Good mileage for an e82 120d?

[Nomad77]

Hi guys, I'm looking to get my first car next year January to ferry myself to and from work. I've heard enough praise about the enjoyment and reliability of the 120d and I'm pretty set on it now. Already day-dreaming about the mods I plan on doing :smilebounce: 

My budget is +/- R200 000. I'm looking at a LCI e82 120d. These cars seem to be holding their value ridiculously well considering brand new they were only about R350k.

Based on my budget, what mileage should I be looking at? I know they're incredibly reliable but I don't want to overspend on a car when I'm a complete noob to the market.

I've also been offered a 2009 135i from a buddy at R200k. It's been his daily for 2 years now, modded with a JB4, 4 pipe, some upgraded internal and a sweet body kit. It is a VERY tempting buy especially considering his dad is a BMW mechanic. He does drive like a bit of a nutter, but I'd like any opinions here if the 135i is a good idea for a first car? I've heard horror stories about the engine on international forums but they also complain about the N47 yet our local N47s seem to be rock solid.

 

[Dax]

Hi,

I have had a few of each,

135i's are money pits as a daily, well even as a Sunday car, that said they are super nice to drive and with the right mods they are very quick.

120d's, My wife and daughter drive them and they are bulletproof, just service as needed are they are brilliant.

Maintenance items on 135's  everything :roflol:

Maintenance on 120D's oil and breaks, my wife has a manual daughter has auto, with the mods you can do I would go auto if I had a choice. 

my 2c

 

[AshG108]

As a first car, the 20d is actually a great vehicle.

135i...they will moneypit you proper...get the 20d, pay it off then get a 135i or toy to play with.

 

[tman]

Cant mention a 135i and 120d in the same sentence.

 

[Nomad77]

Okay so it looks like the 135i is definitely out of the question. I kind of hoped I'd get some people saying the 135 is reliable but I guess I need to face reality.

@"tman" For some reason the 135i and 120d seem to hover around the same price on Autotrader as well.

 

[rsgordini]

The n55 135i is more reliable than the n54 But the n54 is way more fun with the twin turbos. Especially in Manual guise.

All these cars have issues that pop up with mileage. More so the n54. But they are quite solid if not Modified beyond stage 1.

I wouldn’t buy a 120d unless fuel consumption of a big issue for you.

For a first car I’d go for the 120d but you’ll hate yourself every time you see or worse lone up next to a 135i. You’ll feel the 120d is fast. Especially when modded they take so well to mods. But even a stock standard 135i will leave the 120d looking for parking.

Enjoy the search. Exciting times for you

 

[tman]

The n55 135i is more reliable than the n54 But the n54 is way more fun with the twin turbos. Especially in Manual guise.

All these cars have issues that pop up with mileage. More so the n54. But they are quite solid if not Modified beyond stage 1.

I wouldn’t buy a 120d unless fuel consumption of a big issue for you.

For a first car I’d go for the 120d but you’ll hate yourself every time you see or worse lone up next to a 135i. You’ll feel the 120d is fast. Especially when modded they take so well to mods. But even a stock standard 135i will leave the 120d looking for parking.

Enjoy the search. Exciting times for you

135i if you have deep pockets for petrol & maintenance and you want the extra power.

120d is a sensible choice for a first car where running cost won't break the bank

 

[v1p3r]

"Good mileage" is dependent on the previous owner's maintenance regime. A 80k car that hasn't been maintained well can be worse than a 170k car that has been cared for and maintained well. I'd steer clear of a 35i as a daily and can tell you you won't have a lack of smiles from the torque of a 20d as a first car

 

[FiRi@Rennzport]

E82 120d sell mostly sell for higher then book values because they scarse and are highly sort after.

Great choice for a 1st car tbh.

Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

 

[Nomad77]

"Good mileage" is dependent on the previous owner's maintenance regime. A 80k car that hasn't been maintained well can be worse than a 170k car that has been cared for and maintained well. I'd steer clear of a 35i as a daily and can tell you you won't have a lack of smiles from the torque of a 20d as a first car

Since it's my first car I'm not entire sure what 'well maintained' means. I know to look out for the usual accident markers like body caps, cracke internals etc.

I'm assuming if a car has a full service history with BMW and no signs of an accident then it should be considered well maintained?

 

[madness_inc]

"Good mileage" is dependent on the previous owner's maintenance regime. A 80k car that hasn't been maintained well can be worse than a 170k car that has been cared for and maintained well. I'd steer clear of a 35i as a daily and can tell you you won't have a lack of smiles from the torque of a 20d as a first car

Since it's my first car I'm not entire sure what 'well maintained' means. I know to look out for the usual accident markers like body caps, cracke internals etc.

I'm assuming if a car has a full service history with BMW and no signs of an accident then it should be considered well maintained?

Dealer service history isn't worth the paper it's printed on. Ideally you want a trusted mechanic or workshop to inspect the car on your behalf before purchasing