need some advice on Buying BMW 320D

rocknchef

Hello all, I am a long time viewer first time poster.

looking for some advice. I have 10k to spend on a 320D and looking for any advice at all.

Ever since my teens i have always wanted a BMW but now i have a 100+km commute i have to think of Diesel.

Thanks Guys

Stevie Dakota

Search the forums, there is of a lot of advice here on the 320D.

Try here as well -

http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_topics.asp?FID=5

CountingCrows

At that price bracket you'll be looking at 1999 - 2005 (E46) Here is the relevant Bimmer Forum

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=15

Eoin

There are two e46 320d engines, and 10K will get the newer 150bhp one. It's a lot smoother than the 136bhp one it replaced, but a lot of them suffered from turbo problems from 2002 to 2004 (I think).

rocknchef

thanks guys for the info.


what do you think of this 1 owner said turbo was replaced in Dec 08

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320d-M-T/200906191732850/advert

Eoin

rocknchef wrote: »

thanks guys for the info.


what do you think of this 1 owner said turbo was replaced in Dec 08

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320d-M-T/200906191732850/advert

If the owner has documentation to prove this, then that's one less thing to worry about. I don't know what the prices are like these days though, so don't know if that's good value or not.

If you're doing a lot of mileage, then the cruise control is a nice option to have, which I don't see listed on that advert. M-tech kit looks good, and nice alloys too. If you can, get the VIN from the seller and check it with BMW to get the service history.

znv6i3h7kqf9ys

You should get one for your budget alright. Make sure the Turbo has been done though. If it hasn't it will go and will cost you. Don't worry about the miles as these cars are good for over 300K. You are better off buying private because you can meet the owner of the car. Most dealers won't know the true history. Avoid cars that look too cheap as they are probably being sold because turbo is about to go. If you are checking one out listen for a whine when the engine gets above 2000rpm. Also check oil level and check for the smell of oil through the aircon when car is driving. Any sniff and turbo could be on the way out. Make sure the seller has the receipt for the turbo being done. Don't just take them at their word. If the turbo has been done also check if the cat was replaced as this will cost 600€ + and is a tricky job. If all this has been done you will be getting a cracking car for the money. If not..... buyer beware.

znv6i3h7kqf9ys

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320d-NEW/200908191916153/advert

rocknchef

have seen this one... but it is posted twice and each time a little different so was just a little cautious.

thanks for the advice

EPM

If you are buying without trading in you may get more for your money in the UK. Plus cars over there tend to be better cared for and better specced

znv6i3h7kqf9ys

Oh yeah 2 adds in for it. Looks nice and original though and the main details are the same in both adds (same milage, new turbo, new nct etc.) Looks like a good deal to me. Did you speak to the owner? I find you get a feel for the car after asking a few questions like "why are you selling it?" If they hesitate they probably are not telling the truth. They look great in silver with upgraded alloys. Those ones are originals but that's always a good sign when buying. Too many people buy lemons just because they have nice rims. I think you are better off buying an original car and put your own alloys on.

rocknchef

wouldnt happen to be your car would it?

found this previous post from your good self sounds very familiar

This also happened to me. I've a 2002 320d. GTD diesels in dundalk did the whole thing (inc service) for 1900€ over a year ago and car is running like new now. Was told I might need a new cat (€650 from BMW) but didn't bother. Car went through nct emissions test with out a hitch as oil burned out of cat after about 1000km. Labour intensive if cat needs doing as it is very difficult to get at on E46 models. (takes about 2 hours). The proper turbo is made by Bosch. Check out any Bosch resellers to save a few quid but bring it to a diesel specialist as most mechanics know more about petrol engines in my experience:)

CarList.ie

There are a few on carlist from private sellers:

znv6i3h7kqf9ys

Yeah the Turbo went on my 320d alright. Common fault. I traded it in for a Kia new proceed last week and lost a fortune. Happy enough with the 09 though.

znv6i3h7kqf9ys

This one also looks like a deal for 8k. I'd say you could get it for near 7. http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320-DSE/200909191939342/advert

von Neumann

Would a AA/RAC check be able to tell if the turbo or cat is about to go?
Or is it a case of here today gone tomorrow with little warning.
Could be money well spent?

znv6i3h7kqf9ys

von Neumann wrote: »

Would a AA/RAC check be able to tell if the turbo or cat is about to go?
Or is it a case of here today gone tomorrow with little warning.
Could be money well spent?

Yeah it would not be a bad idea but you can never be sure. The car could be perfect when checked and then go the next week. You never know with older cars. The car can drive with a bad turbo. This might be difficult to spot if you don't know much about cars. A trained mechanic should be able to spot these signs no problem though. I wouldn't be too worried though. I had a 320d recently and got the turbo done. If I was buying again I'd get a cheap one with a shot turbo and get the work done again. You could buy one like this really cheap (around 5 - 6k) and get the turbo done for 2k. At least then you know it will be ok. Saw one on carzone (with turbo making noise) for around 5k.

rocknchef

dont mind spending the cash if the turbo is done and they have recipts to prove it. sure will be bringing my mechanic to give what ever i buy the once over

thanks again for the advice

rocknchef

Alexandria Great Material wrote: »

Oh yeah 2 adds in for it. Looks nice and original though and the main details are the same in both adds (same milage, new turbo, new nct etc.) Looks like a good deal to me. Did you speak to the owner? I find you get a feel for the car after asking a few questions like "why are you selling it?" If they hesitate they probably are not telling the truth. They look great in silver with upgraded alloys. Those ones are originals but that's always a good sign when buying. Too many people buy lemons just because they have nice rims. I think you are better off buying an original car and put your own alloys on.

hey thanks guys for the advice and Les paul thank you it was the one you suggested the silver 1. rang the guy very genuine and then met him last night and brought car to my mechanic so will pick it up on friday:)

Eoin

Congrats and best of luck with it.

znv6i3h7kqf9ys

Nice one. 2 questions. Did your mechanic find anything wrong with it so you could bargain the guy down? Was the car as clean as advertised?

rocknchef

found nothing wrong car was spotless. got him down a little. car was only put through nct and he had full report. and mechanic said it was one of the better ones he has driven for that year.

JohnCleary

I love my 320d but beware of turbo issues. My turbo just got back from teh UK after a total overhaul. When that goes in it'll be as good as new.

I've changed the shocks, MAF and Pressure Converters aswell as cleaning out the EGR Valve - these are the things you need to consider as maintenance.

rocknchef

thanks for the tips. picking her up on friday