BMW 3 Series E90 - 06 BMW 320d w/140000 miles, £6700 - terrible idea? - PhilS
Hi,

I'm in the market for a new motor and considering a number of options. My budget is about £7000. I've thought about some more sensible options like a Focus or Civic, but I've also been batting around the idea of an older 3-series. I've done a fair bit of reading up on the internet and to be honest I'm a bit twitchy about some of the common problems that seem to crop up on older models. I happened to see an advert for a local dealer (Evans Halshaw in Portsmouth, if that helps) offering the vehicle in the subject line - it looks like it's been driven pretty heavily over the last 6 years but is at least not as old as some of those I'm looking at.

I'm in the process of trying to find out ownership / service details as these weren't included in the post on their website but was wondering if anyone had any initial thoughts or suggestions...

Thanks in advance!
BMW 3 Series E90 - 06 BMW 320d w/140000 miles, £6700 - terrible idea? - Collos25

If it has not had a new clutch it will soon need one ,suspension especially the front is very prone to wear requiring new wishbones etc,oil leaks around the rear diff,rear drag link bushes wear quickly and electrical faults other than that a fantastic car to drive.I have a E46 and my son a 330i coupe plus a 740 for work fantastic cars almost as good as MB.

BMW 3 Series E90 - 06 BMW 320d w/140000 miles, £6700 - terrible idea? - countryroads

I wouldnt, unless its had the turbo, clutch, flywheel, intake manifold, suspension bushes, dampers, glowplugs etc replaced. You are looking at a large bill for any one of those individually, and if 2 crop up together, wow....

Why not look at a petrol model which is a slightly safer investment for what still amounts to a lot of money?

One thing to consider is that you can get a low mileage C class Merc much more easily for less money.

Edited by countryroads on 02/01/2013 at 22:40