discussion Looking to buy a BMW - Not sure what models are reliable - Never had a BMW

[JordanB]

Hey everyone! So Im looking to get my first car by myself. My budget is anywhere from comfortable 250k to max 299k which Id obviously like to avoid. Ive never owned a BMW, but I have grown very fond of them. I am in Cape Town as a note, though Im not against flying to another city and driving it back.

Id like to try go for a more aggressive looking BMW. Ive found that 2019 and older base model 3 series for example tend to have somewhat rounded grilles and front areas, where as a m sport model of the same series or a 2021 version has a far sharper look.

Ive been told that the diesel 3 series are amazing (F30s?) but they seem to be relatively rare and snatched up quickly. Ive looked at Auto trader and there are a few but they seem to be those one man band dealers which I feel like I should avoid (should I?) and then WeBuyCars has some but they are a little pricier than AutoTrader.

Again, zero experience with BMW and very little with purchasing and maintaining vehicles. So any and all advice would be appreciated!

 

[AceRally]

You won't find a 2021 BMW for R299k, you need to reconsider expectations for your budget. For that amount you should be looking at 2013/2014/2015.

 

[JordanB]

You won't find a 2021 BMW for R299k, you need to reconsider expectations for your budget. For that amount you should be looking at 2013/2014/2015.

I know I wont find a 2021 model for that budget, all Im saying is the aggressive shape. For example the 2016 M sport models, etc. all have an aggressive face lift.

 

[TurboLlew]

I think most are going to point you to an E90 LCI 20d or 30d with a healthy maintenance budget.

You will eventually learn more as everyone does, but as a start you want something that leaves you breathing room for bills that are inevitable on an older car but also a platform that is also tried and trusted and gives you a taste of what the rest of the brand has to offer.

The F30s in your range that do not have the problematic N20 motor are probably going to be at astronomical mileages or have unwanted histories. Not a massive problem if you're up for the challenge, but you don't want to start your journey with one of those. They aren't all that rare... just rare in a good condition by the time they show up at dealers and owners tend to keep diesels for a long time.

 

[MR_Y]

Step 1:
Find a E90 320d from a honest and meticulous previous owner.

Step 2:
Find a good mechanic.

Step 3:
Budget a bit for annual maintenance.

Important to bear in mind that with all premium cars, even though some are very reliable, preventative maintenance is important and you will need to spend money to save money long term.

I would advise, for now, maybe consider a reliable Japanese car with some sporty genes. Used Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4T (this is the European spec, unlike the Indian spec base Swifts) manual will fit in your budget and will not break the bank to maintain.

 

[FILV]

Hi there

No exact criteria was given but with your budget, its definitely suggested you stick to the diesels. If you go petrol whether it be a 320i, or 328i or 120i etc, they have the infamous N20 engine which is a big no go (just google n20 reliability for more info)

So definitely look at the D's, and do your preventive maintenance, starting with the gearbox. Go to ZF and let them do diagnostic on the gearbox and check the oil, and if all is within spec, you can do the gearbox oil change, and then you .

From there check the belts and pulleys, then check the suspension (shocks, front control bushes etc)

That was a sobering search to what looks decent within for you budget
Wow cant believe how much crap is out there
These are the ones i would have looked at, bare in mind im note sure what youw ere looking for,size, sporty,not sporty etc:

BMW 5 Series 520d M Sport for sale in Johannesburg - ID: 27173810

Used 2011 BMW 5 Series 520d M Sport For Sale - R 239 900 - ID: 27173810

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 1 Series 120d 5-Door Auto for sale in Cape Town - ID: 27129649

Used 2014 BMW 1 Series 120d 5-Door Auto For Sale - R 229 995 - ID: 27129649

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 3 Series 320d auto for sale in Milnerton - ID: 27189230

Used 2013 BMW 3 Series 320d auto For Sale - R 219 999 - ID: 27189230

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 3 Series 320d auto for sale in Johannesburg - ID: 27054828

