BMW 3 Series Reliability for High Mileage Daily Commute
Discussion
Hi everyone!
New to the site, but been reading threads on here for years. Found a lot of useful information on various car related stuff so hopefully y'all be able to help me out with this. I've seen a few of these threads before but the circumstances of this are a little different for me.
Towards the end of August I'll be commuting about 180 miles daily to Nottingham and back. I've driven the route many many times before, and this trip will actually be 30-40 minutes less overall than what I've been doing a couple of times a week for the last 8 months already. Problem is, I need to look for a more suitable car. I currently drive a 2005 2.0 TDi Golf and the lack of cruise control and manual gearbox is the real killer over that distance; it makes driving to Wakefield and back in an FN2 feel like riding along in Air Force One.
I've been looking at similar aged auto 320d's specifically as I've read/heard a lot of good things about them. I don't have a huge amount to spend on one (roughly £3.5 at an absolute push), so I'm being realistic about what to expect mileage/age wise. I have a couple of questions regarding this to anyone that has experience in driving these cars over long distances/owned for a decent amount of mileage...
1. What are the general servicing costs going to be like over 40,000 miles per year on let's say a car with 120,000 miles already on it?
2. Apart from the obvious like service history; turbos, injectors and leaks is there anything else I should be looking at?
3. Are the 5 and 7 series any less reliable? I assume they have higher servicing costs and are less economical
4. Are there any others cars in the compact exec class that you would recommend (please not another VW D
Any other information you could pass over would be great! I've seen a few of these types of threads before, so let me just clarify the following before you reply
- I've been doing a longer journey than this since December just fine, so just assume I can continue to
-I've totalled what I believe to be monthly costs for fuel, tyres, brakes, generic service costs etc. over the period of a year....and it's cheaper than what I'm currently paying to live in Nottingham pcm AND maintain my current car
- I'm aware of what's already out there in terms of sales for these cars - just looking for some info from previous owners on the points above
Thanks everyone! Appreciate the help
Ant
New to the site, but been reading threads on here for years. Found a lot of useful information on various car related stuff so hopefully y'all be able to help me out with this. I've seen a few of these threads before but the circumstances of this are a little different for me.
Towards the end of August I'll be commuting about 180 miles daily to Nottingham and back. I've driven the route many many times before, and this trip will actually be 30-40 minutes less overall than what I've been doing a couple of times a week for the last 8 months already. Problem is, I need to look for a more suitable car. I currently drive a 2005 2.0 TDi Golf and the lack of cruise control and manual gearbox is the real killer over that distance; it makes driving to Wakefield and back in an FN2 feel like riding along in Air Force One.
I've been looking at similar aged auto 320d's specifically as I've read/heard a lot of good things about them. I don't have a huge amount to spend on one (roughly £3.5 at an absolute push), so I'm being realistic about what to expect mileage/age wise. I have a couple of questions regarding this to anyone that has experience in driving these cars over long distances/owned for a decent amount of mileage...
1. What are the general servicing costs going to be like over 40,000 miles per year on let's say a car with 120,000 miles already on it?
2. Apart from the obvious like service history; turbos, injectors and leaks is there anything else I should be looking at?
3. Are the 5 and 7 series any less reliable? I assume they have higher servicing costs and are less economical
4. Are there any others cars in the compact exec class that you would recommend (please not another VW D
Any other information you could pass over would be great! I've seen a few of these types of threads before, so let me just clarify the following before you reply
- I've been doing a longer journey than this since December just fine, so just assume I can continue to
-I've totalled what I believe to be monthly costs for fuel, tyres, brakes, generic service costs etc. over the period of a year....and it's cheaper than what I'm currently paying to live in Nottingham pcm AND maintain my current car
- I'm aware of what's already out there in terms of sales for these cars - just looking for some info from previous owners on the points above
Thanks everyone! Appreciate the help
Ant
I was doing 25k a year in my 520d. I serviced it twice a year with OEM parts and top quality oil for £100-120.
You will be servicing fairly often but it only takes an hour or so. I had a few other bigbthinks to do (timing chain and inlet manifold leaking) but apart from that it rode the miles well.
You will be servicing fairly often but it only takes an hour or so. I had a few other bigbthinks to do (timing chain and inlet manifold leaking) but apart from that it rode the miles well.
