Mileage on used 3 series
Discussion
Hi all, wanted to get people's thoughts.
After the very regrettable sale of my 2007 2.5T Mondeo Ti X Estate (manual) daily runabout (owned for 12-13 years). I've been struggling over the last month or two over what to replace it with (honestly nothing I've tested has been quite as good an all-rounder or me).
After much deliberation I'm moving towards the 3 series xdrive touring, preferably 330d or 335d (though maybe open to the 320i/d). Xdrive (or fwd) for me a must due to ability for usage on snow. It seems to be a good mix of being grown-up for a long trip, fast enough, fun to drive and practical.
However, it's obviously a more expensive option and I want cheap motoring as it's meant to be a runabout - and with that in mind for about £10-15k it's hard to find cars with much under 100k miles (and a decent spec would be nice). I've never actually bought a car above 50k in the past. My Mondeo went at 77k, largely due to mounting repairs due to corrosion from heavily salted roads, despite driving only about 4-5k a year on it.
So my question is this - how does the 3 series cope with "higher" mileage (100k+) at around 10 years old? I realise history is essential. Suspension parts/corrosion, exhausts, gearboxes, and of course the dreaded timing chains (which so far I've read is an item to do usually between 100-150k). What parts have people cars generally wanted for?
After the very regrettable sale of my 2007 2.5T Mondeo Ti X Estate (manual) daily runabout (owned for 12-13 years). I've been struggling over the last month or two over what to replace it with (honestly nothing I've tested has been quite as good an all-rounder or me).
After much deliberation I'm moving towards the 3 series xdrive touring, preferably 330d or 335d (though maybe open to the 320i/d). Xdrive (or fwd) for me a must due to ability for usage on snow. It seems to be a good mix of being grown-up for a long trip, fast enough, fun to drive and practical.
However, it's obviously a more expensive option and I want cheap motoring as it's meant to be a runabout - and with that in mind for about £10-15k it's hard to find cars with much under 100k miles (and a decent spec would be nice). I've never actually bought a car above 50k in the past. My Mondeo went at 77k, largely due to mounting repairs due to corrosion from heavily salted roads, despite driving only about 4-5k a year on it.
So my question is this - how does the 3 series cope with "higher" mileage (100k+) at around 10 years old? I realise history is essential. Suspension parts/corrosion, exhausts, gearboxes, and of course the dreaded timing chains (which so far I've read is an item to do usually between 100-150k). What parts have people cars generally wanted for?
My 330i is 2017 and 86000 miles. I have had it for a little over 5 years and 70000 of those miles
No issues with rattly trim or electrical things failing. New front struts at the last MOT as one had failed, £900 fitted for a pair and made a world of difference to the ride. Whilst that s earlier than I would expect I think it was a combo of run-flat tyres and appalling roads for a fair amount of a 80 mile, 3 day a week commute
Bit of an engine issue related to VANOS control, sorted by the local Indie with a full software update.
No issues with rattly trim or electrical things failing. New front struts at the last MOT as one had failed, £900 fitted for a pair and made a world of difference to the ride. Whilst that s earlier than I would expect I think it was a combo of run-flat tyres and appalling roads for a fair amount of a 80 mile, 3 day a week commute
Bit of an engine issue related to VANOS control, sorted by the local Indie with a full software update.
RiknRoll said:
Hi all, wanted to get people's thoughts.
After the very regrettable sale of my 2007 2.5T Mondeo Ti X Estate (manual) daily runabout (owned for 12-13 years). I've been struggling over the last month or two over what to replace it with (honestly nothing I've tested has been quite as good an all-rounder or me).
After much deliberation I'm moving towards the 3 series xdrive touring, preferably 330d or 335d (though maybe open to the 320i/d). Xdrive (or fwd) for me a must due to ability for usage on snow. It seems to be a good mix of being grown-up for a long trip, fast enough, fun to drive and practical.
However, it's obviously a more expensive option and I want cheap motoring as it's meant to be a runabout - and with that in mind for about £10-15k it's hard to find cars with much under 100k miles (and a decent spec would be nice). I've never actually bought a car above 50k in the past. My Mondeo went at 77k, largely due to mounting repairs due to corrosion from heavily salted roads, despite driving only about 4-5k a year on it.
So my question is this - how does the 3 series cope with "higher" mileage (100k+) at around 10 years old? I realise history is essential. Suspension parts/corrosion, exhausts, gearboxes, and of course the dreaded timing chains (which so far I've read is an item to do usually between 100-150k). What parts have people cars generally wanted for?
Personally I'd rather have a car that has high miles and has been looked after, maintained well and serviced within an inch of its life; than a low mileage car that has little to no SH etcAfter the very regrettable sale of my 2007 2.5T Mondeo Ti X Estate (manual) daily runabout (owned for 12-13 years). I've been struggling over the last month or two over what to replace it with (honestly nothing I've tested has been quite as good an all-rounder or me).
After much deliberation I'm moving towards the 3 series xdrive touring, preferably 330d or 335d (though maybe open to the 320i/d). Xdrive (or fwd) for me a must due to ability for usage on snow. It seems to be a good mix of being grown-up for a long trip, fast enough, fun to drive and practical.
However, it's obviously a more expensive option and I want cheap motoring as it's meant to be a runabout - and with that in mind for about £10-15k it's hard to find cars with much under 100k miles (and a decent spec would be nice). I've never actually bought a car above 50k in the past. My Mondeo went at 77k, largely due to mounting repairs due to corrosion from heavily salted roads, despite driving only about 4-5k a year on it.
So my question is this - how does the 3 series cope with "higher" mileage (100k+) at around 10 years old? I realise history is essential. Suspension parts/corrosion, exhausts, gearboxes, and of course the dreaded timing chains (which so far I've read is an item to do usually between 100-150k). What parts have people cars generally wanted for?
However; when I bought our F31; I wanted under 100k miles and under 10 years old as I wanted to add BMW fully comp warranty, which I did and it paid off in dividends in the 1st 15 months through wear and tear on a few parts that would have been a couple of big bills etc
RiknRoll said:
Hi all, wanted to get people's thoughts.
After the very regrettable sale of my 2007 2.5T Mondeo Ti X Estate (manual) daily runabout (owned for 12-13 years). I've been struggling over the last month or two over what to replace it with (honestly nothing I've tested has been quite as good an all-rounder or me).
After much deliberation I'm moving towards the 3 series xdrive touring, preferably 330d or 335d (though maybe open to the 320i/d). Xdrive (or fwd) for me a must due to ability for usage on snow. It seems to be a good mix of being grown-up for a long trip, fast enough, fun to drive and practical.
However, it's obviously a more expensive option and I want cheap motoring as it's meant to be a runabout - and with that in mind for about £10-15k it's hard to find cars with much under 100k miles (and a decent spec would be nice). I've never actually bought a car above 50k in the past. My Mondeo went at 77k, largely due to mounting repairs due to corrosion from heavily salted roads, despite driving only about 4-5k a year on it.
So my question is this - how does the 3 series cope with "higher" mileage (100k+) at around 10 years old? I realise history is essential. Suspension parts/corrosion, exhausts, gearboxes, and of course the dreaded timing chains (which so far I've read is an item to do usually between 100-150k). What parts have people cars generally wanted for?
My thoughts.....based on what you've written:After the very regrettable sale of my 2007 2.5T Mondeo Ti X Estate (manual) daily runabout (owned for 12-13 years). I've been struggling over the last month or two over what to replace it with (honestly nothing I've tested has been quite as good an all-rounder or me).
After much deliberation I'm moving towards the 3 series xdrive touring, preferably 330d or 335d (though maybe open to the 320i/d). Xdrive (or fwd) for me a must due to ability for usage on snow. It seems to be a good mix of being grown-up for a long trip, fast enough, fun to drive and practical.
However, it's obviously a more expensive option and I want cheap motoring as it's meant to be a runabout - and with that in mind for about £10-15k it's hard to find cars with much under 100k miles (and a decent spec would be nice). I've never actually bought a car above 50k in the past. My Mondeo went at 77k, largely due to mounting repairs due to corrosion from heavily salted roads, despite driving only about 4-5k a year on it.
