Advice - Buying a second hand 320 i (f30)

[THass]

Hi all.

So I am looking at either a 2016 or 2017 320i. Both models have less than 70 000 km on the clock. What I would like to know is:

- Has anyone had major issues with this model after 100 000km
- How affordable do you find the services after motor plan expires?
- Should I take the extended 2 year warranty that the dealership is offering (although I have heard conflicting stories regarding this).
- How do you find consumption on this model?

Any advise in respect of the above or any other advise would be appreciated.

 

[Technician]

https://www.tunetech.co.za/n20-engine-problems-right-motorplan/



So I didnt think I would have to do a write up about the petrol F – series engines.

My usual comments over the years to clients with the petrol E-series generation was

“service every 10000KM or once a year as this car is prone to sludge and engine issues”

I said this like a broken record and honestly it was terrifying taking on these vehicles, revs jumping and engine cutting out issues, if they weren’t already a cleint with a service record with me.



Most of my clients now know to service more often and always keep records.


So here we are again ? with similar issues just more aggravating as I am meeting new clients coming straight from the big deals.

These engines are siezing due to what seems like an arrangement of things. The the timing chain , oil pump chain and plastic guides break first with the oil pump failing due to pieces of plastic or sludge with somes cars.

(kindly note the N20 timing chain jobs we have worked on – the faults and mileage – way below – end of article)

THE PROBLEMS:
If you hear any NEW noises (hum or rattle from engine not the direct injection “diesel noise” ) or see the “Drivetrain Message” – see your mechanic asap.
Sludge, oil pump failure, timing chain and guide failure.
Drivetrain message; due to above or below
Misfire and revs jumping
Fuel system issues.
Turbo failure if the client left the oil faults and sludge too long.


THE SOLUTION:
Strip and fault. We change the oil pump, guide and timing chain kit for a ¼ or less of what the quote would be for an engine replacement.
We drop the sump and change the big end bearings.


If it has seized solid and the Big end bearings damaged the crank, we fit a used motor with the parts listed above renewed.

You can save this motor from failing and rebuild the motor if you catch these faults just in time.

A new client was not so fortunate – see pic of bearings below

It went further and the Crank got damaged – as a courtesy we read all faults on cars with every lube service we do – we warn clients long before it gets to this*****

Unfortunately there are no oversized bearings available for N20.

This repair requires a brand new crankshaft with all new bearings.

 

[///M Individual]

@THass I would advise you go for a 320d instead as the diesels are noted for being much more reliable than the 320i.

You can note the issues with the 320i motor from Technicians post as well.

You will also benefit from better consumption with the diesel.

Good luck with your search.

 

[THass]

@THass I would advise you go for a 320d instead as the diesels are noted for being much more reliable than the 320i.

You can note the issues with the 320i motor from Technicians post as well.

You will also benefit from better consumption with the diesel.

Good luck with your search.

M Individua

Thanks for your input. I have actually been told that the diesel engines are more likely to cause a problem. I have also been advised that the services on the 320d are significantly more expensive than the 320i.

 

[M135i]

@THass I would advise you go for a 320d instead as the diesels are noted for being much more reliable than the 320i.

You can note the issues with the 320i motor from Technicians post as well.

You will also benefit from better consumption with the diesel.

Good luck with your search.

M Individua

Thanks for your input. I have actually been told that the diesel engines are more likely to cause a problem. I have also been advised that the services on the 320d are significantly more expensive than the 320i.

Whoever told you that, was lying.
320d is miles ahead of the 320i in reliability

 

[KPM3_30]

@THass I would advise you go for a 320d instead as the diesels are noted for being much more reliable than the 320i.

You can note the issues with the 320i motor from Technicians post as well.

You will also benefit from better consumption with the diesel.

Good luck with your search.

M Individua

Thanks for your input. I have actually been told that the diesel engines are more likely to cause a problem. I have also been advised that the services on the 320d are significantly more expensive than the 320i.

You have been advised wrong, on both accounts.

The diesel engines are more reliable than the petrol engines (google N20 reliability - both the 320i and 328i use this engine) and costs of servicing between both should be the same (4 cylinder).

 

[Riaad]

@THass I would advise you go for a 320d instead as the diesels are noted for being much more reliable than the 320i.

You can note the issues with the 320i motor from Technicians post as well.

You will also benefit from better consumption with the diesel.

Good luck with your search.

M Individua

Thanks for your input. I have actually been told that the diesel engines are more likely to cause a problem. I have also been advised that the services on the 320d are significantly more expensive than the 320i.

You have been advised wrong, on both accounts.

The diesel engines are more reliable than the petrol engines (google N20 reliability - both the 320i and 328i use this engine) and costs of servicing between both should be the same (4 cylinder).