Hmm, whilst the 320d is a fine car to commute in, a nearly 14 year old one is not going to be the last word in reliability. It might feel great inside, look newish compared to the golf and drive much nicer, but from experience of a now 9 year old 3 series that was low mileage, they can get very expensive quickly. Think lots of little issues regularly, like abs wheel speed sensors, as well as potential big bills for major engine / gearbox issues.
Out of curiosity, having owned a manual golf and a manual seat with the same box in the past, what is hard about having a manual in Nottingham? The clutch is light, the gearbox easy enough to use and I never found traffic a hardship with one.
The auto in a 2005 BMW isn't going to be the last word in sophistication either, although I'm sure it is competent. It will increase fuel consumption though, unlike the modern boxes that (on paper) are more economical.
Out of curiosity, having owned a manual golf and a manual seat with the same box in the past, what is hard about having a manual in Nottingham? The clutch is light, the gearbox easy enough to use and I never found traffic a hardship with one.
The auto in a 2005 BMW isn't going to be the last word in sophistication either, although I'm sure it is competent. It will increase fuel consumption though, unlike the modern boxes that (on paper) are more economical.
Thanks for the replies so far everyone! Interesting about the 5 series, there's a few of them around also so might be worth having a look.
It's not so much having a manual around Nottingham that's the problem Mike, it's just that I've got really bad knees and shins; coupled with the route I take back to the North West everyday just does my legs in by the time I'm home. The golf really is a pleasant car to drive and the clutch is light, but at least with a cruise control equipped auto it's a 1 foot affair!
I agree that if I'm looking for a 12 year old+ car with more than 100k miles then I'll be almost certainly reaching into my pocket every now and again, but it doesn't seem like I've got much of a choice unfortunately. If truth be told, I've had nothing but (costly) problems with Golf. The turbo and the clutch are probably close too replacement as the car's on 103k atm, so there's a hefty sum I'd rather be putting into another car that won't be costing me straight away. Can't really afford to take the chance reliability wise on a near 200 mile round trip daily.
Some good points made though, cheers for the reply.
It's not so much having a manual around Nottingham that's the problem Mike, it's just that I've got really bad knees and shins; coupled with the route I take back to the North West everyday just does my legs in by the time I'm home. The golf really is a pleasant car to drive and the clutch is light, but at least with a cruise control equipped auto it's a 1 foot affair!
I agree that if I'm looking for a 12 year old+ car with more than 100k miles then I'll be almost certainly reaching into my pocket every now and again, but it doesn't seem like I've got much of a choice unfortunately. If truth be told, I've had nothing but (costly) problems with Golf. The turbo and the clutch are probably close too replacement as the car's on 103k atm, so there's a hefty sum I'd rather be putting into another car that won't be costing me straight away. Can't really afford to take the chance reliability wise on a near 200 mile round trip daily.
Some good points made though, cheers for the reply.
Dr Jekyll said:
Have you thought about a Mondeo?
Very relaxed on a long run, the sheer spaciousness helps. Also generally cheap to fix, a bit of googling a socket set and a couple of screwdrivers will cure most things.
I considered one before settling on the Golf late last year...but I'd always been under the impression that used Mondeos can be a bit of a minefield.Very relaxed on a long run, the sheer spaciousness helps. Also generally cheap to fix, a bit of googling a socket set and a couple of screwdrivers will cure most things.
Edit: I've just looked at what you can get for £3.5k... not bad at all!
Edited by antonowski on Saturday 28th July 10:17
My personal observation with the N47 engine is not positive for those distances / age of the car. Turbo,timing chain, DMF, swirl flaps, Timing chain, ABS issues, Timing chain, and did anyone mention the timing chain.
For 3.5k, I be sorely tempted by a Volvo. Very nice seats, you might get ACC, and the 2.0 should be good for more miles than the BMW. Even if it does go belly up, the parts and labour are cheaper due to the engine layout. Although it won't handle like the BMW, the seats and the engine layout,and just the thought given to simple maintenance jobs like the bulbs, might make it a better ownership proposition.
One other big mileage car that gets a shout is the Citroen C5. The first ones were a bit pants to look at, but the later ones look pretty good to me, and have a good rep for both comfort and longevity / reliability.
