Want to buy older 320D???

[Jakes777]

Hi everyone

I have done a bit of research and am contemplating buying an older (2004-2006) BMW 320D. I have heard many stories about the turbos going and so on. I want to spend around R60-R80K. I know it is not a lot of money, but I have seen a couple in this price range.

I am in need of a safe car and something that will give me fuel economy. I like the car very much. I just want to make sure there isn't anything else I must be aware of.

Would appreciate some help from you more experienced BMW 320D owners. If you have contacts or you might want to sell yours let me know.

 

[gpgold]

Hello Jakes777. Welcome!

Search the forum and the internet, there is a fair bit of info out there. There are a few things you can do to prevent damage on these cars and ensure a long life (start with the swirl flap mod and crank case breather DIY's ...google it) As long as you dont drive the crap out of the car, it will last you a long time.

As for economy, I get about 6l per 100km which means I get about a 1000 kms out of a tank. And the car is quite strong! If you are looking at an 04 onwards, I think you would have a 6 speed box so your economy would be even better.

Good luck with your search!:thumbs:

 

[maximus]

GLWS

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

GLWS

:biglol: No man he is looking to buy, not sell.

 

[frikkieh]

:roflol:

 

[TOOFAST MP]

Good cars , I wouldn't be to worried about the swirl flapps I think its been blown out of proportion although many have failed have a look on gumtree autotrader
Carfind how many E46 "s are for sale with 200k to 350k on the clock there's plenty and I know a few people aswell with the same milage with no problem

 

[Bradley625]

Great sharing.
I'm not actually sure which one would be better for you,
how about you buy both of them for me.

 

[pimpassdaddy]

Hi mate

In my opinion, I wouldn't go for a 320d in that price range. The mileage of those cars in that price range is quite high. Yes I know that the 320d drivers will tell you that they've never had problems, but most have had their cars since new or near enough, and know its full history.

I'm really against a high mileage diesel vehicle especially in the guise of a BMW. I'd rather buy a Ford Fiesta Diesel or something for that amount. Most of these BMW's are driven in a spirited way. Diesel doesn't like high revs, and that's what I see most BMW drivers doing. Those motors are strong and I just don't trust a private car diesel with high mileage.

If a BMW is what you're really after, get a 320i. I guarantee you there'll be more peace of mind with regards to maintenance than with a 320d.

My 2c

Check this out: http://www.autotrader.co.za/makemod...-id/at8a6ab63235e7d22b0136169462b753f4/advert

 

[L~C~G]

Most of these BMW's are driven in a spirited way. Diesel doesn't like high revs, and that's what I see most BMW drivers doing.

If a BMW is what you're really after, get a 320i. I guarantee you there'll be more peace of mind with regards to maintenance than with a 320d.

My 2c

I would like to see you come an rev my 320d once over 4500 rpm and see if you ever feel like doing it again bud.

Anything over 4000 rpm and you fall right out of boost, its totally pointless and actually feels like crap when you do that, you really dont make a habit of doing it again.

On a maintenance side, yes, they can be pricey but no more expensive than a 320i that has been red lined every day of its life because it irritated the crap out of its previous owner.

OP - Read this thread, there is a lot of info regarding common issues on them. http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=27409

The swirl flaps are easy to remove and I am a shit magnet at the moment so I have done everything I can to avoid any major nasty suprises. Its your choice.

 

[Spy007]

Got Tbag 1 month ago. 320d 2002 164000km on the clock, and I love it having come from a 318 2005.

You stand just as much chance of something going wrong in a 320 than a 320d. As for service same as my 318 only difference is I have 1 extra oil change. (R568)

As for Consumption the saving in Fuel will offset the difference you Might have to spend on that extra oil change in the first month. And yes you only ref it past 4500 once. where as petrol you red line most of the time.


After all the research i did I do recommend f/l 2002 and up as the once before then had some turbo issues.

But Try and test drive 320I and 320d and fell the difference and then decisde what drives the best for you.

GLWTP

---

FYI check Feuly on my sig. The difference between Diesel and Petrol.


R1.099 (Petrol) vs R0.797 (Diesel) Per km
eg: over 2000km that is R658 (1 Tank of petrol)

Not a lot I know but work that out on how many Km per month you travel and you will be surprised.