320d SE, 70k miles

RodThePlod · 10-28-2014, 07:24 PM

Hey all,

I was looking at buying a 3 Series earlier in the year but it all fell through when I had to use a large chunk of my money saved for an emergency

I need a new car within the next week as my Zafira is on its last legs. I only have around £7k available - not as much as I was going to spend earlier this year - and am wondering if I should give this a miss and go for another vauxhall or something, or if I should still go for a 3 Series - albeit an olde model.

Initially, I wanted to get a 61/11 plate or something thereabouts, but with the money I have now, I can maybe look at a 07 plate I guess.

I've seen a couple of 07 reg 320d SEs on Autotrader that look nice and have around 70k miles on the clock - but just don't know if something that old will be asking for trouble.

Any advice buying a 320d SE with 70-oddK miles?

Cheers,

RTP.

JJ0063 · 10-28-2014, 07:29 PM

RTP, if you would look at a higher mile example with full BMW dealer history, late 2009 model (LCI) then check out my for sale ad.

Cheers
Jordan

Brian mc21 · 10-28-2014, 07:35 PM

If it's been looked after you should be fine. Had an 06 320d SE with 63k on it. Sold it to a mate with 74k on it. He now has 94 or so and it still runs like a watch. He gets the oil and filter changed including the micro filter once a year.

RodThePlod · 10-28-2014, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ0063

RTP, if you would look at a higher mile example with full BMW dealer history, late 2009 model (LCI) then check out my for sale ad.

Hi Jordan,

Had a look - nice car, although not too sure on the colour! Thing is, though, it's a smidgeon out of my price range

BTW - is that a private plate on there?

RTP.

RodThePlod · 10-28-2014, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian mc21

If it's been looked after you should be fine. Had an 06 320d SE with 63k on it. Sold it to a mate with 74k on it. He now has 94 or so and it still runs like a watch. He gets the oil and filter changed including the micro filter once a year.

That's useful to know. Thanks! The two I've seen on Autotrader do say full service history, etc. So maybe it's not such a bad idea, then!

Will do some more research as I'll need to get something sorted soon; the clutch on my Zafira is finally starting to go

RTP.

Brian mc21 · 10-28-2014, 07:55 PM

Your on the right place for hints and advice. One you will hear is don't stick to the service advice on the on board computer. It will tell you something like 18k between oil and filter changes. About every 10k seems the general consensus on here.

JJ0063 · 10-28-2014, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodThePlod

Hi Jordan,

Had a look - nice car, although not too sure on the colour! Thing is, though, it's a smidgeon out of my price range

BTW - is that a private plate on there?

RTP.

It is a private plate.

If you decide you're interested, get in touch. I'm sure I can move a little on price.

Kind regards,
Jordan

jrp73 · 10-29-2014, 02:10 AM

Only thing to be wary of is the early 320d is known to have the odd timing chain go bang... Massive bill! If I were you I'd look at saving a bit and getting a facelift which I believe had the timing chain issue fixed or a 330d. I'm looking to move my 330d on for a 330i but looking for more around 8k

dy63 · 10-29-2014, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by omge92

For £7k you can easy find msport.

+1. you can definitely find M Sport with 80k on for 7k. i have even seen 320d m sport with satnav but miles was touching 100k.

non satnav edition m sports on 07 are probably now about 6k. you will be barmy to spend 7k on 320d se

shrimpvende · 10-29-2014, 05:52 AM

For reliability the older M47 engines (up to 56 plate) are far better than the newer N47's with timing chain issues as said above. £7k will get you into a 56 plate M sport with about 80k miles, my best mate has just done exactly that.

Jase 320d · 10-29-2014, 06:10 AM

Yup buy an older m47 320d upto 07 plate generally. Can be spotted by downturned exhaust at back

Early newer ones 57plates have the n47 with the dodgy timing chains. Id buy an older one

My 2007 plate is on 91k now and it faultless

borinous · 10-29-2014, 06:19 AM

recently bought a 320d SE with 140k on the clock no issues at all.

Things to look out for i was told are Turbos and clutch and flywheel(all had been already replaced on mine) but if your looking at cars with under 100k they shouldn't be an issue at that stage providing the car has been looked after.

Also as already mentioned the older M47 engine dont suffer from timing chain issues the newer n47 does and i believe there is no DPF either so another thing not to go wrong

kwano888 · 10-29-2014, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jase 320d

Yup buy an older m47 320d upto 07 plate generally. Can be spotted by downturned exhaust at back

Early newer ones 57plates have the n47 with the dodgy timing chains. Id buy an older one

My 2007 plate is on 91k now and it faultless

+1 (mines a 56 plate, 70k miles auto)

Pacman83 · 10-29-2014, 09:28 AM

I paid 12k for 2008. Mint with 47k miles. OK, I knew it was a bit more than the usual, but I wanted this exact spec & colour. Was I barmy?

dy63 · 10-29-2014, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pacman83

I paid 12k for 2008. Mint with 47k miles. OK, I knew it was a bit more than the usual, but I wanted this exact spec & colour. Was I barmy?

what engine? i cant see a bump in the dashboard for a satnav. colour and rims look

Pacman83 · 10-29-2014, 10:32 AM

Cheers. 320d. (runs and hides from timing chain stories. lol) No sat Nav. Only thing I miss, but love everything else

Sensible_ · 10-29-2014, 10:45 AM

If go for a N47 over an M47 (although I'd really only touch an N57 now

)

You'll be lucky to find a 6 pot for 7k though.

The N47 has a hard rep, it's more economical and has more grunt than its predecessor. Reliability is good. The timing chain issue is hit and miss but more people don't have the problem than do. M47 has the issue of swirl flaps.

Jase 320d · 10-29-2014, 11:10 AM

M47TU2 has revised swirl flaps

Swirl flap was only really an e46 issue

Seldomly effects e9x

Somerset Jim · 10-29-2014, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodThePlod

That's useful to know. Thanks! The two I've seen on Autotrader do say full service history, etc. So maybe it's not such a bad idea, then!

Will do some more research as I'll need to get something sorted soon; the clutch on my Zafira is finally starting to go

RTP.

I would be tempted with something like this (not related to me and I don't know the seller):

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...1516?logcode=p

It has the more reliable engine and a much more powerful engine with all the trimmings I would want - sat nav, leather seats. This one even comes with 2 sets of tyres. Only thing not mentioned is service history. That would be a must for me.

I travelled a round trip of 6 hours to pick mine up on the basis that I'd asked all the questions before seeing it and was prepared to walk away if not what I wanted.

That's my 2 pence worth!

Best of luck in your search.

makkan00 · 10-29-2014, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sensible_

If go for a N47 over an M47 (although I'd really only touch an N57 now

)

You'll be lucky to find a 6 pot for 7k though.

The N47 has a hard rep, it's more economical and has more grunt than its predecessor. Reliability is good. The timing chain issue is hit and miss but more people don't have the problem than do. M47 has the issue of swirl flaps.

+1
End of 2009, they revised parts. So engines with n47 version C has less issues with timing chains.

makkan00 · 10-29-2014, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Somerset Jim

I would be tempted with something like this (not related to me and I don't know the seller):

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...1516?logcode=p

It has the more reliable engine and a much more powerful engine with all the trimmings I would want - sat nav, leather seats. This one even comes with 2 sets of tyres. Only thing not mentioned is service history. That would be a must for me.

I travelled a round trip of 6 hours to pick mine up on the basis that I'd asked all the questions before seeing it and was prepared to walk away if not what I wanted.

That's my 2 pence worth!

Best of luck in your search.

Seriously, a lot of car for that money. Its a good car unless OP wants something very economical and then 318d and 320d are much more economical.

RodThePlod · 10-29-2014, 05:17 PM

Thanks all for the great replies and insightful comments. You people really know your stuff.

I have a much clearer idea of what I'm looking for now. With the clutch starting to slip on my Zaffy, I think I'll be in a new car within a week at best, and two weeks at worst. If I end up with my first BMW I'll post some pics up here!

RTP.

