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BMW 320d Problems

Are you having problems with your BMW 320d? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest BMW 320d issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the BMW 320d in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Is the BMW 320d rear wheel drive?

BMW's 3-series has traditionally been a rear-wheel-drive model in Australia, however the current 320Ds come in both RWD but also all-wheel-drive as the 320D xDrive model.

Is the BMW 320d reliable?

So long as you service it on the dot, change the oil at least every 10,000km or six-months, and drive it with mechanical sympathy the BMW 320D should be a reliable, comfortable, and safe daily driver.

2010 BMW 320D failed timing chain

The problem with the N47 diesel engine dates back to 2007. There are plenty of overseas reports of the timing chain failing, as yours has done. Deal directly with BMW head office and seek some support for the cost of repairs. It is a problem, and BMW should bear some responsibility for it. If you can’t get any help, go to the ACCC and make your complaint to them.

Known issues with high-mileage BMW and Mercedes?

Our experience is that older BMWs suffer problems with things like the plastic fittings on the engine, the plastic radiator tanks etc. that can add up to a sizeable sum of money when you have to replace them. One car, an older 3-Series that had done around 250,000km developed a problem with the power steering that had mechanics completely stumped. After four visits to the workshop, having replaced the steering rack, the power steering pump and many other steering parts, it was finally found that the fault was in the steering column. That was replaced and the problem fixed, but it cost more than $2000, and that's using second hand parts. That said the engines and gearboxes, etc., are bulletproof. We don't have the same feedback on the C-Class, but remember all cars have problems; no car is completely free of trouble.

Used BMW 320i review: 2009-2010
Jack Gallagher is considering buying a used BMW. He wants a four-cylinder automatic sedan or hatch and has a budget of $25,000. He's a senior living in the country and his needs are ease of driving and parking, comfort, and low running and repair costs. NEW The 320i was the entry-level model in the 2009 3-Series
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Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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