F31 320d auto - anything to look out for?

[Ahonen]

Hi all,

My trusty E91 320d is starting to get a bit long in the tooth now and although it has cost me absolutely nothing in four years I'm starting to think I should trade up before it does. Anyway my eyes have been drawn to 2015 era F31s and, more specifically, the 8-speed auto. I had a 2-series rental car with the same gearbox last year and was mightily impressed, so with my commute involving a lot of stop start traffic I'm thinking of an auto for the first time in my life.

Are there any indications of issues that I should look out for from the gearbox on a test drive? Any hesitations or anything like that?

The same applies to the F31 variant as a whole really - are there any glitches or known problems?

Thanks very much.

[SlowV6]

I would look out for one that says 330d on the back

sorry - realise not hugely helpful.

[pattyg]

I’d keep the E90 - like I’m doing - and wait until the G20 is in scope.

[Ahonen]

SlowV6 said:

I would look out for one that says 330d on the back

sorry - realise not hugely helpful.

Ha, yeah I know what you mean, but I have other toys for when I need a bit more ooomph.

[Ahonen]

pattyg said:

I’d keep the E90 - like I’m doing - and wait until the G20 is in scope.

That's far too many years away, sadly.

[helix402]

Some F30/31 320ds still suffer from timing chain problems.

[RUSSELLM]

If it’s got full BMW history, I guess he could buy the BMW extended warranty.

[naturalaspiration]

Just make sure it's 2015 onwards with B47 engine. That one has the latest revision of the cam chain which it took BMW 7 years to get right.

[RUSSELLM]

The approved used site was very competitive, when I recently changed cars.

[Ahonen]

naturalaspiration said:

Just make sure it's 2015 onwards with B47 engine. That one has the latest revision of the cam chain which it took BMW 7 years to get right.

Good point. I hadn't spotted that the N47s had continued that long.

[Touring442]

I'd insist on Xenons as well, Halogen F30 lights are as st as ever!

[Newsboy]

Pm’d you my cars details

[tjlees]

Creeks in the steering
ticking metallic sounds from the engine over and above the usual diesel sounds - check if the timing chain has been done
Dashboard queaks and rattles
Door seal queaks
Corroded wheels (fairly expensive to put right if they are diamond cut)
inside/outside wear of the tyres - its difficult to get the tracking right
cracks in manifold
jerky transmission
engine longevity sensitive to service so make sure its been had the oil changed every 10-15k miles...

Also ask if the EGR valve recall has been done

hopefully, if its a July 2015 or earlier then its an LCI version - so even better than the original F30

[Ahonen]

Newsboy said:

Pm’d you my cars details

To me? I haven't seen it, even in my junk folders.

[Ahonen]

tjlees said:

Creeks in the steering
ticking metallic sounds from the engine over and above the usual diesel sounds - check if the timing chain has been done
Dashboard queaks and rattles
Door seal queaks
Corroded wheels (fairly expensive to put right if they are diamond cut)
inside/outside wear of the tyres - its difficult to get the tracking right
cracks in manifold
jerky transmission
engine longevity sensitive to service so make sure its been had the oil changed every 10-15k miles...

Also ask if the EGR valve recall has been done

hopefully, if its a July 2015 or earlier then its an LCI version - so even better than the original F30

Wow, quite a bit. Thanks for that. There's an M Sport one very close to me that I'm going to look at today.

[Newsboy]

Ahonen said:

To me? I haven't seen it, even in my junk folders.

Think it was via email

[Newsboy]

Ahonen said:

tjlees said:

Creeks in the steering
ticking metallic sounds from the engine over and above the usual diesel sounds - check if the timing chain has been done
Dashboard queaks and rattles
Door seal queaks
Corroded wheels (fairly expensive to put right if they are diamond cut)
inside/outside wear of the tyres - its difficult to get the tracking right
cracks in manifold
jerky transmission
engine longevity sensitive to service so make sure its been had the oil changed every 10-15k miles...

Also ask if the EGR valve recall has been done

hopefully, if its a July 2015 or earlier then its an LCI version - so even better than the original F30

Wow, quite a bit. Thanks for that. There's an M Sport one very close to me that I'm going to look at today.

Tried PMing you again

If your interested I have a 66 plate with the following

Estoral Met Blue
LED headlamps
MSport
Full Black Leather
Sports Auto box with paddles
Panoramic tilt slide glass roof
Arm rest
Folding dimming mirrors
Split glass electric tailgate
19” wheels

FBMWSH

Edited by Newsboy on Saturday 3rd August 23:00

[The Li-ion King]

I've got an LCI, with LED headlights, MSport Touring. Wish mine had electric folding mirrors, but it is quick enough, paddles are a nice touch as well