2002 BMW 330D - information required please

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rlm

rlm

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On thursday a friend and I are going to look at a 2002 BMW 330D SE manual with around 65k on the clock. I was wondering if there are any known issues with these cars, I know there were a few issues with the auto boxes, I was just wondering if there were any similar problems with the manuals, any common electrical problems or things we should look out for? Just want to make sure I'm fairly well briefed before I go there with him, I want to be of some use.

Thanks in advance.
 
Rear bushes, tyre wear on the rear inside edges, check all electrics work, check for signs of rain water in the front door card pockets, check for lumpy idle = balancer unit or possible injector problems one of which is an engine out job to replace. Check AC / CC fan has full speed range from low to high not just high, check airbag warning light is not on although this is easy fix. Check for excessive smoking. manuals don't tend to suffer like the autos do and the turbos are better units than those in the 320d so don't go pop so often. check the rear bumper around the exhaust for a scratchy feeling to the paint this is diesel again caused by poor engine conditions and infrequent filter changes.
 
Butters, surely that is just a generic response suitable for any car/diesel?

On a car like that just get a garage or RAC inspection done before you buy it or take a proper mechanic with you.
 
in the main yes, apart from all of it which are problems generic to most 3 series apart from the balancer unit and injectors and turbo which is inherrent to their sooties :)
 
Thanks for the advice so far, its a RAC dealer, or at least associated with them, so don't know if that means it will have a proper and honest RAC check, they did say it will have. Some things to add to my list from here, thanks.
 
Butters said:
check airbag warning light is not on although this is easy fix.

Well that depends on what the problem is that caused the light to come on. The first time it happened in my 330d I needed a new passenger side seat mat - not cheap as the fitting is right pain. The second time its the drivers airbag - which needs replacing - Ive been quess-quoted around £300 for the part alone. Not really an easy fix in either case imo.

I'd get a full check done (like I did). :)
 
The other problem I've had more than once is the window regulators. I've had tow fail on me now. One had to be replaced, the other was fixable. :)
 
rlm said:
Thanks for the advice so far, its a RAC dealer, or at least associated with them, so don't know if that means it will have a proper and honest RAC check, they did say it will have. Some things to add to my list from here, thanks.

The RAC dealer thing means nothing except that the RAC come once a year and pick a vehicle on his forecourt and see if he's selling it in a way that could be described as moderately honest. Then they charge him for the stickers and the big banners and leg it, but the cars are definitely not all inspected independently, the retailer just wants you to think they are.

The £200 or so that the AA charge for an inspection is worth every penny and you can get an option that includes a very robust 3 months (extendable) warranty which they pretty much have to stand behind. Just be aware that they don't test audio equipment in the car so if it has an expensive head unit or CD changer make sure you test it thoroughly. Also - the mechanic's recommendation is usually less than a full-on endorsement eg. "Well, if you want a big automatic estate for about £20,000, this one is big, automatic and costs £20,000 and I couldn't find anything wrong with it".

As always caveat emptor
 
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