320d

coyle21

Are the 320d and 520's bmw's that bad of car, i was told if buying go for the 2012 onwards as improved engine

bazz26

They are not a bad car but the diesel engine is known for having timing chain problems which costs about €1500 to replace by an independent garage, if BMW don't cover it under goodwill. 2012/2013 cars have been known to have this issue also but not on the same scale as older ones. My advice is buy from a BMW dealer for the 2 year warranty and peace of mind.

PaulKK

Officially the date was march 2011 when the timing chain problem was rectified.

There are 3 N47 cars in my family with 140000 miles, 110000 miles and 95000 miles and no timing chain problems to speak of.

Yes it may happen and you may be unlucky but they are a great car. There are few enough 2.0L diesel cars that have 180 odd horsepower, 0-60 in 7.5s and do over 50mpg and handle as well as the 3 series imo.

bazz26

I have an F10 520D and the engine needs a bit of hard work to get all those ponies going. I'm sure emissions and the extra weight of the F10 come into play but low end torque is a bit sedated in them. Definitely something a remap would sort out once the BMW warranty was up.

darragh o meara

bazz26 wrote: »

I have an F10 520D and the engine needs a bit of hard work to get all those ponies going. I'm sure emissions and the extra weight of the F10 come into play but low end torque is a bit sedated in them. Definitely something a remap would sort out once the BMW warranty was up.

It's worth noting that a car registered in 2012 may not necessarily have been manufactured in 2012 so checking the date of manufacture with a main dealer may be a better option when trying to predetermine if your car is susceptible or not.

bazz26

BMWs have their build date stamped on a metal plate on the underside of the bonnet.

darragh o meara

bazz26 wrote: »

BMWs have their build date stamped on a metal plate on the underside of the bonnet.

Never knew that, must check my own