[SamCramphorn]

Hi,

First & foremost - i am not a car expert!

Looking at a BMW near me - its a 2015 320 ED with around 55k mileage. Been told it was owned by BMW employer who changed their vehicle and was part of a trade in (this is predominantly a jeep / suzuki garage).



I've got a '11 X1 (130k mileage) which has cost me a lot this year (2.5k+) on new clutch, dual mass and MOT in general. There are a fair few advisories and the guy who does my cars (30 years exp as a mechanic) has told me to get rid asap. As I loved having a BMW I want to stay 'on-brand'.

I test drove this 320 today and loved it! However, I am not sure what questions I should be asking to make sure i'm not going to get shafted?

Can anyone advise as there are no advisories (and havent been) on the MOT ever. I am hoping that this isn't the year where they say 'get rid of it, it will all fall apart soon'.



ps. due my first child in about 6 days so want to act quickish

Thanks!

[MY340i]

Probably better to stretch to a 2016 and get an LCI model

[Zheez]

Worth it if the price is right. Got a 2015 320D ED myself. Splashing out a bit more on a 2016 LCI car might be better if ULEZ is likely to ever be a factor for you as it will come with the B47 engine instead of the N47 which means it's Euro 6 instead of Euro 5.

I had a 2014 320D ED before this one (which got written off because someone rear ended me) and I put over 50k miles on that with 0 problems and no expense other than basic servicing.

Current one has had quite a few miles put on it also with 0 problems so my experience is that they're pretty solid. I can't really think of anything specific to check on with these cars that's anything that you wouldn't normally check with any car. Just give the engine a careful listen as these N47 engines were particularly prone to timing chain issues, although there is a lot less of that since around 2012 if I remember rightly. Of course check the service history out to make sure its had oil changes, but you'd look into that with any car.

[Allworth]

I would inspect car visually for exterior / interior scratches and damages, maybe ask if there is anything needs attention, life left on brake discs, condition of tyres.
And apart from knocking in steering rack that many 3s develop - its a very reliable car, with a very good protection against corrosion.
Lately there been EGR valve recalls for many, they do it free but require a car to be left for a day at dealership with appointments wait time a month easily.

[SamCramphorn]

Originally Posted by Zheez

Worth it if the price is right. Got a 2015 320D ED myself. Splashing out a bit more on a 2016 LCI car might be better if ULEZ is likely to ever be a factor for you as it will come with the B47 engine instead of the N47 which means it's Euro 6 instead of Euro 5.

I had a 2014 320D ED before this one (which got written off because someone rear ended me) and I put over 50k miles on that with 0 problems and no expense other than basic servicing.

Current one has had quite a few miles put on it also with 0 problems so my experience is that they're pretty solid. I can't really think of anything specific to check on with these cars that's anything that you wouldn't normally check with any car. Just give the engine a careful listen as these N47 engines were particularly prone to timing chain issues, although there is a lot less of that since around 2012 if I remember rightly. Of course check the service history out to make sure its had oil changes, but you'd look into that with any car.

Thanks for this, this is a 65 plate and an Automatic as well as £0 tax. It says its Euro 6 so presume its the later engine (B47).

[JamesStam]

We had a 2012 320ed brand new which we put 124,000 miles on in 4 years with zero problems.

I bought another in 2018 (a 2015 pre lci) have have put 40k on it with no issues, just a bit of a niggle with discs.

Highly recommended if the price is right.