BMW 3 series 320d manual or 5 series 520d auto

Kealyboy

hi

which car would be the best option as a secondhand car with about 150000km approx mileage 172 year on both car.

looking to hold onto either car for the next 7/8 years and putting an additional 150000 km on the clock.

which would be the most reliable to run and cheapest to maintain the 320d manual or 520d automatic? Based on the information above.

what’s your thoughts?

thanks

User1998

Well the 3 series should be slightly cheaper to maintain, consumable parts such as tyres suspension breaks etc will be a little bit cheaper. They both use the same engine tho so depending on big unexpected repair bills it could go either way.

Why would you want a manual 320d? I would forget about that and decide whether you want an automatic 3 series or an automatic 5 series.

bazz26

3 Series is smaller and an older design. 5 Series got a major refresh in 2017 so the tech is newer and interior is way more upmarket than the 3 Series. 5 Series will be more comfortable and refined too. However 5 Series is a big car so can be a bit more cumbersome to park.

I wouldn't bother with a manual either.

Buddy Bubs

I remember back around 2020 I was looking at 2017/18 530e and 330e, found a dealership with both.

Had a look around a good few 530s and then one 330e, had the 3 series ruled out in seconds due to the vast interior design difference. The 5 series was a brand new design at the time, the 3 series was a 2011 design and about to be replaced which it was in 2019.

There must be a big price differences between the 2 cars you're looking at if both are same year/mileage?

Don't buy a manual BMW, buy the auto.

Kealyboy

All great answers thanks, I was just worried that inevitably the clutch will more than likely go in both cars eventually if keeping long term 300000km +

I was just thinking clutch/ transmission would be 1000s more to replace in the auto…. And the manual would be a better option long term

Seth Brundle

There is no clutch in an automatic - they use a torque converter.

I've had several manual BMWs and many needed a clutch replacement which cost a lot especially with DMFs. I'm also on my third 5 series auto and never once had a blip from the gearbox - they're fairly bulletproof!

Buddy Bubs

Running a BMW from 7 years old to 15 years old is going to be fraught with potential problems like any car.

I wouldn't base my personal purchasing decision on the gearbox replacement which may or may not happen, get the car you like to own for next 8 years. You are going to have bills one way or the other

GPoint

OP find a lower mileage 316d or 318d with auto box and some extras. There’s some Japanese cars on the market now, worth look. And don’t look at the manual unless you want to drift it weekly :)

Seth Brundle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121831778#Comment_121831778

OP find a lower mileage 316d or 318d with auto box and some extras.

Just, no!

GPoint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121831807#Comment_121831807

Why not they can be remapped easily and drive like 320 stock

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121831778#Comment_121831778

The Jap ones are petrol

Kealyboy

quick update I went with the 520d auto purchased from main bmw dealer 191 520d SE 100000km millage on the clock got €16500 for my own car and to put another €18000 to it. Purchased for €34500 got 2 year unlimited millage warranty. I looked at the current maket value of these cars think I did ok… prob could have got a couple grand cheaper but rather pay the extra bit and have the main dealer 2 year unlimited mileage warranty.

hope I bought a good quality car 🤞

thanks for all the replies and help

goochy

Well wear . You safe enough with a 2 years warranty

GPoint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121833016#Comment_121833016

Few diesels from Japan. Browse carsireland, there are a few.

I looked at japanese 320d but it was already sold, unfortunately!

GPoint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121844480#Comment_121844480

Wise choice!

BMW warranty is very good usually.

goochy

never heard of dsl jap imports besides jeeps

bazz26

Plenty of used diesel Toyota and Nissan cars were imported from Japan back in the 1990s before UK imports became a thing. Nearly every second taxi here was a white JDM diesel Corolla or Carina. Not so much if at these days.