Which BMW 3 series touring used car to buy?

animha

Hi there
Just wondering what your thoughts would be on buying a BMW 3 series 320D SE vs a 320D M Sport? Both are diesel, but a little worried that the fuel efficiency of the M Sport mightn't be very good and can't seem to find any reviews online. Both are used cars with about 110,000 miles on the clock, though the M Sport one we're looking at is 18 months newer than the SE, so might pip for that one if the fuel efficiency isn't alot worse than the SE version.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!
Also, just wondering if anybody knows how much a set of new tyres for one of these would cost? Probably need to factor this in to the price.

Thanks!

Captain Slow IRL

I don't think the fuel efficiency will be affected - the SE and M-Tech refer to the trim levels and bodykit, not to engine performance.

Depending on the size, a rough price for run-flats is €250 each - but they'd be BMW approved. (little star stamped on them) If you check eiretyres.net, you'll probably find cheaper ones.

Alanstrainor

M sport all the way, it won't affect the fuel efficiency at all. The msport is only to do with the nice sport trim on the outside and some minor tuning like lowering the car etc.

Eoin

A lot of people get rid of the run-flats as the ride is too harsh. That plus m-tech suspension could be like getting kicked in the hole over and over again.

mick.fr

Run-flats are for blondes and elderly people...

A M body kit might provide a better Cx (aerodynamics ) than a SE, therefore better fuel economy.
But we are probably talking bananas over a year...

It simply sets the car very nicely.

My 2 cents

Eoin

I would say that run flats are least suitable for elderly people because of the harsh ride.

mick.fr

eoin wrote: »

I would say that run flats are least suitable for elderly people because of the harsh ride.

Yeah probably bumping big time in the Micra @ 30Kmh on the M50

Kidding, I got your point anyway.

animha

Hi guys
That's great, thanks for the insight...just coming across some threads on turbo issues with the 320d series.

One of these cars is March 02, the other is December 03. We could really do without having to pay thousands to replace the turbo...anybody know if this issue would have been resolved if a car has already hit 110000 miles?

Thanks

Eoin

Ah, you're talking about the previous model? I don't think they came with run flats, so you're grand there. I got 40mpg from my saloon, and that seems to be at the lower end of what people report.

If this is a family car, remember that the 3 series isn't really that big.

anybody know if this issue would have been resolved if a car has already hit 110000 miles?

No real guarantee I don't think, although that's about when the problems did seem to occur.

Turbo problems were on the 150bhp model from around 02 to 04. The earlier 136bhp model wasn't as prone to them, but the engine isn't as smooth. Don't touch one without full service history.

animha

Getting very confused now...
one of them is the
(E46) D SE TOURING 150BHP 05DR (Mar 02), the other is the
(E46) D ES TOURING 150BHP 05DR (Dec 03)

Are both of these within a good chance of their turbos going kaput?

dangerus06

hi i got a 320 d 134000 miles on it if you buy one there very easy on diesel the only thing to look out for that i know is the handbrake there a fault on some just dont work. and if you take it for a test drive make sure there no noise from boot like banging the tyres i got were 100 each

DanGerMus

eoin wrote: »

I would say that run flats are least suitable for elderly people because of the harsh ride.

Where as all the blondes i know love a harsh ride.

Eoin

animha wrote: »

Getting very confused now...
one of them is the
(E46) D SE TOURING 150BHP 05DR (Mar 02), the other is the
(E46) D ES TOURING 150BHP 05DR (Dec 03)

Are both of these within a good chance of their turbos going kaput?

Yes, they would probably be considered most prone to turbo failure. I don't know if there are many tests you could carry out to see what condition it's in. Where are you based? If you have some certain cars in mind, we may be able to recommend a good mechanic in the area.

DanGerMus wrote:

Where as all the blondes i know love a harsh ride.

Well played sir

Captain Slow IRL

animha wrote: »

Getting very confused now...
one of them is the
(E46) D SE TOURING 150BHP 05DR (Mar 02), the other is the
(E46) D ES TOURING 150BHP 05DR (Dec 03)

Are both of these within a good chance of their turbos going kaput?

It's impossible to be able to tell the lifespan of a turbo; unless there's an audible whine or excessive smoke you would have to visually inspect the turbo - and even then, you might not be able to pick up any faults!

Look for a full service history, with the oil seperator having been changed with every air filter change. Oil services should be done within manufacturers recomendations and good fully synthetic oil has to be used.

Turbo's can be expensive, but if you shop around, you'll be surprised at what it will cost. But, just because it happens to other cars doesn't necessarily mean it will happen to yours, don't worry too much about it!

HydroDF

eoin wrote: »

A lot of people get rid of the run-flats as the ride is too harsh. That plus m-tech suspension could be like getting kicked in the hole over and over again.

I have 18's on a 3 series, got rid of run flats after first set worn, car is much better now.

M Sport better option looks tons better, no differnece on fuel economy.

Robbo

I've had a 330d touring for 15 months now. One thing to watch out for in the E46 touring is the electrics in the tailgate. Moisture can play havok with them (careless use of a power washer say) and it can be a pain in the tits to put them right.

Check that the rear wiper and washer work alright and also that the glass tailgate opens and locks correctly. If it doesn't it can cause the alarm to go off when you least want it.

animha

Hi guys
Thanks for all the tips. The 320D M Sport is a private sale in Summerhill, Co Meath. The car was actually advertised through Summerhill Auto Sales, but it's a private sale of the owners brother-in-law so therefore they won't give us a warranty with it. They will give it a full service for us today. Have checked cartell and it all seems ok. Should we get a mechanic to look at it?

The other sale is from Lambe & O'Connor who will give us a 3 month warranty, so less worried about that one.

Your advice is really, really helpful, thanks so much!

EPM

Get a mechanic to check out the car before you buy for sure, especially if no warranty. Try wrangle something from them though if you can.

AFAIK, the turbo issues only affected cars built up to Sept 2003 so try find out the build date of the M-Sport if you can. It might be one of the newer design turbo's.

Eoin

animha wrote: »

The 320D M Sport is a private sale in Summerhill, Co Meath. The car was actually advertised through Summerhill Auto Sales, but it's a private sale of the owners brother-in-law so therefore they won't give us a warranty with it.

Maybe I'm paranoid, but when I see a garage selling a car under these circumstances, I wonder if they're trying to offload a lemon.

animha wrote: »

They will give it a full service for us today. Have checked cartell and it all seems ok. Should we get a mechanic to look at it?!

Cartell won't tell you a lot of things. It is just one check you carry out. Definitely get a mechanic to check it out, if you're not getting a warranty.

EPM

eoin wrote: »

Maybe I'm paranoid, but when I see a garage selling a car under these circumstances, I wonder if they're trying to offload a lemon.

Didnt wanna say anything just in case but if a Mod says so +1 on that. The brother in law story seems a bit convenient...

animha

They're giving us a warranty now, so I think we're going to go for it. Have a good feeling and it will be serviced. We're now doing it through the garage so it should be all good. Thanks for all your help, fingers crossed!

Eoin

Cool, best of luck with it.

Edit - make absolutely sure there is a service history. Get the VIN and ring BMW Ireland and see if they have any history for it.