Newer Diesels...

[1616six]

320d's are nice, but the parts prices put me off should something major fail.... Especially if its a dealer only part.

I never have understood the whole "Corr wouldn't have a BMW, parts will cost loads if it breaks"

I've now had:

E36 compact.. wishbone was £48 IIRC, 90 degree water pipe went on back of the block, was a dealer part, £3.94 inc VAT

E46, Water pump seized & disintegrated.. £28 for a water pump, 4 bolts (aux driven).. changed within 30 mins.

Other parts I've seen are no more expensive than any other marques.

Just for your reference Tom, E46 320D's & early pre LCI E90's the main issue was swirl flaps but there is a kit where you can fix them open in the right places for circa £50 & it's a perfectly safe fix. Later E90s with the N47 engine (Same as mine) the only real issue can be the timing chain stretches & becomes rattly, again it sometimes happens but more often than not is fine.. if it starts rattling it's a case of getting it changed before anything happens.

The E90 forums are busy ones & I see almost no knackered EGR threads compared to most other forums [read vectra-c forum] & the DPF, again, I don't understand where everyone has this huge worry about blocked DPF's.. Use & maintain the car properly & it'll be fine. I've driven almost 60k in the past 2.5yrs in a modern diesel and never had a single issue with a DPF.

I still personally think you ought to keep the moonstone HDI, you've replaced most major parts to a good level so it should stay reliable, you'd also save a lot of money, but you do seem to just want a new car which is fair enough - I was the same.


Without knowing your budget, just going by the 107 add for price...

This is what 30 miles from you? low mileage, nice colour, nice spec.


This is cheaper, higher miles but still not crazy.. Lovely looking, nice colour..


This if sticking to a much lower budget..

I fully expect you to say they are too far away but you've got to compromise somewhere, either stay local & spend more, travel a LITTLE further (Can't you get a lift with family who understand the situation re health to get you there safely?)


I still think this should be a possibility, look at the spec.. MPG, cheap tax, OK 0-60.. spacious.. will hold it's money as everyone is going more green..