So I want a Diesel BMW.... but need help deciding which one!
Discussion
OK, further to my previous post about 330D's, I need a bit of help to decide whether that's actually what I should get or not.
I plan to test drive the options in the coming weeks.
The budget I had envisioned was upto about £8.5k and it still might be, but there's a chance it could end up a max of £7.5k. I will know for sure in a couple of weeks.
If I end up under £7.5k, I know this limits my options quite a bit. I'll be looking at the higher mileage 330D's and such. I would prefer to stay under 100k but won't turn my nose up at a well looked after 120k car. M-Sport would be preferred but again, not essential. It's about getting the best car for the money. I'd expect shocks to want swapping on anything over 80k so could probably fit some sports suspension in a month or two to improve handling. Anything I buy will also be remapped.
The only thing I won't consider is a 5 door 1 Series. 3 Door or Coupe are fine.
The cars I have shortlisted are:
120D (60mpg model) - Is 60MPG realistic? Coming from my Hawkeye Impreza STi, will it just be too slow and drive me insane? I don't want to lose all of the fun element of driving with this car change.
123D - This excites me somewhat. Not anywhere near as good quoted MPG as the 120D. What's realistic? What are these like to drive?
3 Series Diesel - The figures favour the 330D. I feel like it would be the smoothest transition, with a similar sized car and reasonable performance, compared to my current car. Are the 325D and 320D worth considering? I think I'd like a Touring but I'm sure they carry a premium. 335D out of budget.
530D - I like these, but MPG doesn't look so good and they are quite big (relatively speaking). What sort of MPG do people achieve with these? Are they nice to live with?
All cars are being considered in Manual flavour only. I just don't like driving Autos.
I plan to test drive the options in the coming weeks.
The budget I had envisioned was upto about £8.5k and it still might be, but there's a chance it could end up a max of £7.5k. I will know for sure in a couple of weeks.
If I end up under £7.5k, I know this limits my options quite a bit. I'll be looking at the higher mileage 330D's and such. I would prefer to stay under 100k but won't turn my nose up at a well looked after 120k car. M-Sport would be preferred but again, not essential. It's about getting the best car for the money. I'd expect shocks to want swapping on anything over 80k so could probably fit some sports suspension in a month or two to improve handling. Anything I buy will also be remapped.
The only thing I won't consider is a 5 door 1 Series. 3 Door or Coupe are fine.
The cars I have shortlisted are:
120D (60mpg model) - Is 60MPG realistic? Coming from my Hawkeye Impreza STi, will it just be too slow and drive me insane? I don't want to lose all of the fun element of driving with this car change.
123D - This excites me somewhat. Not anywhere near as good quoted MPG as the 120D. What's realistic? What are these like to drive?
3 Series Diesel - The figures favour the 330D. I feel like it would be the smoothest transition, with a similar sized car and reasonable performance, compared to my current car. Are the 325D and 320D worth considering? I think I'd like a Touring but I'm sure they carry a premium. 335D out of budget.
530D - I like these, but MPG doesn't look so good and they are quite big (relatively speaking). What sort of MPG do people achieve with these? Are they nice to live with?
All cars are being considered in Manual flavour only. I just don't like driving Autos.
y2blade said:
Following with interest as I'm going for an E91 320D (M47) Touring once I find the right one, have emailed after a couple of cars just now...Will see how my questions are answered.
I also looked at 120D Hatch but decided they are too small for longterm ownership.
Happy hunting.
I think I could handle the 1 Series, but like I say, I do prefer the 3 Series' dimensions.I also looked at 120D Hatch but decided they are too small for longterm ownership.
Happy hunting.
TroubledSoul said:
Are the 325D and 320D worth considering?
I have a 320d (e92 M-Sport Coupe) and am very happy with it, although if it is to be your only car (and you are into your cars) the bigger engine might be a better bet. (I have a second car for driving enjoyment)I specifically wanted the smallest engine/best mpg but was quite surprised at how quickly it can be hustled along if required.
The ngine is a bit agricultural sounding but it's very economical (averaging around 60mpg), it's a great looking machine, is a really nice place to be and is very well put together.
I had the same problem. Was looking at 1 series, 120D, 123D and 3 series and old 5 series. I went into a BMW dealership. Looked at 1 series and 3 series coup. After a few minute i realised that it was a no brainer. 3 series all the way. Just got a 320d coupe in le mans blue with grey leather last week.
richk84 said:
I had the same problem. Was looking at 1 series, 120D, 123D and 3 series and old 5 series. I went into a BMW dealership. Looked at 1 series and 3 series coup. After a few minute i realised that it was a no brainer. 3 series all the way. Just got a 320d coupe in le mans blue with grey leather last week.
Yeah the 320D obviously looks as good as the 330 but it's the lack of power that worries me. I think after the novelty wears off the 320D might leave me wanting.
Hi Simes 330D touring LCI. I test drove 330D, 330i, 335D, 335i and 330D was the clear winner. Had the torque of the 335D and felt faster than the 335i and used less fuel than either. The additional bonus was that the 330D has a much more reliable (only one turbo) engine than the 335D.
Edited by Silver993tt on Thursday 25th October 00:36
nottyash said:
I was going for a 320d, but ended up with a 335d. I just knew once I bought a 320 I would be driving around constantly wishing I had got the one I really wanted.
Just to counter this view, I was going for a 320d, ended up with a 320d, and have been driving around constantly glad I bought that one.I think if I'd have bought a 335d, I would be driving around constantly wishing I had gone proper performance and just bought an M3.
Silver993tt said:
330D touring LCI. I test drove 330D, 330i, 335D, 335i and 330D was the clear winner. Had the torque of the 335D and felt faster than the 335i and used less fuel than either. The additional bonus was that the 330D has a much more reliable (only one turbo) engine than the 335D.
Well, the 30d LCI engine is certainly not immune to issues (variable vane turbo) as well as the more recently surfaced timing chain issues on the N47 diesels especially around the 2008 model year - not the chain itself but excessively sharp sprockets which causes the chain to wear. Edited by Silver993tt on Thursday 25th October 00:36
PUMA 13588845-03 incidence recorded by BMW and its repair
Diligence-number Item
43863106-03 N47, N47S, N47T, rustling sound in the engine, timing chain rubs.
Approval date (day.month.year) Status Organization
Approved 14.12.11 Germany, automobiles
Vehicles affected
E Series Motor Body
E60 E61 E81 E82 E83 N47 N47DKO N47S N47T E61 E60 E81 E82 E83 N47 N47S N47T N47DKO
E84 E87 E88 E90 E91 E87 E84 E88 E90 E91
E92 E93 F10 F11 F25 E93 E92 F10 F11 F25
Feedback Comment production interval Feedback
(From / to) on the production interval diligence (day.month.year) to (day.month.year)
/ 01.03.11 / 01.03.11
Complaint
Sound of friction drag on the engine from about 1500 rpm, which is visible from the inside.
The noise can be perceived in area of the gearbox housing and the oil pan.
Cause
Excessively sharp edges on the sprockets, the chain does not flow evenly over the guides.
Measures
We must distinguish two cases:
Case 1:
For engines N47, N47DKO, N47S, interval from 01.03.2007 to production 05.01.2009.
In case of customer complaint must change the following parts:
(See Annexes, Figures 1 to 7.) - Nov. 21 7803479 Sutitución the crankshaft bearings.
Caution: Use only crankshafts with a production date back to 5. 1. 1. 2009 2009
The production date is printed on crankshaft sprocket (see page 2 of the Annex)
Meaning of the figures:
The first two indicate the assembly line.
The 6 following year (two digits), month, day.
Last 5 indicate the reference number of the crankshaft.
Thus, the crankshaft shown on page 2 of the annex was built on October 21, 2009.
41 -11 7,797,896 chain oil pump.
11 31 8 506 652 Timing Chain bottom.
13 52 7 797 906 sprocket for driving the high pressure pump.
11 27 7 800 523 sprocket (intermediate for balance shafts).
11 8,510,014 31 Supply Chain superior.
-11 7,797,899 31 Timing Chain Guide above.
-13 7,797,904 52 Timing Chain Guide below.
Note: Adjusting the intermediate gear shafts accurately balanced according to workshop manual. In case this intermediate sprocket and the balance shafts are not sufficiently fit, the motor can still giving rise to noise despite the new crankshaft.
See November 21 workshop manual 500 "crankshaft replacement."
Note: In the case of vehicles to which a previous repair and they replaced the crankshaft:
Proceed with these vehicles as detailed in "Case 2".
Case 2:
N47 engine, N47DKO, N47S, N47T production interval 05.01.2009 - 01.03.2011
In case of customer complaint replace the following parts:
(See Appendix, Art 8 to 10)
-11 8,506,652 31 Supply Chain bottom.
- 13 52 7 797 906 sprocket high pressure pump.
- 11 31 8 510 014 Supply Chain superior.
-11 7,797,899 31 Timing Chain Guide above.
-13 7,797,904 52 Timing Chain Guide below.
Note: There is no need to release the binding thread of the intermediate toothed wheel balancer shafts.
Note: As of March 2011 there are new guidelines. These guidelines do not bring reinforcing ribs.
(See Appendix, pp. 7 and 10.)
In this way the inner surface of the guides is smooth throughout its length and the timing chain runs easily on them.
They have not changed the references.
Note: During the repair make sure guides are mounted without lateral veins (in the Annex, Art 7 and 10.)
Attention:
No repairs are allowed in vehicles with production date after 03/2011 and vehicles in which all existing measures have already been made. The sound now is the moment, the normal state of this world! No risk of broken chain!
Not allowed engine change because of this claim!
Claim
Location of the defect: Defect Type: Circumstances of default:
Guide part incorrect
Crank Noise
Wheel motor
Distribution
Worn crankshaft
Wheel motor
Distribution
Motor Noise Motor Power
rassi said:
Well, the 30d LCI engine is certainly not immune to issues (variable vane turbo) as well as the more recently surfaced timing chain issues on the N47 diesels especially around the 2008 model year - not the chain itself but excessively sharp sprockets which causes the chain to wear.
