[S114HED]

Originally Posted by Paul DLF

E92 320i problems

Hi All,

I'm a newbie here and would appreciate any help/advice regarding my E92 320i. I've read a lot about the engine issues in the forum and so I was hoping that you may be able to give me some advice.

On 12th December 2012 I purchased a 2009 320i highline coupe with efficient dynamics from a BMW Main Dealer. It was a very clean one owner car with full history and only 14,000 miles. From day one it has been sluggish, juddery and averaging only 34mpg. I should say that I bought the car over the internet from a dealer many miles away. On 7th January I contacted the supplying dealer to detail the problems and they suggested I took it to my local BMW dealer. The local dealer booked it in but would not do a warranty repair because it required a software update and de nox which apparently should have been done by the supplying dealer. I am in the process of arranging for this to be done.

So my question is after the denox and software update, what warranty work should I expect to be done to fix the problem please? Is it just coil packs or is it likely to need injectors too? Also is there any way of knowing whether the poor running would have adversely affected the catalytic converter? Lastly, I'm presuming that once these fixes have been done it's likely to be OK for the long term?

Other than the engine issues, it's a lovely car and I just want to make sure it's fixed properly while I still have plenty of BMW Approved Used Car warranty left!

Thanks in advance for your help.

Paul

How much did you pay for it?

[P 5UML]

Originally Posted by S114HED

Okay, well after several valuations the mean average price was £12,500 which is my first offer and then work my way up to £13,500. I do know that the front tyre has a nail in it and both rear tyres are wearing more on the inside, which is an alignment problem. Will also say to chuck in a warranty or pay towards the cost of it. Anything else?

well factor in the cost of tyres then mate and make him aware of it!

a full set of tyres if going for run flats again will cost you anywhere between £800-1100 brand new depending on 18" and 19"

ensure its road taxed/mot'd etc and go from there!

[S114HED]

Originally Posted by P 5UML

well factor in the cost of tyres then mate and make him aware of it!

a full set of tyres if going for run flats again will cost you anywhere between £800-1100 brand new depending on 18" and 19"

ensure its road taxed/mot'd etc and go from there!

Already checked £310 each for the rear and £250 each for the front.

Mot has got 8 months left...not sure about road tax.

[E92MP]

Go for it, my mate has one, 4,000 miles without a blip. He loves it, low fuel, low tax, low insurance and 170PS he says isn't that slow.

At your age thinking of building no claims etc could be a win win. And it looks great to.

[S114HED]

Don't think it was meant to be.

After I had bought my ticket to view the car, done the HPI check and purchased my temp insurance, his wife decided to take the car for a spin, with the results attached below! I'm so annoyed, maybe it was a sign for me not to buy the car... 325i M Sport here I come!

[P 5UML]

blessing in disguise, you wont look back after choosing the 325 over this one mate

good luck with the search!

here are a few examples...


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...18tw?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...1500?logcode=p

[S114HED]

Originally Posted by P 5UML

blessing in disguise, you wont look back after choosing the 325 over this one mate

good luck with the search!

here are a few examples...


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...18tw?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...1500?logcode=p

Hmm I guess so, the first car you have given is a CAT D, no leathers.

2nd car is is a 57 plate. I'm not in a rush, going to wait for a 09 or 59 plate alpine White 325i M Sport.

[P 5UML]

hope you find something nice mate!

[mob17]

ACT OF GOD

[breathe3asy]

Hello guys,

In the exact same position as the OP, on the verge of buying a 2009 320i.

With a big spec, as well as 20K on the clock I could feel myself slipping. However after reading this thread & a couple others, I am slightly more hesitant with all the problems of the petrol 320. The reason I want petrol is because I do little mileage, the car would only be used on weekends etc as I drive a company car during the week. I also read on a few forums that short sharp trips are not diesel friendly, + IMO the petrol simply sounds better.

After reading this thread I agree with a lot of points made by Sohlman. I too am thinking about holding out for a 320d or 325i, have been looking for the right one for so long my head almost turns 360!! So I have empathy with the OP, do not want to make a mistake with my first BM so I guess its just a case of waiting it out.

I thought the 320 the OP was interested in was well priced tbh, unfortunately white body + heated red leather on 19's aint the cheapest spec out there.

Chris

[deeebo8452]

Hi

Great thread I am in a similar position, I really need some advice. I am stuck between choosing between a BMW 320d SE (2007) or a BMW 320i M Sport (2007). From what I have read the diesels are by far a better option given they give 58.9mpg vs petrols 42.1mpg approx. Also apparently the diesels are 6 cylinder whereas the petrols are 4 cylinder, is that right? And if so what does that mean exactly? Furthermore there seems to be this coil, plug and injector issues with the petrols. However the M Sport looks much better than the SE. The obvious thing to do would be to get a 320d M Sport however they are about £1000 more, whereas my budget is £10k.

I also wanted to know what kind of depreciation I can expect after a years/10,000miles use. These are the 3 cars I have short-listed:

1. BMW 320i M Sport 2007 63k mileage - £10,000
3. BMW 320d SE 2007 78k mileage - £9,500
2. BMW 320d M Sport 2007 74k mileage - £11,000

Any advice please. I am looking to make a decision within the next 2-3 days. Thanks in advance!

