Car Advice Please!

OddballJamie

TradePro wrote: »

Aren't there major problems with the 320d in the age range the OP is going to be buying?

I would've recommended a look at a Lexus, but even they have issues with HGF now. Although at least Toyota/Lexus have increased the warranty to 7 years to cover them a bit longer.

Iceweasel

TradePro wrote: »

Aren't there major problems with the 320d in the age range the OP is going to be buying?

The pre-LCI e90 320d had the M47 engine right up to late 2007 (2008 model year) so no timing chain probs.

Timing chain breakage was only on the N47 engine, which featured recently on Watchdog etc. - that fault was not fully resolved until engines built after March 2011.

On the M47 all you need to do is check that the swirl flaps are either the later modified type or have been deleted/blanked.

oligopoly

I don't think high mileage is an issue either - in fact I think to an extent its preferable on a diesel estate that will be used for motorway driving. The regular servicing is important - I remember my dad trying to drill this info into me when I was younger.

I've read a few stories online about the turbo failing at around 70k, so this is another thing to check.

The dealer would know about the swirl flaps ?

mattyprice4004

I have a Rover 75 with the M47 BMW engine, it's a great lump. Hardly a penny spent on it in over 150,000 miles and still goes great. A credit to BMW!

No swirl flaps to worry about though.

Wh05apk

mattyprice4004 wrote: »

I have a Rover 75 with the M47 BMW engine, it's a great lump. Hardly a penny spent on it in over 150,000 miles and still goes great. A credit to BMW!

No swirl flaps to worry about though.

I had a Zt-t with the same engine, and thought the engine was the weak point of the whole car! not as reliable as my previous 600SLDI, nothing major just a couple of small niggly faults.

Iceweasel

oligopoly wrote: »

I don't think high mileage is an issue either - in fact I think to an extent its preferable on a diesel estate that will be used for motorway driving. The regular servicing is important - I remember my dad trying to drill this info into me when I was younger.

I've read a few stories online about the turbo failing at around 70k, so this is another thing to check.

The dealer would know about the swirl flaps ?

Yes - diesels thrive on high mileage and regular use.

A BMW dealer will be able to tell you which swirl flaps are fitted and it the car has been updated. - If you decide to remove them completely any indi BMW specialist can fit the swirl flap blanks.

TradePro

Iceweasel wrote: »

Yes - diesels thrive on high mileage and regular use.

This isn't entirely good information in my opinion.

It's true that modern diesels don't like being 'under used', i.e. DPF issues and the like, but let's not forget that there is more to a car than it's engine.

What about the extra speed bumps and pot holes a high mileage car may have hit - extra wear on suspension and more likely rattles from trim that has gradually become looser.

Personally I feel most high mileage cars feel tired.

p.s. please, no horsesh*t 'motorway miles' excuses

mattyprice4004

Wh05apk wrote: »

I had a Zt-t with the same engine, and thought the engine was the weak point of the whole car! not as reliable as my previous 600SLDI, nothing major just a couple of small niggly faults.

I came from a couple of 600 diesels and an MG ZS diesel (all of these using the same L Series diesel, the ZS just had more modern injection) and I have to agree, the L Series is certainly stronger.

The BMW engine is fantastic as it's a good compromise for a petrol - not rough running and a very smooth power curve. That's why I rate it so highly, coming from the excellent KV6 in my old ZT190 meant I couldn't put up with a 'tractor engine' in a 75.

The L Series will literally run forever, whereas the BMW engine needs the odd fuel pump, DMF or injector.

Iceweasel

TradePro wrote: »

This isn't entirely good information in my opinion.

It's true that modern diesels don't like being 'under used', i.e. DPF issues and the like, but let's not forget that there is more to a car than it's engine.

What about the extra speed bumps and pot holes a high mileage car may have hit - extra wear on suspension and more likely rattles from trim that has gradually become looser.

Personally I feel most high mileage cars feel tired.

p.s. please, no horsesh*t 'motorway miles' excuses

Hey, wait a minute - don't have a pop at me.

My post was referring to the diesel engine of a car only.

I feel sure that the OP and others would have understand that.

Of course you need to look at all the other factors/components involved.

And there was no excuse being offered for anything in my post.

TradePro

Iceweasel wrote: »

Hey, wait a minute - don't have a pop at me.

My post was referring to the diesel engine of a car only.

I feel sure that the OP and others would have understand that.

Of course you need to look at all the other factors/components involved.

And there was no excuse being offered for anything in my post.

It wasn't meant personally against you, sincere apologies if it sounded that way.

I was expecting someone (not necessarily yourself) to come along with the motorway miles thing, usually someone who has fallen for that particular line.