13' BMW 118d Or ???
Discussion
Hi all.
I've never struggled to pick a car before, but that time has come, so I'm humbly asking for any advice or insight from people with relevant experiences.
Long story short, I've always previously owned petrol hot hatches or convertibles, all ranging from 1999-2008 in age. Due to rising living costs, financial strain etc. I now need something with substantially better MPG and cheaper tax, with which to replace my lovely modified NC Mx-5
My budget is unfortunately small, maxing at about 5.5k. From what I've researched so far, the 'best' option initially seemed like a 2013 BMW 118 or 120d. With that being said; the more I research, the more I'm scared off by the vast array of info on dodgy timing chains (or rather dodgy sprockets, guides, anti skip rails etc.) causing premature failure and a 1k+ repair bill.
There's a very reasonably priced example near me, which I could feasibly buy and then immediately fork out for a new chain and accompanying bits (The car in question is on 88,000 miles, in theory on its original chain) while remaining in budget. If anyone owns/ has owned a post 2012 diesel BMW with the N47 or B47 engine, I'd welcome your thoughts on its reliability/ costs of any work needed. Also interested to hear thoughts on the turbo... have heard they can also have issues?
I also wonder though if there's a better option I'm missing, I've never owned a diesel or a German car, so my knowledge on them is limited. I'm open to other options but not willing to go full 'boring', want to try and keep the 0-60 below 9 seconds (not an issue if stock is slower but car can be safely mapped for more power with stock internals) and from prior knowledge + experience I'm keen to avoid Ford, Vauxhall and anything French
I might well be asking the impossible and just not know it, but if anyone has input either about the BMW's reliability or an alternative suggestion, I'm all ears.
Many Thanks
I've never struggled to pick a car before, but that time has come, so I'm humbly asking for any advice or insight from people with relevant experiences.
Long story short, I've always previously owned petrol hot hatches or convertibles, all ranging from 1999-2008 in age. Due to rising living costs, financial strain etc. I now need something with substantially better MPG and cheaper tax, with which to replace my lovely modified NC Mx-5
My budget is unfortunately small, maxing at about 5.5k. From what I've researched so far, the 'best' option initially seemed like a 2013 BMW 118 or 120d. With that being said; the more I research, the more I'm scared off by the vast array of info on dodgy timing chains (or rather dodgy sprockets, guides, anti skip rails etc.) causing premature failure and a 1k+ repair bill.
There's a very reasonably priced example near me, which I could feasibly buy and then immediately fork out for a new chain and accompanying bits (The car in question is on 88,000 miles, in theory on its original chain) while remaining in budget. If anyone owns/ has owned a post 2012 diesel BMW with the N47 or B47 engine, I'd welcome your thoughts on its reliability/ costs of any work needed. Also interested to hear thoughts on the turbo... have heard they can also have issues?
I also wonder though if there's a better option I'm missing, I've never owned a diesel or a German car, so my knowledge on them is limited. I'm open to other options but not willing to go full 'boring', want to try and keep the 0-60 below 9 seconds (not an issue if stock is slower but car can be safely mapped for more power with stock internals) and from prior knowledge + experience I'm keen to avoid Ford, Vauxhall and anything French
I might well be asking the impossible and just not know it, but if anyone has input either about the BMW's reliability or an alternative suggestion, I'm all ears.
Many Thanks
ZX10R NIN said:
What's your usage? As this will dictate what type of car people recommend.
I'd say mixed. I don't tend to take jobs any further away than a daily 50 mile round trip. However I'm about to change job so I may end up doing more driving in the near future. I'm single and not a social or family person; so number of seats, cabin/boot space etc. is mostly irrelevant. Looking for an all-rounder really.
Edit: Should have specified, I hate 'large' cars, looking for specifically a hatchback or coupe sized car. Not considering estates, SUV's or other larger vehicles.
Edited by AdamM1996 on Wednesday 18th December 18:27
Alfa Giulietta? e.g. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412087...
Or, at the upper end of the budget a Mazda 3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411216...
Or, at the upper end of the budget a Mazda 3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411216...
eth2190 said:
Alfa Giulietta? e.g.
Or, at the upper end of the budget a Mazda 3:
Mmmm, I have looked at those already truth be told.Or, at the upper end of the budget a Mazda 3:
I like them , however both have pretty shoddy reliability records for the diesel engines. The petrol versions tend to fare better in that regards, however they cost notably more to tax and fuel. I'm trying to keep annual tax under £100 and realistic average mpg around 45-50+ , which sadly writes off most petrol engines. I had seen the petrol mazda 3, however the shockingly low power output put me off.... how the hell did they manage that little power out of a modern 2 litre engine??
AdamM1996 said:
Mmmm, I have looked at those already truth be told.