[sohlman]

Remember post 57 cars should be efficient dynamics and on manuals make a big difference on economy. 325i and 330i have the same three litre engine, but a different state of tune. 330 is quicker and sounds better due to valves in exhaust. And has bigger brakes. Apart from that they are the same.
320d although less powerful performance wise is closer to 325 due to torque. A briskly driven 320d would require a 325 owner to use the gears and a lot of the rev range.

Only real issue of short journeys is the diesel particle filter which will eventually get clogged and costs fortunes. Diesels need to be thrapped once a week or do a 1 hour plus journey with some high rev (read motorway work once warm) for particle filter to go through clean cycle. Plus purchase price is significantly higher.

Personally unless you are doing 15k plus per year a petrol will probable be more cost effective assuming you keep car 3 years. I bought 330i petrol with 19k on clock for £8995. Equiverlent diesel would of been £14k. £5000 buys you a lot of fuel / insurance.

Also worth considering joining BMW car club and go through their members insurance scheme. Could save you a lot.

I generally buy on condition, mileage and history. I am never bothered about how old car is.

[deeebo8452]

Sorry I am referring to the Coupes by the way i.e. E92.

Originally Posted by tahirsplace

Hi

Great thread I am in a similar position, I really need some advice. I am stuck between choosing between a BMW 320d SE (2007) or a BMW 320i M Sport (2007). From what I have read the diesels are by far a better option given they give 58.9mpg vs petrols 42.1mpg approx. Also apparently the diesels are 6 cylinder whereas the petrols are 4 cylinder, is that right? And if so what does that mean exactly? Furthermore there seems to be this coil, plug and injector issues with the petrols. However the M Sport looks much better than the SE. The obvious thing to do would be to get a 320d M Sport however they are about £1000 more, whereas my budget is £10k.

I also wanted to know what kind of depreciation I can expect after a years/10,000miles use. These are the 3 cars I have short-listed:

1. BMW 320i M Sport 2007 63k mileage - £10,000
3. BMW 320d SE 2007 78k mileage - £9,500
2. BMW 320d M Sport 2007 74k mileage - £11,000

Any advice please. I am looking to make a decision within the next 2-3 days. Thanks in advance!

[deeebo8452]

Hi

Great thread I am in a similar position, I really need some advice. I am stuck between choosing between a BMW 320d SE Coupe (2007) or a BMW 320i M Sport Coupe (2007). From what I have read the diesels are by far a better option given they give 58.9mpg vs petrols 42.1mpg approx. Also apparently the diesels are 6 cylinder whereas the petrols are 4 cylinder, is that right? And if so what does that mean exactly? Furthermore there seems to be this coil, plug and injector issues with the petrols. However the M Sport looks much better than the SE. The obvious thing to do would be to get a 320d M Sport however they are about £1000 more, whereas my budget is £10k.

I also wanted to know what kind of depreciation I can expect after a years/10,000miles use. These are the 3 cars I have short-listed:

1. BMW 320i M Sport Coupe 2007 63k mileage - £10,000
3. BMW 320d SE Coupe 2007 78k mileage - £9,500
2. BMW 320d M Sport Coupe 2007 74k mileage - £11,000

Any advice please. I am looking to make a decision within the next 2-3 days. Thanks in advance!

[stringy93]

Personally I'd pay that extra bit and get the diesel. I went from a 320i to a 318d and never looked back. Depending on how many miles you drive it'll save you that extra investment, and if it doesn't you'll certainly get your money back at the other end when you come to sell up

[deeebo8452]

What is it that makes you prefer the diesel apart from the fuel economy. How is the actual driver better? Thanks

Originally Posted by stringy93

Personally I'd pay that extra bit and get the diesel. I went from a 320i to a 318d and never looked back. Depending on how many miles you drive it'll save you that extra investment, and if it doesn't you'll certainly get your money back at the other end when you come to sell up

[breathe3asy]

Originally Posted by sohlman

Only real issue of short journeys is the diesel particle filter which will eventually get clogged and costs fortunes. Diesels need to be thrapped once a week or do a 1 hour plus journey with some high rev (read motorway work once warm) for particle filter to go through clean cycle. Plus purchase price is significantly higher.

Is this an extreme case or is this bound to happen for those who do little mileage?

[sohlman]

Originally Posted by ceaton88

Is this an extreme case or is this bound to happen for those who do little mileage?

This would be the case for any diesel with a particle filter. Ie a diesel with fancy tailpipes that go out rather than down.

[sohlman]

As I understand this issue can arise for any diesel with particle filter.

[S114HED]

Guys I need your honest advice, I've found a 08 plate 325i M Sport Conv with 23k on the clock with one owner from new and full bmw sh. It's marked for 14k, is that worth a punt? Its got all the extras such as Heated seats, xenons, leathers etc.

It's being sold at big motoring world, so I'm slighty cautious. And is there any major differences between say and 2008 model and 2009? Any advice appreciated!

Pic below!

[S114HED]

Inside view!

[sohlman]

Does it exist.

There good cars look great you phone up agree to come down and view to be told when you arrive it's just been sold. Then they show you a similar car with higher mileage, lower spec and a bigger price.

Check out their website for a full list of stock. It is my opinion that they advertise cars that don't exist to get people to go there. I looked at a very keenly priced x3 for my wife. I phoned to be told it was available. I then called again and said I would not be impressed if it was not their when I arrived in an hours time to be told it was no longer there. Three months, 6 months an 9 months later the same car spec and pictures where being advertised at the keen price.

I have never bought from them or gone there and they certainly have lots of stock, but I feel uneasy about them.