Time to trade up - Am I mad?

limpopo

First off - long time reader first time poster.

Currently driving a 07 318d and thinking about trading up to a 10/11 (facelift) 325D coupe. Are there any pitfalls with the 3 litre engine I should be aware of in particular? I have family experience of an E70 X5 with the 30d engine which was still going strong after 300,000k's but would appreciate any input on the lesser powered one.

A 330d/335d is out of the question due to insurance restrictions and as I would be importing from the UK Vrt is at the back of my mind too. Over the last 4 years I've averaged approx. 20,000 miles / 32,000 kms per year so I feel I am in diesel territory - especially so when considering the added cost of VRT for a higher emission petrol, sad and all as this is!

Thanks!

Casati

limpopo wrote: »

First off - long time reader first time poster.

Currently driving a 07 318d and thinking about trading up to a 10/11 (facelift) 325D coupe. Are there any pitfalls with the 3 litre engine I should be aware of in particular? I have family experience of an E70 X5 with the 30d engine which was still going strong after 300,000k's but would appreciate any input on the lesser powered one.

A 330d/335d is out of the question due to insurance restrictions and as I would be importing from the UK Vrt is at the back of my mind too. Over the last 4 years I've averaged approx. 20,000 miles / 32,000 kms per year so I feel I am in diesel territory - especially so when considering the added cost of VRT for a higher emission petrol, sad and all as this is!

Thanks!

Sounds like a great option for you- relatively low tax, good ecomomy, strong engine that can be remapped easily- up to the power of the 330d, and an engine without the crankshaft/ timing issues of a 320d of the same era. With very few of these cars sold new in Ireland, it should be in strong demand when you come to sell on. Check your insurance, if a 330d is out of the question, you might find the 325d is also v high as its also 3.0

bazz26

Casati wrote: »

Sounds like a great option for you- relatively low tax, good ecomomy, strong engine that can be remapped easily- up to the power of the 330d, and an engine without the crankshaft/ timing issues of a 320d of the same era. With very few of these cars sold new in Ireland, it should be in strong demand when you come to sell on. Check your insurance, if a 330d is out of the question, you might find the 325d is also v high as its also 3.0

From my reading the N57 engine suffers similar timing chain issues as the smaller N47. It isn't as high profile on the N57 engine as there isn't the same number of them around.

TheBoffin

If it has swirl flaps get em removed ASAP.

limpopo

Thanks guys, - I've definitely heard about the swirl flap issue but thought that only affected E46 2 litres, so that's something I'd have to get checked out.

Insurance is no problem on the 25D engine - maybe it's worthwhile to check out what the 30D would be. I'd be hopping for this if I got an ok!!

http://www.approved.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/bmwauc/details/0,,1156___ask-4%40adm-xx,00.html?ch=_V0JBS0s3MjA4MEU0MjcwNzc=&btp=1x24-distance_ASC|list

Time to do some number crunching over the next few days I guess....

Casati

limpopo wrote: »

Thanks guys, - I've definitely heard about the swirl flap issue but thought that only affected E46 2 litres, so that's something I'd have to get checked out.

Insurance is no problem on the 25D engine - maybe it's worthwhile to check out what the 30D would be. I'd be hopping for this if I got an ok!!

http://www.approved.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/bmwauc/details/0,,1156___ask-4%40adm-xx,00.html?ch=_V0JBS0s3MjA4MEU0MjcwNzc=&btp=1x24-distance_ASC|list

Time to do some number crunching over the next few days I guess....

Its not cheap, I'd guess it would 26/27k inc VRT landed in Ireland? That would sound like a lot for a car that will be considered 4 years old in Jan.

I wasnt aware of the timing belt issues in these engines also but read up on it too and it seems to be an issue - I think I'd be going for 2011 if you can get one, or try shopping for an A5 3.O TDI maybe?

Idbatterim

here is a 2010 (non facelift) or leather and highish mileage, but its £6500 cheaper...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201309278989125/sort/default/usedcars/postcode/ls298jn/make/bmw/body-type/coupe/model/3_series/fuel-type/diesel/radius/1501/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/page/1/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/maximum-age/up_to_3_years_old?logcode=p

DROOL!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201309309027107/sort/default/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/postcode/ls298jn/model/3_series/body-type/coupe/radius/1501/page/1/make/bmw/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/maximum-age/up_to_2_years_old?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201310299528739/sort/default/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/postcode/ls298jn/model/3_series/body-type/coupe/radius/1501/page/1/make/bmw/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/maximum-age/up_to_2_years_old?logcode=p

limpopo

Idbatterim wrote: »

here is a 2010 (non facelift) or leather and highish mileage, but its £6500 cheaper...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201309278989125/sort/default/usedcars/postcode/ls298jn/make/bmw/body-type/coupe/model/3_series/fuel-type/diesel/radius/1501/engine-size-cars/3l_to_3-9l/page/1/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/maximum-age/up_to_3_years_old?logcode=p

That's a gorgeous example tbf - mileage is only about 10% lower than my current motor though so I'd be tempted to steer clear :rolleyes:

I guess it's just a wait and see game - need to talk to a few people about my own before I can head over and buy something. Audi A5's seem much more expensive like for like and over 170 g/km CO2 so the higher VRT band is pushing it well above my budget. I don't think 26/27k for a decent spec 3l is too bad considering the quality of what's available here at the moment in that price range i.e. a sea of paddy spec 320D's Then as well Kearys my nearest BMW dealer aren't noted for their value for money or great sales service so it makes sense to go it alone IMO.