So my question is this - how does the 3 series cope with "higher" mileage (100k+) at around 10 years old? I realise history is essential. Suspension parts/corrosion, exhausts, gearboxes, and of course the dreaded timing chains (which so far I've read is an item to do usually between 100-150k). What parts have people cars generally wanted for?
Nothing is as good as a Mondeo in your eyes.
You want the moon on the stick for £10K.
You want it to be bomb proof and never rust.
Yeah, good luck with that.
100K/10 years is average mileage. "Higher" mileage would 150-200K. I know of two F30 330d airport run taxis that are on well over 300K and still going strong.
As with ANY car, it's 90% owner treatment and 10% design/materials flaws.
Almost all grossly exaggerated BMW "horror stories" are down to owner neglect.
You're not going to get a million positive reviews or hand holding with any car purchase. Just buy the bloomin' thing and enjoy it.
Or just buy another Mondeo.
If people put as much energy into just enjoying their choices in life as they do being risk averse and not committing to anything until they've asked a 1000 people first, they'd be much happier.
I sold my 2014 f31 330d rwd a couple of years ago with nearly 130k miles on the clock and it was still a great car. Apart from the front arches which were starting to rust, so I’d pay special attention to those when viewing any cars. A gear box service would be beneficial too at around 80k miles. However if I’m honest mine was never done and still performed well. Mine went for £10500 2 years ago and was very well specced.
Tourings do hold their value a bit better.
I've got a really high spec'd 2016 F31 335d, just clicked over 65k miles so I can't comment from personal experience but I do have friends who've had N57'd engined models that have done more than 3 times what mine has done.
Mines a keeper TBH, took me over 3 months to find the one I purchased. Had it 4.5 years now, been a good companion.
I've got a really high spec'd 2016 F31 335d, just clicked over 65k miles so I can't comment from personal experience but I do have friends who've had N57'd engined models that have done more than 3 times what mine has done.
Mines a keeper TBH, took me over 3 months to find the one I purchased. Had it 4.5 years now, been a good companion.
danb79 said:
Personally I'd rather have a car that has high miles and has been looked after, maintained well and serviced within an inch of its life; than a low mileage car that has little to no SH etc
However; when I bought our F31; I wanted under 100k miles and under 10 years old as I wanted to add BMW fully comp warranty, which I did and it paid off in dividends in the 1st 15 months through wear and tear on a few parts that would have been a couple of big bills etc
Very interesting, I hadnt actually thought of a potential Warranty! Out of interest what parts went on it ? I'm just curious as I've yet to hear much other than people talking about timing chains on these cars (and there's definitely worse engines for that).However; when I bought our F31; I wanted under 100k miles and under 10 years old as I wanted to add BMW fully comp warranty, which I did and it paid off in dividends in the 1st 15 months through wear and tear on a few parts that would have been a couple of big bills etc
RiknRoll said:
Very interesting, I hadnt actually thought of a potential Warranty! Out of interest what parts went on it ? I'm just curious as I've yet to hear much other than people talking about timing chains on these cars (and there's definitely worse engines for that).
When it first had a health check and aircon service - they found all the suspension rubber parts had perished; also the tailgate had a shutting issue, horn was intermittent etc. That was all fixed on one claim (in 2 separate jobs)2nd claim was the rocker cover gasket and rocker cover had failed due to age/wear & tear etc - they ended up replacing those and a number of pipes/connections and the intake manifold as well due to damage when they removed it...
Thats it - but for £500 (x2 £250 claims), going by BMWs prices and guestimating their labour - we'd have been looking at close to, if not over £5k in bills!
As I'd never owned a BMW this young (2015); I wanted the warranty as peace of mind and had it for the first 2 years
My 2005 330i has done 130K and still performs brilliantly, although I've had a couple of electrical issues in the 6+ years I've owned it but no rust. I'm pretty sure someone on here has one that has done 400K so I expect it to just keep running.
The 6 cylinder diesels ought to be just as capable of similar mileages. The only cam-chain issues I've read about relate to the 4 cylinder diesels, which is one of the reasons I sold my 123d on 81K!
