Advice Needed - Buying a 2nd Hand F20 120d

[Avenesh23]

Hi Guys,

So basically I have decided to get a 120d, i have been looking at the e82 and F20 range but really fell in love with the F20 after a test drive, Problem is all the 2nd hand 120d I come across have quite high Mileage

I drive +- 150km a day, usually around town a lot seeing clients etc, i figured that a diesel will be perfect for this as with my current car - R650 Full tank / 450 - 480kms and it is killing me (Honda Civic Vtec)

I've attached 1 of the cars i have been looking at but i am considering taking the white 1 (1st Link) the mileage is on 145 000km with FSH but with all the scams going on in joburg, i am not really sure if this car is up to date with Bmw. I checked the Idrive and the only warnings were
Front rake pads need replacing
Tire pressure

https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...d_pdp&hoisted_item=802194886888116&query=120d

My Plan was to buy it -
Take it for a Major service
Get the brakes sorted privately
Do a regular service every 8000km or 10000km
Add some turbo and injector cleaner every 5000km
And basically touch up cosmetics along the way
(Drive it until something breaks then repair privately)

Any Advice for a Noob? i literally have no bmw experience with Maintenance but i am hoping for some positives

Thanking you in advance

 

[///M Individual]

Hi bud

I think you definitely making a good choice choosing a 120d as it will be much more economical than the Civic.

I can't view the Facebook post but at that mileage I would be very particular about the service history ensuring it was serviced on time.

I can understand about scams especially the central jhb dealers and if it's too good to be true it normally is.

Not sure if it is a dealer you looking at but no reputable dealer will sell you a vehicle with warning lights and or repairs needed.

I would suggest a Dekra test or similar before purchasing.

Good luck!

 

[M135i]

Take the VIN number to BMW and ask about its history.

 

[RAArmstrong]

Also definitely take the vin to a BMW Dealer and get the service history verified.

Also look up Coisman's thread on this forum for instructions for him to do a NATIS check on the car.

I looked at the advert, personally I would be very very cautious. Price seems too good

 

[Nobz330i]

Hi

Do check the cooling system on the car and especially the fan switch on it and lastly the last thing I can think of is find out when last the tires were rotated as I had a DTC code pop up to tell me to rotate the tires.

 

[Clint@MMS AUTO]

Honestly, take someone who knows cars with you to check the vehicle out as thoroughly as you can before committing. I've had cars purchased from dealers and even BMW approved used cars then brought to me within 6months of purchase and they were on their way to breaking down on the side of the road.

 

[preggyn78]

Hi Guys,

So basically I have decided to get a 120d, i have been looking at the e82 and F20 range but really fell in love with the F20 after a test drive, Problem is all the 2nd hand 120d I come across have quite high Mileage

I drive +- 150km a day, usually around town a lot seeing clients etc, i figured that a diesel will be perfect for this as with my current car - R650 Full tank / 450 - 480kms and it is killing me (Honda Civic Vtec)

I've attached 1 of the cars i have been looking at but i am considering taking the white 1 (1st Link) the mileage is on 145 000km with FSH but with all the scams going on in joburg, i am not really sure if this car is up to date with Bmw. I checked the Idrive and the only warnings were
Front rake pads need replacing
Tire pressure

https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...d_pdp&hoisted_item=802194886888116&query=120d

My Plan was to buy it -
Take it for a Major service
Get the brakes sorted privately
Do a regular service every 8000km or 10000km
Add some turbo and injector cleaner every 5000km
And basically touch up cosmetics along the way
(Drive it until something breaks then repair privately)

Any Advice for a Noob? i literally have no bmw experience with Maintenance but i am hoping for some positives

Thanking you in advance

The links takes you to Facebook and not the actual add. Possibly because I do not have Facebook.

The 120d is a great car and not easy to find a clean one. Also been looking for a while now.

Please triple check if you looking in the CBD.


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[cRed001]

Considering the mileage you travel annually and the mileage on the proposed 120d, I'd suggest you keep the Civic especially since you know its history.

The cost of maintaining a BMW vs a Honda would negate any fuel savings in my experience

 

[husaindindar]

To help OP out and for the sake of all you elderly folks who dont have FB (JJ)


ZAR159,900
Very good condition, 146000kms...service records, 19 inch wheels and tyres, drives very well, powerful and very fuel efficient, 2013 model, finance available, trade ins accepted, price negotiable on cash deal....

 

[SubLoaded]

Inspect the wheels if you go ahead with this purchase. Won't be surprised if they're cracked or have been repaired in the past.

 

[aksamg]

Those aren't original F20 rims either, and being in the trade, I've never heard of the dealership.

AA Dekra test is mandatory before purchase IMO.

 

[Fuzz123]

Please check nicely before you buy! I grew up in joburg and those dealers on ontdekkers scare the crap out of me, i do not trust any vehicle they sell and i have stopped at many of them multiple times.

Sometimes if a deal is too good to be true, maybe it is like that for a reason.

Good luck!

 

[AshG108]

I would suggest you get the e87 120d rather with lower mileage, also would be easier to find. I know its not the latest tech nut it is also not sacrificing 145000kms and maintenance than a lower mileage one that can be picked up from a possible reknowned dealer rather.

 

[///M Individual]

OP what about a E90 320d? Can find a decent LCI model in that price range.

 

[preggyn78]

The E90 is also nice, I suppose my son will also settle for an E90 as they are easier to find


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[AshG108]

Here are some considerations, not sure what your budget is like:

https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-for-sale/bmw/1-series/120d/25321610
https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-for-sale/bmw/1-series/120d/25257751
https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-ba...0d-a-t-e90-for-sale/1004036878130910937350109
https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/klerksdorp/2011-bmw-320d-a-t/1006602551480910406927609

I would really look at this one closely (102k on the clock, auto as well):
https://www.gumtree.co.za/s-cars-bakkies/gauteng/v1c9077l3100003p1?q=2011+320d

 

[Avenesh23]

Sup Guys,

Thank you so much for the advice, I thought about it long and hard and decided not to go with this car as there were to many suspect information including when I gave the Vin to bmw in terms of Service History

However I found an e82 facelift 120d around the same price and mileage but with FSH and much better condition including full house specs. It moves great and I am officially changed over to bmw

I will be posting pics soon but I'd just like to say thank you for the advice.

 

[preggyn78]

Sup Guys,

Thank you so much for the advice, I thought about it long and hard and decided not to go with this car as there were to many suspect information including when I gave the Vin to bmw in terms of Service History

However I found an e82 facelift 120d around the same price and mileage but with FSH and much better condition including full house specs. It moves great and I am officially changed over to bmw

I will be posting pics soon but I'd just like to say thank you for the advice.

Congratulations buddy, hope you enjoy the ride. Been reading up on the 1 series and there seems to be a couple of issues with the 2011-2015 ones especially the 116 and 118. Seems you made a good choice though.

This may be a good read even though some info is based on international markets,
https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/1-series/hatchback/used-review/n798/advice

https://www.ecutesting.com/common-faults/bmw/bmw-116i-118i-engine-ecu-fault-misfire/

Await the pics!




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