Car purchase suggestion. 120d vs 320d

I

Infrared69

New member
Hey everyone,

Hope everyone is doing well.

I am looking to buy a BMW having sold my '21 Polo Vivo GT(a**holes stole my headlights), I dont want to go back to that stress of always being on the edge because of my car. Having looked around and doing some research, I narrowed it down to either a F30 320D or a F20/21 120d LCI. My biggest issue is my budget. I am not looking to spend more than 300k on my next car. And after having looked around I cant seem to find a decent one with decent mileage, condition, spec etc. in that price range. I might be looking in the wrong places, what can I expect in that budget in terms of mileage, spec, condition? Also should I go for the 120d or 320d, keeping in my mind im in my mid 20s, single. I do love hatchbacks but I want something with decent space especially in the backseats. So i just had a few questions regarding these cars.

1.) 320d or 120d? I would preferably want the M sport package but if i can find a decent one within budget, i dont mind the absence
2.) Reliability: im looking at the B47 variant. Anything to look out for?
3.) Maintenance: how much to budget for service, brakes etc yearly?
4.) Motorplan/extended warranty: Is it worth it to get a motorplan or should I just set aside money every month? and can I even get an extended bmw motorplan on these cars?
5.) Fuel consumption: This obviously depends on how one drives but on average, what sort of fuel consumption am i looking at? With the Polo I was getting around 7l/100km. I tend to do 120-130 on the highway and most of my trips are on the highway as well.
6.) theft risk: in terms of insurance and general risk, how risky are these cars to own and drive. I know at one stage the 3 series were on the high risk cars list but it doesnt seem to be the case anymore.

If i can a 320d or 120d, I am considering the 320i or 120i(b48). Are these good alternatives based on above?

Thanks
 
DRCraig

DRCraig

Well-known member
Hi howzit

With a budget of R300k you're in for a decent 320d. The 120d's tend to be a somewhat more expensive, i know, than its counterpart 320d. F20's with climate control also hens teeth. Coming from the polo, even a non MSport will do you just fine. Note the price difference in tyres too.

N47/B47 proven rock solid. Just the regular oil services, decat, egr-valve swirl flap delete will set the car up for life. Coolant flange might leak when you reach the 200k km mark. R5k job at dealership. Gearbox oil service still safe to do around 150k km mark, zf takes a sample of your oil to ascertain it the box is still serviceable.

Suspension parts are much, much cheaper at goldwagen.

If i were in your shoes I'd just stash some cash away in a rainy fund for odd repairs and maintenance.

20i b48 variant proven its reliability over the infamous n20 platform, but rather stick to your plan of wanting a diesel.

At a constant speed of 120km/h, you're looking at average fuel consumption 4.7l/100km.

On the issue of mileage, just make sure the car has a clean, full service record. Diesels must be driven. Don't hesitate when the odometer reading is over 100k km, hell even over 200k km.
 
PsyCLown

PsyCLown

Well-known member
Infrared69 said:
If i can a 320d or 120d, I am considering the 320i or 120i(b48). Are these good alternatives based on above?
Click to expand...
I created a thread about this not too long ago, I feel it is certainly worth considering and doing some maths and considering what you want and the mileage you do etc.

discussion - Is it worth buying a diesel still?

Hey all, So I am sure most of you have noticed how the prices of the diesel BMW's have gone up (or just not dropped as they age), unlike with the 20i models. This got me thinking, is there any benefit to buying a diesel vs a petrol when looking at something like a 320i, 320d, 330d. I imagine...
www.bmwfanatics.co.za
 
T

tamgoem

Well-known member
Lets start.

1. See point 3
2. Service frequently and not every 25k and it will last quite some time, cooling systems still chewing gum on a BMW so just plan for that letting go.
3. Msport packages add bigger and more expensive tyres, brakes. So pick what you want then ask what it will cost.
4. Any plan worth having is going to be quite dear, same goes for a warranty (and read your list of exclusions before opting in on it), it becomes a matter of risk. The less risk you want the more on addons you will pay for. A good independent shop will sort you out.
5. Diesel better, petrol slighly less good, but how you get to your 130 will play a far bigger role than the speed you settle at.
6. Opportunity theft more likely than being a sought out theft target.
7. Any modernish BMW you buy you can just chuck the 20-30k on it even if out of plan on the "black" service/motorplans that will cover most of the wear items.


Other options you might want to look at is a Mini Clubman S. FWD sure, but in your budget you can find them, they will be better equipped than the 3 or 1 series. Good old B48 in there so other than the oil filter housing checking out little common issues. It will match your polo in economy.
 
I

Infrared69

New member
DRCraig said:
Hi howzit

With a budget of R300k you're in for a decent 320d. The 120d's tend to be a somewhat more expensive, i know, than its counterpart 320d. F20's with climate control also hens teeth. Coming from the polo, even a non MSport will do you just fine. Note the price difference in tyres too.