Used 2015 BMW 3 Series 320d auto For Sale - R 239 900 - ID: 27054828

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 3 Series 320d Luxury Auto for sale in Pretoria - ID: 27170412

Used 2012 BMW 3 Series 320d Luxury Auto For Sale - R 219 900 - ID: 27170412

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 3 Series 320d Sport for sale in Pretoria - ID: 26970012

Used 2013 BMW 3 Series 320d Sport For Sale - R 199 900 - ID: 26970012

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW X1 xDrive20d for sale in East London - ID: 27194615

Used 2013 BMW X1 xDrive20d For Sale - R 219 999 - ID: 27194615

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW X1 sDrive20d M Sport Auto for sale in Benoni - ID: 27166362

Used 2014 BMW X1 sDrive20d M Sport Auto For Sale - R 249 950 - ID: 27166362

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW X1 sDrive20i Auto for sale in Randburg - ID: 26888272

Used 2014 BMW X1 sDrive20i Auto For Sale - R 249 900 - ID: 26888272

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 3 Series 330d M Sport Auto for sale in Ermelo - ID: 27070466

Used 2010 BMW 3 Series 330d M Sport Auto For Sale - R 249 000 - ID: 27070466

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 3 Series 330d M Sport Auto for sale in Sandton - ID: 27172928

Used 2007 BMW 3 Series 330d M Sport Auto For Sale - R 142 950 - ID: 27172928

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW X1 sDrive20d Auto for sale in Pretoria - ID: 27177282

Used 2014 BMW X1 sDrive20d Auto For Sale - R 229 900 - ID: 27177282

www.autotrader.co.za

 

[TurboLlew]

Just a warning on F series cars is to look out for an aircon that "just needs a regas". If it was that simple it would have been done already on a 200K+ sale. What is actually wrong is a broken heat exchanger (its a giant box with the evap unit and heater core) sitting between the passenger compartment and engine bay... which means most if not all of the interior out depending on the vehicle. This is a 25K+ exercise to change out and largely labour. Who you get to do it is another story as your car may forever have rattles if you do it at the wrong place.

I am not sure about E series cars but this is pretty much a universal red flag on any modern car (Aircon "just needs a regas" that is)

 

[AceRally]

BMW 1 Series 120d 5-Door Auto for sale in Randburg - ID: 27173966

Used 2015 BMW 1 Series 120d 5-Door Auto For Sale - R 269 000 - ID: 27173966

www.autotrader.co.za

 

[AshG108]

Just a warning on F series cars is to look out for an aircon that "just needs a regas". If it was that simple it would have been done already on a 200K+ sale. What is actually wrong is a broken heat exchanger (its a giant box with the evap unit and heater core) sitting between the passenger compartment and engine bay... which means most if not all of the interior out depending on the vehicle. This is a 25K+ exercise to change out and largely labour. Who you get to do it is another story as your car may forever have rattles if you do it at the wrong place.

I am not sure about E series cars but this is pretty much a universal red flag on any modern car (Aircon "just needs a regas" that is)

Another way to also find this out is when you sit in the car, there will be an odd, musty smell that the EVAP could be damage dbut most probably leaking as well. Same type of fix required...close the windows and jump out and in a few times...musty smell would be evident.

 

[jld010]

With a budget of 300k..and the cost of maintenance that goes with it..simple answer is..do not buy a German car.

 

[supertramp]

Hi Jordan,

The advice surrounding the E90 330d is very good advice to enter the journey ...........
I "might" be selling my 2011 LCI E90 330d Auto which is a young mans car, I am heading for 64 so time to move on ............. I would be looking at R220k as I have spent a lot of monies in extras and preventative maintainance to date.
If you are perhaps interested in more detail and a possible interest in buying I can send on pics, etc to you via a PM?

Cheers.

 

[Mytfine]

I stand to be corrected but all my research points to the N20 engine issues with regards to the timing chain having been resolved by 2015.

 

[TurboLlew]

I stand to be corrected but all my research points to the N20 engine issues with regards to the timing chain having been resolved by 2015.

This has more to do with the 320i motor being replaced by the B48 by that point.

