To B (mw) or not to B(mw)
Discussion
Hey guys.
A little bit about myself: I never liked BMWs, like at all, didn’t see the appeal, I think it’s overhyped etc+ (some of) the d
heads driving them.
But maybe I want one now.
I am looking at 5 series estates at the moment and I’m not sure what engine I want? Hopefully you guys can help me out. My boss is gonna give me a fuel card if I drive a diesel so that’s what I’m looking at.
Which engines are the ones to avoid and which ones are ,,bulletproof”?
I’m looking at cars with ZF8 as I’ve never had an automatic so I now want one.
What model/ spec would you go for?
Did some of you own both the 20d and the 30d, what’s the difference in fuel economy mostly?
Would I be better off with a 3 series estate? Is the 5 series a bit barge like? Should I get an M sport or other spec?
Many thanks
A little bit about myself: I never liked BMWs, like at all, didn’t see the appeal, I think it’s overhyped etc+ (some of) the d
heads driving them. But maybe I want one now.
I am looking at 5 series estates at the moment and I’m not sure what engine I want? Hopefully you guys can help me out. My boss is gonna give me a fuel card if I drive a diesel so that’s what I’m looking at.
Which engines are the ones to avoid and which ones are ,,bulletproof”?
I’m looking at cars with ZF8 as I’ve never had an automatic so I now want one.
What model/ spec would you go for?
Did some of you own both the 20d and the 30d, what’s the difference in fuel economy mostly?
Would I be better off with a 3 series estate? Is the 5 series a bit barge like? Should I get an M sport or other spec?
Many thanks
What's the budget and age range you're looking at?
Where is it being driven (motorway miles or twisty stuff)
Do you need a big car or would a smaller one do?
Coming from a 3er to a 5er, yes they are very barge like but still handle well. They are leagues more comfortable on long distances and motorway driving.
I'd always go for the 30d over the 20d as I'd always want the 6cyl. They all have their issues, much like other brands and cars.
IMO I'd always go for the M sport, mainly because I never like the standard SE bumpers or seats. The M sports generally have more kit and nice wheels, steering wheel and the sport seats as standard.
Where is it being driven (motorway miles or twisty stuff)
Do you need a big car or would a smaller one do?
Coming from a 3er to a 5er, yes they are very barge like but still handle well. They are leagues more comfortable on long distances and motorway driving.
I'd always go for the 30d over the 20d as I'd always want the 6cyl. They all have their issues, much like other brands and cars.
IMO I'd always go for the M sport, mainly because I never like the standard SE bumpers or seats. The M sports generally have more kit and nice wheels, steering wheel and the sport seats as standard.
My current job is about 12 miles from home and it’s mostly motorway. Like 3-5 mins to reach it then 15 minutes on it. On the way back I do about 25 miles on the motorway as I’m picking up my daughter from nursery. So probably around 30-50 miles a day, some days even more.
I do want one with ZF8 and the budget would be something like 5 grand but that’s very tops, I’ve been looking around the 2-3 grand mark mostly.
So 6 cyl it is and it would probably be a 330 touring.
The 6cylinders don’t have the infamous timing chain tensioner issues or do they? What do I need to look out for?
I do want one with ZF8 and the budget would be something like 5 grand but that’s very tops, I’ve been looking around the 2-3 grand mark mostly.
So 6 cyl it is and it would probably be a 330 touring.
The 6cylinders don’t have the infamous timing chain tensioner issues or do they? What do I need to look out for?
exelero said:
My current job is about 12 miles from home and it’s mostly motorway. Like 3-5 mins to reach it then 15 minutes on it. On the way back I do about 25 miles on the motorway as I’m picking up my daughter from nursery. So probably around 30-50 miles a day, some days even more.
I do want one with ZF8 and the budget would be something like 5 grand but that’s very tops, I’ve been looking around the 2-3 grand mark mostly.
So 6 cyl it is and it would probably be a 330 touring.
The 6cylinders don’t have the infamous timing chain tensioner issues or do they? What do I need to look out for?
Your budget is very low; you'll more than likely end up with the ZF6 box on an older 3 or 5 series touring unless you get a very high miles F31 or F11 touringI do want one with ZF8 and the budget would be something like 5 grand but that’s very tops, I’ve been looking around the 2-3 grand mark mostly.
So 6 cyl it is and it would probably be a 330 touring.
The 6cylinders don’t have the infamous timing chain tensioner issues or do they? What do I need to look out for?
At that budget 520D would be best bet; you'd struggle to get a 530D
IMO save more and buy a better car from the offset; the last thing you want/need is a cheap car riddled with issues
A 2-3 grand BMW is going to be non stop drama. But, 3k should buy a 2006-7 520d with the old M47 engine. They're not horrendous but are still approaching end of life.
You're better off with a Merc tbh like a 220CDI or 270CDI. The W203 C220CDI is a fine workhorse. A 20 year old one with 150k and FSH is in its prime.
You're better off with a Merc tbh like a 220CDI or 270CDI. The W203 C220CDI is a fine workhorse. A 20 year old one with 150k and FSH is in its prime.
The Conflated Outlier said:
A 2-3 grand BMW is going to be non stop drama. But, 3k should buy a 2006-7 520d with the old M47 engine. They're not horrendous but are still approaching end of life.
You're better off with a Merc tbh like a 220CDI or 270CDI. The W203 C220CDI is a fine workhorse. A 20 year old one with 150k and FSH is in its prime.
Apart from the rust .. the underneath of them Mercs rusts for fun You're better off with a Merc tbh like a 220CDI or 270CDI. The W203 C220CDI is a fine workhorse. A 20 year old one with 150k and FSH is in its prime.
The Conflated Outlier said:
A 2-3 grand BMW is going to be non stop drama. But, 3k should buy a 2006-7 520d with the old M47 engine. They're not horrendous but are still approaching end of life.
You're better off with a Merc tbh like a 220CDI or 270CDI. The W203 C220CDI is a fine workhorse. A 20 year old one with 150k and FSH is in its prime.
I have been considering them. My budget could land a nice 10 plate with decent miles and plenty of life left in it You're better off with a Merc tbh like a 220CDI or 270CDI. The W203 C220CDI is a fine workhorse. A 20 year old one with 150k and FSH is in its prime.
The issue you are going to but an old BMW at that price range and then complain how bad and unreliable they are. You already, had you mentioned, have a dislike about the brand….
I wouldn’t bother, but something else. With your budget and preconception you will be lucky to get one that is “bulletproof”.
My first one was a 4 year old E46 320d with 57k miles. It was a bad spec ES and cost me then I think something like £6k. Took it to 200k miles with normal servicing and changed fuel pump at £160k miles. Very reliable for me!! I wish I had another one to put the miles on again. It’s was great for that.
I wouldn’t bother, but something else. With your budget and preconception you will be lucky to get one that is “bulletproof”.
My first one was a 4 year old E46 320d with 57k miles. It was a bad spec ES and cost me then I think something like £6k. Took it to 200k miles with normal servicing and changed fuel pump at £160k miles. Very reliable for me!! I wish I had another one to put the miles on again. It’s was great for that.
rottenegg said:
exelero said:
A little bit about myself: I never liked BMWs, like at all, didn’t see the appeal, I think it’s overhyped etc+ (some of) the dheads driving them.
The dheads driving them. heads migrated to Audis a long time ago. It's not unusual to see a BMW with it's indicators on these days.Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff