buying a 320d LCi

[japfighter]

hi all im new to the forum.

i recently needed a bigger car , hot hatch just doesnt have enough space for a family, so i started looking. initalliy i was looking for 330d as i have heard good things about them but since then i have changed my mind onto 320d.

a trusted family memeber advised me that it would also be a good buy so i started looking, eventually i found one within my price range and made an offer.

here is the snag the car, the car is in KZN an im not , my dad went to have a look at it and said it was extremely clean, the owner was forth coming and declared it did have a front knock which was repaired by BMW themselves.

i will be going up to finalise a things this week and would like to know :
1. is there anything that i need to look for ?
2. what are the general things that fail
3. before a long drive back home what would one check other than the obvious
4. is there a place in KZN that could possibly just give the car a quick look through before i take it on the long road

i read that these cars aren't very troublesome and seem to be quite reliable .. atleast thats whats on local forums.

P.S i have searched this topic i would like to just see if there is any updated info available

thanks in advance

 

[tman]

Welcome.

Cars are generally very reliable, if looked after properly.

If i were you I would get the Motorplan printout from the current owner to see: 1. service history, and 2: what was replaced under Motorplan.

Not too sure if the car is still under MP, if not, also get details of additional services. This will determine if you need to do an oil change before the journey back home.

In terms of maintenance: The DMF will probably fail sometime after 130 000km. Also, get the gearbox serviced by ZF @ 100 000km.

 

[AshG108]

What man said is exactly it...thats great advice. Should have asked me, Im keen to sell mine...

 

[japfighter]

Welcome.

Cars are generally very reliable, if looked after properly.

If i were you I would get the Motorplan printout from the current owner to see: 1. service history, and 2: what was replaced under Motorplan.

Not too sure if the car is still under MP, if not, also get details of additional services. This will determine if you need to do an oil change before the journey back home.

In terms of maintenance: The DMF will probably fail sometime after 130 000km. Also, get the gearbox serviced by ZF @ 100 000km.

emmm i dont understand some of the acronyms

DMF ? ( dUAL mASS Flywheel ?? ) does this apply to Auto boxes aswell ??
ZF ?

car is still under motor plan at 97000 km i have a print out will check that.

thanks in advance

 

[NS406]

Just check if the E90 is indeed big enough! I like my 320d (2011), but as a family car it is still a bit small inside... It is a big car outside, but interior space taken up by engine and running gear! Boot aperture very narrow (a hatch more versatile). I get around the problem by towing a compact trailor around - or just use the Grand Cherokee for most of our family trips... ah, the practicalities of parenthood! After installing 2x booster seats in the rear, it gets very cramped.

On a more technical note, my e90 lci 320d has been flawless for past 4 years, except for a clutch change at 40000km for a shudder under MP. Quality cars overall.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[japfighter]

K I changed my mind when I went up to buy it. The car had two comments on the motor plan , one headlight was faded more than the other. The interior wasnt in very good condition and the car needed tyres.

To get it right would have cost me quite a bit of moolah .

But as luck would have it another 320d popped up , the guy was about to trade it in so I bought it :=):

Here she is

 

[Andy1GP]

Congrats on your new car :clapper:
I was going to ask which LCi you were referring to, E46 E90 F30? Seems you have a pre LCI E90 on hand now. They are extremely reliable. Auto and Manual versions.

What you have done was good, check out the history of the car ie motorplan etc. Also have a look for yourself. One persons acceptable condition is anothers unacceptable.

Just service it regularly with good oil and it will serve you well. Make sure the air filter gets replaced often enough and the turbo compressor wheel will remain in good shape and you won't need to worry about premature turbo failure.

 

[japfighter]

I am much happier , drove it from durban to ct , loved it absolutely loved it .

I used a tank and a half of diesal to get to ct . True lci e90 would be pretty but i am sure after I took it for diagnostics that I have a much better buy for the money

Thanks to all for the advice