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BMW 3 series

  • 23-03-2016 06:09PM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 229 ✭✭


    Hi all,

    I've been looking around for the past week or so for a new car. Initially I was keen on a Mercedes C Class or a BMW 5 series. I was looking at a 08-09 in both but I was advised that the 08-09 5 series give a lot of problems.

    I have now turned my attention to the 3 series and preferably a coupe. Anyone have any experience with these (between 08-09)? Is there much of a difference between petrol or diesel? Is a 2l petrol really tough on juice?

    I have just moved to Cork but would be willing to travel to view any apart from maybe the northern counties.

    Any help is much appreciated.


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,288 ✭✭✭millington


    Petrol will be cheaper to buy, harder to run and harder to sell but if you're doing small milage might be the better option.

    3 series won't be any more reliable than a 5 series really. The 2.0 diesel engines for those years gave timing chain problems. Apart from that, both the 3 & 5 are fairly good cars but that doesn't mean you won't end up with bother. :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 229 ✭✭DonalB1


    millington wrote: »
    The 2.0 diesel engines for those years gave timing chain problems.

    That's exactly what i heard, I heard that the timing chain goes on nearly all diesel engines of those years so I was fairly reluctant.

    My issue with the petrol is that I can only find a 2 litre. How much tougher on fuel is this than a 1.6 petrol? Also would my insurance be much higher going from a BMW 316 to a 2 litre coupe?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,468 ✭✭✭matt-dublin


    The 2.0l in those years also have issues with CCV blockages which can cause bigger issues.

    Solid chassis though.

    The diesels in the 325 might be a it better as I don't think they have the chain issues?

    In terms of running, unless you're doing decent mileage there's no benefit to the petrol.

    Maintenance on the Diesel engines is higher as around that age you will be looking at replacing DPFs etc.

    Make sure to get the old swirl flaps removed from the diesels as well!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 229 ✭✭DonalB1


    The 2.0l in those years also have issues with CCV blockages which can cause bigger issues.
    Are you talking about the diesel or petrol here?


    In terms of running, unless you're doing decent mileage there's no benefit to the petrol.

    Petrol is a good bit cheaper to buy so that's why I've been looking at them. My milage won't be overly hectic. 20km to and from work with the odd trip home to Dublin thrown in.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,329 ✭✭✭readytosnap


    DonalB1 wrote: »
    My issue with the petrol is that I can only find a 2 litre. How much tougher on fuel is this than a 1.6 petrol? Also would my insurance be much higher going from a BMW 316 to a 2 litre coupe?
    depends how hard you drive it. 1.6 is not enough power for a 3 series. if you are going to be doing massive mileage then it should be the diesel if not then the petrol. as for insurance that's a "how long is a piece of string" question just ring them and ask them first then you will know for sure before committing to a purchase.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 229 ✭✭DonalB1


    depends how hard you drive it. 1.6 is not enough power for a 3 series. if you are going to be doing massive mileage then it should be the diesel if not then the petrol. as for insurance that's a "how long is a piece of string" question just ring them and ask them first then you will know for sure before committing to a purchase.

    Yea, I can't imagine it would jump more than €100-€200 for the year. Silly question

    Obviously as low milage as possible but is 110,000 miles on the clock too much for a 08 petrol?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,468 ✭✭✭matt-dublin


    DonalB1 wrote: »
    Yea, I can't imagine it would jump more than €100-€200 for the year. Silly question

    Obviously as low milage as possible but is 110,000 miles on the clock too much for a petrol?

    In relation to the CCV I mentioned above, it's in the petrol.

    110 miles isn't a lot, the block itself should be good for 200-300k miles easy.

    However in excess of 100k miles in any car you are entering serious maintenance such as ball joints, control arms, bushes, timing chains, oil and water pumps, suspension will all likely need replacing between 100-130k


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 229 ✭✭DonalB1


    However in excess of 100k miles in any car you are entering serious maintenance such as ball joints, control arms, bushes, timing chains, oil and water pumps, suspension will all likely need replacing between 100-130k

    Is there any way I can bring it to a mechanic I know and trust before I purchase who can tell the likelihood of these going any time soon?? Are they something a mechanic might spot?


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 40,747 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gumbo


    DonalB1 wrote: »
    Are you talking about the diesel or petrol here?

    Petrol.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,468 ✭✭✭matt-dublin


    DonalB1 wrote: »
    Is there any way I can bring it to a mechanic I know and trust before I purchase who can tell the likelihood of these going any time soon?? Are they something a mechanic might spot?

    You can get the AA to do a vehicle check for €350 I think and they will do a 50 point inspection


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,468 ✭✭✭matt-dublin




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 229 ✭✭DonalB1


    I suppose what I'm really looking for is to find out what is the most reliable car out of a merc c-class, bmw 5 series or a 3 series coupe? I realise it differs from car to car but which model usually gives the least trouble?

