Hi Everyone,

My name is James, and not only am I new to the forum, I am new to BMW's. I have been a Vauxhall enthusiast for 9 years, and I have only ever owned a vauxhall (13 to be precise). I am ex valeter and abit of a clean freak, so I do look after my cars very well, good going over every Saturday morning and always taking pictures.

I have always admired BMW's, and now I can afford to insure one, I am looking to buy one. My loan has been aproved and I have the money, and I am off to look at a few this weekend. I am after a 320D coupe. I have done some research on them, I know it is best to buy one post 2003 because of the turbo issue, and I have had a look at the buying guide on here aswell. But I was just wondering what are the main things I should look out for when buying, i know most cars have little faults, but are there any major ones to look out for on the diesel model? I am very confused with my lack of knowledge on BMW's, and the prices vary soo much! I have been looking on autotrader, and they are so varied, it just makes me suspicious!

Any tips you guys have would be great, so I can write a list and take it with me this weekend. Thanks guys!

Welcome to BMWOC :)

Good luck with your purchase :)

Welcome to the forum :)

Welcome Mate

Not to sure about 320d s but look at the usual things, like it having full service history mainly BM, low miles, low owners, check the car for wear and tear ie seats and steering wheel are always a good sign, check body panels are straight and no signs of a shunt, check engine bay for signs of leaks, also undo oil cap and look to see if it has cream under it ( sign of a head gasket) once running check exhaust for blue smoke etc and if can take for a nice long test drive to see how it feels but to be honest if it has been serviced regulary not a lot goes wrong with BMs, also do a google search for common problems with BMW 320d and have a look on ebay, they have classifeids and i have just got my 7 from there and it is absolutely mint.....

Thanks guys! Cheers for that mate, I always do the usual checks, just wondered if there was any specific things to look for on this model. I will just have to try my luck.

Welcome James, Enjoy the forum. :D

Hi James, welcome aboard matey...

No prob James....but do a google search on the 320d using model number ie my 7 is a e38, so seach for bmw E** problems or buyers guide etc i did this on the 7 and found some sites that are totally technical and had buyers guide on what to watch out for..............

cheers guys! and thanks matey, I will do, got a few to look at this weekend so I need some info, cheers.