The 6 cylinder diesels ought to be just as capable of similar mileages. The only cam-chain issues I've read about relate to the 4 cylinder diesels, which is one of the reasons I sold my 123d on 81K!
danb79 said:
When it first had a health check and aircon service - they found all the suspension rubber parts had perished; also the tailgate had a shutting issue, horn was intermittent etc. That was all fixed on one claim (in 2 separate jobs)
2nd claim was the rocker cover gasket and rocker cover had failed due to age/wear & tear etc - they ended up replacing those and a number of pipes/connections and the intake manifold as well due to damage when they removed it...
Thats it - but for £500 (x2 £250 claims), going by BMWs prices and guestimating their labour - we'd have been looking at close to, if not over £5k in bills!
Do they really cover suspension rubber parts and parts that have failed due to wear and tear?
As I'd never owned a BMW this young (2015); I wanted the warranty as peace of mind and had it for the first 2 years
2nd claim was the rocker cover gasket and rocker cover had failed due to age/wear & tear etc - they ended up replacing those and a number of pipes/connections and the intake manifold as well due to damage when they removed it...
Thats it - but for £500 (x2 £250 claims), going by BMWs prices and guestimating their labour - we'd have been looking at close to, if not over £5k in bills!
Do they really cover suspension rubber parts and parts that have failed due to wear and tear?
As I'd never owned a BMW this young (2015); I wanted the warranty as peace of mind and had it for the first 2 years
So i've gone ahead and put a deposit on a late '14 tanzanite blue 330xd M sport Touring with 83k!! Many of the good option boxes ticked, including the big M Sport Brakes. Seems to be in good condition and can't wait to pick it up! The car impressed on a test drive, very capable and the ride was better than expected, though steering feel not great, it's at least accurate!
One question as I'll need to fit winters to it quickly, so planning to buy an additional set of wheels. The car has 19's on it with 225/40/R19 front and 255/35/R19 Rear, so thinking a set of 18's for winter. Does anyone know the offset and width it needs on 18's, and what exact tire size is best to go with F/R for the car?
One question as I'll need to fit winters to it quickly, so planning to buy an additional set of wheels. The car has 19's on it with 225/40/R19 front and 255/35/R19 Rear, so thinking a set of 18's for winter. Does anyone know the offset and width it needs on 18's, and what exact tire size is best to go with F/R for the car?
RiknRoll said:
So i've gone ahead and put a deposit on a late '14 tanzanite blue 330xd M sport Touring with 83k!! Many of the good option boxes ticked, including the big M Sport Brakes. Seems to be in good condition and can't wait to pick it up! The car impressed on a test drive, very capable and the ride was better than expected, though steering feel not great, it's at least accurate!
One question as I'll need to fit winters to it quickly, so planning to buy an additional set of wheels. The car has 19's on it with 225/40/R19 front and 255/35/R19 Rear, so thinking a set of 18's for winter. Does anyone know the offset and width it needs on 18's, and what exact tire size is best to go with F/R for the car?
That's great news. One question as I'll need to fit winters to it quickly, so planning to buy an additional set of wheels. The car has 19's on it with 225/40/R19 front and 255/35/R19 Rear, so thinking a set of 18's for winter. Does anyone know the offset and width it needs on 18's, and what exact tire size is best to go with F/R for the car?
From what I can make out 18" wheels for the F3* models seem to be 8J rims with ET34 offset all round, so tyres are probably 225/45s. You can check the recommended winter tyre sizes on the sticker on the driver's door pillar that also tells you the tyre pressures. Just make sure 18s will clear your big M-Sport front brakes!
Speak to https://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/, I've had great service from them when I have needed it
I've had a number of older / higher mileage BMWs and a Mondeo MK4 that I took to 160,000 miles As long as you look after them and deal with niggles before they become problems you'll be fine. They are also incredibly easy to work on for basic service tasks so your cost of ownership should be manageable (but that might be my man maths talking) In summary:
Mondeo - AC failed and drivers seat also failed
E39 525 - 17 year old radiator failed - relatively simple DIY to change
E36 325 - suspension refresh - not really needed but I planned on keeping it till some scrote nicked the CAT. Heater hedgehog resistor needed replacing and that was it - not bad for an R Reg car
E63 645 - Bought with Stem Seals done already which apparently is the major issue. Alternator earth strap failed, it liked to eat headlamp ballasts and the CCC screen failed but that was all
F32 Alpina - No mechanical issues to 108,000 miles, low profile tyres are a mistake on Britain's roads and Tyre Insurance from Motor Easy was a god send.