N47/B47 proven rock solid. Just the regular oil services, decat, egr-valve swirl flap delete will set the car up for life. Coolant flange might leak when you reach the 200k km mark. R5k job at dealership. Gearbox oil service still safe to do around 150k km mark, zf takes a sample of your oil to ascertain it the box is still serviceable.

Suspension parts are much, much cheaper at goldwagen.

If i were in your shoes I'd just stash some cash away in a rainy fund for odd repairs and maintenance.

20i b48 variant proven its reliability over the infamous n20 platform, but rather stick to your plan of wanting a diesel.

At a constant speed of 120km/h, you're looking at average fuel consumption 4.7l/100km.

On the issue of mileage, just make sure the car has a clean, full service record. Diesels must be driven. Don't hesitate when the odometer reading is over 100k km, hell even over 200k km.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the advice. I have been looking around for both 320d and 120d. So far these are the ones which I think are "worth it." Let me know if you think any of them are a good deal. Obviously it would also depend on the actual mechanical condition of the car by looking at it in person, but it will help me eliminate those that are already not worth the price.

1.) 120D - is 139k mileage decent for that price?
2.) 120D
3.) 320D
4.) 320D
5.) 320D - this dealership seems dodgy.

Other than that all of them are over 170-180k on the clock. I have seen a few on Facebook but not sure how those are in terms mechanical condition. Is it worth it to take a car through the Dekra inspection/any other independent inspection service or should I just take a mechanic with me?
 
I

Infrared69

New member
tamgoem said:
Lets start.

1. See point 3
2. Service frequently and not every 25k and it will last quite some time, cooling systems still chewing gum on a BMW so just plan for that letting go.
3. Msport packages add bigger and more expensive tyres, brakes. So pick what you want then ask what it will cost.
4. Any plan worth having is going to be quite dear, same goes for a warranty (and read your list of exclusions before opting in on it), it becomes a matter of risk. The less risk you want the more on addons you will pay for. A good independent shop will sort you out.
5. Diesel better, petrol slighly less good, but how you get to your 130 will play a far bigger role than the speed you settle at.
6. Opportunity theft more likely than being a sought out theft target.
7. Any modernish BMW you buy you can just chuck the 20-30k on it even if out of plan on the "black" service/motorplans that will cover most of the wear items.


Other options you might want to look at is a Mini Clubman S. FWD sure, but in your budget you can find them, they will be better equipped than the 3 or 1 series. Good old B48 in there so other than the oil filter housing checking out little common issues. It will match your polo in economy.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your reply. To allude to point 7, what do you mean by. Not sure what that is.
the "black" service/motorplans
Click to expand...
TBH, I'm not a fan of Mini Coopers.
 
S

StrollingCoal

Active member
Infrared69 said:
Thank you for the advice. I have been looking around for both 320d and 120d. So far these are the ones which I think are "worth it." Let me know if you think any of them are a good deal. Obviously it would also depend on the actual mechanical condition of the car by looking at it in person, but it will help me eliminate those that are already not worth the price.

1.) 120D - is 139k mileage decent for that price?
2.) 120D
3.) 320D
4.) 320D
5.) 320D - this dealership seems dodgy.

Other than that all of them are over 170-180k on the clock. I have seen a few on Facebook but not sure how those are in terms mechanical condition. Is it worth it to take a car through the Dekra inspection/any other independent inspection service or should I just take a mechanic with me?
Click to expand...
1.) 120D - is 139k mileage decent for that price?
The gaps between the bonnet and fenders seem a bit off, could have had some body work done.
2.) 120D
Seems okay to consider having a look at
3.) 320D
4.) 320D
5.) 320D - this dealership seems dodgy.

All 3 those 320D's seem to be at shady dealerships. Perhaps take a look at this one:

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 3 Series 320d Sport Line Sports-Auto for sale in Port Elizabeth - ID: 27703815

Used 2016 BMW 3 Series 320d Sport Line Sports-Auto For Sale - R 279 990 - ID: 27703815
www.autotrader.co.za www.autotrader.co.za
 
T

tamgoem

Well-known member
Infrared69 said:
Thank you for your reply. To allude to point 7, what do you mean by. Not sure what that is.

TBH, I'm not a fan of Mini Coopers.
Click to expand...
Go read up on it, i would think someone lamenting on buying a car with or without motorplan would do their homework. You can find it on BMW's website.
 
S

San11

Member
Infrared69 said:
Thank you for the advice. I have been looking around for both 320d and 120d. So far these are the ones which I think are "worth it." Let me know if you think any of them are a good deal. Obviously it would also depend on the actual mechanical condition of the car by looking at it in person, but it will help me eliminate those that are already not worth the price.

1.) 120D - is 139k mileage decent for that price?
2.) 120D
3.) 320D
4.) 320D
5.) 320D - this dealership seems dodgy.

Other than that all of them are over 170-180k on the clock. I have seen a few on Facebook but not sure how those are in terms mechanical condition. Is it worth it to take a car through the Dekra inspection/any other independent inspection service or should I just take a mechanic with me?
Click to expand...
Hi there,

From your list, only 120D No.2 looks decent from the advert, however pictures and reality generally differ, especially for vehicles at dealerships. Should you be keen, a thorough check is recommended.