Mines an Oct 2009 model E91 and no issues at all since I've had it from new. I also have extended the BMW warranty, only £30 a month.monthefish said:
nottyash said:
I was going for a 320d, but ended up with a 335d. I just knew once I bought a 320 I would be driving around constantly wishing I had got the one I really wanted.
Just to counter this view, I was going for a 320d, ended up with a 320d, and have been driving around constantly glad I bought that one.I think if I'd have bought a 335d, I would be driving around constantly wishing I had gone proper performance and just bought an M3.
Edited by nottyash on Thursday 25th October 10:10
rassi said:
Silver993tt said:
330D touring LCI. I test drove 330D, 330i, 335D, 335i and 330D was the clear winner. Had the torque of the 335D and felt faster than the 335i and used less fuel than either. The additional bonus was that the 330D has a much more reliable (only one turbo) engine than the 335D.
Well, the 30d LCI engine is certainly not immune to issues (variable vane turbo) as well as the more recently surfaced timing chain issues on the N47 diesels especially around the 2008 model year - not the chain itself but excessively sharp sprockets which causes the chain to wear. Edited by Silver993tt on Thursday 25th October 00:36
PUMA 13588845-03 incidence recorded by BMW and its repair
Diligence-number Item
43863106-03 N47, N47S, N47T, rustling sound in the engine, timing chain rubs.
Approval date (day.month.year) Status Organization
Approved 14.12.11 Germany, automobiles
Vehicles affected
E Series Motor Body
E60 E61 E81 E82 E83 N47 N47DKO N47S N47T E61 E60 E81 E82 E83 N47 N47S N47T N47DKO
E84 E87 E88 E90 E91 E87 E84 E88 E90 E91
E92 E93 F10 F11 F25 E93 E92 F10 F11 F25
Feedback Comment production interval Feedback
(From / to) on the production interval diligence (day.month.year) to (day.month.year)
/ 01.03.11 / 01.03.11
Complaint
Sound of friction drag on the engine from about 1500 rpm, which is visible from the inside.
The noise can be perceived in area of the gearbox housing and the oil pan.
Cause
Excessively sharp edges on the sprockets, the chain does not flow evenly over the guides.
Measures
We must distinguish two cases:
Case 1:
For engines N47, N47DKO, N47S, interval from 01.03.2007 to production 05.01.2009.
In case of customer complaint must change the following parts:
(See Annexes, Figures 1 to 7.) - Nov. 21 7803479 Sutitución the crankshaft bearings.
Caution: Use only crankshafts with a production date back to 5. 1. 1. 2009 2009
The production date is printed on crankshaft sprocket (see page 2 of the Annex)
Meaning of the figures:
The first two indicate the assembly line.
The 6 following year (two digits), month, day.
Last 5 indicate the reference number of the crankshaft.
Thus, the crankshaft shown on page 2 of the annex was built on October 21, 2009.
41 -11 7,797,896 chain oil pump.
11 31 8 506 652 Timing Chain bottom.
13 52 7 797 906 sprocket for driving the high pressure pump.
11 27 7 800 523 sprocket (intermediate for balance shafts).
11 8,510,014 31 Supply Chain superior.
-11 7,797,899 31 Timing Chain Guide above.
-13 7,797,904 52 Timing Chain Guide below.
Note: Adjusting the intermediate gear shafts accurately balanced according to workshop manual. In case this intermediate sprocket and the balance shafts are not sufficiently fit, the motor can still giving rise to noise despite the new crankshaft.
See November 21 workshop manual 500 "crankshaft replacement."
Note: In the case of vehicles to which a previous repair and they replaced the crankshaft:
Proceed with these vehicles as detailed in "Case 2".
Case 2:
N47 engine, N47DKO, N47S, N47T production interval 05.01.2009 - 01.03.2011
In case of customer complaint replace the following parts:
(See Appendix, Art 8 to 10)
-11 8,506,652 31 Supply Chain bottom.
- 13 52 7 797 906 sprocket high pressure pump.
- 11 31 8 510 014 Supply Chain superior.
-11 7,797,899 31 Timing Chain Guide above.
-13 7,797,904 52 Timing Chain Guide below.
Note: There is no need to release the binding thread of the intermediate toothed wheel balancer shafts.
Note: As of March 2011 there are new guidelines. These guidelines do not bring reinforcing ribs.
(See Appendix, pp. 7 and 10.)
In this way the inner surface of the guides is smooth throughout its length and the timing chain runs easily on them.
They have not changed the references.
Note: During the repair make sure guides are mounted without lateral veins (in the Annex, Art 7 and 10.)
Attention:
No repairs are allowed in vehicles with production date after 03/2011 and vehicles in which all existing measures have already been made. The sound now is the moment, the normal state of this world! No risk of broken chain!
Not allowed engine change because of this claim!
Claim
Location of the defect: Defect Type: Circumstances of default:
Guide part incorrect
Crank Noise
Wheel motor
Distribution
Worn crankshaft
Wheel motor
Distribution
Motor Noise Motor Power
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