230i buying advice
Discussion
Hi all,
Looking at buying a 2018 230i with 66k on the clock. Does this seem reasonable ask for it's spec.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502179...
Coming from being an older Forester and VW T5 owner buying a BMW comes with new challenges for me, both technical and BMW ecosystem.
Being a 41yr I've decided to steer away from all the hot hatches options however much they pull at me , incl the 1 series that feels more a younger gens car. Also steering away from 4 / 5 series due to still wanting a smaller, more agile car. Toss up between this and m235i, cost, weight, agility, maintenance and availability pushing me towards the 230i.
All that said some questions if people could lend their advice.
- Are there any particular issues known with the B48 engine that I should question, ask if particular parts have already been replaced at this age and mileage? What's likely to need replacing in near future at this mileage?
- general servicing, it says a fsh shown on the system. But zero info of what the services actually are and what's been done, how does one find out what parts have been replaced these days with no paperwork? If fsh with oil changes then safe to assume the engines not wrecked from lack of oil changes etc?
-Pre emptive works:
On that line what works would people suggest for a car this age? I get mixed up on engine versions but have read everything from replacing the charge pipe, to water pump issue, timing chain, various gaskets?
-Upgrades
Any particular upgrades recommend from remap, intercooler, pipes, suspension etc? I don't want it lower than already issue to living on side of Dartmoor and bumpy b roads!
Thanks.
Looking at buying a 2018 230i with 66k on the clock. Does this seem reasonable ask for it's spec.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502179...
Coming from being an older Forester and VW T5 owner buying a BMW comes with new challenges for me, both technical and BMW ecosystem.
Being a 41yr I've decided to steer away from all the hot hatches options however much they pull at me , incl the 1 series that feels more a younger gens car. Also steering away from 4 / 5 series due to still wanting a smaller, more agile car. Toss up between this and m235i, cost, weight, agility, maintenance and availability pushing me towards the 230i.
All that said some questions if people could lend their advice.
- Are there any particular issues known with the B48 engine that I should question, ask if particular parts have already been replaced at this age and mileage? What's likely to need replacing in near future at this mileage?
- general servicing, it says a fsh shown on the system. But zero info of what the services actually are and what's been done, how does one find out what parts have been replaced these days with no paperwork? If fsh with oil changes then safe to assume the engines not wrecked from lack of oil changes etc?
-Pre emptive works:
On that line what works would people suggest for a car this age? I get mixed up on engine versions but have read everything from replacing the charge pipe, to water pump issue, timing chain, various gaskets?
-Upgrades
Any particular upgrades recommend from remap, intercooler, pipes, suspension etc? I don't want it lower than already issue to living on side of Dartmoor and bumpy b roads!
Thanks.
The service history should be logged in the car, and available when stationary through the settings -> Vehicle info on iDrive.
Service history may be Condition based and so can be 15-18k miles before a recommended oil change. That is often BMW's recommendation but naturally an example that's had annual/10k changes would be more desirable.
Would you regret not going for the 6 pot?
Service history may be Condition based and so can be 15-18k miles before a recommended oil change. That is often BMW's recommendation but naturally an example that's had annual/10k changes would be more desirable.
Would you regret not going for the 6 pot?
Yeah, I'm planning to test both 230i and m235i but not sure need extra brutality of the 6 plus possibly heavier, also coming from a forester so pretty sure I'll be impressed by the power of either!... But may well be persuaded when testing the 235i...
Edited by noodle rising on Friday 21st February 14:28
Main weak point on the B48 “30i” derivative is the so-called oil filter housing. It does house the oil filter, but on the 30i it’s also an oil:water heat exchanger - coolant one side, oil the other.
BMW, being a bunch of cheapskates, made this heat exchanger out of plastic. They crack. Regularly.
The only saving grace is that when they fail it’s usually the exterior casing that cracks, resulting in loss of coolant but not coolant getting into oil.
My last 330i had two filter housings in 3 years and just over 40k miles. It had numerous other problems, but this is the only one that’s a well known problem.
BMW, being a bunch of cheapskates, made this heat exchanger out of plastic. They crack. Regularly.
The only saving grace is that when they fail it’s usually the exterior casing that cracks, resulting in loss of coolant but not coolant getting into oil.
My last 330i had two filter housings in 3 years and just over 40k miles. It had numerous other problems, but this is the only one that’s a well known problem.
thanks all.
Im just looking at 2 cars and cant decide if lower milage worth it, old question about type of milage driven vs servicing due.
Theres a 2019 with 62k miles vs a 2017 with 30k miles. Slight different options and 2017 is 3.5k more expensive. Id be leaning toward the less milage but wonder if a newer car would be better and 60k miles no biggy vs 30k?
Any thoughts appreciated.
Edit aghh got that the wrong way round...the low milage 2017 is the 3.5k more expensive
Im just looking at 2 cars and cant decide if lower milage worth it, old question about type of milage driven vs servicing due.
Theres a 2019 with 62k miles vs a 2017 with 30k miles. Slight different options and 2017 is 3.5k more expensive. Id be leaning toward the less milage but wonder if a newer car would be better and 60k miles no biggy vs 30k?
Any thoughts appreciated.
Edit aghh got that the wrong way round...the low milage 2017 is the 3.5k more expensive
Edited by noodle rising on Sunday 2nd March 21:04
Swings and roundabouts. As you say, depends how each has been used and maintained.
Beyond that, I think both will be the same to tax, but the 2019 may have an updated iDrive (I don’t know, I’m just speculating). I’m fairly sure the 2017 won’t have CarPlay/Android Auto but it’s possible the 2019 will. If it bothers you it’s worth checking. If it is the case the 2019 may well have other creature comforts and eventual resale benefits as well.
Personally I would (and did!) buy the M235i! I also come from a T5…
Beyond that, I think both will be the same to tax, but the 2019 may have an updated iDrive (I don’t know, I’m just speculating). I’m fairly sure the 2017 won’t have CarPlay/Android Auto but it’s possible the 2019 will. If it bothers you it’s worth checking. If it is the case the 2019 may well have other creature comforts and eventual resale benefits as well.
Personally I would (and did!) buy the M235i! I also come from a T5…
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