10-28-2014, 07:24 PM	#1
RodThePlod New Member 4 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 3 Series Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: London iTrader: (0)	320d SE, 70k miles Hey all, I was looking at buying a 3 Series earlier in the year but it all fell through when I had to use a large chunk of my money saved for an emergency I need a new car within the next week as my Zafira is on its last legs. I only have around £7k available - not as much as I was going to spend earlier this year - and am wondering if I should give this a miss and go for another vauxhall or something, or if I should still go for a 3 Series - albeit an olde model. Initially, I wanted to get a 61/11 plate or something thereabouts, but with the money I have now, I can maybe look at a 07 plate I guess. I've seen a couple of 07 reg 320d SEs on Autotrader that look nice and have around 70k miles on the clock - but just don't know if something that old will be asking for trouble. Any advice buying a 320d SE with 70-oddK miles? Cheers, RTP.
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10-28-2014, 07:29 PM	#2
JJ0063 Captain 70 Rep 923 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: May 2014 Location: . iTrader: (1)	RTP, if you would look at a higher mile example with full BMW dealer history, late 2009 model (LCI) then check out my for sale ad. Cheers Jordan
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10-28-2014, 07:35 PM	#3
Brian mc21 Major 40 Rep 1,030 Posts Drives: E91 320d M Sport Join Date: May 2011 Location: Belfast. Northern Ireland. iTrader: (4)	If it's been looked after you should be fine. Had an 06 320d SE with 63k on it. Sold it to a mate with 74k on it. He now has 94 or so and it still runs like a watch. He gets the oil and filter changed including the micro filter once a year. __________________ E92 330D LCI Garage List NSR 250 MC21, CBR 600RR 3 RVF400
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10-28-2014, 07:55 PM	#6
Brian mc21 Major 40 Rep 1,030 Posts Drives: E91 320d M Sport Join Date: May 2011 Location: Belfast. Northern Ireland. iTrader: (4)	Your on the right place for hints and advice. One you will hear is don't stick to the service advice on the on board computer. It will tell you something like 18k between oil and filter changes. About every 10k seems the general consensus on here. __________________ E92 330D LCI Garage List NSR 250 MC21, CBR 600RR 3 RVF400
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10-29-2014, 02:10 AM	#8
jrp73 Lieutenant 36 Rep 506 Posts Drives: E92 330D Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Only thing to be wary of is the early 320d is known to have the odd timing chain go bang... Massive bill! If I were you I'd look at saving a bit and getting a facelift which I believe had the timing chain issue fixed or a 330d. I'm looking to move my 330d on for a 330i but looking for more around 8k
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-29-2014, 05:52 AM	#10
shrimpvende Private First Class 11 Rep 164 Posts Drives: E92 330i LCI Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	For reliability the older M47 engines (up to 56 plate) are far better than the newer N47's with timing chain issues as said above. £7k will get you into a 56 plate M sport with about 80k miles, my best mate has just done exactly that.
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10-29-2014, 06:10 AM	#11
Jase 320d Wheelbarrow Edition 63 Rep 1,608 Posts Drives: Arctic 320d Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Dumfries and Galloway iTrader: (1)	Yup buy an older m47 320d upto 07 plate generally. Can be spotted by downturned exhaust at back Early newer ones 57plates have the n47 with the dodgy timing chains. Id buy an older one My 2007 plate is on 91k now and it faultless
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10-29-2014, 06:19 AM	#12
borinous Captain 39 Rep 686 Posts Drives: E90 320d SE Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Essex iTrader: (2)	recently bought a 320d SE with 140k on the clock no issues at all. Things to look out for i was told are Turbos and clutch and flywheel(all had been already replaced on mine) but if your looking at cars with under 100k they shouldn't be an issue at that stage providing the car has been looked after. Also as already mentioned the older M47 engine dont suffer from timing chain issues the newer n47 does and i believe there is no DPF either so another thing not to go wrong
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10-29-2014, 09:28 AM	#14
Pacman83 Lieutenant 25 Rep 405 Posts Drives: e92 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Cumbria iTrader: (0)	I paid 12k for 2008. Mint with 47k miles. OK, I knew it was a bit more than the usual, but I wanted this exact spec & colour. Was I barmy?
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10-29-2014, 10:32 AM	#16
Pacman83 Lieutenant 25 Rep 405 Posts Drives: e92 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Cumbria iTrader: (0)	Cheers. 320d. (runs and hides from timing chain stories. lol) No sat Nav. Only thing I miss, but love everything else
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10-29-2014, 10:45 AM	#17
Sensible_ Colonel 532 Rep 2,503 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: London iTrader: (1)	If go for a N47 over an M47 (although I'd really only touch an N57 now ) You'll be lucky to find a 6 pot for 7k though. The N47 has a hard rep, it's more economical and has more grunt than its predecessor. Reliability is good. The timing chain issue is hit and miss but more people don't have the problem than do. M47 has the issue of swirl flaps.
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10-29-2014, 11:10 AM	#18
Jase 320d Wheelbarrow Edition 63 Rep 1,608 Posts Drives: Arctic 320d Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Dumfries and Galloway iTrader: (1)	M47TU2 has revised swirl flaps Swirl flap was only really an e46 issue Seldomly effects e9x
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10-29-2014, 05:17 PM	#22
RodThePlod New Member 4 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 3 Series Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Thanks all for the great replies and insightful comments. You people really know your stuff. I have a much clearer idea of what I'm looking for now. With the clutch starting to slip on my Zaffy, I think I'll be in a new car within a week at best, and two weeks at worst. If I end up with my first BMW I'll post some pics up here! RTP.
	Appreciate 0 Quote