Opinions on buying a 2012/3 model in 2021

[Dylan123]

Hi there,

I've always dreamed of buying myself a BMW and so when I buy my first one, I want to make sure I make the right decision.

What are your opinions on buying a 2012/3 320i automatic in 2021 - Is it too old to buy now if I aim to find one with below 150000km?

Do I just need to be careful and make sure I find one that has been well-maintained? I preferably want one with an infotainment system - are there problems with the electronics at a later stage?

I am hoping to buy a BMW that I can work on and maintain and will be reliable for at least 4/5 years.

I am based in Cape Town - So when I test drive a BMW should I take it to a mechanic for a quick check?

If there is a thread going over all this kind of stuff, please link it. Otherwise, I would appreciate any kind of advice you all have to offer.

Thanks in advance.

 

[TurboLlew]

You don't want to buy a 2012/3 320i with 150000km because of the N20 issues.

Have it checked out and look for replacement engine or evidence of the timing chain being pre-emptively done.

I have a 2012 F10 and I don't have issues with electronics at all. The infotainment etc. is similar enough across most of the ranges (depending on which options get ticked) It has been solid even vs. my Wife's very patchy (by comparison) 2019 Merc.

Given the age, there are many small things that will start needing attention sooner or later if they haven't already been attended to such as rubber pipes/bushings/wheel bearings/shocks etc. This is not very annoying if you've owned the car 7 or 8 trouble free years and now you are spending a bit after it is long out of plan and you have long since finished paying for it... it becomes extremely annoying if you've just bought the car and you are forking out money (or spending hours yourself) fixing things.