2015 BMW 328d RWD with 120k - thinking about buying it

W

wcd978

Joined
Apr 8, 2023
Messages
15
Hey all,

Looking for a newer car to commute with that's reasonably good looking, not as boring as a Camry, and decent on fuel. I've never in my life thought I'd buy a BMW, but a large Toyota dealer has a 2015 BMW 328d RWD with 120k in it for sale for 8k. It's diesel, rear wheel drive, but it's also a BMW. Some EU owners said these are great, but I'm thinking US may have different components, complicated emissions and the like. It's pretty cheap for a 9 year old BMW.

I'd like to get into a decent BMW that's not going to bankrupt me for under 20k and under 10 years old.
How about the 2015+ 3 series with the 2.0?

Advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
I would skip it.
It will return excellent mpg, it is fun to drive, and it has an excellent (best on the market) transmission with an excellent engine. HOWEVER, and this is same for the US and EU market, it has SCR. SCR in 2015 BMW is 2nd generation, so it is definitely better than before, but you still have a bunch of sensors, valves, and generally, a lot of plumbing. Those are not components unique to the BMW. They are shared with other manufacturers, but the reason why I would skip it is that the gas version is really, really good on gas. If you can swing 330i, you will get 35mpg, a far less complex vehicle, but delivering some serious performance.
 
edyvw said:
I would skip it.
It will return excellent mpg, it is fun to drive, and it has an excellent (best on the market) transmission with an excellent engine. HOWEVER, and this is same for the US and EU market, it has SCR. SCR in 2015 BMW is 2nd generation, so it is definitely better than before, but you still have a bunch of sensors, valves, and generally, a lot of plumbing. Those are not components unique to the BMW. They are shared with other manufacturers, but the reason why I would skip it is that the gas version is really, really good on gas. If you can swing 330i, you will get 35mpg, a far less complex vehicle, but delivering some serious performance.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the advice, what about deleting it (for off road purposes of course)
 
Last edited:
wcd978 said:
I'd like to get into a decent BMW that's not going to bankrupt me for under 20k and under 10 years old.


Advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
The diesels have good torque and return good fuel economy, and that is where the advantages stop. I would also echo what @edyvw said. Modern diesels have way too many complicated and expensive emissions components to make the fuel economy worthwhile. I have several friends and family members who have dumped their diesel trucks for this very reason.

A 2015+ 2.0L car such as a 328i or 330i will be decently reliable, return good mpg, and not have the headaches associated with modern diesel ownership. If you can find a well maintained 2009-2011 328i with the N52 naturally aspirated inline 6 that would be an even better option, but they can be hard to find.
 
I have a the 328d's big brother, a 2016 535d which has been good to me for the one year and 25k miles I've driven it. I get 36 mpg on the highway. I use Hotshot's EDT in every tank of fuel, and Hotshot's Diesel Extreme every 6k miles per the directions on the bottle. The car is a blast to drive, but the potential problems with the diesel emissions systems are always in the back of my mind.
 
wcd978 said:
Thanks for the advice, what about deleting it (for off road purposes of course)
Click to expand...
I mean, you could definitely go with that if you don’t have to do emissions. But take into consideration if your state or local law changes, you are screwed.
F30 328 is good choice after 2014 (updated timing belt guides). But 330 with B48 can return mpg almost as some hybrids on hwy and you get seriously fast machine.
 
Carmax has an X3 diesel, 2015 for like 17k right now, and the listed mpg is superb. I’ve been eyeing those too. At least with CM, I could buy 3 years of warranty, with which they usually send these out to the local dealers if it’s not a standard repair. After 3 years, however, it’d be on me, at Bust My Wallet dealer cost. I *want* the diesel, so bad. If we go X3, gas will probably win. And then the hybrid catches my eye….
 
meep said:
Carmax has an X3 diesel, 2015 for like 17k right now, and the listed mpg is superb. I’ve been eyeing those too. ..... I *want* the diesel, so bad. If we go X3, gas will probably win...
Click to expand...
Not sure about the performance of the X3 diesel but I can compare my wife's X3 gasser to my 535 diesel. The X3 is nice but doesn't even come close in terms of low end power and acceleration compared to the 535d.
 
