[Paco42]

Apologies if this has been discussed; I'm looking at returning to BMs and selling my C Class.

Are there any tips and/or best advice I should be following on buying an 2008-2010 E92 320d?

I've heard I need to check if the timing chain has been changed or it can lunch the engine?!

Thank you in advance,

Neil

[nomiS330d]

Is insurance the reason you’re not looking for a 6 cylinder diesel E92?

[BMW33]

I have previously had a 320d N47 engine.. I thought I would be okay with the chain issues etc but I guess it's just a matter of time before it does fail. Mine had full history, in my ownership 10k oil changes etc but the chain decided to fail around 110k so I had the chains done and the tensioners and soon after got rid as it was a big enough hit at the time.

When viewing one I'd suggest slowly holding the revs between 1300 - 1800 to see if you can hear any ticking or clicking noises that usually indicates a problem further down the line.

They are great on fuel economy over the mercs for sure & general driving dynamics too. Goodluck with your search hope you find a good one 👍

[Chappers 71]

By advice would be....Don't

[Paco42]

Originally Posted by nomiS330d

Is insurance the reason you’re not looking for a 6 cylinder diesel E92?

Not really. It's more running costs and reliability.

[Paco42]

Originally Posted by BMW33

I have previously had a 320d N47 engine.. I thought I would be okay with the chain issues etc but I guess it's just a matter of time before it does fail. Mine had full history, in my ownership 10k oil changes etc but the chain decided to fail around 110k so I had the chains done and the tensioners and soon after got rid as it was a big enough hit at the time.

When viewing one I'd suggest slowly holding the revs between 1300 - 1800 to see if you can hear any ticking or clicking noises that usually indicates a problem further down the line.

They are great on fuel economy over the mercs for sure & general driving dynamics too. Goodluck with your search hope you find a good one ��

Thank you!! That's good tip on holding the revs; I'm torn on getting a diesel or a petrol now. I'm not doing massive motorway drives, so may not get the benefits of the diesel economy. I've driven a few now and definitely prefer how they handle and drive.

[Paco42]

Originally Posted by Chappers 71

By advice would be....Don't

Too late!! I'm smitten.

[nomiS330d]

Originally Posted by Paco42

Not really. It's more running costs and reliability.

I think you’ve got the reliability thing back to front. The 6 cylinder engines are pretty well universally regarded as much more reliable. They’re also more refined, more powerful and not a whole lot worse on fuel. I always wonder why anybody buys a 320d over a 325,330 or 335d unless they can’t insure one.

[Paco42]

Originally Posted by nomiS330d

I think you’ve got the reliability thing back to front. The 6 cylinder engines are pretty well universally regarded as much more reliable. They’re also more refined, more powerful and not a whole lot worse on fuel. I always wonder why anybody buys a 320d over a 325,330 or 335d unless they can’t insure one.

Interesting. That's widened the search net!! Would you recommend a petrol or a diesel? I'm itching to get back in a petrol after years of diesel Mercs.

[Tambohamilton]

If you do go for an N47 engine, aim for about mid 2009 or newer; IIRC the crankshafts that had issues were phased out in January 2009. Engines newer than that still get chain issues, but you're much less likely to need to replace the crankshaft on the later ones.

My partner used to have a 59 reg 118d, which sounded like someone was lightly shaking a maraca at about 1800rpm. Really subtle noise. Took it to a dealer and they said 'keep an eye on it for the next year or so', so plainly weren't too concerned. 6 months later I caved and did the job myself. Not fun, but cost me about £600 including buying an engine crane and using all the latest genuine parts. No more noise after that. The parts I took out were barely visibly worn.

As others have said, go 6cyl for reliability, refinement and more power. That 118d did 60mpg on a run. My e91 330d (M57) does 45-47mpg on a run. I had the option to keep either car when we sold the 118d, and chose to keep my 330. My dad has the 118 now, and it still runs spot on.

[jacbo]

If you're not doing enough long journeys, a diesel will just end up with issues like the dpf, egr etc. and won't see a big enough benefit for the fuel economy.

The diesel torque is nice but I would look at 325 and 330i straight 6 petrols if I were you. Great, reliable engines.

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by Paco42

Too late!! I'm smitten.

Nothing wrong with wanting an e92, just not with a diesel engine.
As others have said get a 25i or 30i.

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by nomiS330d

I think you’ve got the reliability thing back to front. The 6 cylinder engines are pretty well universally regarded as much more reliable. They’re also more refined, more powerful and not a whole lot worse on fuel. I always wonder why anybody buys a 320d over a 325,330 or 335d unless they can’t insure one.

I always wonder why anybody buys a diesel coupe regardless of engine capacity

[nomiS330d]

Originally Posted by Chappers 71

I always wonder why anybody buys a diesel coupe regardless of engine capacity

Power with fuel economy is a winning combo
But yeah, I do love the sound of the 330i.

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by nomiS330d

Power with fuel economy is a winning combo
But yeah, I do love the sound of the 330i.

Hmm, my 35i will do 44mpg on a leisurely motorway run & 36 if I'm in a bit of a hurry, now that's power & economy

[Tambohamilton]

Yeah, that's not bad at all. Not far behind a 35d.

[Silver Streek]

If you live near or have to commute into a big town/city for work etc I would say don't buy a diesel. ULEZ areas are popping up everywhere now and you will end up paying £12.50 for every day you have to drive there, even if it just a couple of mile round trip. That makes the lower mpg of a petrol a non issue.

[Sayek]

Whenever you ask the question about the 4 pot petrol or diesel you will always be pushed towards the 6 pot

I owned a E92 320i N43 petrol for 5 years before it was stolen. I can manage DIY repair to a certain point therefore saved a few ££ during the 5 years. I ended up replacing all 4 injectors and refresh front/rear suspension.


The E90 325i/30i N53 has some weak points like the leaking fuel injectors and HPFP.
I have seen in forum owners pickup a bargain and later cry all 6 injectors need replacing which cost £250+ each plus fitting cost. If you are gonna purchase a old petrol version i suggest purchase from seller that can show evidence of recent injector replacing.

If you are tempted to purchase a N54 335i.... i suggest do some homework and put aside few £k for repairs.

All the best