I really like driving the 3 series 320d, When it's working, it's a peach of a car, and is quick, fairly comfy, and handles well, and in my mind looks good. But I wouldn't have one for those journeys.
For 3.5k, I be sorely tempted by a Volvo. Very nice seats, you might get ACC, and the 2.0 should be good for more miles than the BMW. Even if it does go belly up, the parts and labour are cheaper due to the engine layout. Although it won't handle like the BMW, the seats and the engine layout,and just the thought given to simple maintenance jobs like the bulbs, might make it a better ownership proposition.
One other big mileage car that gets a shout is the Citroen C5. The first ones were a bit pants to look at, but the later ones look pretty good to me, and have a good rep for both comfort and longevity / reliability.
I really like driving the 3 series 320d, When it's working, it's a peach of a car, and is quick, fairly comfy, and handles well, and in my mind looks good. But I wouldn't have one for those journeys.
bearman68 said:
My personal observation with the N47 engine is not positive for those distances / age of the car. Turbo,timing chain, DMF, swirl flaps, Timing chain, ABS issues, Timing chain, and did anyone mention the timing chain.
For 3.5k, I be sorely tempted by a Volvo. Very nice seats, you might get ACC, and the 2.0 should be good for more miles than the BMW. Even if it does go belly up, the parts and labour are cheaper due to the engine layout. Although it won't handle like the BMW, the seats and the engine layout,and just the thought given to simple maintenance jobs like the bulbs, might make it a better ownership proposition.
One other big mileage car that gets a shout is the Citroen C5. The first ones were a bit pants to look at, but the later ones look pretty good to me, and have a good rep for both comfort and longevity / reliability.
I did look around for Swedish tanks actually, there's only really a handful out there so I'll keep an eye out. Mondeo looks like a good prospect, quite a lot of them going with decent specs and mileage.For 3.5k, I be sorely tempted by a Volvo. Very nice seats, you might get ACC, and the 2.0 should be good for more miles than the BMW. Even if it does go belly up, the parts and labour are cheaper due to the engine layout. Although it won't handle like the BMW, the seats and the engine layout,and just the thought given to simple maintenance jobs like the bulbs, might make it a better ownership proposition.
One other big mileage car that gets a shout is the Citroen C5. The first ones were a bit pants to look at, but the later ones look pretty good to me, and have a good rep for both comfort and longevity / reliability.
If you go for a BMW of any flavour, I'd seriously recommend getting one with the M-sport seats. They are the best car seats I've ever experienced, largely due to the fact there so many adjustments. When you are doing 180 miles every day, a bad back awaits you if you don't have a properly-supportive car seat.
The first time I tried the M-sport seats I had to drive to a meeting 150 miles away at sparrow's fart and then drive back later in the day. I arrived fresh as a daisy and came home without the usual searing pain that I had when I did the journey in a VW or Ford.
Good shout on the auto box too - economy won't really be an issue even on something of that age, there will be a small pumping loss from the gearbox pump but when you're cruising the torque converter will be locked up so you won't be getting slippage.
The first time I tried the M-sport seats I had to drive to a meeting 150 miles away at sparrow's fart and then drive back later in the day. I arrived fresh as a daisy and came home without the usual searing pain that I had when I did the journey in a VW or Ford.
Good shout on the auto box too - economy won't really be an issue even on something of that age, there will be a small pumping loss from the gearbox pump but when you're cruising the torque converter will be locked up so you won't be getting slippage.
I have to say if you're looking at doing 40k a year then I'd be looking for a lower mileage car than something that has 120k on the clock as you'll be looking at suspension refreshes way quicker than you think.
I ran one of these for over 120k I sold it with 170k on the clock it cost me a suspension refresh alternator & one injector, they're a great relaxing drive too, they fit perfectly into your budget.
Mine would do low 40's in standard form but once I'd mapped it I was averaging 48's on a run & you can get the same engine in C & E Class form too.