I have a 2016 328i (N20 F30) rear drive manual trans and love it. Do my own maintenance and run snow tires during the winter months. Love it! Mine is gasoline NOT diesel so can't comment on the diesel engine but mine runs fine so far. Just be sure to stay on top of the maintenance schedule. Assuming you will have a professional check it out BEFORE you buy it as significant issues can be expensive to fix.
 
wcd978 said:
Hey all,

Looking for a newer car to commute with that's reasonably good looking, not as boring as a Camry, and decent on fuel. I've never in my life thought I'd buy a BMW, but a large Toyota dealer has a 2015 BMW 328d RWD with 120k in it for sale for 8k. It's diesel, rear wheel drive, but it's also a BMW. Some EU owners said these are great, but I'm thinking US may have different components, complicated emissions and the like. It's pretty cheap for a 9 year old BMW.

I'd like to get into a decent BMW that's not going to bankrupt me for under 20k and under 10 years old.
How about the 2015+ 3 series with the 2.0?

Advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
The BMW N47 had a rough start with timing chain problems in Europe/UK. 2015 these issues should've been fleshed out and in addition there was no lawsuit in the US over the N47 like there was for the N20/N26 (2.0 gas). So maybe the 328d is okay. I would google N47 problems.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10204534-9999.pdf

The BMW rolled out the B-series engines around this time. The 4cyl models are sold as 230, 330, 530, etc. These engines do not have timing chain problems.
 
OP, if the price is right, I would strongly consider the sedan with the N47 diesel rather than the X3. While I had an X3d and loved it, you won't be able to squeeze out more than 38mpg and that's mainly on long-distance road trips at steady speed. For commuting, you won't see more than 30-32mpg at most.

For the sedan, you'll likely never see south of 40mpg and the driving dynamics will also be improved (assuming good tires and suspension, brakes, etc.)

At that age, I would make sure you get brake fluid flushed and probably the rear diff and transmission fluids drained/refilled. The ZF transmission should be butter smooth.

Lastly, don't be worried about the SCR system. I know a guy who knows a guy who can take care of that remotely ;) If the car runs and drives great, has decent service history records, and the price is right, I say go for it and don't look back. They are very easy to maintain DIY, parts are plentiful, forum support is huge and you'll be smiling past the fuel pumps.

Oh, my guy can also multiple those 180hp by about 75% and you'll be simply amazed.

@wavinwayne you could have similar gains. If either of you is interested, PM me for details.
 
Dr_Dr3i said:
OP, if the price is right, I would strongly consider the sedan with the N47 diesel rather than the X3. While I had an X3d and loved it, you won't be able to squeeze out more than 38mpg and that's mainly on long-distance road trips at steady speed. For commuting, you won't see more than 30-32mpg at most.

For the sedan, you'll likely never see south of 40mpg and the driving dynamics will also be improved (assuming good tires and suspension, brakes, etc.)

At that age, I would make sure you get brake fluid flushed and probably the rear diff and transmission fluids drained/refilled. The ZF transmission should be butter smooth.

Lastly, don't be worried about the SCR system. I know a guy who knows a guy who can take care of that remotely ;) If the car runs and drives great, has decent service history records, and the price is right, I say go for it and don't look back. They are very easy to maintain DIY, parts are plentiful, forum support is huge and you'll be smiling past the fuel pumps.

Oh, my guy can also multiple those 180hp by about 75% and you'll be simply amazed.

@wavinwayne you could have similar gains. If either of you is interested, PM me for details.
Click to expand...
BMW diesels don't take tuning too well. They're known to suffer an early death via cracked pistons and spun bearings.
 
Strumpan_ said:
People tune them all the time? The m57, N57 and some of the four pots take to tuning just fine.
Click to expand...
The N57 isn't the same as the M57. I'm aware people tune them all the time which is why BMW engine shops are constantly rebuilding them once the engine hits 100k-150k km. Sure there may be a tune out there which has done it correctly but IMO the juice isn't worth the squeeze.
 
BMWTurboDzl said:
The N57 isn't the same as the M57. I'm aware people tune them all the time which is why BMW engine shops are constantly rebuilding them once the engine hits 100k-150k km. Sure there may be a tune out there which has done it correctly but IMO the juice isn't worth the squeeze.
Click to expand...
I know the n57 and m57 isn’t the same
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

U
I don't think I'll find or buy a used car
2 3
Replies
53
Views
4K
addyguy
M
A week with a 2021 BMW X3e (hybrid)
Replies
10
Views
1K
edyvw
H
All about Carquest oil filters
2 3
Replies
54
Views
9K
Glenda W.
D
Oil experts, please share your knowledge.
2
Replies
26
Views
2K
kschachn
C
2002 Chevy Express - Suggestions/Recommendations on Deferred Maintenance
Replies
17
Views
2K
ripcord
Back
Top Bottom