BMW with 130k

[Pete.g]

Hi i've been offered a X reg (2000) BMW 320D for 6k the only thing is it has 130k on it. I know bm's are meant to last for ever and this one looks to be very well kept but I can't help worrying that that milage there could be problems around the corner. It does have a full BMW servise history.

I will also be doing high'ish milage at around 25k a year.

What do you think, worth the risk?

Thanks,

Pete.

[balsingh]

Like any car, as long as its been looked after, serviced on time, it should be fine. The fact that its an X reg with that many miles, chances are its just been up and down motorways which has less wear and tear on the car anyway.

As long as you feel that the price is low enough to warrant the fact that the mileage is well above average, then go for it. Obviosuly, to ensure it stays in good nick, service it regularly.

Also, I'll add that my dad currently drives a S reg BMW 5 series with over 120k on it and you could never tell. I drive a Rover Diesel which i bought 18months ago with 58k ... now has 104k and its been perfect. My brother used to have a H reg BMW 316 with 120k ... was fine!!

[Pete.g]

Hi Balsingh and thanks for the reply i'll have a think on this one like I said it does look in really good nick and it has been used as a company car with full bmw history. I was chatting to a guy at work tonight who said he had a bmw with 250k on it and it was fine.

Cheers,

Pete.

[swiftnick]

Hi Pete, I work at an independent dealer and to be honest most of the Beemers and Mercs (apart from the occasional few) that come through the doors all have >100k mileage, so I wouldn't let that put you off too much, these cars are bought to be driven.

But like balsingh said make sure that the price is keen as it will all be reflected when you try to sell it on.

Nick

[elaine373]

I wouldnt be put off by that mileage. As said by some-one else, BMW`s are built to drive, as long as they are looked after.Also, at least you know its genuine mileage by the service history. sounds a nice car and i hope you have many happy motoring miles in it if you do decide to buy it, Regards, Elaine

[tomstickland]

Young cars with highish mileage are not a problem. I've got a 1990 BMW 318iS with 145K on the clocks and it feels better than most of the 18 month old pool cars at work (it does have a few new suspension components though).

Anyway, 130K is not a problem. Check for comparable cars on Autotrader to get an idea on the price.

[Pete.g]

Thanks for the input everyone I think i'll give it a week and if he's still got it offer 5K cash, if he says yes well thats great, if no, oh well there's always another car around the corner!

Pete.

[zacspeed]

Until recently, I had a 1995 3 series with 130k on the clock, it felt like it had done 30!
As has been said above - Beemers are built to be driven!

:)

[polarbearit]

Erm I know people who've had biggish bills for BMW diesels though (broken turbos amoungst other things)... If I was spending £5k-6k I'd probably buy something petrol (and hence lower miles) or none prestige to be honest. From Honest John, 320d - '150bhp models getting a reputation for repeated turbo failure, possibly due to extended oil service intervals. After replacing turbo, ECU needs to be reprogrammed. Also instances of injector failure.'

[tomstickland]

They're great cars though. Noone else makes cars with the same combination of practicality and RWD sports performance. The prestige part is a hindrance really, it encourages all sorts of badge snobs to buy the cars for the wrong reasons.
I believe that their reputation might have slightly gone the way of VW and Mercedes though.

[jjames]

130K on *any* modern car is nothing. Even a small 1.2-1.4 can manage this sort of mileage on motorways and still have plenty of life left.

These rep's cars like BMWs are built for 250K plus. Don't worry about it -- age will get the car eventually but you'll have grown bored of it by then.

[tomstickland]

Any engine can do +200K providing that the oil and filter are changed regularly. Most engine wear takes place during the warm up period, so a young car with high miles can be in better condition than an old car with low miles. Taxis regularly clock up 250K without any problems.

[ohreally]

After replacing turbo, ECU needs to be reprogrammed.

Why, it's a mechanical device. I've just had a look at Autodata and it quotes 2.35 hrs to remove and install a turbo and no mention of ecu reprograming.

[trigger_mike]

spotted this on ebay, looks like a fair price http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2001-BMW-320D-SE-BLUE_W0QQitemZ4597139663QQcategoryZ9837QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem

[tomstickland]

0 feedback seller though. I'd look on Autotrader and do a private sale.

[ricflairandy]

I drive a xantia with 188000 on the clock and its fine. Its an ex taxi.

[Murphy_The_Cat]

I believe that their reputation might have slightly gone the way of VW and Mercedes though.

The only reputaion I know of regarding BMW is that most people I know think that BMW drivers are *@%$3's

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[bazza1603]

Hi,

I have had a 166k Honda Legend and a 212k Proton Personna. Both cars drove excellant and were more reliable than other cars I have owned. Both had Full dealer service history. I wouldnot be frightened of the mileage, but I would be asking is there a local specialists that could help if things do go wrong. Last thing you want is expensive labour rates on your bill.

If you do buy it spend £25 - 60 on a MOT before you part with your cash. If theres anything nasty, hopefully it will be an MOT failure because of it.

Best regards

Barry

[Cumbrian Male]

I got a 1996 P reg Volvo 960SE estate with 202K on the clock but with full dealer service history. It drives faultlessly.