BMW 320 Diesel Coupe (2004)

Triangla

Any thoughts on 320 cD, thinking of getting one for everyday car, probably a 2003/4 version.

I was looking at the saloon 320D but looked at coupe and they're very nice.

I do around 40k miles a year, pretty much all motorway/dual carriageway, around (150miles per day).

Any opinions on running costs, durability of these cars?

166man

As far as I know there were problems with the earlier diesel engines in these with swirl flaps etc but I think they were sorted by the 2004 model. I would definitely go to the UK for a nice one though. Many here are in poor condition and have high mileage... easy on fuel too. 40k will take it's toll on any car though.

Triangla

Serious difference alright between UK and Irish models extra wise. All the Irish ones I looked at have basic interiors but UK ones were well fitted out.

Bigger market and all that I suppose.

Might be visiting friend in London soon so may google a few there.

Cheers about swirls issue, I read that but think it was sorted in the 04 version.

challengemaster

It wasn't actually sorted at all. It's still happening with e90's sure.

They changed to a different turbo model in LATE 04 but swirl flap issues still happen, the only way to prevent it is to blank the flaps.

The other thing necessary to prolong the life of the turbo is changing the crankcase breather filter. It's not a bmw service interval item so even if the car has full BMWSH, it should be done.

liquidbob

I bought one of these recently and with mixed driving (city and county , with a good bit on the N7) I'm getting about 45mpg.

I was looking for a high spec as well and found one with everything but the sat nav / bluetooth / iPod stuff - you can buy a lovely aftermarket unit to cover this stuff though for 500 euro or so from Dynavin, so you might want to take that into consideration. (500 quid if imported from the states rather than EU)
(I completely understand where you're coming from - why the hell would you buy a standard spec BMW/Merc/Audi/Lexus etc. ? just buying the badge I guess .... but anyway)

I will do the swirl flaps also as I don't want to worry about it.

If you do get one check that in the service they do the Air Filter as well as the oil , it's not as easy as in the petrol and the crowd I bought it from didn't do this where I asumed they would .... (I know asumption is the mother of all ... ). I would also ask them to clean the EGR out as it's a messy job and having it done prevents problems .

Finally - It is a great car , lovely to drive , looks great , still has a young relaxed feel to it , can get some great acceleration when needed and in general just smacks of quality (simple things like the spare wheel and tool location , layout etc. are all fantastic) but comes with 45 mpg. For me it was the perfect car.

Triangla

Thanks Liquidbob, lots of helpful info there.

Any idea what mpg you get in the M7 alone?

liquidbob

Glad I could help!

With cruise on at 120 kmph it's at about 55mpg in 6th gear. If , hypothetically of course , I were to be 130k , 135 ish it would drop to about 50 but is pretty steady there.

It's hard to get it much higher than 55mpg , even at 80 or 90k in 5th or 100k in 6th your still only getting it to about the 55mpg mark. (obviously this is with the power on , not decelerating etc.)

Triangla

That's very good isn't it.

Decision made, thanks again.