IME an oil change (which as I say is very easily doable with a vacuum extractor) every 10K miles, and an Italian tune every month if you are otherwise only doing short distances will go a long way towards getting you to moon shot mileages.
I've had a number of older / higher mileage BMWs and a Mondeo MK4 that I took to 160,000 miles As long as you look after them and deal with niggles before they become problems you'll be fine. They are also incredibly easy to work on for basic service tasks so your cost of ownership should be manageable (but that might be my man maths talking) In summary:
Mondeo - AC failed and drivers seat also failed
E39 525 - 17 year old radiator failed - relatively simple DIY to change
E36 325 - suspension refresh - not really needed but I planned on keeping it till some scrote nicked the CAT. Heater hedgehog resistor needed replacing and that was it - not bad for an R Reg car
E63 645 - Bought with Stem Seals done already which apparently is the major issue. Alternator earth strap failed, it liked to eat headlamp ballasts and the CCC screen failed but that was all
F32 Alpina - No mechanical issues to 108,000 miles, low profile tyres are a mistake on Britain's roads and Tyre Insurance from Motor Easy was a god send.
IME an oil change (which as I say is very easily doable with a vacuum extractor) every 10K miles, and an Italian tune every month if you are otherwise only doing short distances will go a long way towards getting you to moon shot mileages.
RiknRoll said:
So i've gone ahead and put a deposit on a late '14 tanzanite blue 330xd M sport Touring with 83k!! Many of the good option boxes ticked, including the big M Sport Brakes. Seems to be in good condition and can't wait to pick it up! The car impressed on a test drive, very capable and the ride was better than expected, though steering feel not great, it's at least accurate!
One question as I'll need to fit winters to it quickly, so planning to buy an additional set of wheels. The car has 19's on it with 225/40/R19 front and 255/35/R19 Rear, so thinking a set of 18's for winter. Does anyone know the offset and width it needs on 18's, and what exact tire size is best to go with F/R for the car?
Get a set of 397s which are 18x8 all round, offset 34 (which are the winter wheels for the F3x cars, same as 405Ms but they're x4 more expensive) and fit either 225/45 or 235/45 (my preference) 18s on them (non RFTs and really, decent all-seasons like Goodyear Vector Gen3s or Michelin CC2s or CC3s are more than adequate for UK winters)One question as I'll need to fit winters to it quickly, so planning to buy an additional set of wheels. The car has 19's on it with 225/40/R19 front and 255/35/R19 Rear, so thinking a set of 18's for winter. Does anyone know the offset and width it needs on 18's, and what exact tire size is best to go with F/R for the car?
235/45s have a straighter sidewall and better rim protection, don't look stretched either as 225s can
This is ours on 397s with Goodyear Vector Gen3s and they're superb, coped very well with thick snow and cold up in the Highlands:
There are loads of 397s on eBay: https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=bmw+style+3...
I bought x4 singles when I got ours at £60 a corner - had them refurbed in satin black for £150
sortedcossie said:
Tourings do hold their value a bit better.
I've got a really high spec'd 2016 F31 335d, just clicked over 65k miles so I can't comment from personal experience but I do have friends who've had N57'd engined models that have done more than 3 times what mine has done.
Mines a keeper TBH, took me over 3 months to find the one I purchased. Had it 4.5 years now, been a good companion.
I have the same but the saloon (F30). On 66k miles. All good, I have had it from new. Just the EGR recall. I keep looking at replacements, but they are ridiculous prices, so I can more than cover any big bills should I be unlucky. I am just contemplating replacing the battery, it starts fine, but at 9 years old, I don't want to risk being stranded.I've got a really high spec'd 2016 F31 335d, just clicked over 65k miles so I can't comment from personal experience but I do have friends who've had N57'd engined models that have done more than 3 times what mine has done.
Mines a keeper TBH, took me over 3 months to find the one I purchased. Had it 4.5 years now, been a good companion.
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