I like them , however both have pretty shoddy reliability records for the diesel engines. The petrol versions tend to fare better in that regards, however they cost notably more to tax and fuel. I'm trying to keep annual tax under £100 and realistic average mpg around 45-50+ , which sadly writes off most petrol engines. I had seen the petrol mazda 3, however the shockingly low power output put me off.... how the hell did they manage that little power out of a modern 2 litre engine??
I believe the 120hp of the Mazda is a software limitation, and they can be re-flashed to get 165hp. It's mainly higher rpms where there is a difference. I like them , however both have pretty shoddy reliability records for the diesel engines. The petrol versions tend to fare better in that regards, however they cost notably more to tax and fuel. I'm trying to keep annual tax under £100 and realistic average mpg around 45-50+ , which sadly writes off most petrol engines. I had seen the petrol mazda 3, however the shockingly low power output put me off.... how the hell did they manage that little power out of a modern 2 litre engine??
You can see here how the power curve goes flat after 4k on the standard map: https://www.ecotuning.hu/wp-content/uploads/2019/1...
I'd imagine that's enough for a mid 7s 0-60. They are pretty light cars.
AdamM1996 said:
I'd say mixed.
I don't tend to take jobs any further away than a daily 50 mile round trip. However I'm about to change job so I may end up doing more driving in the near future. I'm single and not a social or family person; so number of seats, cabin/boot space etc. is mostly irrelevant. Looking for an all-rounder really.
Edit: Should have specified, I hate 'large' cars, looking for specifically a hatchback. Not considering estates, SUV's or other larger vehicles.
2.0d Astra GTC SRI:I don't tend to take jobs any further away than a daily 50 mile round trip. However I'm about to change job so I may end up doing more driving in the near future. I'm single and not a social or family person; so number of seats, cabin/boot space etc. is mostly irrelevant. Looking for an all-rounder really.
Edit: Should have specified, I hate 'large' cars, looking for specifically a hatchback. Not considering estates, SUV's or other larger vehicles.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412067...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412177...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412167...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410155...
1.6T SRI these get the passive setup used on the VXR:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412087...
2.0d Alfa Giulietta Sportiva:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411296...
Exclusive:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411226...
1.4T Veloce:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412107...
2.0d Focus Titanium X, good steer & a nice place to be:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411076...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412036...
2.0d V40 D4 R Design:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411296...
SE Lux:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412107...
I have had a 2012 118d auto and it was fine , replaced it with a 2018 118i auto which I preferred.
A gamble but if you have a good BMW specialist who will look after it for you then it could be ideal , get the oil changed ever year . The only issues I had were electrical issues which were a pain , personally I would save a bit more and get something newer and enjoy the mx5 for a while longer .
A gamble but if you have a good BMW specialist who will look after it for you then it could be ideal , get the oil changed ever year . The only issues I had were electrical issues which were a pain , personally I would save a bit more and get something newer and enjoy the mx5 for a while longer .
AdamM1996 said:
Thanks for the replies. Have seen a few points of inspiration.
I forgot to clarify, manual gearbox only. Also to reiterate, I'm not touching Ford's or Vauxhalls with a barge pole lol
They'll be more reliable (& a better steer) & wallet friendly than the 118d you're considering,I forgot to clarify, manual gearbox only. Also to reiterate, I'm not touching Ford's or Vauxhalls with a barge pole lol
I bought a pre-registered 57 plate 123d in 2008 with the N47 engine. At the time nobody knew about the cam-chain issues as the N47 only appeared in March 2007 with the facelift models.
As time went by cam-chain issues started to appear, BMW did a "Quality Enhancement" programme to replace them for a while but mine was still running fine. By 2014 I had no need of a diesel so I sold it on 81K miles and bought a Z4 Coupe!
The 123d was a great car with decent performance and economy, but I always had the cam-chain in the back of my mind. So I've only had straight 6 petrol BMWs ever since, but they wouldn't meet your economy requirement.
Although my E90 330i is showing a 34.0mpg average on the OBC which seems pretty impressive to me, and unlike the 123d it is ULEZ compliant which is handy as my sister lives in a London Borough.
As time went by cam-chain issues started to appear, BMW did a "Quality Enhancement" programme to replace them for a while but mine was still running fine. By 2014 I had no need of a diesel so I sold it on 81K miles and bought a Z4 Coupe!
The 123d was a great car with decent performance and economy, but I always had the cam-chain in the back of my mind. So I've only had straight 6 petrol BMWs ever since, but they wouldn't meet your economy requirement.
Although my E90 330i is showing a 34.0mpg average on the OBC which seems pretty impressive to me, and unlike the 123d it is ULEZ compliant which is handy as my sister lives in a London Borough.
I was doing a lot of miles during a period in late 2016 and early 2017, so I bought (at auction) a then 4 year old 118d M Sport to keep the miles off my E Class.
