How does someone with very little mechanical knowledge ideally buy a used BMW?

[PeterL]

I would still go with the 320d/330d over the equivalent petrol model anyway, unless you are a die-hard petrol fan. The only exception I would make is the 335i, the trade off for all that performance is the maintenance schedule - par for the course I suppose.

The diesel offers enough torque to keep you entertained (even more so when tuned), stellar fuel consumption and offers a bit more reliability (in my own experience) than the petrol. The N52 motors are notorious for sludge buildup due to stupidly long service intervals, there's also the cooling system, valvetronic and solenoids to be wary of.

I'm not a die-hard petrol fan. I was mostly looking at the 325i since a lot of forum regulars seem to like the 6-cylinder BMW's. I also figure that 325 and 330 might have better resale value since there are fewer out there than the 320's.

 

[PsyCLown]

Considering the prices of car these days, I would say R130k is fair..... Big ticket items on this car would be the vibration dampener and vbelt service and gearbox / diff service. And then depending on maintenance records it would be a good idea to keep a little aside for suspension related stuff (control arms are very common on E90s). I would say you're in for approx R15k on preventative maintenance.

Another common minor issue on the E90 320d is boost pipe seals, you will notice some sweating around the pipes. The seals are around R800 from BMW.

You also want to look for a 2011+ model as they have the N47T engine with the upgraded timing chain tensioners, also to note is that the above car does not have xenons which is a bummer. IMO the best E90 to look for is a an M Sport with at least xenons and sunroof. Finding one with idrive is rare, but it does make it much more enjoyable on the daily run.

I believe the N47T was available from late 2009, my 2010 model had the N47T engine.

This sometimes shows up as the N47n on some VIN checking websites.

 

[PsyCLown]

I'm not a die-hard petrol fan. I was mostly looking at the 325i since a lot of forum regulars seem to like the 6-cylinder BMW's. I also figure that 325 and 330 might have better resale value since there are fewer out there than the 320's.

Test drive one and see how it compares to the 320d.
The fuel consumption of the 325i will be higher, no turbo as well. Personally I'd go 320d, 330d or 335i in the E90 shape.

I'd much rather have a 330d over a 325i. I hear of people looking for a 320d or 330d, never heard of anyone looking for a 325i though.
If you want a bit more oomph than what a 320d has, I'd suggest a 330d over the 325i but finding one in good condition for R140k or less will be near impossible.

@husaindindar Went from an E90 325i to a 320d, perhaps he can give a bit more feedback on how they compare and which he prefers.

 

[Kyle]

I believe the N47T was available from late 2009, my 2010 model had the N47T engine.

This sometimes shows up as the N47n on some VIN checking websites.

The upgraded timing chain tensioners were available only after 2011, you will see a difference in the intake and boost pipes on all cars prior to the N47T engine.

 

[Riaad]

I believe the N47T was available from late 2009, my 2010 model had the N47T engine.

This sometimes shows up as the N47n on some VIN checking websites.

nope, N47T only became available in 2011, these are the 135kw models with a revised intact

 

[PeterL]

So I went to view the car in the Gumtree link today. It's a BMW 2011, with 139kkm and he is asking R139K. From what I can tell it's been well kept, perhaps a few small scratches here and there, but overall both the outside and the interior looks good.We went through the service history and the car has been serviced at BMW the whole time.

Also maybe it's a small thing, but when I told him I would like to have a mechanic screen the car before I buy it he instantly agreed. He told me that the car had been serviced a months ago and that he would be happy to go with me to have run diagnostic check run on the car later this week.

I'd like to hear you guys thoughts, but I'm leaning towards buying the car. Regarding the price I'm looking at ads for 320d's from 2010-2012 with similar mileage. The picture I get is that 139K is not a bargain, but probably still a decent deal. I guess I might get one at 125-130K if I wait a few months or go to Joburg to buy it, but I'm not sure it's worth the extra hassle.

This is of course assuming that the mechanic says the car is in great shape mechanically when I screen it. If he finds things that might about to break I'll start deducting from the price. Thoughts?

 

[KPM3_30]

So I went to view the car in the Gumtree link today. It's a BMW 2011, with 139kkm and he is asking R139K. From what I can tell it's been well kept, perhaps a few small scratches here and there, but overall both the outside and the interior looks good.We went through the service history and the car has been serviced at BMW the whole time.

Also maybe it's a small thing, but when I told him I would like to have a mechanic screen the car before I buy it he instantly agreed. He told me that the car had been serviced a months ago and that he would be happy to go with me to have run diagnostic check run on the car later this week.

I'd like to hear you guys thoughts, but I'm leaning towards buying the car. Regarding the price I'm looking at ads for 320d's from 2010-2012 with similar mileage. The picture I get is that 139K is not a bargain, but probably still a decent deal. I guess I might get one at 125-130K if I wait a few months or go to Joburg to buy it, but I'm not sure it's worth the extra hassle.

