F30 320i/320d buying advice

nicwes

nicwes

///Member
Hey everyone!

It's been a while. Many things transpired these last few months, however, I am looking at buying either a F30 320i or 320d. My big question is, what do I need to look out for when buying either of these 2? I had an E90 320d LCI. LOVED the car, but wrote it off in August last year..

I have limited budget (R180k), which means I might not be able to get a low-ish milage 320d, but the budget I have offer up a few good examples of the 320i.

Any and all advice from thr guys in the know would be greatly appreciated! (And any listings of a good buy too - I bought my 320d from a forum member)

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Riaad

Riaad

Events Organiser
Best you remove the f30 320i from your search (issues are well documented in other forums posts).

Not much to look out on the f30 320d - engine is pretty much the same as the e90, f30s usually suffer with steering rack issues, and you will probably want to check the gearbox out at ZF (mileage dependent).

180k does seem on the low end for a bmw in the current market - not sure if you will find anything worthwhile unfortunately.

Seen some E90 320d's advertised for 180k o_O
 
lxgxnd

lxgxnd

BMW is just better
nicwes said:
Hey everyone!

It's been a while. Many things transpired these last few months, however, I am looking at buying either a F30 320i or 320d. My big question is, what do I need to look out for when buying either of these 2? I had an E90 320d LCI. LOVED the car, but wrote it off in August last year..

I have limited budget (R180k), which means I might not be able to get a low-ish milage 320d, but the budget I have offer up a few good examples of the 320i.

Any and all advice from thr guys in the know would be greatly appreciated! (And any listings of a good buy too - I bought my 320d from a forum member)

Sent from my LM-G900 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
My father had one what a car it was that 320d was really good and my aunt has a 320i and it slow and it has some drivetrain issue so 320d is ur best choice
 
v1p3r

v1p3r

Well-known member
nicwes said:
Hey everyone!

It's been a while. Many things transpired these last few months, however, I am looking at buying either a F30 320i or 320d. My big question is, what do I need to look out for when buying either of these 2? I had an E90 320d LCI. LOVED the car, but wrote it off in August last year..

I have limited budget (R180k), which means I might not be able to get a low-ish milage 320d, but the budget I have offer up a few good examples of the 320i.

Any and all advice from thr guys in the know would be greatly appreciated! (And any listings of a good buy too - I bought my 320d from a forum member)

Sent from my LM-G900 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
The pre-facelift F30 320i with the N20 engine has well documented timing chain issues. Most forum members would advise you to stay away from those especially if you don't have documented repairs and replacements for the car. The 320d will be a bit out of range at that amount especially one in good nick. The spec will probably also not be great and possibly only a higher mileage non-M-Sport with few options. The x20d's are all in higher demand and commanding higher prices over the last 2 years.

Good luck with your search. (Might as well also mention that WeBuyCars always has cheap cars, but no guarantee it's not a crock, so tread lightly around them)
 
nicwes

nicwes

///Member
v1p3r said:
The pre-facelift F30 320i with the N20 engine has well documented timing chain issues. Most forum members would advise you to stay away from those especially if you don't have documented repairs and replacements for the car. The 320d will be a bit out of range at that amount especially one in good nick. The spec will probably also not be great and possibly only a higher mileage non-M-Sport with few options. The x20d's are all in higher demand and commanding higher prices over the last 2 years.

Good luck with your search. (Might as well also mention that WeBuyCars always has cheap cars, but no guarantee it's not a crock, so tread lightly around them)
Click to expand...
Thanks! I realise that my budget will limit me greatly. I was pre-approved at that amount from Wesbank, so maybe I can wait for the offer to expire and see how much more I qualify for. I just don't want to over stretch the income I have to buy a car..

I've personally seen 2 cars from WBC that broke down shortly after purchase (froends). I don't trust them

Sent from my LM-G900 using Tapatalk
 
lxgxnd

lxgxnd

BMW is just better
Riaad said:
Seriously @lxgxnd 🤯

I think you should refrain from posting links/advice to other forum members.

Clearly this car is a lemon.

Also...Anyone can simply search Autotra
Click to expand...
nicwes said:
Thanks! I realise that my budget will limit me greatly. I was pre-approved at that amount from Wesbank, so maybe I can wait for the offer to expire and see how much more I qualify for. I just don't want to over stretch the income I have to buy a car..

