2011 3 Series

gnolan

I'm looking at getting a 2011 3 Series. A few of the reasons why I'm looking specifically at the 3 series:

- Really like how it looks
- Low motor tax
- Impressive mpg

Can anyone tell me if there's certain things I should be worried about with this model?

Should I preferably be looking at sub-100k miles on the clock for a car of this age?

I know there was something about failing timing chains but I also read that this was resolved in 2011 models.

bazz26

You will be looking at the old E90 model and they were quite dated by 2011 but they could still suffer from timing chain failure on 2011 models. Other things to watch out for are failing turbos, traction control units and the usual diesel stuff such as injectors and EGR valves. They are also quite cramped on the inside but are still very nice to drive.

Leonard Hofstadter

Timing chain is the big issue on these. Cars with a build date after March 2011 are less prone to the problem than earlier cars, so they're the one to get.

If it were me I'd be changing the oil every 10,000 miles or once a year no matter what the variable servicing indicator says - at least you've a better chance of the problem not happening that way. Personal opinion but if BMW didn't allow such ridiculous service intervals we'd never have heard of the timing chain problem these engines are well known for.

If you're after a manual get the clutch delay valve removed, that will make takeoffs and gearchanges much nicer and will reduce clutch wear, too.

PaulKK

I have a 2011 320d ed.

Its an April build so technically has the timing chain resolution.

I've put 40k miles on it and owned it for nearly 3 years.

It averages about 52mpg but if you drive on n roads at 100km/hr with care you can get substantially higher. I've seen close to 60mpg with careful driving. In range terms anything from 620-720+ miles from a tank.

I service every 8-10k miles. There are 120k miles on it now and apart from normal servicing I've only had to replace a front whishbone (approx 80 euro) and an abs sensor ring (20 on eBay).

I think they are fairly cheap for what they offer now in terms of driving dynamics, performance and economy.

I find mine reliable, good to drive and reasonably low cost to maintain.

gnolan

Thanks for the responses.

Other things to watch out for are failing turbos, traction control units and the usual diesel stuff such as injectors and EGR valves

A major thing that does worry me about the 3 series is reliability. I'm wondering am I taking a risk and acquiring a car that I need to be constantly doling out significant chunks of cash to maintain.

I don't know if these worries are founded or not but it seems there are also issues around not only the timing chain and the issues you've mentioned, but the run flats and other electronic issues.

I've also read that the DPF can be a problem if the car doesn't get regular long runs. I probably should have mentioned that the car (right now at least) will be used only once or twice a week and I'm wondering if that could cause any issues.

With that in mind my heart isn't entirely set on a 3 series. I've got a budget of about 10k and the other three criteria in my first post still apply: low car tax, looks good (subjective I know) and I guess now that I've thought about it more, reliability and low maintenance costs are definitely a big consideration.

With that in mind I'd be happy to consider alternatives based on that criteria. I've considered the A4 and Passat but as nice as the are I don't really have the same kind of desire for them.

I'm not limited to that saloon type either. Another I'm considering is a 2013 Civic, the reason being that it fulfils the criteria above.

Any input or alternatives would be appreciated.

Leonard Hofstadter

gnolan wrote: »

I've also read that the DPF can be a problem if the car doesn't get regular long runs.

That will be a problem with pretty much any diesel that doesn't get enough motorway runs.

Same goes for the DMF (dual mass flywheel) if you get one with a manual gearbox.

If you don't want big repair bills (and don't mind the higher motor tax costs not to mention weaker resale value), you're better off getting a petrol but it will be very hard to find one in this class of car in Ireland - and depending on the car the petrol version could have just as many problems as the diesel equivalent - for example some Mercedes petrol engines have a habit of lunching their timing chains too (but at least in those cars the chain is at the front of the engine so it's much cheaper to repair than in a diesel BMW).

With a BMW the key thing is condition and service history - that will determine whether it's an 'ultimate driving machine' or an 'ultimate driving you crazy machine'.

While it is unrealistic to expect someone to have ignored the official guidelines and service it more often than the indicator suggests - if there is any gap in the service history - or the car is not in good condition - run a mile.

BMWs do not take kindly to poor maintenance - cheap out today on something and it will come back to bite you and cost you more in the long run.