BMW 420i - engine / gearbox / other issues?

[MitchT]

Around spring time 2021 I'm hoping to get myself a three year old 420i Gran Coupé M Sport. It'll be the LCI model if that makes a difference. I'm wondering if anyone can comment on the following things...

1: Engine.
Does anyone know if the B48 2.0i engine has any issues? It seems pretty much every BMW engine has some kind of weak spot these days. I know you roll the dice with any car and, in most cases, will be fine, but I'd prefer not to invite financial ruin if this engine has any notable issues that can result in a higher than average risk of catastrophic failure.

2: Gearbox.
I don't have a preference whether it's a manual or a sport auto but I'll avoid autos if this 'box has the time delay issues that I've been reading about with so many auto boxes these days - see the "Dangerous Audi" thread. I want a car that goes when I press the accelerator pedal, not thinks about it for a while!

3: Any other known issues with this car.

Thanks in advance!

[Touring442]

Earlier N20's had timing chain and oil pump chain problems but it wasn't that common and BMW sorted it by 2014/5. Do an extra oil change in between the recommended one and it should be fine. The 8 speed ZF is a good box as well.
Keep the BMW s/h up to date and BMW are very good with goodwill claims.

Buy and enjoy!

[GTEYE]

I'd say have a look at the 420d with the 8 speed auto.

After various different 3 and 4 Series models (320d/420d/330e/430d) over the last 8 years or so, I'd say the 320d/420d is a good compromise.

The later 20d engine is pretty refined compared to the earlier ones (pre-64 reg).

I've just picked up a '68 reg 320d Shadow Edition and its a very refined engine, with plenty of day to day performance.

I'd say you should definitely try one before settling on the 420i.

There's plenty of anti-diesel rhetoric, but as long as you get a Euro 6 one (all of this shape 3/4's will be) then you should be fine.

The 8 speed ZF auto though is a no brainer, the manuals are not that pleasant.

[david-j8694]

GTEYE said:

I'd say have a look at the 420d with the 8 speed auto.

Agreed with this. Test drive both and it'll be hard to make a case for the 20i.

However, if the petrol is what you want then definitely get the auto. The ZF8HP box is superb - smooth day-to-day progress, but with instant shifts via kick down or flappy paddles when you need (want ) it.

[MitchT]

At face value you don't have to sell me the virtues of the 420d - a good friend has an F30 320d which we've done some very long trips in, so I know how good these cars are. Problem is, I do too many short journeys for a diesel with a DPF to be a viable option. Plus, my OH has a 120d and, as good as it is, I much prefer the linear power curve of my 21 year old E36 318, so I'm confident that petrol is the right choice for my taste.