    08-09 age range and €10k or under?

    This seems like the most sensible place to get advice as everything I read on here seems to be unbiast, first hand experience.

    Again thanks for the replies


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,456 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    id consider a 2006 or 2007 325... very reliable engine, also purchase price will be a lot lower than emissions based ones...

    here is an example of the comedy!

    https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-3-series-325i-se-z3da-02dr-cheap-ta/10270578

    v another black SE ok this is private sale and more miles. But its half the price. That tax saving of E500 a year, will quickly be wiped out by loan interest if applicable... A bloody 08 SE with that interior looking for 15k! a ha ha ha ha!

    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/3-series/used-2007-bmw-3-series-325-325i-s-westmeath-fpa-201612242108543
    Is there any way I can bring it to a mechanic I know and trust before I purchase who can tell the likelihood of these going any time soon?? Are they something a mechanic might spot?
    yes absolutely, for the money you are spending, it you like it and agree on price and all checks out, next stop mechanic to give you the verdict...
    Petrol is a good bit cheaper to buy so that's why I've been looking at them. My milage won't be overly hectic. 20km to and from work with the odd trip home to Dublin thrown in.
    10km each way, the engine block wont even have had time to properly warm up in either car, petrol better. if you have 2 or 2.5 engine for trip to dublin, the bigger engines are way less strained and give better mpg. My brothers auto 530 2001 is better on fuel at motorway speeds than my 325...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,468 ✭✭✭matt-dublin


    Idbatterim wrote: »
    id consider a 2006 or 2007 325... very reliable engine, also purchase price will be a lot lower than emissions based ones...

    But tax will be a grand a year

    They will all have their own problems, hunt out a car you really want to buy and have the AA check it out.

    Some will be good and some will be bad. We can only advise you of known problems with various models and they will all have their own problems.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,456 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    But tax will be a grand a year
    yeah its E1080, what I am paying now. The 6 cylinder petrols from 08 are also problematic, ok not exactly timing chain failure issues, but still.

    The pre 08 ones are way cheaper to buy, way less problematic...

    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/3-series/used-2008-bmw-3-series-320-i-se-w-dublin-fpa-201610241728831

    Definitely get the car checked, but I got a quote with AA there online out of interest, E259! The last one I bought in dublin, I had a bmw specialist check it out for free, in his garage! Worst case they should charge you E50. They can hook it up to diagnostics and also have a ramp for proper inspection... Imagine shelling out E250 ish and its a lemon!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 229 ✭✭DonalB1


    Really appreciate those replies...they're really helpful.

    I had a 07 3 series with 240,000km on the clock and it didn't give one single problem, never had to replace anything bar the normal little things!

    I'd like to get some thing a year younger, but if it doesn't make sense or if the pre 08 are more reliable then I'd be more hesitant.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 121 ✭✭Rgb.ie


    Are euro e92 325s not 3.0l?

    Tax on mine is €550 per annum ( 08, 3.0l petrol )

    Pretty sure the 07 equivalent was €1500 per annum

    Smashing car, not had any problems with mine. MPG: 36/38 motorway, 25 city driving.

    Autobox as well.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,468 ✭✭✭matt-dublin


    Idbatterim wrote: »
    yeah its E1080, what I am paying now. The 6 cylinder petrols from 08 are also problematic, ok not exactly timing chain failure issues, but still.

    The pre 08 ones are way cheaper to buy, way less problematic...

    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/3-series/used-2008-bmw-3-series-320-i-se-w-dublin-fpa-201610241728831

    Definitely get the car checked, but I got a quote with AA there online out of interest, E259! The last one I bought in dublin, I had a bmw specialist check it out for free, in his garage! Worst case they should charge you E50. They can hook it up to diagnostics and also have a ramp for proper inspection... Imagine shelling out E250 ish and its a lemon!
    The BMW diagnosis won't find mechanical issues such as oil leaks, suspension problems, head gasket failures, bushes etc.

    It will only diagnose sensor related issues for example misfires, sensor read outs, timing issues etc.

    Imagine spending €50 getting the computer diagnostics done to find out the head gaskets gone and having to shell out €1500 to get it sorted!

    IMO, is you're willing to fork out the bones of 10k on a car, €250 on a vehicle inspection is well worth it.

    It will always find a problem and will give you ammo to get the price down.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,385 ✭✭✭Preset No.3


    DonalB1 wrote: »
    Really appreciate those replies...they're really helpful.

    I had a 07 3 series with 240,000km on the clock and it didn't give one single problem, never had to replace anything bar the normal little things!

    I'd like to get some thing a year younger, but if it doesn't make sense or if the pre 08 are more reliable then I'd be more hesitant.