This is of course assuming that the mechanic says the car is in great shape mechanically when I screen it. If he finds things that might about to break I'll start deducting from the price. Thoughts?

Your previous post said R130k is the guy's lowest, use that as your entry price point since he volunteered the information. Its a fair price considering the diesel demand due to fuel prices, especially if accident free and well looked after.

Get the car checked properly at the mech and check gearbox adaptations are within spec for a service. Is the car stock, I see the tail pieces are different?

Low mileage example in the greater scheme of things, so should be a good purchase if all checks out.

 

[PeterL]

Your previous post said R130k is the guy's lowest, use that as your entry price point since he volunteered the information. Its a fair price considering the diesel demand due to fuel prices, especially if accident free and well looked after.

Get the car checked properly at the mech and check gearbox adaptations are within spec for a service. Is the car stock, I see the tail pieces are different?

Low mileage example in the greater scheme of things, so should be a good purchase if all checks out.

Apparently his brother posted the ad and he told me 130K. But I agree he'll probably accept 130K.

 

[Schalk94]

R139k is not a bargain for the car,but it definitely is fair IMO. If everything checks out at the mech,I would say it is a good buy based on the condition inside and outside. The bargain cars are usually the ones you need to be careful of

 

[PeterL]

So while I'm doing due diligence on the 320d I went out to BMW in Century City and had a look at the 325i. The car has been owned by an elderly couple the whole time and it has been serviced at BMW. I'm not sure how the pictures came out as bad as they did, but both the exterior and interior looks fantastic in real life.

I know the 325i seems unpopular on these forums, but other than feeling a bit more sluggish than the 320d I was positively surprised. The car is very quiet which I like. Also from what I read the engine is rated as one of the most reliable which certainly counts for something.

I would say logic tells me to buy the 320d and my heart wants the 325i. I guess if the former deal falls through I'll buy the 325i. Am I correct that what people don't like about the 325 is the fuel consumption and lack of torque?

2007 BMW 3 Series 325i Auto

Used BMW 3 Series 325i Auto for sale in Western Cape, car manufactured in 2007 (ID:7987600)

www.cars.co.za

 

[AdiS]

So while I'm doing due diligence on the 320d I went out to BMW in Century City and had a look at the 325i. The car has been owned by an elderly couple the whole time and it has been serviced at BMW. I'm not sure how the pictures came out as bad as they did, but both the exterior and interior looks fantastic in real life.

I know the 325i seems unpopular on these forums, but other than feeling a bit more sluggish than the 320d I was positively surprised. The car is very quiet which I like. Also from what I read the engine is rated as one of the most reliable which certainly counts for something.

I would say logic tells me to buy the 320d and my heart wants the 325i. I guess if the former deal falls through I'll buy the 325i. Am I correct that what people don't like about the 325 is the fuel consumption and lack of torque?

2007 BMW 3 Series 325i Auto

Used BMW 3 Series 325i Auto for sale in Western Cape, car manufactured in 2007 (ID:7987600)

www.cars.co.za

Peter, yes the most common criticism of the 325i is simply the -relative- lack of torque and fuel consumption compared to the 320d. That said, it's a lovely, smooth engine and if your intended purpose for the car is mostly weekend long trips and not daily traffic driving, it's a fine choice.

 

[PsyCLown]

So while I'm doing due diligence on the 320d I went out to BMW in Century City and had a look at the 325i. The car has been owned by an elderly couple the whole time and it has been serviced at BMW. I'm not sure how the pictures came out as bad as they did, but both the exterior and interior looks fantastic in real life.

I know the 325i seems unpopular on these forums, but other than feeling a bit more sluggish than the 320d I was positively surprised. The car is very quiet which I like. Also from what I read the engine is rated as one of the most reliable which certainly counts for something.

I would say logic tells me to buy the 320d and my heart wants the 325i. I guess if the former deal falls through I'll buy the 325i. Am I correct that what people don't like about the 325 is the fuel consumption and lack of torque?

2007 BMW 3 Series 325i Auto

Used BMW 3 Series 325i Auto for sale in Western Cape, car manufactured in 2007 (ID:7987600)

www.cars.co.za

The 325i is quieter than the 320d?
How much quieter, I found my 320d pretty quiet in the cabin. The insulation and sound deadening is pretty darn good in the E90.
I could pump my music pretty loud and be on party mode inside the car and not hear much outside the car with sunroof down and windows up - this was with aftermarket sound and an IB subwoofer install. No shitty rattles either.

If you getting the 320d checked out, then take it to one of your mechanics and ask them to check specific things as well - as mentioned in this thread.
Also try take it to ZF to have the gearbox checked out, the current mileage is likely too high to do a gearbox service and ZF will also be able to give an indication as to whether the condition of the gearbox matches the mileage stated on the car. A gearbox refurbishment is around R40k (maybe a bit more now).

Also try confirm whether the car is stock and find out why the exhaust was changed as the exhaust tips are not stock. The E90 320d has an exhaust which points downwards as per the below.

 

[GravityLee]

So while I'm doing due diligence on the 320d I went out to BMW in Century City and had a look at the 325i. The car has been owned by an elderly couple the whole time and it has been serviced at BMW. I'm not sure how the pictures came out as bad as they did, but both the exterior and interior looks fantastic in real life.

I know the 325i seems unpopular on these forums, but other than feeling a bit more sluggish than the 320d I was positively surprised. The car is very quiet which I like. Also from what I read the engine is rated as one of the most reliable which certainly counts for something.

I would say logic tells me to buy the 320d and my heart wants the 325i. I guess if the former deal falls through I'll buy the 325i. Am I correct that what people don't like about the 325 is the fuel consumption and lack of torque?

2007 BMW 3 Series 325i Auto

Used BMW 3 Series 325i Auto for sale in Western Cape, car manufactured in 2007 (ID:7987600)

www.cars.co.za

If you’re living at the cost the 325i is an awesome car.

 

[PeterL]

Peter, yes the most common criticism of the 325i is simply the -relative- lack of torque and fuel consumption compared to the 320d. That said, it's a lovely, smooth engine and if your intended purpose for the car is mostly weekend long trips and not daily traffic driving, it's a fine choice.

Thanks Adis, I appreciate the input.

 

[PeterL]

The 325i is quieter than the 320d?
How much quieter, I found my 320d pretty quiet in the cabin. The insulation and sound deadening is pretty darn good in the E90.
I could pump my music pretty loud and be on party mode inside the car and not hear much outside the car with sunroof down and windows up - this was with aftermarket sound and an IB subwoofer install. No shitty rattles either.

If you getting the 320d checked out, then take it to one of your mechanics and ask them to check specific things as well - as mentioned in this thread.
Also try take it to ZF to have the gearbox checked out, the current mileage is likely too high to do a gearbox service and ZF will also be able to give an indication as to whether the condition of the gearbox matches the mileage stated on the car. A gearbox refurbishment is around R40k (maybe a bit more now).

Also try confirm whether the car is stock and find out why the exhaust was changed as the exhaust tips are not stock. The E90 320d has an exhaust which points downwards as per the below.

Apparently his brother posted the ad and he told me 130K. But I agree he'll probably accept 130K.

Thanks for the heads-up about the exhaust tips not being stock. KPM3_30 said the tail pieces are different as well. I had spotted neither, but I need to ask the owner about it because I believe I asked if the car was stock and he said yes.

Regarding the 325i being more quiet it's probably just a small difference, but I do appreciate a quiet ride. Also I've only driven these cars for a short while so my impression could be off.

 

[Tinuva]

Thanks for the heads-up about the exhaust tips not being stock. KPM3_30 said the tail pieces are different as well. I had spotted neither, but I need to ask the owner about it because I believe I asked if the car was stock and he said yes.

Regarding the 325i being more quiet it's probably just a small difference, but I do appreciate a quiet ride. Also I've only driven these cars for a short while so my impression could be off.

The diesel will sound like a truck outside the cabin

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[VinceM]

The diesel will sound like a truck outside the cabin

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Especially 2.0D

I find 3.0D a lot more refined than 2.0D


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[VinceM]

my heart wants the 325i. I guess if the former deal falls through I'll buy the 325i. Am I correct that what people don't like about the 325 is the fuel consumption and lack of torque?

2007 BMW 3 Series 325i Auto

Used BMW 3 Series 325i Auto for sale in Western Cape, car manufactured in 2007 (ID:7987600)

www.cars.co.za

Wish it was a LCI that 325i!

This one looks like a poverty spec.

No Zenon lights, No sports seats, No sports steering, Sunroof I know it’s a preference thing…


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[PeterL]

With Coisman being on vacation I don't have access to eNatis. I decided to pay to use https://vindocs.co.za/ instead and run the VIN there. However, the car shows up as a 320i and not 320d. Not sure if the site is just unreliable?

 

[Dr Evil]

With Coisman being on vacation I don't have access to eNatis. I decided to pay to use https://vindocs.co.za/ instead and run the VIN there. However, the car shows up as a 320i and not 320d. Not sure if the site is just unreliable?


View attachment 11052

You could try the TransUnion website, i know they do vehicle searches as well I'm just not sure what type of information is returned.
Coisman would be the best though, he has helped a lot of us avoid some sketchy cars.


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