New User - Looking for advice on second hand BMW

[mo29]

Hi everyone,

I hope you all are doing well. I'm just trying to do a bit of research here as I need to get a new car within the next few months. I really like the BMW 2 series and have a few questions about these cars.

Firstly I am considering getting a 220i or a 228i. I will be looking for something with as low mileage as possible up to a max. of 60000 kms and 2015 model and newer. My budget is between 300 - 350k. Basically is it a good idea to purchase these cars second hand? What should I look out for when viewing these cars? Also some of the ads have mentioned sports line. I assume this is the trim level? What are the different levels and what are the differences?

I would really appreciate any help and advice you guys can give

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

Welcome! :thumbs:

I would suggest as a start read up on the N20 engine which is the engine in the 2 cars you mentioned for that model year. It was replaced by the B48 in the same year/2016 onwards so it is important to maybe check which engine the car has that you are looking at. The 230i denotes it is the B48, the 220i badging remained the same so unsure what is under the hood based on badging, if it has the LCI lights it also likely has the new motor.. The B48 is a step up and preferred to have for various reasons! Either the N47 or B47 diesel motors are solid if you would consider a 220d.

Sport line yes is the trim line, there were Base, Luxury, Sport and then the MSport package IIRC for the F22.

All the best in the search!

 

[mo29]

Thanks for the info. I will definitely read up on the engines and I don't mind looking for something newer if there is a major difference in the engine.

Generally how reliable are these cars? if taken care of properly. Also I don't plan on doing any mods to the car.

 

[JuanViv]

Check out my m235i

https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=92027

 

[TurboLlew]

Dont buy a car with the N20 and you will be fine. If you consider cost to do the preventative work on the N20 you may as well just pay a little more for a B48 car.

Converting from one if the lower trim levels to MSport is also not feasible. Rather buy what you want upfront as retrofits are expensive... even "small things" like wheels.

B48 peteols and the diesel's are going to be the most reliable. If you dont mind fuel bills and want more fun M240... but it will be some time before those are in range.

 

[mo29]

So B48 is late 2015 and newer? I would love to get an M240 but that's definitely not within the budget at the moment.

 

[Gordvisr]

Hallo and welcome, hope you find a nice one, generally BMW's is not bad buying second hand, just do your homework well before buying one that grabs your interest. As some said, the N47 engines came with a few issues so rather stay clear of them, on the Diesel side you will be surprised, fuel economy and reliability plays well with these, so it might be a better option.
Good luck with your hunt.

 

[momo1]

220d all day long

 

[kickasskeegan]

This is super highly specced, newer year, less milleage and cheaper than I got mine. Includes the rear camera that mine doesn’t have.

https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-for-sale/bmw/2-series/m235i/25234437

I’d recommend test driving a M235i. Looks like it’s in your price range. If I was still looking I’d be getting this one like next week.

Make sure the car you buying is
a) the correct spec and has your specs - this includes the kind of Idrive display you want, features that you want like rear cameras. The trim level is also really important if you don’t get msport - you’ll really regret this one later down the line. Not only does it add value to the car but also looks good.
b) Make sure the car is fast enough for you. You don’t want to be wishing you got a bigger engine like I did with my previous car. Also go and test drive everything. Make sure it’s good enough.
c) If you want some economic and don’t care too much about the sound of the car and you don’t care about revving into high ranges then get the diesel. The amount of money you’ll save on gas.

 

[mo29]

What comes with the Msport level?

 

[JuanViv]

https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-ba.../bmw-m235i-2015-f22/1006294037820912461530609