2011 BMW 320D

bren11

Hi,

Looking at buying a 2011 BMW 320D, possibly in the UK. Is there anything to look out for? Have they solved problems with the N47 engine, swirlflaps etc in the 2011 model? Does the 118D have lower co2 / Km, as I am getting conflicting results on the VRT calculator. Is buying one with 120,000 miles that has good maintenance history asking for trouble?

One final question, they seem to be approx.£1000 to £1500 cheaper than a A4 of similar milage and age and condition, is there a reason?

Thanks in advance.

bazz26

The reason the 3 Series is cheaper than the A4 is because by 2011 that model 3 Series was 6 years old and was due to be replaced by a newer model in early 2012. The A4 was newer and roomier than the 3 Series meaning it held it's value better.

On the N47 engine the biggest problem is the timing chain fault. Doesn't seem to have really been fixed until mid to late 2011. No need to remove the swirl flaps as the manifold was redesigned with the N47 engine was introduced back in late 2007.

At 120,000 miles the most important thing is service history and receipts for any work done on the car. At that mileage you could be looking at some pricey maintenance in the not too near future, things like the flywheel/clutch are classed as consumables that have a lifespan. Try and find a car that has had these replaced recently and it's one less unexpected bill to be worrying about. Same goes for the timing chain.

R.O.R

A lot of the 320d models in the UK are probably Efficient Dynamics models with lower power and lower Co2 than the normal 320d. BIK in the UK is linked to the Co2 emissions, so the ED version was very popular with company car drivers.

My 2011 pricing has the 318d at 119g and the normal 320d at 128g, so there would be a VRT & Road tax difference. 320 ED models were 109g.

I delivered a 320ED in 2011. 163bhp was plenty quick enough, doesn't feel that much faster than a 318d, but is missing just that extra grunt the 177 (or maybe even 181 by then) 320d has.