discussion Inexperienced buyer - How does this car look? (2016 320D sport line)

[JordanB]

Hey everyone
Looking at getting this car, Ive had it reserved for me because after my extensive (but inexperienced) research Ive not found anything that seems really bad to me, its a decent mileage and the brakes, etc. also seem okay with the diagnostics tool not showing any errors. Its from WeBuyCars, I plan on going to look and test drive the vehicle tomorrow.

WeBuyCars | Sell Cars For Cash | Free Online Vehicle Valuations

www.webuycars.co.za

I did research on the engine, its a B47D20 and from what I can tell as long as I take care of it I should be good.

I know one thing I need to be mindful of is the timing chain, if it snaps it can mess up the engine, any advice on how I can look and see if its snapped in the past or damaged anything like arms, etc.?

Also any tips on things to look for (and how to look for them) when Im viewing the car would be very very helpful!

Ill make a separate post for this, but I know this community is really awesome, and if any experienced BMW folk in Cape Town feel like tagging along for an hour with me hopefully tomorrow to check out this car and give me a hand I'd greatly appreciate it, there would definitely be a 6 pack of beer or brandy as a thank you 😅

 

[Solo Man]

Looking good. Sportline is nice as you get the sport seats, sport steering wheel and red trim on the seats and dash and 18 inch wheels. (Although the wheels do not look 18 inch from the picture). Still, mileage nice and low. If the car drives nice and has no accident history, i say go for it.

 

[JordanB]

Looking good. Sportline is nice as you get the sport seats, sport steering wheel and red trim on the seats and dash and 18 inch wheels. (Although the wheels do not look 18 inch from the picture). Still, mileage nice and low. If the car drives nice and has no accident history, i say go for it.

Ah Im so happy haha, how often should I change the timing chain its the only thing Im scared of

 

[MR_Y]

Step 1: Get the VIN
Step 2: Buy a report from VIN docs and see if there is any accident history on the car.

VIN number & Vehicle History Check

Find out the history of your car with the most comprehensive history check. Get a history report and find damage, mileage, theft, and other records.

vindocs.co.za

Being a WBC car, I wouldn't be surprised if this car went through the meat grinder a few times.

 

[Solo Man]

Allegedly the B47 motor does not have the timing chain problem. I am currently in a 2012 n47 engined car with 204k on the odo and the car still pulls like a train. Do not know the history of my car but i have done a lot of work on it plus some preventive maintenance. Did the cat removal, swirlflaps removal and put a blanking plate (R70 iirc) into the inlet manifold. Your car at that mileage should not have any problems but would advise you to later on do the same as i did. I see the car you are looking at is here in CT. Did you go and have a drive in it?

 

[JordanB]

Update: Applied for finance after viewing the vehicle, Im happy with it and it seems to be in really good nick. The tires are completely smooth though. Can anyone give suggestions on how I can go about getting a new set affordably? I obviously dont want to cheap out on them then I get in an accident but dont want to be paying R3,000 a tire either.

 

[TurboLlew]

I don't think you will find good runflats under 3000/tyre. You may want to explore using non runflats and adding a space saver spare wheel. The spare wheel kits come up for sale from time to time on the forum and facebook marketplace.

 

[Solo Man]

What size wheels/tires are on the car?

 

[JordanB]

What size wheels/tires are on the car?

Bridgestones, 225/50R17, but they completely zeroed out so I will have to buy for road worthy inspection :/

 

[JordanB]

Allegedly the B47 motor does not have the timing chain problem. I am currently in a 2012 n47 engined car with 204k on the odo and the car still pulls like a train. Do not know the history of my car but i have done a lot of work on it plus some preventive maintenance. Did the cat removal, swirlflaps removal and put a blanking plate (R70 iirc) into the inlet manifold. Your car at that mileage should not have any problems but would advise you to later on do the same as i did. I see the car you are looking at is here in CT. Did you go and have a drive in it?

I did a test drive and was happy with it, didnt notice any weird sounds and I took a look under the hood and there was no obvious wire damage or evidence of pressure washing which was a concern for me

 

[KPM3_30]

If the R12k on tyres are a problem, I would suggest you reevaluate expectations of BMW ownership out of plan. While they are relatively reliable, preventative maintenance is important and parts can sometimes be quite expensive.

In your case, I would've opted to have all tyres replaced as part of roadworthy requirements and included into the overall financed amount, to save the cash outlay upfront.

 

[JordanB]

If the R12k on tyres are a problem, I would suggest you reevaluate expectations of BMW ownership out of plan. While they are relatively reliable, preventative maintenance is important and parts can sometimes be quite expensive.

In your case, I would've opted to have all tyres replaced as part of roadworthy requirements and included into the overall financed amount, to save the cash outlay upfront.

I can pay the 12K but I was trying to save it for the deposit.
I also dont want to just be throwing R12,000 into the wind if I dont have to? I'll likely have them include it into the finance amount and then ask them to come down a bit.

 

[MR_Y]

If the R12k on tyres are a problem, I would suggest you reevaluate expectations of BMW ownership out of plan. While they are relatively reliable, preventative maintenance is important and parts can sometimes be quite expensive.

In your case, I would've opted to have all tyres replaced as part of roadworthy requirements and included into the overall financed amount, to save the cash outlay upfront.

Good advice here ☝️

 

[MR_Y]

I did a test drive and was happy with it, didnt notice any weird sounds and I took a look under the hood and there was no obvious wire damage or evidence of pressure washing which was a concern for me

What did the Dekra report show as concerns?

 

[JordanB]

What did the Dekra report show as concerns?

The report is in the link in my post, but the only thing was the smooth tires and then the diagnostic showed one error, which from what I can tell was only there because the car was in Roller test mode

 

[Spanky]

The report is in the link in my post, but the only thing was the smooth tires and then the diagnostic showed one error, which from what I can tell was only there because the car was in Roller test mode

The link was down yesterday, but I see it's back up now.

Did you follow @MR_Y's advice and pull an independent VIN report?

The pictures and Dekra report (for what that's worth) look decent. However, it's still worthwhile doing a thorough background check. There are things that could be so well concealed that you may have missed them during your viewing/inspection.

It's only in your best interest to be pedantic.

 

[JordanB]

The link was down yesterday, but I see it's back up now.

Did you follow @MR_Y's advice and pull an independent VIN report?

The pictures and Dekra report (for what that's worth) look decent. However, it's still worthwhile doing a thorough background check. There are things that could be so well concealed that you may have missed them during your viewing/inspection.

It's only in your best interest to be pedantic.

I did follow his advice and got a Vin report, there was no history that looked concerning and there were regular official services until like 1 or two years ago

 

[Solo Man]

My experience with WBC (when my son bought his car from them) was that they buy and sell as is. You have to take out additional warranty as they give no guarantees. Good idea as you mentioned is to get them to fit the tires and add that onto your financing.

 

[Coisman]

Send me an email

[email protected]

Please send me as much of the details as follows.

EXAMPLE:

Name and surname: Piet Pompies
Reason for the query: Potential purchase. Want to confirm all is in order
Registration number: BMW 325 GP
Full VIN number: WDC12345A678B910
Full Engine number: BDSV1234
Register number: BMW123GP
Description of the vehicle - Blue BMW E46 325i
Contact phone number: 082 123 4567

As I am audited on all checks I run, I will need as much of this info as possible to comply.

Thank you

Francois

 

[MR_Y]

Send me an email

[email protected]

Please send me as much of the details as follows.

EXAMPLE:

Name and surname: Piet Pompies
Reason for the query: Potential purchase. Want to confirm all is in order
Registration number: BMW 325 GP
Full VIN number: WDC12345A678B910
Full Engine number: BDSV1234
Register number: BMW123GP
Description of the vehicle - Blue BMW E46 325i
Contact phone number: 082 123 4567

As I am audited on all checks I run, I will need as much of this info as possible to comply.

Thank you

Francois

Thanks Coisman.
A bottle of something special, I assume is acceptable payment 😉