Purchasing a used bmw?

Robbie IRE

Hi,
I know this question has probably been asked so many times. However I could really do with a bit of input.

I'm looking to pick up a car for motorway driving . Mullingar to Dublin a couple of days a week.
I like the idea of the room of an estate . triathlon gear fills the car pretty quickly!!
don't like Volvo v50
so bmw 520d tourer 2008 98k miles lovely car to drive
Then was looking at 2 saloons either the Saab 9-3 2009 1.9 tdi 65k miles or bmw 520d 2009 97k miles .
any help at all as to what they're like I'd appreciate!

colm_mcm

What's the budget?

Robbie IRE

colm_mcm wrote: »

What's the budget?

Looking at about 8/9k.

colm_mcm

Far as I know, in 07 they changed engine in the 520d from the M47 to the new N47 engine, which can often have timing chain issues. It's very labour intensive to replace as the chain is at the back of the engine. I'd want evidence it was changed if i was buying one.

Reventon93

I've done Galway to Dublin a good few times in my 9-3 and it's been fantastic. Didn't feel the need to use cruise control, but you can if you wanted to. Handles really well imo. Good mpg as well which is what you want. And is a really comfortable place to be for 2.5+ hours. If you want any more specific info about it, pm me.

colm_mcm

Your get the new (insignia based) model 9-5 within budget

Robbie IRE

colm_mcm wrote: »

Far as I know, in 07 they changed engine in the 520d from the M47 to the new N47 engine, which can often have timing chain issues. It's very labour intensive to replace as the chain is at the back of the engine. I'd want evidence it was changed if i was buying one.

chain was done in 2015 .Bmw recall for 2007s & 2008s. confirmed by bmw

Robbie IRE

how about an x type jag 2008 . . stay away ??

Skylinehead

Robbie IRE wrote: »

how about an x type jag 2008 . . stay away ??

X-Type isn't a particularly nice car, and that model came out in 2001. Bit dated.

FUBO

x type = posh Mondeo plagued with electrical problems stay very far away

colm_mcm

Robbie IRE wrote: »

how about an x type jag 2008 . . stay away ??

theyre quite small.

ongarite

Robbie IRE wrote: »

chain was done in 2015 .Bmw recall for 2007s & 2008s. confirmed by bmw

You sure on the recall of 07/08 N47 recalls?
Friend on work has 08 520d with chain starting to make some noise.
Went to BMW last week and denied all knowledge of a recall still being active.

bazz26

ongarite wrote: »

You sure on the recall of 07/08 N47 recalls?
Friend on work has 08 520d with chain starting to make some noise.
Went to BMW last week and denied all knowledge of a recall still being active.

It wasn't a recall, they called it a "quality enhancement" and they did it for a certain length of time on cars up to a certain mileage. They stopped doing it as it was costing them alot of money.

Robbie IRE

bazz26 wrote: »

It wasn't a recall, they called it a "quality enhancement" and they did it for a certain length of time on cars up to a certain mileage. They stopped doing it as it was costing them alot of money.

very true !! recall in any other language:).
https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/bmw-s-timing-chain-problem-comes-back-to-haunt-carmaker-1.2869493

biko

I've had several Saabs and never thought twice about long journeys in them as they are beyond comfortable in my opinion. Lots of boot space too.

ccmp

I have a 2008 Bmw tourer. Chain done as described above. Now at 190 l miles.
Great car but has its issues. Loom failure on boot lid for one. No regrets though. Intend keeping it.