigate and make an informed decision...
My wife and I bought her a 120D "sport" for her to use. She does both town driving and motorway driving, and loves it (I also enjoy driving it). We have had one issue with the relays suffering from water ingression (leaking window seal) and an idler pulley popping off. No issues with anything else, particularly items like the DPF. It's a 6-speed auto by the way, and it's not bad. Fuel economy around 40 mpg, but it is the higher-spec oil burner of the time (2005). Keeping to services around 8000 miles (take 5.5 litres of oil).
Joey Ramone said:
contractor said:
At least now you are aware and can investigate and make an informed decision...
You're right. That's exactly the sort of information I was hoping for. Don't forget about the clutch judder nightmares.
Wife bought a AUC 118d with 4k on the clock. Three clutches and flywheels later it was still at it once the clutch bed in after 1K.
The dealer swapped it out for a 120d. No issues whatsoever and on long motorway cruises I was getting 60mpg +.
Great motor only marred by the previous lemon.
Wife bought a AUC 118d with 4k on the clock. Three clutches and flywheels later it was still at it once the clutch bed in after 1K.
The dealer swapped it out for a 120d. No issues whatsoever and on long motorway cruises I was getting 60mpg +.
Great motor only marred by the previous lemon.
gizlaroc said:
I reckon modern diesels are far more likely to cost you as they get older.
Having said that the 4cyl petrols from 2004-2010 are a ticking time bomb.
Buy a nice 330i and you will be laughing.
How many mile a year do you do?
Anything below 15k and get the petrol imho.
This man knows. Their 4 cylinder petrol and diesel engines are quick but lack any real character.Having said that the 4cyl petrols from 2004-2010 are a ticking time bomb.
Buy a nice 330i and you will be laughing.
How many mile a year do you do?
Anything below 15k and get the petrol imho.
Get yourself a 325/330 or 525/530 petrol or diesel and you get yourself whole lot more car.
Our '59 118i eats ignition coils. It's had 6 over 47k miles. The last one cost us £470. Four of them were replaced under warranty.
If it was my money and I did it over again I'd get an auto 120d and remove the swirl flaps. If you're doing low mileage runs constantly I'd head towards 6 cylinder petrol.
If it was my money and I did it over again I'd get an auto 120d and remove the swirl flaps. If you're doing low mileage runs constantly I'd head towards 6 cylinder petrol.
gizlaroc said:
I reckon modern diesels are far more likely to cost you as they get older.
Having said that the 4cyl petrols from 2004-2010 are a ticking time bomb.
Buy a nice 330i and you will be laughing.
How many mile a year do you do?
Anything below 15k and get the petrol imho.
Have you driven a 330i?! I somehow managed to buy one years ago and it was the worst car I've ever owned by a long way. In contrast my 320d is the best daily driver I've had.Having said that the 4cyl petrols from 2004-2010 are a ticking time bomb.
Buy a nice 330i and you will be laughing.
How many mile a year do you do?
Anything below 15k and get the petrol imho.
RobM77 said:
Have you driven a 330i?! I somehow managed to buy one years ago and it was the worst car I've ever owned by a long way. In contrast my 320d is the best daily driver I've had.
Yeah I've owned one. Worst in what way?
I sold my 335i after having a 330i on loan for two days.
Proper car that you have to really work to keep it singing. None of this forced induction crap.
Nice and refined and ultra smooth tootling about and then get it to 4000rpm and it comes alive. Awesome.
gizlaroc said:
RobM77 said:
Have you driven a 330i?! I somehow managed to buy one years ago and it was the worst car I've ever owned by a long way. In contrast my 320d is the best daily driver I've had.
Yeah I've owned one. Worst in what way?
I sold my 335i after having a 330i on loan for two days.
Proper car that you have to really work to keep it singing. None of this forced induction crap.
Nice and refined and ultra smooth tootling about and then get it to 4000rpm and it comes alive. Awesome.
RobM77 said:
However, the throttle response was so bad I just couldn't live with it
I'd say your 330i was broken then. Many if not most BMW 6s of that era have VVT issues of varying severity. One of the nastier symptoms is sometimes very little happening when pressing the throttle when low in the rev range.The most common complaint is that they have no grunt under 3500 RPM but if it's all working properly it should pull well from 1750-6500.
This is mine:
It's a 2006 525i SE which I bought as an approved used BMW from its original supplying dealer 4 1/2 years ago when it had just 5000 miles on it. It was like brand new. The original owner was a wealthy pensioner who largely lived abroad and had just purchased his 6th new car from the same place or so I was told.
I had wanted to buy a 530d but when this cropped up on the website with its ultra low miles I ended up buying it over the phone there and then.
I have never kept any car as long. The 6 cylinder petrol engine is an absolute peach and the 6 speed auto suits it well. It is now on 55000 miles and has been completely reliable. It has had routine servicing and a couple of sets of tyres and that's it.
It suits my needs perfectly - my teenage son is as tall as me now and there is plenty of room in the back for him. Downsides are an average mpg of 28 and expensive road fund licence. The SE spec may not look very sexy but it rides and handles well on its little wheels. I have driven it to Germany in complete comfort and it could hold its own on the autobahn. It is an excellent motorway car. Other than a few stone chips it looks and drives exactly as it did when I bought it. I get it serviced at a local indie now at very modest cost. I will be gutted if I don't get to drive 100000 miles in it myself - half way there so far.
It's a 2006 525i SE which I bought as an approved used BMW from its original supplying dealer 4 1/2 years ago when it had just 5000 miles on it. It was like brand new. The original owner was a wealthy pensioner who largely lived abroad and had just purchased his 6th new car from the same place or so I was told.
I had wanted to buy a 530d but when this cropped up on the website with its ultra low miles I ended up buying it over the phone there and then.
I have never kept any car as long. The 6 cylinder petrol engine is an absolute peach and the 6 speed auto suits it well. It is now on 55000 miles and has been completely reliable. It has had routine servicing and a couple of sets of tyres and that's it.
It suits my needs perfectly - my teenage son is as tall as me now and there is plenty of room in the back for him. Downsides are an average mpg of 28 and expensive road fund licence. The SE spec may not look very sexy but it rides and handles well on its little wheels. I have driven it to Germany in complete comfort and it could hold its own on the autobahn. It is an excellent motorway car. Other than a few stone chips it looks and drives exactly as it did when I bought it. I get it serviced at a local indie now at very modest cost. I will be gutted if I don't get to drive 100000 miles in it myself - half way there so far.
I'd get a 6 cylinder petrol too if you don't do too many miles. I think there are also better deals to be had because most people in this country are scared of petrol cars, especially bog engined ones due to fuel consumption.
My other half doesn't do that many miles and she uses the 330 that we bought this summer everyday. I really like it, it sounds good upon start up and even better further up the rev range. I think the throttle response is OK, it pulls well enough but does insulate you from speed a fair amount.
We bought privatley rather than from a dealer because out budget didn't stretch to an AUC car and the warranties from independent dealers don't appear to be worth the paper that they are written on. The car was under our budget, so we put the left over money into a savings account which has paid for the tax, a pair of rear tyres and the VANOS actuators. We only spent below our budget because the car was in the right colour combo and seemed to be a good car (history checked out etc).
Overall, we're really happy with it despite teh hick up with the VANOS system. The 3.0 engine is great and so much nicer than a 4 pot in every regard (aside from fuel - ours is sitting about 26mpg, mostly around town).
My other half doesn't do that many miles and she uses the 330 that we bought this summer everyday. I really like it, it sounds good upon start up and even better further up the rev range. I think the throttle response is OK, it pulls well enough but does insulate you from speed a fair amount.
We bought privatley rather than from a dealer because out budget didn't stretch to an AUC car and the warranties from independent dealers don't appear to be worth the paper that they are written on. The car was under our budget, so we put the left over money into a savings account which has paid for the tax, a pair of rear tyres and the VANOS actuators. We only spent below our budget because the car was in the right colour combo and seemed to be a good car (history checked out etc).
Overall, we're really happy with it despite teh hick up with the VANOS system. The 3.0 engine is great and so much nicer than a 4 pot in every regard (aside from fuel - ours is sitting about 26mpg, mostly around town).
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