If you are looking at options within the R280k - R300k range, why compromise on a vehicle with upwards of 150 000km at an unknown dealership, when at a slight extension of your budget (Within the R300k - R350k range), there are quite a few low mileage (under 100 000km) options available at more reputable dealerships? Owning a lower mileage vehicle is certainly worth the slightly extra premium paid during the initial purchase.
 
F

FILV

Well-known member
I agree with San11, only option 2 looks decent.

Its quite scary that there are no decent 320D's for under 300k.

Just out of curiosity i checked the 320i's and there were a few decent looking ones, and they are low mileage and Lci

 
I

Infrared69

New member
San11 said:
Hi there,

From your list, only 120D No.2 looks decent from the advert, however pictures and reality generally differ, especially for vehicles at dealerships. Should you be keen, a thorough check is recommended.

If you are looking at options within the R280k - R300k range, why compromise on a vehicle with upwards of 150 000km at an unknown dealership, when at a slight extension of your budget (Within the R300k - R350k range), there are quite a few low mileage (under 100 000km) options available at more reputable dealerships? Owning a lower mileage vehicle is certainly worth the slightly extra premium paid during the initial purchase.
Click to expand...
While I do agree with your point that buying a lower mileage will be better. 300k is my absolute limit. I really don't want to finance another car. Even though my repayments will be next to nothing if I put down R300k as a deposit. I guess I would just have to be patient to find a decent one within my budget or look at the petrol variants or even look at something else.
 
I

Infrared69

New member
FILV said:
I agree with San11, only option 2 looks decent.

Its quite scary that there are no decent 320D's for under 300k.

Just out of curiosity i checked the 320i's and there were a few decent looking ones, and they are low mileage and Lci

Click to expand...
Yeah its sad that you cant find any 320ds or even 120ds for that price. Even at 350k, most of them dont even have the m sport package. And the mileage is above 100k kms. I might have to start looking at the petrol variants.
 
M

Malone1

New member
Just to echo the other sentiments, the F30 320d is bulletproof. You need to always check the service history. A full-service history from reputable dealers/mechanics and you shouldn't go wrong. Anything that has missing/late services or " the previous owner was a mech and serviced it himself", walk away.

I've driven my 320d pretty much every day since I drove her off the showroom floor and still no issues. She just clocked 270 000 this week, so don't let mileage scare you too much.

The non Msport versions are probably more bang for your buck, just considering tyre prices.
 
S

San11

Member
Infrared69 said:
While I do agree with your point that buying a lower mileage will be better. 300k is my absolute limit. I really don't want to finance another car. Even though my repayments will be next to nothing if I put down R300k as a deposit. I guess I would just have to be patient to find a decent one within my budget or look at the petrol variants or even look at something else.
Click to expand...
Agreed. It's also worth noting that the best examples generally do not last long in the market.
 
I

Infrared69

New member
Hi everyone, apologies for the lack of replies. So the situation is that I still havent bought a car yet. Due to some changes in my life now I have a budget of R350 000. I was looking at a 2016 X1 20d as suggested. What do you guys think of this one? It has the same engine as the 320D but what are some issues to look out for?

X1.

Edit: NVM, that car has been sold already.
 
PsyCLown

PsyCLown

Well-known member
Infrared69 said:
Hi everyone, apologies for the lack of replies. So the situation is that I still havent bought a car yet. Due to some changes in my life now I have a budget of R350 000. I was looking at a 2016 X1 20d as suggested. What do you guys think of this one? It has the same engine as the 320D but what are some issues to look out for?

X1.
Click to expand...
That X1 is FWD (for the sDrive version) where the 1 series (F20) and 3 series (F30) are RWD.
Whether that makes any difference to you, only you would know.
Being FWD it does not use the ZF8 gearbox which is used in the RWD BMW's and the larger vehicles with X-drive.

I am not saying these are problems, but it is worth noting. I do not have any experience with the Aisin gearbox used in the X1 but have read online that a few people have experienced issues with them... but how common the issues are, I am not sure either.
The ZF8 gearboxes are fantastic and very reliable and robust, especially if you carry out a service before 120 000KM.

The year, mileage & price seem good.
 
F

FILV

Well-known member
I was in the same Boat, test drove a F48 X1 xdrive 20D, then rite after a Country man S. The countryman wasn't even on my radar.

Been a few months now and loving the Countryman. HK sound, the mapping on mini on the Aisin gearbox is very well done. Build quality is also very good.

All are very well spec'ed and well looked after and about 30-40k cheaper for the same year X1 F48. Its also has sliding rear seats and a very big boot. The boot is only 5mm smaller in length on the Countryman.

There are a few Countryman D's around, the tick is to be patient and find one spec'ed with Led headlights. for some reason almost all Countryman D's came the led headlights not spec'ed.

Also they are detuned to 110kw (but identical b48 engine as all 20D Bmw'). Overseas the Mini Countryman SD has the full fat 140kw.
 
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