Whilst not overly fast, it handled well was reasonably refined and provided an enjoyable ownership experience. I would recommend one.
Whilst not overly fast, it handled well was reasonably refined and provided an enjoyable ownership experience. I would recommend one.
Edited by Rob 131 Sport on Thursday 19th December 08:32
I would recommend a 118d. They look good, drive well, 53mpg, £30/yr road tax, fairly roomy and refined.
I have a 2009 118d sport manual, bought just over 12 years ago at 6k and now sitting at 114k.
At the very least it gets a yearly oil change.
The only fault has been a corroding rear driveshaft which damaged the ABS sensors. This occurred at around 80k miles. Cost around £700 to fix using an Indie.
I have replaced the RFTs for Michelin PS4. Was hoping they would soften the ride but made negligible difference.
I have a 2009 118d sport manual, bought just over 12 years ago at 6k and now sitting at 114k.
At the very least it gets a yearly oil change.
The only fault has been a corroding rear driveshaft which damaged the ABS sensors. This occurred at around 80k miles. Cost around £700 to fix using an Indie.
I have replaced the RFTs for Michelin PS4. Was hoping they would soften the ride but made negligible difference.
Daughter's boyfriend has had a 118d for 4 years with very mixed journeys and the only thing that has broken is a front spring last week.
We have an X1 with the same engine and it's been 100% reliable in the 3 years and 30k miles we've owned it.
Both have been serviced yearly.
However, I am a Volvo fan so the V40 would be neck and neck with the 118d.
Drive both. I suspect the BMW will drive and handle better but the V40 will feel nicer to sit in and maybe slightly quicker.
We have an X1 with the same engine and it's been 100% reliable in the 3 years and 30k miles we've owned it.
Both have been serviced yearly.
However, I am a Volvo fan so the V40 would be neck and neck with the 118d.
Drive both. I suspect the BMW will drive and handle better but the V40 will feel nicer to sit in and maybe slightly quicker.
GreatGranny said:
Daughter's boyfriend has had a 118d for 4 years with very mixed journeys and the only thing that has broken is a front spring last week.
We have an X1 with the same engine and it's been 100% reliable in the 3 years and 30k miles we've owned it.
Both have been serviced yearly.
However, I am a Volvo fan so the V40 would be neck and neck with the 118d.
Drive both. I suspect the BMW will drive and handle better but the V40 will feel nicer to sit in and maybe slightly quicker.
As a serial BMW owner I would never consider a Volvo. We have an X1 with the same engine and it's been 100% reliable in the 3 years and 30k miles we've owned it.
Both have been serviced yearly.
However, I am a Volvo fan so the V40 would be neck and neck with the 118d.
Drive both. I suspect the BMW will drive and handle better but the V40 will feel nicer to sit in and maybe slightly quicker.
Rob 131 Sport said:
As a serial BMW owner I would never consider a Volvo.
Having been one of those for the last 2 decades I'm not sure I would either but i'd look and drive just to be sure. The one plus is that they feel much brighter inside and having had grey roofs and black seats for many years it's quite refreshing.I swapped my daily 2.0TSI Scirocco for a 2015 Mini Cooper 1.5T. I was attracted to the £20 a year tax and get a real world 45mpg for my commute. On a run I've seen mid 50's. Overall the tax and insurance on the mini for me was cheaper than a years tax for the Scirocco.
Surprisingly, even though I do feel and know that the mini is slower, I've not really missed the extra oomph of the Scirocco. It could possibly be because I've also got my toy which I grab the keys of when I feel like it.
Surprisingly, even though I do feel and know that the mini is slower, I've not really missed the extra oomph of the Scirocco. It could possibly be because I've also got my toy which I grab the keys of when I feel like it.
marrow said:
I would recommend a 118d. They look good, drive well, 53mpg, £30/yr road tax, fairly roomy and refined.
I have a 2009 118d sport manual, bought just over 12 years ago at 6k and now sitting at 114k.
At the very least it gets a yearly oil change.
The only fault has been a corroding rear driveshaft which damaged the ABS sensors. This occurred at around 80k miles. Cost around £700 to fix using an Indie.
I have replaced the RFTs for Michelin PS4. Was hoping they would soften the ride but made negligible difference.
Thanks for the thoughts. While there are some semi viable alternatives being mentioned, I think I'm going to take the plunge and get the BMW ; though for peace of mind I'll immediately use the spare from my budget to get the timing chain changed , whole car 'health checked' , oil done etc. just to help my odds.I have a 2009 118d sport manual, bought just over 12 years ago at 6k and now sitting at 114k.
At the very least it gets a yearly oil change.
The only fault has been a corroding rear driveshaft which damaged the ABS sensors. This occurred at around 80k miles. Cost around £700 to fix using an Indie.
I have replaced the RFTs for Michelin PS4. Was hoping they would soften the ride but made negligible difference.
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