320d buying advice

[Sonn]

After deliberating way too long I've finally come to the conclusion that the car I'm going to buy is the E90 320d.

I was wondering what I should look out for when going to buy one.

I suppose there are the standard diesel checks like smoke puffing but I'm sure there are several other things that require checking out.

I'm only considering ones with a full BMW service history and under 150 000 km on the clock. Don't want to spend more than R 130 000 really. I've spotted a few that fall into this category at dealers in CT and Gauteng.

Are there any major issues that I should be aware of that frequently plague these cars around that mileage?

 

[KarshS]

Use the search function. Its been covered quiet alot.
The usual checks must be carried out like any other car.

Get the repair history as well. Will let you know if you buying a problem child.
Around that mileage just check if the vibration dampener has been changed.

 

[stiaan]

Only thing I can say, you won't be sorry, I'll never buy a petrol BMW again, will maybe one day upgrade to a 330d.
I'm hooked to the dark side

 

[Sonn]

I've done some searching for the typical issues that one encounters on a car of that mileage and it seems some of them start to have turbo problems then. And that the fuel pump on the LCI models can develop a problem. But this is covered (from what I can gather) by an extended BMW warranty.

I've seen a 2009 320d manual with 98 000km for R 140k and a 2006 M-Sport 320d manual with 144 000 km on for R 119k. Given that I won't be putting a lot of miles on the car I'm probably going to go for the 2009 one.

The only remaining thing - these two are both manuals. There seems to be a consensus that if I'm going to get a 320d, it should be with an automatic.

Aside from the convenience of not having to shift very often, are there particular circumstances in which it would be better to opt for the automatic rather than the manual?

 

[CliftonH]

I say manual, but thats just my choice,

 

[Silverbird_96kw]

I've done some searching for the typical issues that one encounters on a car of that mileage and it seems some of them start to have turbo problems then. And that the fuel pump on the LCI models can develop a problem. But this is covered (from what I can gather) by an extended BMW warranty.

I've seen a 2009 320d manual with 98 000km for R 140k and a 2006 M-Sport 320d manual with 144 000 km on for R 119k. Given that I won't be putting a lot of miles on the car I'm probably going to go for the 2009 one.

The only remaining thing - these two are both manuals. There seems to be a consensus that if I'm going to get a 320d, it should be with an automatic.

Aside from the convenience of not having to shift very often, are there particular circumstances in which it would be better to opt for the automatic rather than the manual?

Went today to go and have a look at the one with 144k on the clock came there and the car wasn't there, went in to have the brakes done... But there is already a guy busy with Finance and then a guy that called this morning, also interested...

 

[DieselFan]

Rather get the 2009.

Mid '07 they introduced the 130kw engine into the preLci. If you're not sure about when the car was built. You can get the vin and go onto realOEM and see what engine it has. Or just get an '08 + and that will have the 130kw engine.

 

[Silverbird_96kw]

Would you guys say its fine to buy a E90 320d with mileage of say 120k - 150k mean if one takes care of it in the future it should work out...

One cant see how the car was treated in the past but hopefully with the outside condition and inside, one can judge?

 

[DieselFan]

I had my '06 up to 145 000kms, and never had any serious problems.

Check the vehicles service histroy and MP history and see if its had lots of problems, if it has rather stay away. Another good sign is if the vehicle was serviced every 10 000kms which mine has done since it was new.

What is your budget? I bought a 2007 msport with 71 000kms last year feb for R150 000.

 

[ClassicB]

Would you guys say its fine to buy a E90 320d with mileage of say 120k - 150k mean if one takes care of it in the future it should work out...

One cant see how the car was treated in the past but hopefully with the outside condition and inside, one can judge?

Nothing wrong with that milleage. Mine is on 250k km with original turbo.
Car is still smooth and a pleasure to drive. Consumption averaging 6.4l/ 100km, with mixed city and hi-way driving.

 

[JOSH.B.M.W]

Amazing car. Have mine for a few months. Loving every moment. Regular servicing is the main concern on these cars.

 

[need_4_speed]

Be sure to take out a aftermarket warranty or something, the turbos are an issue depending on your driving style e.g. if you idle the car for 1 minute before switching it off etc.

 

[Sonn]

I've got about 130k for a fsh 320d with 120-+ k kms

 

[Dilly]

also looking at the E90 320d (2006) now but i am going for the auto as i have driven a 530D (auto) quite a lot and its just a pleasure to drive so i figured the 320 would be relatively the same just not as powerful? havent seen the car yet as it has not arrived at the dealer yet but they said i'll be looking at around 90k for it..

so holding thumbs on this one:rollsmile: