2007 320 buying advice

[PaulWW]

Hi Folks, first post and already asking for advice!!

I have come across a 2007 manual 320 with 124k on the clock for an asking price of R80K

I have never owned a BMW before so would appreciate some views on this vehicle and some advice please.

 

[Dopi]

Hi where do you stay.

The price sounds good.

The 320i is not the most loved bmw of all times, as it was the low end of the range in the e90 the engine is underpowered and feels lazy. The manual is much better than the auto. If you stay in gauteng I would suggest that you rather look at a 320d. But go and test drive each maybe the power will not be an issue for you

 

[PaulWW]

Hi where do you stay.

The price sounds good.

The 320i is not the most loved bmw of all times, as it was the low end of the range in the e90 the engine is underpowered and feels lazy. The manual is much better than the auto. If you stay in gauteng I would suggest that you rather look at a 320d. But go and test drive each maybe the power will not be an issue for you

Thanks, I stay in Cape Town.

 

[deanbenn]

If its a 320i...let the car idle for a few minutes and give it a rev...if there is white smoke coming from the back...it means valve stems seals needs to be replaced...the most common problem on the 320i.

 

[daStrij]

If its a 320i...let the car idle for a few minutes and give it a rev...if there is white smoke coming from the back...it means valve stems seals needs to be replaced...the most common problem on the 320i.

+1

I had the same problem with my 1er!

 

[PaulWW]

If its a 320i...let the car idle for a few minutes and give it a rev...if there is white smoke coming from the back...it means valve stems seals needs to be replaced...the most common problem on the 320i.

+1

I had the same problem with my 1er!

Thanks guys, at what mileage did that happen and what were the repair costs?

 

[daStrij]

If its a 320i...let the car idle for a few minutes and give it a rev...if there is white smoke coming from the back...it means valve stems seals needs to be replaced...the most common problem on the 320i.

+1

I had the same problem with my 1er!

Thanks guys, at what mileage did that happen and what were the repair costs?

Mine happened at about 130 000km and it cost be R8000, R7500 to fix and about R500 to put the oil in before I figured out what was wrong. This is just my experience, might be different for others.

 

[deanbenn]

If its a 320i...let the car idle for a few minutes and give it a rev...if there is white smoke coming from the back...it means valve stems seals needs to be replaced...the most common problem on the 320i.

+1

I had the same problem with my 1er!

Thanks guys, at what mileage did that happen and what were the repair costs?

Mine happened at about 130 000km and it cost be R8000, R7500 to fix and about R500 to put the oil in before I figured out what was wrong. This is just my experience, might be different for others.

Mine started at 110000km.

Had it fixed in Cpt ..I paid around R4000 to have mine fixed.
If it does this (lets hope not) I can refer you to the guy that did mine.

 

[mo_s]

I would suggest that you rather look at a 320d.

:withStu: you will never regret the 320d over the 320. And no valve stem seal problems. Just do oil changes every 5k km..and the extra power is a big thumbs up

 

[PaulWW]

I would suggest that you rather look at a 320d.

:withStu: you will never regret the 320d over the 320. And no valve stem seal problems. Just do oil changes every 5k km..and the extra power is a big thumbs up

mmmm, but finding one with 124K on the clock for R80K might be the challenge.

 

[PaulWW]

Just upped my budget to R120K having found a MINT 2009 with 108K km on the clock, one owner FSH, bar the last service at BMW and a clean bill of health from BMW on the VIN search.