I've personally seen 2 cars from WBC that broke down shortly after purchase (froends). I don't trust them

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Click to expand...
Ik it’s suspected that is is a scam but the budget is just to low for a good one rather get an e90
With your budget also you guys seem to hate them any experience with them?
Tell me pls
 
///M Individual

///M Individual

Well-known member
lxgxnd said:
https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-for-sale/bmw/3-series/320d/26160377 best one but u need to spend 4k more for this and change the wheels
Click to expand...

Oh God, please don't listen to this guy. @lxgxnd isn't it a school day? Please logout and read only. Do not comment or post.

@nicwes personally bud, at that budget I would rather buy a clean well maintained E90 LCi 320d again than a F30 320i. I know you would like to upgrade to the next gen but the diesel is just so much better. You can get a proper E90 for that price as well. Unfortunately most F30 320d's at that price will be accident damaged or super high mileage. Good luck with your search.
 
Salt

Salt

///Member
If you are going to finance the car - buy wisely. Interest rates are on the rise and WILL carry on going on over the next two years. Especially when you mention that you don't want to over stretch the budget. All things being equal, this won't be your last car you buy do doesn't need to be the ultimate one either - my point is be conservative and money wise. A well maintained E90 320d is still a good buy and can take you many miles. And when the budget allows for more, you can upgrade again. That is my advice - and steer clear from dodgy dealers please.
 
lxgxnd

lxgxnd

BMW is just better
nicwes said:
Thanks! I realise that my budget will limit me greatly. I was pre-approved at that amount from Wesbank, so maybe I can wait for the offer to expire and see how much more I qualify for. I just don't want to over stretch the income I have to buy a car..

I've personally seen 2 cars from WBC that broke down shortly after purchase (froends). I don't trust them

Sent from my LM-G900 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
And if you want a good 320d you will need about at least 270k I see a lot of them going for more even with mileage 150xxx plus unless you want that https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-for-sale/bmw/3-series/320d/26307979?vf=1&db=1&s360=0&so=0&pl=0 like this one high mileage almost 300k
 
nicwes

nicwes

///Member
///M Individual said:
Oh God, please don't listen to this guy. @lxgxnd isn't it a school day? Please logout and read only. Do not comment or post.

@nicwes personally bud, at that budget I would rather buy a clean well maintained E90 LCi 320d again than a F30 320i. I know you would like to upgrade to the next gen but the diesel is just so much better. You can get a proper E90 for that price as well. Unfortunately most F30 320d's at that price will be accident damaged or super high mileage. Good luck with your search.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Yes, I'd like to get into a newer car, but seems like the E90 might be on the cards. I loved mine, so I'm not too bothered about it

Sent from my LM-G900 using Tapatalk
 
///M Individual

///M Individual

Well-known member
nicwes said:
Thanks. Yes, I'd like to get into a newer car, but seems like the E90 might be on the cards. I loved mine, so I'm not too bothered about it

Sent from my LM-G900 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

There might also be some reputable dealers that price the F30 decently just wanting to make more than they traded it in for but you will have to do proper homework and checks on the cars:

An example

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 3 Series 320d auto for sale in Pretoria - ID: 26369050

Used 2012 BMW 3 Series 320d auto For Sale - R 169 900 - ID: 26369050
www.autotrader.co.za
 
nicwes

nicwes

///Member
lxgxnd

lxgxnd

BMW is just better
Riaad said:
Seriously @lxgxnd 🤯

I think you should refrain from posting links/advice to other forum members.

Clearly this car is a lemon.

Also...Anyone can simply search Autotrader
Click to expand...
Sorry not thinking straight today I’m very tired but can’t sleep I have covid
 
lxgxnd

lxgxnd

BMW is just better
v1p3r said:
The pre-facelift F30 320i with the N20 engine has well documented timing chain issues. Most forum members would advise you to stay away from those especially if you don't have documented repairs and replacements for the car. The 320d will be a bit out of range at that amount especially one in good nick. The spec will probably also not be great and possibly only a higher mileage non-M-Sport with few options. The x20d's are all in higher demand and commanding higher prices over the last 2 years.

Good luck with your search. (Might as well also mention that WeBuyCars always has cheap cars, but no guarantee it's not a crock, so tread lightly around them)
Click to expand...
True and the have dekra reports so check those to so you know your not buying a dud
https://www.webuycars.co.za/buy-a-car/9FFB01996 like this but you need to replace front tires and front lower control arm bushings and it’s got service history
 
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