Where to buy BMW - North/South??

therealme

Hi,
I am looking to buy a BMW 2007/2008. (Saloon, diesel).
Question is, am I better to but in the North / South Garage / Donedeal ??? Somebody told me even with vrt from the north, it is still much cheaper.
Am from Leinster.
Any help appreciated

Stallingrad

If you are considering up North consider the UK, better selection and usually a bit cheaper than up North. Try Autotrader and BMW.co.uk. I would advise buying from a BMW dealer if you can, safest bet. There is good value here as well so do your sums carefully, compare your UK price plus VRT plus travel against the deal price here, not the advertised price.

Also carefully research the year and model, there is known (and very expensive) problem with the N47 diesels of that period:

1. The N47 engine started to be used around Feb/March 2007 but the M47 engine continued to be fitted in some cars until Feb 2008.
2. The problem with timing chain failure was solved on N47 engines fitted to cars with a build date after April/May 2010.
3. From April/May 2010 up until April 2011 slight noise issues with timing chain persisted on the N47 engine that can be solved with chain guides.

Best of luck.

therealme

Thanks so much for that, much appreciated.:)

I am a typical girl when it comes to cars - I like the colour and look of it - no idea what else to look at!!! I'm trying to find something I like & get a good friend (who knows everything about car engines but is too busy with work at the moment) to have a look then for me.

Are there any dealers or garages that sell with vrt changes included or is it just find some models & go over and look at them?

Sorry for the questions. I will take a look at the websites tho.

Stallingrad

If you are buying in the UK you will need to VRT the car yourself when you bring it in. From what you describe if you do go down the importing route I would stick to the BMW dealer network for total peace of mind. The best cars (they will be as new), warranty, FSH and no risk of clocking or and other shady business.

But the timing chain issue is the elephant in the room, you really need to find one that has a long warranty or has had the problem rectified.

Idbatterim

the euro is strong against sterling at the moment which is a positive IF importing. how many miles are you doing per year OP?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4416392
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3988084
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4311985
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4409333
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4165814

there was a decent 2008 520d for quick sale on dondeal yesterday, its gone now, but was asking E13250!