2012 BMW 3 SERIES 320D SE 184 drivetrain limp mode question

[Noobie2017]

Hi All,

After much searching for a new car, I have my heart set on buying one of these and on taking one (Diesel fuel) for a test drive, after 1 minute the car felt like I was in 6th gear doing 10MPH, but I was in second gear. The car had gone into limp mode, felt like it was constantly stalling and a drivetrain warning appeared. Not good!

After some googling, these's no shortage of owners that have reported the same issue. It's the only car I want in my price range and am stuggling to find an alternative from another brand that doesn't look like a UFO.

Does anyone know whether it's just this particular model? the brand? the fuel type ect?

Many thanks.

[benjijames28]

What did the things you found online say the problem was?

Remember there's loads of these cars about, so you will always get vocal people online trying to get help with bad experiences, but you won't get to hear from the thousands of drivers with no problems.

[Noobie2017]

The EGR valve was clogged due to the car being moved from the back to the front of the forecourt each morning for a few weeks. It is being replaced, but not sure whether to buy it or not. Could this have caused any other problems? Would this also only apply to diesels?

[zedx19]

If you're worried, walk away, it's one of the most popular cars on the market, surely there are hundreds for sale near you? Also other brands looking like UFO's? Eye of the beholder and all that, but the A4 and C Class are all equally as dull as the 3 series in my eyes?

[Noobie2017]

Thanks for your prompt reply. Yes, there are quite a few for sale, but only two in a specific colour and BHP with low miles; the other looks pretty knackard.

I'm not technical minded by all means so rather than just walking away, I thought I'd come here first to see if anyone hot on mechanics knew whether it was likely to be troublesome or not.

[zedx19]

It's impossible to say whether it'll be a troublesome car, might be fine, might not, trust your gut. Presumably the garage are offering a warranty and will obviously ensure it's all fixed if you go ahead with the deal. However, I struggle to believe there's not another car for sale as there's more 320d's on the road than Ford Mondeo's. Is it just the fact that this particular car is cheap and within budget and the others for sale are outside your budget? If so then ask yourself why is it so cheap? Sounds to me like you just need to walk away and find another.