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wps W Hello everyone, I'm thinking of getting a used bmw 320d. I'm european so I don;t know how popular diesels are in the US but I figured it can't hurt to try. So here's the deal: 2007-2012 E90 uses the N47 engine that has a nasty habit of breaking the distribution chain (factory problem) and bmw has not done any recalls on the matter. A repair would likely be in the 2000-2500 euro range, around 3000$ worst case scenario. Now from 2006-2007 the E90 had the M47 engine that didnt have this problem. It did have some issues with the turbine but it is still much cheaper to fix. I am having trouble on what to do next: I can either get the e90 without the facelift, not an ugly car, but almost 10 years old, less engine problems around the same fuel intake, horsepower is not really an issue. I also ride a motorcycle so I get my thrills from there in terms of power and speed. I found one on sale, WBAVC31050VB71133 VIN, well kept, nice optionals and only 56k mileage... but 10 years old next year. Guy wants 13.500$ for it, meaning it's over the market price at the moment. On the other hand I can get a 2010 e90 with potential engine problems, granted, with less optionals for about the same price, and only 4 years old, most likely more mileage though. I have no idea what to do, the M47 engine stop being produced on this model in 2007 so no chance to get a newer one, meaning a 7-9 year old car or the facelift version with an engine with bad reliability history, less options and more mileage, but newer production date and most likely higher resale value. Both in the same price range. Any ideas? #1 · Feb 6, 2014 Hello everyone, I'm thinking of getting a used bmw 320d. I'm european so I don;t know how popular diesels are in the US but I figured it can't hurt to try. So here's the deal: 2007-2012 E90 uses the N47 engine that has a nasty habit of breaking the distribution chain (factory problem) and bmw has not done any recalls on the matter. A repair would likely be in the 2000-2500 euro range, around 3000$ worst case scenario. Now from 2006-2007 the E90 had the M47 engine that didnt have this problem. It did have some issues with the turbine but it is still much cheaper to fix. I am having trouble on what to do next: I can either get the e90 without the facelift, not an ugly car, but almost 10 years old, less engine problems around the same fuel intake, horsepower is not really an issue. I also ride a motorcycle so I get my thrills from there in terms of power and speed. I found one on sale, WBAVC31050VB71133 VIN, well kept, nice optionals and only 56k mileage... but 10 years old next year. Guy wants 13.500$ for it, meaning it's over the market price at the moment. On the other hand I can get a 2010 e90 with potential engine problems, granted, with less optionals for about the same price, and only 4 years old, most likely more mileage though. I have no idea what to do, the M47 engine stop being produced on this model in 2007 so no chance to get a newer one, meaning a 7-9 year old car or the facelift version with an engine with bad reliability history, less options and more mileage, but newer production date and most likely higher resale value. Both in the same price range. Any ideas? See less See more Sort by Oldest first Oldest first Newest first Most reactions #2 · Feb 6, 2014

wps said: ...I'm thinking of getting a used bmw 320d. I'm european so I don;t know how popular diesels are in the US but I figured it can't hurt to try. 2007-2012 E90 uses the N47 engine that has a nasty habit of breaking the distribution chain (factory problem) and bmw has not done any recalls on the matter. ... Click to expand...

Almost none of us here in the US/CA know anything about the M47 and N47, you're right. Everything I know is from comments (in three different forums) on the subject and some mention in a couple BMW workbook chapters for BMW mechanics that have been floating around the WWW. Nevertheless, the N47, while not recalled, has had updated camshaft (timing) chains fitted in later years (you can see this on the realoem.com website). It's kind of a crap shoot IMO: M47 with bad swirl flaps that blow up the engine, or N47 with bad chain that blows the engine. I've driven the newer F30 with N47 and it's a great little engine; I'd probably go with newer E9x than older as the LCI in 2009 added many nice little bits. There is a UK forum here (or on E90post). #3 · Feb 6, 2014 (Edited) Yeah, I have been trying to find a decent E90 or LCI but came up empty or overpriced crap with 200k kilometers... various technical problems and dishonest ads. I found a 2009 LCI for a good price and sold by a used car lot with a year warranty. I asked for the VIN to check out it's history and exactly what optionals it has and if it checks out against the ad gonna go test-drive it. I'm hoping that if the distribution blows up it's still in the warranty. By the end of the year I'll be able to trade up again. Thanks for the info. Edit: I've thought about getting a gas/petrol engine, the 330 is in the same price range as the 320d but the taxes and MPG will bleed me dry. I'm not really obsessed with horsepower on cars since I'll be using it for a daily commute to work. Thank you for your insight. Insert Quotes Post Reply

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