The cost difference to do an oil service at bmw on a 4cyl petrol vs 4cyl diesel is roughly r300 ...iirc bmw petrol models have a 20k kms service interval, whilst the diesel has a 15k kms interval ...however, its best to do 10k kms service on both engines (most forum members, including myself applies this interval to our cars)

 

[THass]

Thanks everyone for the input.

 

[lebofa]

@THass I would advise you go for a 320d instead as the diesels are noted for being much more reliable than the 320i.

You can note the issues with the 320i motor from Technicians post as well.

You will also benefit from better consumption with the diesel.

Good luck with your search.

M Individua

Thanks for your input. I have actually been told that the diesel engines are more likely to cause a problem. I have also been advised that the services on the 320d are significantly more expensive than the 320i.

They lied to you bro. You did right buy joining this forum. Now you just need to do an introduction and post some photos of your ride. welcome to the forum

 

[///Avi]

Gents 2016 or 2017 year models would be the B48 engine.

Why are you guys advising him on the N20?

 

[TheMo]

Gents 2016 or 2017 year models would be the B48 engine.

Why are you guys advising him on the N20?

I was thinking the same

 

[KPM3_30]

Gents 2016 or 2017 year models would be the B48 engine.

Why are you guys advising him on the N20?

Well spotted, I just saw the title of the thread and Technician's response..

My answer would still remain the same however, until there are more high mileage B48 engines to stand testament to long term reliability.. I have heard of issues on the B58, so would prefer to err on the side of caution, especially given BMW's petrol reliability of late. The 320d does everything you need and then some. The approx. R300 extra at a service would more than be covered by fuel savings alone.

Although if someone thinks of diesel as Satan's fuel, then no amount of diesel-punting would work. I would much rather chance the B48, than touch a N20 motor. That said, if it were my money, it would be diesel.

 

[///Avi]

Gents 2016 or 2017 year models would be the B48 engine.

Why are you guys advising him on the N20?

Well spotted, I just saw the title of the thread and Technician's response..

My answer would still remain the same however, until there are more high mileage B48 engines to stand testament to long term reliability.. I have heard of issues on the B58, so would prefer to err on the side of caution, especially given BMW's petrol reliability of late. The 320d does everything you need and then some. The approx. R300 extra at a service would more than be covered by fuel savings alone.

Although if someone thinks of diesel as Satan's fuel, then no amount of diesel-punting would work. I would much rather chance the B48, than touch a N20 motor. That said, if it were my money, it would be diesel.

Not a fan of the diesels but they generally are the better choice at this range of cars. These aren't performance cars and fuel consumption is a big factor. When I was faced with this choice for my wife's vehicle it had to be diesel as well.

I agree that we haven't seen enough B48s at high mileage too. Time will tell, but I'm not too confident they would be that great in the long run. From the small sample that I've spoken to, they seem to have no issues so far though.

My pick would be a diesel too OP. But go drive both and decide.

 

[THass]

Gents 2016 or 2017 year models would be the B48 engine.

Why are you guys advising him on the N20?

Well spotted, I just saw the title of the thread and Technician's response..

My answer would still remain the same however, until there are more high mileage B48 engines to stand testament to long term reliability.. I have heard of issues on the B58, so would prefer to err on the side of caution, especially given BMW's petrol reliability of late. The 320d does everything you need and then some. The approx. R300 extra at a service would more than be covered by fuel savings alone.

Although if someone thinks of diesel as Satan's fuel, then no amount of diesel-punting would work. I would much rather chance the B48, than touch a N20 motor. That said, if it were my money, it would be diesel.

Not a fan of the diesels but they generally are the better choice at this range of cars. These aren't performance cars and fuel consumption is a big factor. When I was faced with this choice for my wife's vehicle it had to be diesel as well.

I agree that we haven't seen enough B48s at high mileage too. Time will tell, but I'm not too confident they would be that great in the long run. From the small sample that I've spoken to, they seem to have no issues so far though.

My pick would be a diesel too OP. But go drive both and decide.

Thanks. I think I will have to test drive both and decide. Consumption as you point out is one of the big factors. Reliability is equally important though as I do not want to have to deal with issues after the MP expires. I am a reasonable driver and hardly ever speed. My main concern with the D is that according to what I have been told any issues with the diesel engine is costly and given my very limited knowledge when it comes to vehicles I am not too sure about this.

 

[///M Individual]

Gents 2016 or 2017 year models would be the B48 engine.

Why are you guys advising him on the N20?

Well spotted, I just saw the title of the thread and Technician's response..

My answer would still remain the same however, until there are more high mileage B48 engines to stand testament to long term reliability.. I have heard of issues on the B58, so would prefer to err on the side of caution, especially given BMW's petrol reliability of late. The 320d does everything you need and then some. The approx. R300 extra at a service would more than be covered by fuel savings alone.

Although if someone thinks of diesel as Satan's fuel, then no amount of diesel-punting would work. I would much rather chance the B48, than touch a N20 motor. That said, if it were my money, it would be diesel.

Not a fan of the diesels but they generally are the better choice at this range of cars. These aren't performance cars and fuel consumption is a big factor. When I was faced with this choice for my wife's vehicle it had to be diesel as well.

I agree that we haven't seen enough B48s at high mileage too. Time will tell, but I'm not too confident they would be that great in the long run. From the small sample that I've spoken to, they seem to have no issues so far though.

My pick would be a diesel too OP. But go drive both and decide.

Thanks. I think I will have to test drive both and decide. Consumption as you point out is one of the big factors. Reliability is equally important though as I do not want to have to deal with issues after the MP expires. I am a reasonable driver and hardly ever speed. My main concern with the D is that according to what I have been told any issues with the diesel engine is costly and given my very limited knowledge when it comes to vehicles I am not too sure about this.

As you can see from all the replies it is quite the contrary. The diesels are said to be bulletproof when maintained correctly. There are many cases of the petrol models failing though, even with proper maintenance. A quick browse through the forum and you will find a few threads.

What is your budget for the vehicle? We can keep an eye out for a food 320d for you.

 

[preggyn78]

Hi all.

So I am looking at either a 2016 or 2017 320i. Both models have less than 70 000 km on the clock. What I would like to know is:

- Has anyone had major issues with this model after 100 000km
- How affordable do you find the services after motor plan expires?
- Should I take the extended 2 year warranty that the dealership is offering (although I have heard conflicting stories regarding this).
- How do you find consumption on this model?

Any advise in respect of the above or any other advise would be appreciated.

If it’s the F30 as you mentioned, my wife has a 2013 320i. She loves it and says she won’t change it for anything.
Suppose it’s a matter of taste!
However there are some issues as mentioned on the forum but touch wood we only ever had a battery fault and that’s due to no water in the battery. Topped it up and all sorted.
It’s now doing about 99k and just need to do the ZF gearbox service. Consumption is between 7 and 8 which is not bad.
The diesel would be a little more expensive to buy and then if there is a major fault it would also be more costly.
Do the Dekra and ZF tests and decide.

Good luck!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[S1NGH 911]

Hi all.

So I am looking at either a 2016 or 2017 320i. Both models have less than 70 000 km on the clock. What I would like to know is:

- Has anyone had major issues with this model after 100 000km
- How affordable do you find the services after motor plan expires?
- Should I take the extended 2 year warranty that the dealership is offering (although I have heard conflicting stories regarding this).
- How do you find consumption on this model?

Any advise in respect of the above or any other advise would be appreciated.

The diesel would be a little more expensive to buy and then if there is a major fault it would also be more costly.


Good luck!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You are clearly misinformed

Dekra tests are also a waste of time and mean nothing

 

[Faraaz001]

Hi all.

So I am looking at either a 2016 or 2017 320i. Both models have less than 70 000 km on the clock. What I would like to know is:

- Has anyone had major issues with this model after 100 000km
- How affordable do you find the services after motor plan expires?
- Should I take the extended 2 year warranty that the dealership is offering (although I have heard conflicting stories regarding this).
- How do you find consumption on this model?

Any advise in respect of the above or any other advise would be appreciated.

I have a f30 320i out of plan, over 100k kms, haven't had major issues other than the gearbox at around 50k kms under mplan. Service the car regularly at 10k intervals and keep your eyes and ears open for any faults, catch them early and it shouldn't be too expensive to fix.

That being said, the diesel engines have really proved to be far more reliable than the petrol engines, if you can live with the few usual cons of diesel motoring, I would suggest going that route.

 

[Kyle]

The stigma attached to diesel cars is always entertaining, mostly from misinformed individuals whose cousin's friend owned a 1982 Mercedes 300d at some stage.

Between a 320d and a 320i, the 20d performs better, is more reliable and lighter on fuel (Please don't comment that your 320i did 5.3l/100km once while rolling downhill). In terms of maintenance, how much is a timing chain guide service on a 20i these days? I cannot see a logical reason why someone would purchase a 320i over a 320d... B series engines included.

I suppose the attraction to a 320i comes from the price-tag which is very tempting indeed, this coupled with the fact that there is a seemingly endless supply of these cars on the classifieds makes it quite clear why more people consider purchasing them over a 320d.






But don't.

 

[vjx]

Was 16/17 320i coming with B48 engine? Will it be better?
I wouldn't touch N20 20i/28i.