Captain Slow IRL wrote: » The earlier model (136bhp) is definitely hardier than the newer 150bhp's - swirl flaps were not in the earlier ones. My wife has one with 125k on the clock and it's performed faultlessly for the last 30k she's owned it. It's not as quick as the newer engine but will deliver 50mpg if you drive it carefully. You might get a little whine out of the turbo, but as long as it's not smoking excessively and boosting, it's nothing to worry about. If you're going for one, get one with a good service history and make sure the oil seperator (or breather) is replaced with every air filter replacement - these are essential for a healthy turbo. Other areas to look out for are the brakes - front calipers can seize (look for bright red corrosion around the discs, similiar colour to a red brick house), and rear brakes pipes can corrode - can be expensive to replace. VAG cars, imo, are overrated - too soft on the road and they're not without their troubles (window regs, air mass meters, front suspension components, etc.)
RobAMerc wrote: » Lads this is the motoring forum and if you cannot tell the difference between driving a Passat TDI and a 3 series BMW or care about the difference you have no business posting here imo. There is more to BMW's than the badge as there is more to cars than reliability. I really, really wish the boards people could see that !
DiarmaidGNR wrote: » When I said they were the same I meant as in price-wise, and value for money. I'd never touch a passat, - I suffer from sea-sickness. As for your reliability remark, -obviously you've never had to push a car in rush hour traffic at traffic lights -On your own!!! Or blown a turbo in the middle of nowhere and had to sit on your arse at the side of the road with nothing to do but think about haw many thousand it was going to cost to fix. - We're not all rich.
RobAMerc wrote: » My point was that the guy advising you to stay away from a BMW and go for a VAG TD engine just because it may be more reliable cannot exactly called them self a driving enthusiast now can they ? I know how it feels to sit on the side of a road, up a mountain, in a filling station, and on my drive to name but a few with a broken down car thanks, but for the most part I enjoyed driving the cars when they did go because I bought cars I knew would excite me. I'm not rich either btw.
ligertigon wrote: » Driving an e46 320d with 136bhp is hardly a driving enthusiasts car, nor is a similar vag, unless its modded. But I think this is going off topic, as the op asked about reliability, I only mentioned vag as a similar option, you would easily pick up a 110/130bhp skoda/seat/vw/audi for less than half the asking price of a 320d of the same era. But the op seems set on a beemer so I agree, go for the 136bhp one rather than the swirl flap eating later model. Maybe price a replacement turbo before hand just in case too. what about a 330d and make it a commercial? Saw one in donedeal for €2700
ligertigon wrote: » http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1238401 rear wheel drive with a girly button:p
DiarmaidGNR wrote: » LOL!!!! How would I get it registered as a commercial? - It would kind of depend on what humour the valuer was in wouldn't it? - Due to the back doors and poor load bay.
