[hawky]

Decided I would very much like a 320d perhaps a 325d or at a very big push a 330dwas going to get a basic SE even a ED but decided this car has to be mine for at least 5 years so might as well have something nice.
Under 14k and not seriously looking until next year so an Msport with the bigger iDrive screen would be good.
Any pitfalls I should look out for, think it was the N20 engine that snapped timing chains (but are they not petrols?) apart from the obvious with any second hand car?

Cheers Guys
Mark

[smorg99]

I had an E46 320d and was a good car, I then had a few years in and out of various VW Golfs before coming back to BMW. Having had a few 2.0 diesels I wanted something different so plumped for the 330d. If it suits then I would deffo go for the 6 pot 3 litre. It's just so much more refined and smoother than the 2.0. I wanted M Sport just as I think it looks better than SE etc but again, it depends what you think. I tried to get as many options as I could within my budget, not just for myself but I don't plan on keeping it forever so wanted something to help resale value. The profession iDrive, Xenons and heated leather were my baseline. Without Xenons I think the car looks old fashioned. Without heated leather in winter is just a big no!
Just check the service history, check any issues with knocking from the steering rack as well documented issue an a lot of F30s and just make sure you give it a good looking over.

[Hooded]

Under 14k you might struggle to get a good spec M Sport F30 330d unless you don't mind a high mileage car... although by next year I guess you should be able to get a reasonable one.
There's a lot more choice out there with the 320d and you will get a high spec newer car with lower mileage for under 14k, so you need to weigh it up which you prefer. Nothing wrong with the 320d and they go very well after a remap, but it you're keeping it around 5 years obviously the 330d will be the more enjoyable to own.
Timing chain failure on the F30 320d is quite rare so I wouldn't be particularly worried about that, just make sure the car has had all the oil changes done on time and as it's getting older I would change the oil more often too.

[hawky]

All great advise thanks guys, anymore?

[ahmedb]

I had 18d/20d engines for quite some time before I made the jump to a 30d engine. I've never looked back since. Running costs are not too far off (including insurance/tax/fuel/servicing) and the engine feels so much more refined and quieter. You don't get the tractor like noise that was evident with a 20d engine.

I'd recommend you go for a ZF8 auto gearbox, they are fantastic. As you will have the car for a while, in my opinion it's worth paying that little more for a 30d, in return they do hold value quite well too. You can get a nice 330d within your budget and prices may tumble a little more when you are ready to buy, especially with the new models out. You would then want to think about s drive vs x drive (s drive gets my vote but it depends how/where you use the car).

If you manage to find something with sub 60k miles, BMW extended warranty is not too expensive and is worth the peace of mind. The common steering rack knock has been mentioned but other than that, I certainly had no issues.

[Watsey]

If you like your cars there's really no competition in the options you are considering : 30D every time. The engine and auto gearbox combo are far, far better in all respects bar fuel economy.

[Jeff123]

What about something like this:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...ize=2.0&page=2

Its the LCI model with 190bhp, so its a faster version on the 320d and it looks to have a few extras. I don't think its a bad price and the mileage is lowish.

The 330d's that I have seen are more expensive or very high mileage.

Its de-badged and the LCI has 2 exhaust tips - so it looks like a 330d!

[Hooded]

Originally Posted by Jeff123

What about something like this:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...ize=2.0&page=2

Its the LCI model with 190bhp, so its a faster version on the 320d and it looks to have a few extras. I don't think its a bad price and the mileage is lowish.

The 330d's that I have seen are more expensive or very high mileage.

Its de-badged and the LCI has 2 exhaust tips - so it looks like a 330d!

That's what I was talking about on my previous post, with a 330d you'll either need to up your budget a few grand or get a high mileage car, so it depends how badly you need really want/need that 6 pot engine.

I've owned 2 320d's in the past before my 330d and they aren't bad at all, and they are very lively after a remap. That 190bhp car will only be slightly slower than a stock 330d from a rolling start after a good stage 1 remap (well below 100mph anyway).

If you can find the extra couple of grand to up the budget a little the 330d has the better engine, if not you'll get a decent 320d within budget.

[Jeff123]

I think in normal driving the 320 will seem pretty quick. Fast enough for most people.

[Hooded]

Originally Posted by Jeff123

I think in normal driving the 320 will seem pretty quick. Fast enough for most people.

Agree, and it's all relevant to what you are used to driving as well.

[hawky]

Again all great advice, forgot to mention it has to be an auto not going back to a manual especially with the M62 usual snarl up.

The LCI I have heard of but no nothing about it? so its faster, what else?

Would the 330d be drinking a lot more than the 320d on the motorway and is the insurance loads more (i'm an old git at 58!) so would not of thought so?

Cheers guys this looks like a great forum, and thankyou.

[Jeff123]

Originally Posted by hawky

Again all great advice, forgot to mention it has to be an auto not going back to a manual especially with the M62 usual snarl up.

The LCI I have heard of but no nothing about it? so its faster, what else?

Would the 330d be drinking a lot more than the 320d on the motorway and is the insurance loads more (i'm an old git at 58!) so would not of thought so?

Cheers guys this looks like a great forum, and thankyou.

The LCI is the mid life range update and it has many improvements, including an engine upgrade on the 320d from 184 to 190 bhp.

In terms of running costs, the 320 will get better mpg, from my experience maybe 5mpg more on average. Insurance should be more, I would guess (at your age) no more than £50 per year.

The 330 is slightly rarer and more desirable, therefore more expensive.