Discussion
I’ve just started my search for another car and would really like to try the above or even a 330d.
I only do around 8000 miles a year, varying journey types but mainly all above 15 miles at a time and not stop start.
I know diesel is a bit pointless at my mileage but I do prefer the low down power delivery.
My budget is £8000 maximum.
I’d like to keep running costs down as much as possible as I have other vehicles so tax and fuel costs are a consideration.
I do all my own repairs and maintenance so am not afraid of getting my hands dirty.
Most seem to be nudging 100000 miles now which does concern me a little.
I’ve read it’s probably better to stick with the M57 engine variant but these opinions are mixed.
I’d be looking at an Auto too.
Any advice is much appreciated.
I only do around 8000 miles a year, varying journey types but mainly all above 15 miles at a time and not stop start.
I know diesel is a bit pointless at my mileage but I do prefer the low down power delivery.
My budget is £8000 maximum.
I’d like to keep running costs down as much as possible as I have other vehicles so tax and fuel costs are a consideration.
I do all my own repairs and maintenance so am not afraid of getting my hands dirty.
Most seem to be nudging 100000 miles now which does concern me a little.
I’ve read it’s probably better to stick with the M57 engine variant but these opinions are mixed.
I’d be looking at an Auto too.
Any advice is much appreciated.
The M57 is generally reliable.
Ensure swirl flaps have been removed so the engine doesn’t lunch itself.
Bad thermostats could be reason for failed DPF regeneration.
An uncle had a M57. Ran it to 180k miles. Replaced glow controller at 160k miles. Never changed the auto box oil but drove smooth. Passed it on to his son who ran it to 230k miles and sold it due to ULEZ. He ruined it. Dropped it too low on coil overs and smashed the sump on a speed bump. Then invested in a metal sump cover.
Decent article here:
https://autospruce.com/bmw-m57-engine-review-probl...
Decent ones can be had for under 5k now. High mileage but budget the rest for routine maintenance.
Ensure swirl flaps have been removed so the engine doesn’t lunch itself.
Bad thermostats could be reason for failed DPF regeneration.
An uncle had a M57. Ran it to 180k miles. Replaced glow controller at 160k miles. Never changed the auto box oil but drove smooth. Passed it on to his son who ran it to 230k miles and sold it due to ULEZ. He ruined it. Dropped it too low on coil overs and smashed the sump on a speed bump. Then invested in a metal sump cover.
Decent article here:
https://autospruce.com/bmw-m57-engine-review-probl...
Decent ones can be had for under 5k now. High mileage but budget the rest for routine maintenance.
I do even less miles than you these days.
So I bought a 2005 manual 330i on 107K miles for less than £3.5K 3 years ago and really like it. It has some bottom end grunt, albeit nothing like a turbo-diesel, but really gets moving if I head for the 7,000rpm red-line - and I don't have to worry about DPFs or heading into London Boroughs next year, which is handy as my sister lives in one!
Good luck with your search.
So I bought a 2005 manual 330i on 107K miles for less than £3.5K 3 years ago and really like it. It has some bottom end grunt, albeit nothing like a turbo-diesel, but really gets moving if I head for the 7,000rpm red-line - and I don't have to worry about DPFs or heading into London Boroughs next year, which is handy as my sister lives in one!
Good luck with your search.
I’ve actually got a high miler (216k!) 325d for sale on eBay. It’s been a good car and the M57 engine is punchy, particularly with a remap. On a 200 ish mile run up to north wales I got a calculated 48mpg, but day to day it’s more like 40-42.
As above don’t be put off by the mileage, their much stronger than the N57, but probably best to put a few quid aside for usual BMW maintenance stuff.
As above don’t be put off by the mileage, their much stronger than the N57, but probably best to put a few quid aside for usual BMW maintenance stuff.
Another thing worth a mention is that mileage on the commute doesn’t matter. What counts is the engine spending more time above temperature than under. As much as possible. Some negate short journeys that don’t spend much time at temp with a longer journey once or twice a month. People might say well you’re not saving if you’re having to make an extra journey. I’d argue if you enjoy driving it, genuinely need to make longer trip, you don’t mind spending a bit on fuel for maintenance..
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