With a budget of 300k..and the cost of maintenance that goes with it..simple answer is..do not buy a German car.

This is not bad advice, but also check the actual maintenance costs since eg: Hyundai that my wife owned was more expensive for regular servicing in terms of both parts and maintenance than my F10 was or even vs. my 4C and F90. Same goes for Toyota and to a lesser degree Nissan. You may find that a 320d is actually not that expensive to own and maintain relative to some of these.

Factor in that there are some cars that just do not get spoken about that have HORRENDOUS parts prices, availability and service costs. There are also people (like BMW owners LOL) that love to parrot certain things about their Toyota/Nissan/Honda in terms of them being cheap and reliable just because this was true in the 80s and 90s. Meanwhile if you dig (and which you probably will never hear unless you own one), this isn't the case because they are just as expensive to maintain, by virtue of them being just as complex (sometimes to a worse degree) and you may not have a community to turn to to fix issues.

Since motoring publications have been junk for over 10 years now, we don't get realistic views of this anymore. Fortunately it is not too difficult to research on your own or to ask on here.

 

[Mytfine]

This has more to do with the 320i motor being replaced by the B48 by that point.



This is not bad advice, but also check the actual maintenance costs since eg: Hyundai that my wife owned was more expensive for regular servicing in terms of both parts and maintenance than my F10 was or even vs. my 4C and F90. Same goes for Toyota and to a lesser degree Nissan. You may find that a 320d is actually not that expensive to own and maintain relative to some of these.

Factor in that there are some cars that just do not get spoken about that have HORRENDOUS parts prices, availability and service costs. There are also people (like BMW owners LOL) that love to parrot certain things about their Toyota/Nissan/Honda in terms of them being cheap and reliable just because this was true in the 80s and 90s. Meanwhile if you dig (and which you probably will never hear unless you own on

This has more to do with the 320i motor being replaced by the B48 by that point.



This is not bad advice, but also check the actual maintenance costs since eg: Hyundai that my wife owned was more expensive for regular servicing in terms of both parts and maintenance than my F10 was or even vs. my 4C and F90. Same goes for Toyota and to a lesser degree Nissan. You may find that a 320d is actually not that expensive to own and maintain relative to some of these.

Factor in that there are some cars that just do not get spoken about that have HORRENDOUS parts prices, availability and service costs. There are also people (like BMW owners LOL) that love to parrot certain things about their Toyota/Nissan/Honda in terms of them being cheap and reliable just because this was true in the 80s and 90s. Meanwhile if you dig (and which you probably will never hear unless you own one), this isn't the case because they are just as expensive to maintain, by virtue of them being just as complex (sometimes to a worse degree) and you may not have a community to turn to to fix issues.

Since motoring publications have been junk for over 10 years now, we don't get realistic views of this anymore. Fortunately it is not too difficult to research on your own or to ask on here.

So its fair to say that the 320 petrol models after 2015 are pretty reliable.

Most of the japanese brands just use simpler technology that is proven to be reliable and if you skip the dealership and goldwagen ( who have gotten pretty expensive of late) parts for these japanese cars are very cheap.

I have mostly driven old beemers and the only time i was left stranded was due to an ignition lock failing.

I can afford a newer beemer what I cant afford however is if a turbo or gearbox goes. Tyres as well with most having the m sport kit with 19's can become very expensive. I also am a bit stingy and will never pay a car installment higher than my bond.

I do envy your garage though and wish it was my collection.
.
I agree on the motoring publications. I really miss the car of old. 1st thing i used to read was the garagemens casebook !

 

[TurboLlew]

So its fair to say that the 320 petrol models after 2015 are pretty reliable.

Most of the japanese brands just use simpler technology that is proven to be reliable and if you skip the dealership and goldwagen ( who have gotten pretty expensive of late) parts for these japanese cars are very cheap.

I have mostly driven old beemers and the only time i was left stranded was due to an ignition lock failing.

