W203 C220 CDI or E90 320D? £2.5k shoot off

[Jimmy No Hands]

Anybody any opinions on the above two? Mainly the pre-LCI E90 touring versions of the M47 320D. I have reliability concerns over the BMW due to well documented swirl flap issues, plastic manifolds being problematic, injectors and turbo problems at higher mileages. I have found one but it has no record of a clutch and or flywheel change and not much other than routine servicing. (at 110k)

I have also found a 2006 W203 C220 CDI, full MBSH but above 160,000. I do not confess to know much about Mercs in general, other than I have seen a fair few go on to galactic mileage as taxis and the 220 supposedly being relatively sturdy, albeit a bit agricultural.

Other contenders are the Volvo V50 2.0D (hopefully pre DPF) and the tried and tested PD130 engined variants of the A4 Avant or Passat. I know the merits of a well looked after PD but there are so many rough examples with little to no service history that finding one I like the look of is proving difficult.

Duties will be mainly longer than average motorway journeys, but with an occasional towing duty thrown in down the line. Heart says E90 due to me having a major soft spot for the wagon, head says PD130 due to familiarity, reliability.

Help!

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say you should be looking for a C270 (but they are hard to find)at this price point they're great for motorway work & give sightly better fuel than the 220 real world as well as having the extra torque is nice, both the 220/270 engines respond well to a remap & a K&N replacement filter.

At your price point there are a few smart options:

C320 cdi

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

C220 cdi

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

All with less than 100k on the clock

Lexus 220d

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

S60

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[scot_aln]

No idea on Mercedes but have had a 2006 320d touring for coming up for 10 years now (E46 previous to that). It's passed 220k miles and excepting a replacement turbo a few years ago at 170k it's only ever needed standard servicing. It doesn't even have any squeaks or rattles (other than the noise of a diesel engine). It's been due to be replaced for the last few years but keeps cruising through MOTs.

[Xcore]

Mercedes, my 320d timing chain tensioner went at 120k. Avoid.