Recommend me a BMW 3 or 5 series- budget €17k

dinneenp

Hi,

So I've eventually narrowed it down to a BMW 3 or 5 series diesel automatic. Not looking for performance/sporty, would like

• reversing camera (but not a deal breaker if it doesn't have it)
• the more economical the better
• nice trim (but then they're all nice trim, aren't they)
• the more reliable the better
• lesser maintenance costs the better (e.g. don't want expensive to replace tyres)
• Budget €17k but if less that's good.

Have been looking at 2015 and a few 2014, it appears the interior (& probably exterior)changed from 2015. Any specific recommendations please? There's some many variants my head's beginning to hurt. Here's some I've seen-

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-5-series-5e32-4dr-auto/28312332 2015 5 Series 5e32 4DR Auto, 160km 16.5k

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-3-series-316-es-automatic/28549063 2015 BMW 3 Series 316 ES Automatic, 140km

https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/5-series/fpa/202107245393649?journey=Search 2014 5 series D SE GRP1 5E32 4DR AUTO, 149km, 14.9k

Also, what questions should I be asking the dealer besides the obvious? Was timing belt replaced, what else?

Thanks,

Patrick.

Sexual Chocolate

Timing chain is what you need to watch out for on these if it's the N47.

2014-2015 was around the time they changed to the more reliable B47 engine.

With the 3 series of definitely consider a 318d at a minimum. A 320d Efficiency Dynamic is probably the best for what your looking for.

Also don't think the early F30s or any F30 had reverse cameras.

bazz26

The first 5 Series is a 518d not a 520d. 518d is underpowered and best avoided.

That 3 Series is as basic spec as you will get with the exception of leather seats. The 316d has only 115bhp too.

The second 5 Series is also a 518d, has 187k km not 149k km and mentions in the advert that the timing chain had to be replaced.

I'd personally pass on all 3.

I honestly don't see the hype in BMW's, massive money for a basic car.

I wouldn't be splashing 16.5K on a car with 160,000KM

dinneenp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117783299#Comment_117783299

What else (besides Merc, Audi, Lexus, Volvo ) would have a plush/luxury interior? Looked at many and, to me anyway, all seem fairly mundane inside compared.

dinneenp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117783278#Comment_117783278

Any ones out there that'd you'd recommend please?

bazz26

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117786560#Comment_117786560

Something like this one?

https://www.carsireland.ie/2873501

or maybe this one (no photos)

https://www.carsireland.ie/2911264

dinneenp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117786555#Comment_117786555

2016 Mazda 6 executive or Platinum are very nice interiors! Will check them out fully.

dinneenp

Any thoughts on these please?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117782954#Comment_117782954

Any thoughts on this please? B47 motor, EGR vlave replaced, full service history at authorized BMW dealer. Would the 191k km put you off or the fact that it has regular service history negate this?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/496623035115163/?referralSurface=messenger_lightspeed_banner&referralCode=messenger_banner

Cheers,

Pa.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117827677#Comment_117827677

Lovely car but the mileage is far too high for me to consider at that age of vehicle. Was it an ex company car? 191km on a 5 year old car would make it virtually impossible to sell on.

Stallingrad

That ticks a lot of boxes and certainly fills most of your original criteria. Will also be a more engaging drive as the 5 by comparison is a bit of a heavy barge. Well worth a look. That mileage with a FSH would not bother me.

dinneenp

Think I might be going away from the BMWs but one last one that stood out- 2015 318D SE auto, 2 owners, 56k miles. I haven't contacted the dealer yet re service history but will. Any thoughts on it please?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2015-bmw-318d-se-automatic-low-miles/28614174

Gussie Scrotch

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058204985/recommend-me-a-bmw-3-or-5-series-budget-17k

Hi,

I've got a 520 diesel M sport. 2016.

no reversing camera (but there in an internal proximity sensor - front and back - and the tyres are runflats so not cheap.

Very economical...provided you don't give it the boot. I have driven from Vienna to Calais on one tank and still had a fair bit left.

Have had to replace EGR valve, intake manifold and exhaust cooler, but these were a known issue and subject to a BMW recall so no cost to me.

Very happy with it. Would recommend the 5 series to anyone, but especially if you frequently undertake long journeys.

ongarite

This would be my pick.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-5-series-d-luxury-auto-huge-spec/29081091

dinneenp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117841527#Comment_117841527

Lovely, just the year (2014) and mileage would be the slightly concerning items.

bazz26

OP, you seem to be looking for a unicorn in the current market. Used car prices have increased significantly since Brexit and on your budget and the brands you are interested in your going to be looking at cars with that sort of mileage which is not overly excessive for the year to be honest. With the budget you have because of increased prices your either going to have to accept dropping back a couple of years or accept higher mileage. Reliability expectation needs to be the same, these are premium cars approaching 8 or 9 years old that cost 40k/50k when new and are still that to fix so reliability is a mixed bag unless you go for something boring but less risky.

To summarise, your not going to get everything on your want list within budget - reliability, premium brand, age and low mileage. Your going to have to pick some of those and compromise on others.

dinneenp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117843096#Comment_117843096

True and I accept that. This one seems to be slightly unicorn-ish, therefore wanted thoughts on it please. Is there a catch?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2015-bmw-318d-se-automatic-low-miles/28614174