Discussion
Hi All, long-time reader, first time poster!
I'm eyeing up a 2015 F30 (facelift model) 320d on the market for just under £12k. The dilemma i find myself in is that there's 101k on the clock and there have been 7 previous owners. Took it for a test drive today and it feels like new - No clutch and gearbox issues from what i could tell, all electrics work but i'm a little concerned by the timing belt. Based on what i've read this should be replaced between 80 to 100k but dealership tell me that they didn't identify any issues with it and are not sure if it has already been replaced. They tried to pass it off by saying they're AA Approved so are independently audited regularly but i'm a little sceptical. There's documented service history on iDrive which offers some peace of mind but was wondering what you thought.
Any and all help is greatly appreciated!
I'm eyeing up a 2015 F30 (facelift model) 320d on the market for just under £12k. The dilemma i find myself in is that there's 101k on the clock and there have been 7 previous owners. Took it for a test drive today and it feels like new - No clutch and gearbox issues from what i could tell, all electrics work but i'm a little concerned by the timing belt. Based on what i've read this should be replaced between 80 to 100k but dealership tell me that they didn't identify any issues with it and are not sure if it has already been replaced. They tried to pass it off by saying they're AA Approved so are independently audited regularly but i'm a little sceptical. There's documented service history on iDrive which offers some peace of mind but was wondering what you thought.
Any and all help is greatly appreciated!
There is no timing belt to change, BMW use chains. That said there are some very specific issues with 2.0d engines and their timing chains of BMW’s around this era so I’d be doing some more research into what engine code it has and what the timing chain and tensioner issues are with that version.
Matt_N said:
There is no timing belt to change, BMW use chains. That said there are some very specific issues with 2.0d engines and their timing chains of BMW’s around this era so I’d be doing some more research into what engine code it has and what the timing chain and tensioner issues are with that version.
B47 (and later gen N47) are supposed to be better than the early N47 but AFAIK the chain is still the same thus issues still arise?If this is your only worry about the car have it changed pre-emptively.
7 owners for a 7-year old 320D, I'd pass...
I sold a 63 plate on 59k (320d SE manual with heated, but clutch seats, xenons, 18" alloys) for £9150....in January 2019. That seems a lot for high miles high owners....
The timing chain set up is revised in those models, but they can still stretch etc. My dad has had a gentle warning from his indie at 120k that it is starting to be a bit noisier.
Annual oil changes are highly recommended.
Oh and that manual/clutch is the worst I have had in any car. It's the reason I sold it, the clutch throw is huge and the gearbox notch. It's very uncomfortable in traffic.
The timing chain set up is revised in those models, but they can still stretch etc. My dad has had a gentle warning from his indie at 120k that it is starting to be a bit noisier.
Annual oil changes are highly recommended.
Oh and that manual/clutch is the worst I have had in any car. It's the reason I sold it, the clutch throw is huge and the gearbox notch. It's very uncomfortable in traffic.
As others have said BMWs use a chain, but there have been issues with them on the N47 engine although later ones have been revised - whether that makes a big difference or not I don't know.
Changing the chain gets expensive because someone at BMW decided it would be a good idea to put it on the back of the engine!
I'd still take a punt on one as my 123d was a great car, but maybe not that one with highish mileage for its age and multiple owners.
Changing the chain gets expensive because someone at BMW decided it would be a good idea to put it on the back of the engine!
I'd still take a punt on one as my 123d was a great car, but maybe not that one with highish mileage for its age and multiple owners.
Thanks for all the help folks. The car's an M Sport Shadow Edition so stands out from a lot of the rest which is a reason why this is even a discussion. If someone gave me the spec & history of the car my advice to them would be to look for something else...
Anyway, I've arranged for an independent inspection so will decide on what to do based off the feedback from that.
Anyway, I've arranged for an independent inspection so will decide on what to do based off the feedback from that.
How extensive is the service history? Was it done on time every time?
Looking at the forums, it seems the chain issues are 'lessened' with regular oil changes and its the older Nxx engines that suffered the most from chains snapping.
Personally I would only buy one with a decent warranty, chances are its going to be absolutely fine but knowing the 2.0 diesel engines on BMW's are known for chain issues, I would end up worrying too much to enjoy it.
Chain replacement is about a grand I think.
Looking at the forums, it seems the chain issues are 'lessened' with regular oil changes and its the older Nxx engines that suffered the most from chains snapping.
Personally I would only buy one with a decent warranty, chances are its going to be absolutely fine but knowing the 2.0 diesel engines on BMW's are known for chain issues, I would end up worrying too much to enjoy it.
Chain replacement is about a grand I think.
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