I also added a new headunit to mine so I had DAB Bluetooth Streaming up to date Nav etc, the 220's are ok they lack the extra grunt but again really respond well to a map.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Haggle & you can land this:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
C Class
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
C220 Coupe Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
220 SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
E270 Avantgarde
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Other worthy options:
2.7 407 Coupe (same engine as the Jag)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Mondeo Titanium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Jaguar S Type XS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
S60 D5 SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
407 SW
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Renault Laguna
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Citroen C5 (same car as the 407)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you're looking at the BMW then try to avoid the N47 engine as it's timing chain issues are well documented.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
525d SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I ran one of these for over 120k I sold it with 170k on the clock it cost me a suspension refresh alternator & one injector, they're a great relaxing drive too, they fit perfectly into your budget.
Mine would do low 40's in standard form but once I'd mapped it I was averaging 48's on a run & you can get the same engine in C & E Class form too.
I also added a new headunit to mine so I had DAB Bluetooth Streaming up to date Nav etc, the 220's are ok they lack the extra grunt but again really respond well to a map.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Haggle & you can land this:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
C Class
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
C220 Coupe Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
220 SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
E270 Avantgarde
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Other worthy options:
2.7 407 Coupe (same engine as the Jag)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Mondeo Titanium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Jaguar S Type XS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
S60 D5 SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
407 SW
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Renault Laguna
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Citroen C5 (same car as the 407)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you're looking at the BMW then try to avoid the N47 engine as it's timing chain issues are well documented.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
525d SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Saturday 28th July 21:34
I would be looking at a 5 series for that mileage, but with Sport seats. I had a 530d SE E60 which was great, but wife couldnt get comfortable at all on the seats, however the journey. She used to take a cushion. I didnt find it bad.
Came from E46 which rides poorly unless on good roads. E9x better but the early ones didn't like runflat.
Mundane-o excellent car - I had one for my 6 hour (one way) commute. But the replacement BMW was far better for a completely indefinable reason - but I always arrived fresher and more relaxed. Both cars comfortable and quiet with enough performance, same or similar toys. Wouldn't have another Mundane-o for a long commute by choice. I'd happily do 500 miles non stop in my BMW.
Came from E46 which rides poorly unless on good roads. E9x better but the early ones didn't like runflat.
Mundane-o excellent car - I had one for my 6 hour (one way) commute. But the replacement BMW was far better for a completely indefinable reason - but I always arrived fresher and more relaxed. Both cars comfortable and quiet with enough performance, same or similar toys. Wouldn't have another Mundane-o for a long commute by choice. I'd happily do 500 miles non stop in my BMW.
I did a similar (200 miles) journey In a 2006 320d m sport. Mine was the non dpf version look for the tailpipe that's facing the ground these are non dpf.
The seats are good but make sure the lumbar support is working, you may think you don't need this but all those hours in the car and your back will suffer without lumbar support. The SE seats offer no support whatsoever the base is flat and you don't get the extending bit on the end to support the back of your legs and a side bolsters that can inflated.
The car was reliable and I drove it hard. Purchased around 140k remapped at 160k ish and then drove it to 220k and sold it. I replaced the clutch and flywheel and loads of suspension parts with a re alignment when I first got it then just regular oil changes, I found that run flats although woeful for ride quality really lasted ages on motorway driving. Anything else and it really goes through rear tyres quickly.
After years of doing lots of miles I'd now go for a Auto 320d with the softer leather heated m sport seats, comfort over all else if your doing big mileage.
The seats are good but make sure the lumbar support is working, you may think you don't need this but all those hours in the car and your back will suffer without lumbar support. The SE seats offer no support whatsoever the base is flat and you don't get the extending bit on the end to support the back of your legs and a side bolsters that can inflated.
The car was reliable and I drove it hard. Purchased around 140k remapped at 160k ish and then drove it to 220k and sold it. I replaced the clutch and flywheel and loads of suspension parts with a re alignment when I first got it then just regular oil changes, I found that run flats although woeful for ride quality really lasted ages on motorway driving. Anything else and it really goes through rear tyres quickly.
After years of doing lots of miles I'd now go for a Auto 320d with the softer leather heated m sport seats, comfort over all else if your doing big mileage.
If the badge doesn’t matter to you then how about a 1.9 tdi Skoda Octavia? They do massive mileage as mini cabs and while a bit rough when cold the 1.9 lump is both reliable and economical. A recent mini series on Car Throttle (YouTube) stripped one apart and it was still looking great after 400k just with regular servicing. Plenty around your budget less than 10 years old and around 100k on the clock.
Edited by colin79666 on Sunday 29th July 22:53
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