Usage to reduce risk of 320d DPF issues

[MadaCup]

I'm on the hunt for an F31 3 series touring around 2018-2019 under 60k miles.

It seems the 320d is the engine that's recommended but I have concerns about how it fits in with my usage. My wife will primarily drive it and she'll be taking the kids to school (3 miles in stop/start traffic) and to work 2-3 days a week (20 miles / 30 mins primarily on A roads). Mileage under 7k per year in total. Would a 320d be suitable or am I asking for trouble?

Coincidentally I have seen a 320i that fits the bill but it wouldn't be my first choice coming from a diesel and electric car. However, would a 320i be more suitable for my usage than a 320d?

Edited by MadaCup on Sunday 30th June 12:57

[egor110]

Your doing a 3 mile school run , how is the petrol engine going to be a issue ?

[MadaCup]

egor110 said:

Your doing a 3 mile school run , how is the petrol engine going to be a issue ?

I can see the confusion so have reworded my post.

Essentially, with my usage is a 320d suitable or should I be looking at a 320i which would be second choice. I'd prefer the 320d if everything was equal.

[Wheel Turned Out]

You're not getting any benefits of running a diesel at that mileage. Petrol all the way, or maybe even a hybrid.

[egor110]

MadaCup said:

egor110 said:

Your doing a 3 mile school run , how is the petrol engine going to be a issue ?

I can see the confusion so have reworded my post.

Essentially, with my usage is a 320d suitable or should I be looking at a 320i which would be second choice. I'd prefer the 320d if everything was equal.

No confusion.

You mentioned coming from electric/diesel so presumably your referring to the torque.

Again it's just a 3 min drive take the petrol and enjoy not worrying about dpf and injectors

[MitchT]

WIthout meaning to hijack the thread... Would the 320d be suitable for me?

• Commute into the office once a week, occasionally more - 30-45 minutes each way - about two thirds dual carriageway.
• Visit my mum's once a week - 10 minutes each way.
• Do a bit of local town shopping once a week - 5 minutes each way.
• Random days out to the coast, countryside, etc. - usually at least 60 minutes each way.

The OH's E87 120d is fine with all of the above but it's too old to have a DPF. I'm not experienced with newer diesels so I don't know how I'd get on with an F30 320d. I could go for a 320i but I'd have to pay more than I'd ideally like to as I'd want a later car with the B48 engine to avoid the potential issues with the N20.

NB. I'm actually after a 440i but the right car is proving elusive, so I'm thinking of a 3 Series as a stop gap.

Edited by MitchT on Sunday 30th June 14:21

[helix403]

Dpf will be fine with that use.

[d_a_n1979]

For that usage and mileage go 320i every time..

This is from an F31 325D owner who does 4k miles a year if I'm lucky!