[Abouttotaketheplunge]

Hi there,

Been reading some of these back posts with interest... decided to get myself a BMW to shuttle myself between London and the midlands every week or so. Settled on the 320d - along with countless others - as good balance of performance, handling and economy for my purposes.

Anyway... somewhat on impulse i have put down a reservation on the following motor with a view to inspection, test drive and completing tomorrow morning:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-3-Series-3...564286#vi-desc

Mileage is high but - even accounting for that - looks good value against comparable high milers being sold privately (privately, for that money, would get a c100K 320d on 05 plate, ie early examples of the new (E90) shape.

Colour not my first choice (met black with black leather), solid grey with grey interior feels a bit conservative but can live with it. Half leather = better than nothing. And there are a few design extra with the SE trim you don't get on the base or ES versions (multi function steering - essential for m/way i think - as well as chrome detail here and there, auto climate control and rear parking sensors).

Satnav and bluetooth would have been brilliant but have seen on a few E90 forums some tidy looking aftermarket solutions for <£200.

I think i am talking myself into this.... and so keen to get a sanity check with you guys if at all possible.

Cheers!

[Swiller]

Sounds like a great buy for your mileage and budget. Nowt wrong with an se, apart from the seats. Sports seats are a must IMHO, leather as well. I think you could get that for 9k. Have you seen the car? It may be keyed, stone chipped to fekk and back etc, needing new brakes etc.

Wary about buying cars on e bay, piston heads a much safer bet imho

[Abouttotaketheplunge]

Thanks Swiller.

I'm seeing it in the morning. There are quite a few photos and i can't see any obvious chips or dents or damage. You can also see pics of the log book and MOT on the link... but i'll be seeing it in 3-d tomorrow and will know the score then.

It's being listed on ebay but the seller is actually a london car supermarket- i understand they have a mixed reputation but i do get statutory rights i wouldn't with a private purchase so it works on that front too.

From the sounds of it the price isn't bad even allowing for the mileage?

If I love the E90 320d, which i'm anticipating i will, then i will almost certainly trade up at some point... in which case lush, leather sports seats will be one of a number of 'musts':-D

[raf555]

its a good price but the colour green, so depends if you happy woith colour? ?

[dxb335d]

Wrap it!

[Abouttotaketheplunge]

Yep... i'll need to see how that green looks in real life, in the cold light of day. To my eyes it looks grey or maybe even silver. From what i can tell by searching online it is BMW 'grey green'.

[davyk31]

Change the interior to a M Sport leather set, should not cost a fortune.

[dxb335d]

(by the way I have not checked the link)

as long as it has a comprehensive history I can't see the mileage causing an issue.

[Tallest]

thats not high miles, its a diesel.
All this car needs is proper looking exhaust, at least 17in OEM wheels and youre already a huge improvement on it.

Just make sure it's accident free!

[buckethead]

the colour of the car is artic sliver

[poggy]

Spec says fluid cloth upholstery but shows leather in the pics

[AlanQS]

Why are they calling it green?

Check if you can if it has had any turbo work done as I understand these can be a problem at that kind of mileage.

[MEGA]

It should be fine. You're into clutch territory, but the other wear and tear items will be fine. Just general maintenance. No big known issues on this engine.

Autoquake have been around for years too so you should be fine with them also..

[Abouttotaketheplunge]

I've got the car, already covered nearly 2000 miles of driving and so thought i'd share an update:

This is probably the best car i've owned. It's such a capable all-rounder i just have to take my hat off to it....

When i drove it off the forecourt i was struck by how smooth and solid it was despite it's 90K mileage. Came with full BMWSH and - touch wood - completely and utterly problem free so far.

It's seen motorways, bendy A-roads and central london traffic and performs well in every case. Always a pleasure to drive. Feels completely confident and solid yet precise and agile in steering and handling. I am surprised that the 2.0d feels as punchy as it does. I am imagining how much fun this car would be with the 3.0 six cylinder in it, but that doesn't mean i'm unhappy with it.

I've owned and driven lots of cars - Boxster, VW Corrado, lots more Germans and some Japanese - but the 320d feels like the best balance of everything (performance, economy, etc).

I didn't like the styling too much before i drove and owned one. I've had such a good experience of it to date though that i've noticed my brain is retrospectively liking the styling! Form following function....

Very minor niggle: ipod connector plays music but i cannot skip tracks via the multi-function steering wheel.

I also need to research best aftermarket bluetooth solution. Lots of threads on that here i am sure.

Anyway... great car!

[AlwynMike]

Excellent news that you've had a good experience buying a car from relatively "unknown territory".

I can tell that you weren't a dyed-in-the-wool BMW fan at first, but I'll bet now that you won't want anything else.

[archiewil]

Originally Posted by Abouttotaketheplunge

I also need to research best aftermarket bluetooth solution. Lots of threads on that here i am sure.

my car had one of these (the CK3000) already fitted when i bought the car and i can highly recommend it!! simple and discreet and does what it does very well