BMW F30 320d Advice

[sunnyj]

Hi fellow fanatics - been a while since I last posted on this forum.

I am in the market for another car. I am considering getting a used BMW 320d F30. I would like to know from members on this forum their advice and opinions of this car. I've heard of timing chain issues on the N47 engines - not sure if this extends to the F30's as well. I've also heard of suspension/steering rack issues - at least on earlier F30's. How are the autoboxes? What is this car like to own?

I intend using it as a daily driver. All advice and responses appreciated.

 

[Jaysonl]

Hello SunnyJ;
There's a video link on the forum about the F30 320D. I've had mine since September last year and have no complaints so far. Would prefer more power and little more exclusivity. Overall economy is excellent. Did a best of between 3.6l/100km and 4.5l/100km to CT from MP(not driving at 80km/h:=): Average around 4.7l/100km tiwn driving. Had the X1 2.0 D before this and I feel the F30 320D is worlds apart. Good Luck

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

Owned one for quite a while. Really not a bad all round car, the engine is solid, I think it's probably one of BMWs most reliable.. Mine was driven hard and the box never had any issues.

My one did however fall off a truck, was a true rosslyn special so to say.. We careful of the early models. Many little gremlins.. :hammerhead:

 

[S1NGH 911]

They are rock solid cars

There are a few Rosslyn specials around, that's easy to spot by checking the Motor Plan history

What's your budget like? Q


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[sunnyj]

They are rock solid cars

There are a few Rosslyn specials around, that's easy to spot by checking the Motor Plan history

What's your budget like? Q


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Still shopping around - I know the LCI models will be launched by Aug-Sep. My initial budget was R250k but for that money most vehicles have high mileage so will be spending more than that. I am quite keen on 320d M Sport.

 

[dino_rox]

F30 is by far the best 3er . I still miss my E90 though but indeed a great all rounder
Sadly with a R250k budget you not going to get anything decent
My F30 320i will be for sale soon if you keen on a petrol model



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[sunnyj]

F30 is by far the best 3er . I still miss my E90 though but indeed a great all rounder
Sadly with a R250k budget you not going to get anything decent
My F30 320i will be for sale soon if you keen on a petrol model



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Thanks but keen on a diesel. I am prepared to spend more provided i get what i want.

 

[sunnyj]

Been having a look at Autotrader & Carfind - have noticed that most the 320D's are poorly specced - no Nav or reverse camera whereas most the 330d' have them. What are opinions of the 330d?

 

[Rory]

Barely any E90s or F30s are specced with nav. On the F30 the ConnectedDrive package is a 30k option. 30d is a different beast to a 20d. Both are good, one obviously just has more performance and sounds a bit better.

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

Most F30 2.0 and lower models have next to no equipment, they rarely get specced hard, my previous one was.. You get more equipment as standard on the 6cyl F30s IMO. Very few 6cyl F30s around, just check the roads you don't see them..

330d is a torque monster but the money is so close to the 335i so then that argument comes into play unless you are set on a diesel. :coolShake:

 

[sunnyj]

Yes the SA specced F30's do seem a bit poorly specced compared to the European & NA models. If only I could find a 320d M with nav & reverse camera :fencelook:

 

[Rory]

Most F30 2.0 and lower models have next to no equipment, they rarely get specced hard, my previous one was.. You get more equipment as standard on the 6cyl F30s IMO. Very few 6cyl F30s around, just check the roads you don't see them..

330d is a torque monster but the money is so close to the 335i so then that argument comes into play unless you are set on a diesel. :coolShake:

I hardly ever see F30 330d's on the road. I suspect it's because the 320d is now "good enough" for a lot more people with a slight bump in power, different gearbox etc. Also as you say you may as well go big and get the 335i, which I see a lot more of. I'm not sure about the 30d but I know my 35i had about 40k+ worth of standard equipment over the 28i, which included the reverse camera, memory seats, sport auto gearbox and a few small items.

 

[Iceman007]

F30 320d great Car. Yes steering rack issues but they have sorted that seems like it. Well Nav get a Garmin its better. all you need is PDC front and rear and xenon and maybe a sound system if you like. 330d is a monster but its pricy and personally ill then rather go for a 530d. It all depends on how much cash you have and wanna spend. Insurance is high on these cars I have noticed and they are ripping me a R1000 a month