Time for a new car
Discussion
It's time for a change of car. I've had my E87 116d for almost 4.5 years now buying it from new and with 134,000km on the clock, it's time for a change.
My eyes are currently set on an F31 BMW 320d, but I'm still open to other choices.
One notable "issue" is the F31 has the same engine base as my E87 (N47), and I'm worried it may carry the same timing chain issue as the earlier model including my car. I understand they've been "resolved" but a few cases appear to be cropping up. I'm assuming it's down to poor servicing but I want to be 100% sure.
Any other input / ideas that could be interesting?
I'm looking forward to my test drive at the dealer in the F31 the week after next
My eyes are currently set on an F31 BMW 320d, but I'm still open to other choices.
One notable "issue" is the F31 has the same engine base as my E87 (N47), and I'm worried it may carry the same timing chain issue as the earlier model including my car. I understand they've been "resolved" but a few cases appear to be cropping up. I'm assuming it's down to poor servicing but I want to be 100% sure.
Any other input / ideas that could be interesting?
I'm looking forward to my test drive at the dealer in the F31 the week after next
If that's the size of car you need and the layout you want (which makes two of us!), then the only other competitors are the Mercedes C Class and the Lexus IS. The Lexus is automatic only now, so if that bothers you then it's just down to the Merc, so I'd book in to see one soon, and if auto is ok then the Lexus as well. I've not tried the latest C Class, but I'd have thought it was definitely worth looking closely at before making a decision on the BMW.
If you're open to FE/FWD, then the Audi A4 is the natural competitor, but I have to confess after spending a few months with one back in 2012, compared to my 320d I found it noisier at speed, less economical and it didn't handle anywhere near as well, even for something FWD, although the interior was nicer, which I think is fairly typical for Audi and BMW comparisons.
No doubt there are some other FWD suggestions? I'll leave that to other posters.
If you're open to FE/FWD, then the Audi A4 is the natural competitor, but I have to confess after spending a few months with one back in 2012, compared to my 320d I found it noisier at speed, less economical and it didn't handle anywhere near as well, even for something FWD, although the interior was nicer, which I think is fairly typical for Audi and BMW comparisons.
No doubt there are some other FWD suggestions? I'll leave that to other posters.
Edited by RobM77 on Monday 19th January 13:50
Yup, I definitely want the estate (touring) layout.
The 5 series is a little too big for my liking (and too expensive), as I don't want something older than 2 years with very limited mileage.
I've also tried the A4. My parents had one, I used to borrow it quite a lot. I found it to handle and feel like a bag of s
t, however the DSG gearbox was awesome. Either way, I'm not interested in any VAG cars. The other half has an EOS and she's looking to replace it with a Tiguan so that's her domain.
Regarding the Mercedes, I've had a look a couple of times but I'm hesitant at the costs. The old man used to own an S500 which was a beast of a car but horrifically expensive to service. It wasn't uncommon to see service bills almost hitting the £1k mark! No idea what it's like for the lower models but if it's anything to go by, I'd st bricks if I got a bill like that! Maybe I'm wrong but it would be nice to try the car or know more about the costs.
Lexus is interesting. I've never driven one and I can't say I've even been inside one either. I'll have a look to see what options are available.
The 5 series is a little too big for my liking (and too expensive), as I don't want something older than 2 years with very limited mileage.
I've also tried the A4. My parents had one, I used to borrow it quite a lot. I found it to handle and feel like a bag of s
t, however the DSG gearbox was awesome. Either way, I'm not interested in any VAG cars. The other half has an EOS and she's looking to replace it with a Tiguan so that's her domain.Regarding the Mercedes, I've had a look a couple of times but I'm hesitant at the costs. The old man used to own an S500 which was a beast of a car but horrifically expensive to service. It wasn't uncommon to see service bills almost hitting the £1k mark! No idea what it's like for the lower models but if it's anything to go by, I'd s
t bricks if I got a bill like that! Maybe I'm wrong but it would be nice to try the car or know more about the costs.Lexus is interesting. I've never driven one and I can't say I've even been inside one either. I'll have a look to see what options are available.
GreatGranny said:
Rob, why dismiss the Lexus just because its auto only?
The auto C Class is meant to be the one to go for as well.
The 8 speed BMW auto gets good reviews as well.
I'm toying the idea of auto / manual. I've heard good things with the 8 speed auto box but it sounds like something that would cost a small fortune if it were to go wrong. Are they reliable enough?The auto C Class is meant to be the one to go for as well.
The 8 speed BMW auto gets good reviews as well.
The main reason I say this is to do with my parents A4 DSG box. The old man ended up paying close to £1.5k to repair something that went wrong on it. No idea what it was in the end (I'll have to ask), but it was a gearbox issue.
The ZF units used by BMW are generally very, very reliable.
It's worth noting that BMW do not specify a servicing interval for the transmission, however I enquired about serving directly with ZF about their 6-speed gearbox which is fitted on my wifes BMW 1 series (2005 model year); they stated that fluid and filter should be changed between 60,000 and 80,000 miles. This being said, they arnt prone to failure even if not serviced, but shifting performance can tail off.
It's worth noting that BMW do not specify a servicing interval for the transmission, however I enquired about serving directly with ZF about their 6-speed gearbox which is fitted on my wifes BMW 1 series (2005 model year); they stated that fluid and filter should be changed between 60,000 and 80,000 miles. This being said, they arnt prone to failure even if not serviced, but shifting performance can tail off.
My F30 320d is going back in March at 3yrs old and (will be) about 60k
Good points:
Ridiculous performance and economy compromise
50 mpg without trying. 60+ with trying
Good kit without raiding options list (unusual for BMW)
Bad points:
Average handling unless you spec Adaptive suspension
So-so quality (rattles and squeaks at 55k)
Niggly faults
Good points:
Ridiculous performance and economy compromise
50 mpg without trying. 60+ with trying
Good kit without raiding options list (unusual for BMW)
Bad points:
Average handling unless you spec Adaptive suspension
So-so quality (rattles and squeaks at 55k)
Niggly faults
With regard to automatics and manuals, costs are a concern, yes, but much of it comes down to driver preference. Personally, I'm not a fan, although they are getting much better these days and the one double clutch box I've tried was superb, but I'd still take a manual every time. I've also tried the latest BMW auto (in a 520d MS) and whilst it was very good, I'd still rather have a manual. I'm a very particular type of buyer though - many people are turning to autos now and loving them. Perhaps try both if the dealer is accomodating? If you do, then make sure you try it on a mix of roads.
The rattle / squeak thing is definitely a BMW issue. My 1 series went back into the garage 4-5 times after I picked it up to iron out some of the noises, so it's a little annoying to see BMW haven't managed to fix that yet.
I managed to resolve a lot of noises by adding sound damping to the door cards and around the underside of the dash area, but that was just under 3 months ago so I've put up with the noises for over four years!
I'm also going to struggle to buy something in Spain. I've looked at the market and there are just 3 examples of the touring on autoscout24 and BMW approved used cars only has about 4 listed. The prices are also ridiculous compared to UK prices so Germany is going to probably be the best way forward unless the dealer gives me a blinding deal.
I managed to resolve a lot of noises by adding sound damping to the door cards and around the underside of the dash area, but that was just under 3 months ago so I've put up with the noises for over four years!
I'm also going to struggle to buy something in Spain. I've looked at the market and there are just 3 examples of the touring on autoscout24 and BMW approved used cars only has about 4 listed. The prices are also ridiculous compared to UK prices so Germany is going to probably be the best way forward unless the dealer gives me a blinding deal.
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