39 replies to this topic

[CKR]

I'll soon need a replacement to my 2009 Diesel Accord, its been a brilliant car other than its lowish mpg (38-42mpg) its very comfortable and most importantly reliable. Problem is Ive had 4 of them now and keep thinking something else would be nice. Looked at the Civic Tourer but it looms cheap and a step backwards. BMWs Tourers on the other hand, would love one but I know NOTHING about them. I do 60k miles a year, I need it to last 2 years and throw up no expensive bills. Needs to be economic and not a poverty spec thing. Ive done some research but things like swirl flap, Turbo failure and timing chain issues seem to be mentioned a lot. Are there any BMW guys on here that can point me in the right engine spec to be looking at? 318d? 320d? 325d? Thanks!

[fezzasus]

I'd much rather have any diesel than a Honda one. They're not particularly good engines, so whatever direction you go in you'll be okay.

[Stevie Dubyah]

I have owned 1s, 3s, 5s, 7s over the years. I've also had an Accord or two. BMWs are the better car, I think.

 

320d SE is the business. The 3.0 diesels are fabulously refined and torquey, but even the 2.0 will leave the Accord 2.2 behind.

 

I also had a 120DSE - goes well and can handle longs runs. If buying new get the service inclusive pack.

 

Just my opinion.

[CKR]

And issues with timing chains, Turbos and swirl flaps are a thing of the past? If so, what year cars should I stay away from?

[Stevie Dubyah]

I had no issues with any of the following (in date order):

 

728i M              -  2000 - 2002

530i M Sport     -  2002 - 2003

330i M Sport     -  2003 - 2005

120d SE            -  2006 - 2009

730d SE            - 2009 - 2011

 

 

MPG - was (respectively and approximately)

 

25

26

27

50

38

 

All in mixed driving; 12,000 to 18000 per year.

 

All were bought new, apart from the last 730d which I bought 8 months old.

 

 

Edited by Stevie Dubyah, 15 December 2014 - 02:59 PM.

[Gedi]

I've had my 330d coupe for about 3 years now and put ¬60k on it.. It's superb, without doubt the best car I've ever owned and will only be replaced with a 335d

[CKR]

Thanks Steve. Id be happy if I could get near that 50mpg, though a 3 Tourer must be 200-300kg more than a 1 Series hatch

[Stevie Dubyah]

Thanks Steve. Id be happy if I could get near that 50mpg, though a 3 Tourer must be 200-300kg more than a 1 Series hatch

 

Yes. But later engines are, apparently, more efficient and more powerful. Either way, I am certain you wouldn't regret the switch. Going from my 2.2 ES Coupe Accord to the BMWs was a whole universe better.

 

Not owned one since 2011 though. For the last 3 1/2 years have a 7 seat Volvo Diesel which gets 25mpg with a gentle right foot..... :-(

[Potatoes]

BMW is probably one of the best, most refined diesels on the market, you will not go far wrong. I'd also suggest test driving a Volvo diesel too, they are underrated and are absolutely fantastic. They are not as refined as the BMW enginehowever are the most comfortable car for long-distance... I've owned both BMW's and Volvo's and took my last Volvo (S60 D5) to 45,000 miles in my first year of ownership - it was just fantastic and had no bills other than the standard service. In my experience, the BMW came a close second in terms of comfort and costs. I would look at both with an open mind and see what fits you best.

 

 

[CKR]

I did look at Volvos as I liked both the V70 and XC60. But every reliability table I read has Volvo )of every model) at the bottom with engine and electrical issues. Considered the C class estate Merc, but they're a bit too old demographically for me and couldnt handle the Audi image

[Stevie Dubyah]

Stevie guarantees you will not be disappointed with a 3 touring 320d, 330d or 335d. Especially not compared to the Accord. 

 

Our Volvo has done 17k with not a missed beat, but do I look forward to driving it? Nah.

 

Just be careful with M Sport - can get a bit lumpy.

 

 

[CKR]

Was looking at M Sports too. Something keeps drawing me to a 320d M Sport in white, even though I know its really Essex-ish.

[Jezza123]

A 320d or even a 318d MSport is a fantastic thing. Like all manufacturers they have had their issues but on the whole I'd say they are some of the most reliable cars you can buy as well as being about the best to drive. Like others here I'm speaking from a lot of experience.

[Oldboystoy]

Definitely recommend the BM 3.0litre diesel. Have had three 530D and a 535D. The 535 only comes in Auto which got on my nerves but tremendously quick with over 300bhp nowadays I think. My existing 530 Tourer Manual is averaging around 37mpg. If I were in the market I would go for the new 3 series with the 3 litre diesel since it is now a decent size car. My colleague has a new 520D Auto and I have to say it does go extremely well for such a big car and he is achieving over 50mpg. I would guess therefore that the 320d must be pretty useful. It always comes first in AutoExpress comparison tests.

[J4EY D]

A nice F31 320d, 325d or the lovely 330d would be my choice. The only times i've seen problems with them is when owners turn them into submarines in floods and hydro lock the engine

 

Just give me a message if you need any info (BMW tech)

[2GOOD]

I'm on my second E93 320d M Sport, the current car has the 184ps engine/manual gearbox & I'm averaging 51mpg+ despite it's weight handicap over the saloon, touring & coupe. Would love a six cylinder but running costs are a priority over performance for my daily

[Gedi]

Running costs are fine for the 6 cylinder beemers. My 330d m-sport gets 46mpg and insurance is only £400ish

[slindborg]

For the mileage, I'd avoid the chavsport like the plague!!!!!!!! We have a chavsport 120d with the older m47 rover engine, its less of a gamble IMHO than the n47. We drove to Paris in cot and I felt beat when we got there, but I've spent countless hours in the passat and always felt fresh no matter how long the journey and it had worse seats. Mpg is very meh but then its a 163ps derv.... Saying that the passat 1.9pd130 I had on 3 times the mil ages (same age) did 10-20% better with less servicing :lol Also worth a note is the 3 tourer isn't 'that' big in the back. But does look fcuking cool.

Edited by slindborg, 15 December 2014 - 09:44 PM.

[sworks]

I have a an e91 320d MSport. Had it four years now (it's a 2006 car) and has been brilliantapart from a turbo letting go, not had an issue with it. MSport cars do appear to run a lot of camber so tyres can wear fairly quickly. As mentioned, they aren't actually any bigger than a saloon, you obviously get that little bit of extra height in the boot (and look a lot better).

[Stevie Dubyah]

The only times i've seen problems with them is when owners turn them into submarines in floods and hydro lock the engine

 

 

 

I did this. Bought a 5 series M Sport Auto brand new. It was 'kin' lovely.

 

Picked it up, drove towards home in a torrential downpour.

 

Other side of the carriageway was flooded. Our side had about 3 inches of standing water, so could be forded easily at about 25 mph.

 

Truck came the other way and the massive wash it created went onto our side, over my bonnet and the engine stopped.

 

BMW came and towed the car back to the same garage. 

 

Outcome:

 

11 miles on the clock. £7.5k bill for a new engine. 

 

How we all laughed.