Advice needed: recommend buying BMW 320D Business edition??

[Saif.bokhari]

Hi guys,

One of my favourite cars is the BMW 320D LCI M Sport Business edition and I’ve wanted it for quite a few years now.

Although insurance is a little high for me, I want to buy the car but family are recommending me away from it as it’s now an old car, things tend to go wrong, etc...
From what I’m aware, these cars are very good reliable cars and thought this forum would be a good place for reliable advice.

Although being around a 10 year old car now, is it a good car to buy, and what kind of problems issues are to look out for?

If I do go ahead and buy it, I ideally want an 2009-2011 auto 320d in the m sport edition spec. What would you recommend.

Thanks

Edited by Saif.bokhari on Monday 28th December 21:47

[Jag_NE]

Pound for pound they are great cars. Yes you could buy a Yaris and delight your parents but you probably aren’t going to do that are you

[SlowV6]

320D's of that age have the N47 engine, which you should research and decide whether to accept the risk of timing chain failure.

I would recommend a 330d if you can afford it. The LCI 330d is the N57 engine, which has less reported timing chain issues than the N47 but is still apparently less robust than the M57 330d (pre LCI). I have an M57 330d e91 that is a 58 reg, which is as late as you can get.

6 cylinder beemers are much nicer to be honest, if budget and insurance costs allow.

[Mr Tidy]

Exactly what's just been said!

My 123d had the N47 engine but after 6+ years and 80K miles I opted out of cam-chain roulette and sold it.

Now I'm doing less miles I've got a 2005 330i.

[Saif.bokhari]

I’m looking at two cars: this 320D or an 2014+ A3 S line. The A3 is near enough double the price and is the one I keep getting advised to go for.

Would love to go for the 330 but don’t think the insurance will allow me without charging extortionate prices

Looks like the n47 isn’t worth it ;(