F30 320d - 2013 - 115k miles - ticking timebomb?
Discussion
My best mate has a 2013 F30 320d with 115k miles on it. He's maintained it regardless of expense and, having been in it on a lot of long trips with him - one within the last month, I can testify that it still feels like it's hewn from a block of granite and is as nice a place to be as any car needs to be in the real world.
He's now considering changing it and says I can have first refusal. I could do with a relatively modern car so I can semi-retire my 1999 E36 318 and his car fits the bill perfectly, the high miles meaning the price will be within my range.
However, I'm conscious of the fact that a modern and relatively sophisticated car could throw up some serious bills once things start to go wrong. He recently had to replace the starter motor - no doubt a victim of the stop/start technology - and I'm wondering what other failures may be imminent for an example of this age and mileage, regardless of how well it's been treated.
Any thoughts?
He's now considering changing it and says I can have first refusal. I could do with a relatively modern car so I can semi-retire my 1999 E36 318 and his car fits the bill perfectly, the high miles meaning the price will be within my range.
However, I'm conscious of the fact that a modern and relatively sophisticated car could throw up some serious bills once things start to go wrong. He recently had to replace the starter motor - no doubt a victim of the stop/start technology - and I'm wondering what other failures may be imminent for an example of this age and mileage, regardless of how well it's been treated.
Any thoughts?
Agree with both of the above. The mileage wouldn't bother me in the slightest if it wasn't for the fact that I've heard of turbos going on diesels after the 100k mark and also the high pressure fuel systems being a problem area. As such I'm particularly interested in hearing about people's experiences with the F30 320d.
How often has he had the oil changed? The general consensus for these N47 engines is to replace the oil every 9k miles to preserve the life of the timing chain (Google N47 timing chain issues). A neighbour has a 2012 318d and his timing chain failed at 88k, but he only changed the oil when the car asked for it at +- 18k miles.
I had a 320d took it to 187k on original turbo and clutch, when I say original I say from 57k miles when I bought it. I sold it and it went to 225k miles.
If you know the history of it and no rust I would say it’s a good car if price is right.
ANY car can throw a bill with that mileage be it turbo, clutch, suspension. Buy on condition and good for many more miles no doubt.
If you know the history of it and no rust I would say it’s a good car if price is right.
ANY car can throw a bill with that mileage be it turbo, clutch, suspension. Buy on condition and good for many more miles no doubt.
naturalaspiration said:
If there is no chain noise, code out the stop start, change oil every 9k miles, and with every oil change add a bottle of LM Ceratec. Happy motoring.
^^^ Agree with thisOil & filters are dirt cheap now; no need to pay for OTT priced 'branded' oil; just use oil that meets the necessary BMW LL04 specs, Mann or Mahle filters and swap it every year, without fail. Oil & filter is less than half a tank of premium fuel; makes a lot of sense to keep it fresh as you can
I change mine twice a year for that very reason!
What's the thoughts on LM Ceratec; what does it actually do to the engine?
As for the timing chain; disable the stop start, change the oil regularly and worry about it when it becomes noisy. The best way to detect chain noise is to crouch down by the front drivers door facing forwards and listen for a rhythmic shush-shush-shush sound. It's a £1000 job so not a disaster.
No need for additives just use quality oil and correct spec 
if I run an N47 BMW model which I dont I would be changing the oil and filter every 6k , I have a customer with a 120D with over 275k miles on original timing chain set no issues whatsover he takes the chance because of the cars value with this mileage now would be little
if I run an N47 BMW model which I dont I would be changing the oil and filter every 6k , I have a customer with a 120D with over 275k miles on original timing chain set no issues whatsover he takes the chance because of the cars value with this mileage now would be little Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff