BMW 3 Series M-Sport Opinions

drspock

Hey guys,

personally not a huge fan on the m-sport. Looking for some advice on a 318d. Any opinions on this one brought in from the UK? Value, quality, milage.......

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318d-Edi/201128203375680/advert?channel=CARS

EPM

Post moved to a new thread as the previous thread was 2 years old.

listermint

drspock wrote: »

Hey guys,

personally not a huge fan on the m-sport. Looking for some advice on a 318d. Any opinions on this one brought in from the UK? Value, quality, milage.......

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318d-Edi/201128203375680/advert?channel=CARS

Get an SE if you dont like the M, ES is a waste of time, specifically at resale time.

Maxed-irl

expensive insurance

neilthefunkeone

That example is so poverty spec... Its even bad for irish markets.. Will affect resale value..

Theboinkmaster

it's all down to personal taste - i wouldn't buy a 3 series without m sport, as i think it looks very plain otherwise.

also there's no way id buy a 318, id get at the very least a 320.

id remove the run-flat tyres too (standard on m sport in ireland).

R.O.R

The one linked is an ES Edition spec, which is fairly good. Missing rear park sensors, cruise and stuff like auto dimming rear view mirror from the SE, but nothing major.

Still has full leather, M-Sport Steering Wheel and Gearknob, but those wheels are mank.

318d has enough power to satisfy the majority of people. 320d is better, but the 318d is by no means slow.

Seems a touch on the expensive side to me.

drspock

Thanks for the advice fellas. Wouldn't be as knowledgeable as you lads, just shopping around. After driving a few audis, 320d, and 318 msport I liked this car a lot, it had the leather etc but without the arse racking ride of the other m-sports! There's a bit of haggling on price, as Id not pay that for it! Only concerns are: tis over from uk! Are milages always reliable in these dealers? Also does anyone know about economy and reliability in this model? Thanks for the help, just trying to get a feel for things wit beamers

R.O.R wrote: »

The one linked is an ES Edition spec, which is fairly good. Missing rear park sensors, cruise and stuff like auto dimming rear view mirror from the SE, but nothing major.

Still has full leather, M-Sport Steering Wheel and Gearknob, but those wheels are mank.

318d has enough power to satisfy the majority of people. 320d is better, but the 318d is by no means slow.

Seems a touch on the expensive side to me.

drspock

Thanks for the advice fellas. Wouldn't be as knowledgeable as you lads, just shopping around. After driving a few audis, 320d, and 318 msport I liked this car a lot, it had the leather etc but without the arse racking ride of the other m-sports! There's a bit of haggling on price, as Id not pay that for it! Only concerns are: tis over from uk! Are milages always reliable in these dealers? Also does anyone know about economy and reliability in this model? Thanks for the help, just trying to get a feel for things wit beamers

R.O.R wrote: »

The one linked is an ES Edition spec, which is fairly good. Missing rear park sensors, cruise and stuff like auto dimming rear view mirror from the SE, but nothing major.

Still has full leather, M-Sport Steering Wheel and Gearknob, but those wheels are mank.

318d has enough power to satisfy the majority of people. 320d is better, but the 318d is by no means slow.

Seems a touch on the expensive side to me.

R.O.R

drspock wrote: »

Thanks for the advice fellas. Wouldn't be as knowledgeable as you lads, just shopping around. After driving a few audis, 320d, and 318 msport I liked this car a lot, it had the leather etc but without the arse racking ride of the other m-sports! There's a bit of haggling on price, as Id not pay that for it! Only concerns are: tis over from uk! Are milages always reliable in these dealers? Also does anyone know about economy and reliability in this model? Thanks for the help, just trying to get a feel for things wit beamers

Being a main BMW dealer, I wouldn't expect them to do anything dodgy with mileages. I'd hope there would be a service history with the car to verify the mileage.

We have a few on fleet and they are all trouble free except one. One's had a clutch and flywheel at 70,000km, and crank shaft pulleys at 79,000km. Shows there's always one, but in general the 318d's don't give problems.

Economy really depends on what type of driving you are doing, but on my mainly motoway journey I got 4.5l/100km when I had one for the weekend a couple of weeks ago.

drspock

Hi ROR,

have heard about crank shaft pulleys in a few beamers alright! Any idea of repair costs for clutch, flywheel etc? I heard normal servicing can hit the pocket with them as well? This car stuck a chord with me despite a few minor things, so very interested. But pricey!!

Also considering this 320d from Joe Duffy

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320d-SE-/201122202711213/advert?channel=CARS

Call me mad but I love the 318d despite absent extras. I would understand if most went for the 320d. Anyone have any better suggestions?

Thats reassuring about the milage and I would imagine they would have a lot to lose with any clocking bull****! But from some posters on here it seems like you never know, especially coming from UK?

R.O.R wrote: »

drspock wrote: »

Thanks for the advice fellas. Wouldn't be as knowledgeable as you lads, just shopping around. After driving a few audis, 320d, and 318 msport I liked this car a lot, it had the leather etc but without the arse racking ride of the other m-sports! There's a bit of haggling on price, as Id not pay that for it! Only concerns are: tis over from uk! Are milages always reliable in these dealers? Also does anyone know about economy and reliability in this model? Thanks for the help, just trying to get a feel for things wit beamers

Being a main BMW dealer, I wouldn't expect them to do anything dodgy with mileages. I'd hope there would be a service history with the car to verify the mileage.

We have a few on fleet and they are all trouble free except one. One's had a clutch and flywheel at 70,000km, and crank shaft pulleys at 79,000km. Shows there's always one, but in general the 318d's don't give problems.

Economy really depends on what type of driving you are doing, but on my mainly motoway journey I got 4.5l/100km when I had one for the weekend a couple of weeks ago.

R.O.R

drspock wrote: »

Hi ROR,

have heard about crank shaft pulleys in a few beamers alright! Any idea of repair costs for clutch, flywheel etc? I heard normal servicing can hit the pocket with them as well? This car stuck a chord with me despite a few minor things, so very interested. But pricey!!

[sucks air over teeth]
Clutch and flywheel cost us almost €1,400 ex. VAT from our friendly indy.
Crank shaft pulleys were around €550 ex. VAT from the same guy
[/sucks air over teeth]

drspock wrote: »

Also considering this 320d from Joe Duffy

www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320d-SE-/201122202711213/advert?channel=CARS

Call me mad but I love the 318d despite absent extras. I would understand if most went for the 320d. Anyone have any better suggestions?

Thats reassuring about the milage and I would imagine they would have a lot to lose with any clocking bull****! But from some posters on here it seems like you never know, especially coming from UK?

The wheels on the 320d aren't the best either, and the M-Sport steering wheel is so much nicer than the standard SE one. Certainly wouldn't pay more for that particular 320d.

Service history is stored on the keys on the newer BMW's so it's easy to check that the mileage in the key corresponds to the mileage on the car. The service department should have a key reader at the desk - they can just pop it in to the reader.

dreamer2009

I bought a 3 Series SE 320d, 2008, three weeks ago in the Uk. Has all the extras dimming rear-view mirror, parking sensors, cruise control, leather seats etc. Now the millage was a lot higher than the one your looking at being around 49,000miles. I paid €14,100. Just to give you a guide on price.

bazz26

That one in the original post is not a M Sport it is the base ES model with optional upgraded 17" alloy wheels, optional artificial leather seats and optional multi functional steering wheel. That asking price is laughable but to be expected from a main dealer especially if they are throughing in a 2 year BMW approved warranty also. M Sport has lower sports suspension, deeper front and rear bumpers with a diffuser, alcantara interior with black headlining and unique alloy wheels.

I bought a 08 318d "Edition" M Sport with 38k miles, full BMW service history and 10 months remaining BMW warranty last November and paid slightly more than what that garage are asking for their ES model now. Mine is a UK car originally and the "Edition" model adds Dakota leather seats, I-drive MMI with usb/i-pod/bluetooth connectivety, Sat Nav, 18" alloy wheels and extended lights pack.

Regarding servicing, I had an oil, micro filter change along with rear brake pads changed for €340 from a BMW indy. I certainly don't consider that expensive, that is less than I paid for my Volvo S40 service before that.

M Sports are worth a bit more than ES or SE models as they are more desireable, if you do choose to buy a M Sport make sure you are happy with the ride. The firm sports suspension in combination with the run flat tyres make the car's ride very hard. I'm happy with it but alot of people complain as even driving over a cat's eye in the middle of the road is quite noticeable in these cars especially with the larger alloy wheels. As soon as my tyres are due a change I am sticking normal tyres on as these improve the ride alot. Run flat tyres are also crazy expensive.

Things to watch, the diesels need regular oil and oil filter changes so any car you are looking at needs to have a full verified service history. They can also go through brake discs too so keep an eye on the condition of them. Power wise the 318d from late 2007 has 143bhp which is grand, will not win any races but is nippy enough once you get to the higher gears. I had mine remapped recently to 180bhp which solved that problem.

The E90 3 Series (2005 onwards) is not the best built car in the world and some of the materials on the interior are cheap looking and do not wear well. For example the the plastic around the bottons on the steering wheel has a small fracture and starting to peel. The interior plastic grab handle on the driver's door also doesn't stand the test of time well. I also have a few rattles from the dashboard especially an interesting one in the centre console that only rattles when the car is in 5th gear.

Over all though 7 months on and I'm happy with my purchase, it really is a nice car to drive and the only issue I had was a blocked windscreen washer resevoir which was sorted by the main dealer under warranty.

ofcork

They are good value now though,the new prices a few years ago were ott,sister paid the best part of 60k for a 320d msport in 07.

Anan1

ofcork wrote: »

They are good value now though,the new prices a few years ago were ott,sister paid the best part of 60k for a 320d msport in 07.

+1. One problem with buying a used 3 series now is that decently-specced cars were so expensive when new that most of the ones on the market now are pretty basic.

drspock

Hey there bazz

Thank for all that info, really helps! Just wondering since you think the 21900 is a laughable price for the 318d in Cork, at what price would you keep a straight face? You talking 20000 or less? How much did you stretch for the full m-sport?

bazz26 wrote: »

That one in the original post is not a M Sport it is the base ES model with optional upgraded 17" alloy wheels, optional artificial leather seats and optional multi functional steering wheel. That asking price is laughable but to be expected from a main dealer especially if they are throughing in a 2 year BMW approved warranty also. M Sport has lower sports suspension, deeper front and rear bumpers with a diffuser, alcantara interior with black headlining and unique alloy wheels.

I bought a 08 318d "Edition" M Sport with 38k miles, full BMW service history and 10 months remaining BMW warranty last November and paid slightly more than what that garage are asking for their ES model now. Mine is a UK car originally and the "Edition" model adds Dakota leather seats, I-drive MMI with usb/i-pod/bluetooth connectivety, Sat Nav, 18" alloy wheels and extended lights pack.

Regarding servicing, I had an oil, micro filter change along with rear brake pads changed for €340 from a BMW indy. I certainly don't consider that expensive, that is less than I paid for my Volvo S40 service before that.

M Sports are worth a bit more than ES or SE models as they are more desireable, if you do choose to buy a M Sport make sure you are happy with the ride. The firm sports suspension in combination with the run flat tyres make the car's ride very hard. I'm happy with it but alot of people complain as even driving over a cat's eye in the middle of the road is quite noticeable in these cars especially with the larger alloy wheels. As soon as my tyres are due a change I am sticking normal tyres on as these improve the ride alot. Run flat tyres are also crazy expensive.