I can afford a newer beemer what I cant afford however is if a turbo or gearbox goes. Tyres as well with most having the m sport kit with 19's can become very expensive. I also am a bit stingy and will never pay a car installment higher than my bond.

I do envy your garage though and wish it was my collection.
.
I agree on the motoring publications. I really miss the car of old. 1st thing i used to read was the garagemens casebook !

Garagemen's casebook made for some great stories! Their technical write ups were also fascinating to young me! Unbelievable levels of detail that you didn't need to be an engineer to grasp, freely shared. You got the impression that the person writing was very clued up. They were quick to point out snake oil (even from the advertisers in their back section) as well as having critical reviews that you could somewhat beleive (and credibility brought by the technical side of things). The content in Car magazine in its heyday made other publications look like toilet paper by comparison (IMHO).

Contrast this with today, we have wishy washy reviews, regurgitation of press releases (even when they have been to a track experience or off road experience as part of the launch). Replacing real technical content, we have factory tours where the journos are wined and dined after being flown business class and put up in 5 star hotels. If they dare write a bad article then advertisers might pull out... or worse, stop supplying them with cars. Influencers being walking 'trusted' ads is even worse. I understand that in both cases they declare this and it is advertorial content, but this also means that their actual editorial content is now junk because of the undue influence from these activities.

We have really lost a lot of great writers, but also credibility, independence and content in the last 15-20 years.

 

[AshG108]

Hi Jordan,

The advice surrounding the E90 330d is very good advice to enter the journey ...........
I "might" be selling my 2011 LCI E90 330d Auto which is a young mans car, I am heading for 64 so time to move on ............. I would be looking at R220k as I have spent a lot of monies in extras and preventative maintainance to date.
If you are perhaps interested in more detail and a possible interest in buying I can send on pics, etc to you via a PM?

Cheers.

Can you share details with me via. PM please?

 

[supertramp]

Can you share details with me via. PM please?

Hi Ash,

Can you share your cell number with me so we can chat on WhatsApp?

Cheers,
Stephen.

 

[VinceM]

I find that old BMWs sell at a decent price to allow heavy maintenance to allow trouble free motoring.

My 330ci, touch wood, has been super reliable though spent more than the purchase price to enjoy the benefit.

Still way cheaper than buying a Polo.

Id say get a E90/E92. Spend R120k buying the car and R80k fixing everything possible, enjoy it for 10 years trouble free.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Mytfine]

I find that old BMWs sell at a decent price to allow heavy maintenance to allow trouble free motoring.

My 330ci, touch wood, has been super reliable though spent more than the purchase price to enjoy the benefit.

Still way cheaper than buying a Polo.

Id say get a E90/E92. Spend R120k buying the car and R80k fixing everything possible, enjoy it for 10 years trouble free.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

100%

 

[MR_Y]

I find that old BMWs sell at a decent price to allow heavy maintenance to allow trouble free motoring.

My 330ci, touch wood, has been super reliable though spent more than the purchase price to enjoy the benefit.

Still way cheaper than buying a Polo.

Id say get a E90/E92. Spend R120k buying the car and R80k fixing everything possible, enjoy it for 10 years trouble free.

💯 👍 Agree!

On an older BMW, unless maintained fastidiously by a Fanatic (in which case, it will justifiably sell at a higher price), you will need to spend a chunk of cash on preventative maintenance. But then you will have peace of mind for a period of time. I am going through that now - bought a car relatively cheap, but spending almost that price in maintenance and other bits and bobs (mods included )

On another point, based on personal experience, buying a car that has full BMW Dealership service history means nothing. The agents do not necessarily perform preventative maintenance. Rather a buy a BMW that has been pampered by a reputable independent workshop.

My car was a "FSH with agents" car and had one lady owner since new, and I bought it from BMW. But, zero proper maintenance was done, apart from basic services.

An E90/92 with an N52* either in 2.5 or 3.0 will be a good option. Would strongly advise a manual - these old BMWs with straight 6 naturally aspirated engines and RWD need a manual box to properly enjoy the authentic BMW old school experience.

* These engines need some preventative maintenance done - refer threads on this