    I would look at the 3 series saloon from 09 onwards. This was the facelift model. Good value to be had in the M sport models.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 229 ✭✭DonalB1


    I would look at the 3 series saloon from 09 onwards. This was the facelift model. Good value to be had in the M sport models.

    The problem is I won't get one for under €10k...which is pretty much my limit.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,456 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    Rgb.ie wrote: »
    Are euro e92 325s not 3.0l?

    Tax on mine is €550 per annum ( 08, 3.0l petrol )

    Pretty sure the 07 equivalent was €1500 per annum

    Smashing car, not had any problems with mine. MPG: 36/38 motorway, 25 city driving.

    Autobox as well.
    no the 325 from 06 and most 07 are the 2.5 litre. The odd 2007 325 is the newer less reliable, 3l engine. Forget buying one of them as an 07 on the Irish tax system. I actually came across one earlier...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 229 ✭✭DonalB1


    Idbatterim wrote: »
    no the 325 from 06 and most 07 are the 2.5 litre. The odd 2007 325 is the newer less reliable, 3l engine. Forget buying one of them as an 07 on the Irish tax system. I actually came across one earlier...

    Yea and my insurance is expensive enough on a 1.6 as is so a 2.5 or above is out of the question.

    I think a 3 series coupe is as far as I could stretch


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,456 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    there is an 08 petrol SE coupe that I linked to asking 10k, also another 08 SE diesel asking E10,750, both on carzone, certainly check insurance for any car before purchasing...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 229 ✭✭DonalB1


    Yea I've seen both, both are exactly what I'm looking for

    https://www.donedeal.ie/view/11666388
    BMW 3 Series 320 Sport

    Im not sure but this one seems a bit too good to be true at that price...what do you think?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,456 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    Yea I've seen both, both are exactly what I'm looking for

    https://www.donedeal.ie/view/11666388
    BMW 3 Series 320 Sport

    This one seems a bit too good to be true at that price

    yeah thats a good price. I would ring about car and sound it out. If all sounds ok, run history check etc and if that is ok, go up, view car, but tell them before you go up, you wanted it checked out by a mechanic, potentially off site. If they agree to that, go up take a look....


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,642 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    DonalB1 wrote: »
    Yea I've seen both, both are exactly what I'm looking for

    https://www.donedeal.ie/view/11666388
    BMW 3 Series 320 Sport

    Im not sure but this one seems a bit too good to be true at that price?

    The reason it's cheap is because it's being sold as a trade sale which means you buy it as you see it and there is no warranty. That is how they operate so you would want to know your stuff before even looking at such cars.

    My opinion on that is that if the car didn't need money spent on it then it would be sold at near it's retail price and come with some sort of comeback.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 229 ✭✭DonalB1


    bazz26 wrote: »
    The reason it's cheap is because it's being sold as a trade sale which means you buy it as you see it and there is no warranty. That is how they operate so you would want to know your stuff before even looking at such cars.

    My opinion on that is that if the car didn't need money spent on it then it would be sold at near it's retail price and come with some sort of comeback.

    Definitely wasn't aware of that so thank you very much. If I was to bring it to my mechanic would he be able to spot any potential issues or is it something I should just stay away from?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,456 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    The reason it's cheap is because it's being sold as a trade sale which means you buy it as you see it and there is no warranty. That is how they operate so you would want to know your stuff before even looking at such cars.

    My opinion on that is that if the car didn't need money spent on it then it would be sold at near it's retail price and come with some sort of comeback.

    that is all true, but the same is the case for a private sale. Its priced 2k below the cheapest comparable... Look I am the biggest cynic when it comes to car sales. But for the sake of a call, background check etc, its worth it IMO...

    I wouldnt treat it any different to a sale even from a dealer offering warranty and looking for double the price. You cover your ass fully or as much as possible...
    The reason it's cheap is because it's being sold as a trade sale which means you buy it as you see it and there is no warranty. That is how they operate so you would want to know your stuff before even looking at such cars.
    I met a friend of a friend recently, he makes good money of spotting bargains and selling at a higher price or doing some work himself on the cars. As you say though, you need to know your stuff or have someone with you that does...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 667 ✭✭✭fm


    bazz26 wrote: »
    The reason it's cheap is because it's being sold as a trade sale which means you buy it as you see it and there is no warranty. That is how they operate so you would want to know your stuff before even looking at such cars.

    My opinion on that is that if the car didn't need money spent on it then it would be sold at near it's retail price and come with some sort of comeback.

    can they really get away with that-selling without a warranty?it's not a trade sale if the public is buying it,sales of goods act/consumer protection??


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,468 ✭✭✭matt-dublin


    fm wrote: »
    can they really get away with that-selling without a warranty?it's not a trade sale if the public is buying it,sales of goods act/consumer protection??

    Buyer beware unless they're a registered simi dealer


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