Things to watch, the diesels need regular oil and oil filter changes so any car you are looking at needs to have a full verified service history. They can also go through brake discs too so keep an eye on the condition of them. Power wise the 318d from late 2007 has 143bhp which is grand, will not win any races but is nippy enough once you get to the higher gears. I had mine remapped recently to 180bhp which solved that problem.

The E90 3 Series (2005 onwards) is not the best built car in the world and some of the materials on the interior are cheap looking and do not wear well. For example the the plastic around the bottons on the steering wheel has a small fracture and starting to peel. The interior plastic grab handle on the driver's door also doesn't stand the test of time well. I also have a few rattles from the dashboard especially an interesting one in the centre console that only rattles when the car is in 5th gear.

Over all though 7 months on and I'm happy with my purchase, it really is a nice car to drive and the only issue I had was a blocked windscreen washer resevoir which was sorted by the main dealer under warranty.

Boots2006

Save yourself 10 years of motor tax and get this: http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1892409 ... although if you can get an 08 in the uk for the same money, all the better.

I've an 07 320d msport, very happy with it. Still driving very well, with 95k miles, and no signs of the build quality issues mentioned.

bazz26

drspock wrote: »

Hey there bazz

Thank for all that info, really helps! Just wondering since you think the 21900 is a laughable price for the 318d in Cork, at what price would you keep a straight face? You talking 20000 or less? How much did you stretch for the full m-sport?

I paid €22500 for mine 7 months ago but that was from a non main dealer so I would expect to pay below €20k for the same car today.

Here are a few photos of it I posted in another thread:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=71838203&postcount=2252

drspock

Hey Bazz,

Congrats on that car, stunner! Love the interior and alloys. Well wear on that one.

Ran a check on that 318d in Cork and was surprised to see it had 3 owners. Considering it was supposed to be one English owner and its a big enough dealer, frankly I'm baffled. One English owner (2008-2010) and one unidentified (2010-2011) and well as what I presume is now the garage. Suspicious of this as the car was sold in UK in 2010 and not registered in Ireland until July 2011? Maybe a middleman? This was one of two identical milage/ spec 318d's so not sure what to make of it. Maybe one Northern Ireland owner. Is this one to walk away from? I would expect very little nonsense from a reputable dealer.

bazz26 wrote: »

I paid €22500 for mine 7 months ago but that was from a non main dealer so I would expect to pay below €20k for the same car today.

Here are a few photos of it I posted in another thread:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=71838203&postcount=2252

bazz26

This one should be worth looking at:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201126203060404

Or this one if you prefer to buy from a dealer:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201112201763560

drspock

Hi there ROR

How would be feel about the car history mentioned above?


Service history is stored on the keys on the newer BMW's so it's easy to check that the mileage in the key corresponds to the mileage on the car. The service department should have a key reader at the desk - they can just pop it in to the reader.[/QUOTE]

Reloc8

dreamer2009 wrote: »

I bought a 3 Series SE 320d, 2008, three weeks ago in the Uk. Has all the extras dimming rear-view mirror, parking sensors, cruise control, leather seats etc. Now the millage was a lot higher than the one your looking at being around 49,000miles. I paid €14,100. Just to give you a guide on price.

I was just wondering why the OP would not just import...that seems like a very high price to pay for a pretty low spec car. If I was going 2008 I'd want a facelift model as well.

I brought over a 2008 (facelift) SE with a decent spec (much as you describe plus), 20,000 miles and landed it (i.e. VRT paid) for south of 20k. Bought from a BMW main dealer Premium Used Car stock as well (I wanted the warranty). That was a couple of months ago. The car is mint.

R.O.R

drspock wrote: »

Hi there ROR

How would be feel about the car history mentioned above?

Does seem a bit strange. Can only think that it was with a trader in the UK for quite some time before it landed over here.

I wonder if Motorcheck could shed any further light on the situation?