Looking at going from an astra to a C-Class

[gIzzE]

I thought any M46 engine potentially suffered, then the N46 has the timing gear issues etc

I've never heard of anyone with failed swirl flaps on an E90.
And I sit on all the BMW forums daily.

 

[gIzzE]

It was the M47 (138bhp) then the M47N2 (150bhp and later 164bhp) and then the N47 (177bhp) 3/2007.

Then went to the N47N with the 184bhp in sept 2009.

I haven't heard of any problems from the e90 shape from late 2004.

 

[tomlad]

thanks for all the advice. im really torn between a diesel 3 class SE and a c-class manual. (either 3 or 5 door). i really need to try a manual c-class and a diesel 3 class to be honest and take into consideration the potential engine costs too.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

It sounds like a manual gearbox is the key factor. IMHO the generation of BMW 3-Series you're looking at were designed around a manual gearbox, whereas the equivalent Mercedes C-Class was designed around an automatic gearbox. Based on that alone, I would say go for the 3-Series.

If you're concerned about potential repair costs in the event of a major failure then it may be worth sticking to the Griffin and sniffing out a Vectra/Signum/Insignia with the 1.9 tDI engine.

 

[tomlad]

I would certainly get an insignia but they are just out of my price range at the moment. im going to have to be patient i think and see what i can find

 

[JasM]

It was the M47 (138bhp) then the M47N2 (150bhp and later 164bhp) and then the N47 (177bhp) 3/2007.

Then went to the N47N with the 184bhp in sept 2009.

I haven't heard of any problems from the e90 shape from late 2004.

They seem to suffer from turbo problems.

Blown 320d turbo! - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum - E90Post.com

 

[gIzzE]

That looks like a different issue to the cars swallowing swirl flaps.

Interesting.

Probably best to buy a bike?



Being serious though, if you are going to lay down £5000, it starts to make a lot of sense to consider contract hiring a new car, ok you will spend that amount over 3 years, but it is a worry free 3 years of motoring.

 

[tomlad]

blood and sand!

yes im going to get a bike. just a bicycle infact. i think the BMW is officially out of the question.

Contract hire is fine, but im the sort of person who likes to own rather than rent. And whilst it would be nice to hire a new car, id be scared to death of pranging it and id rather spend the £5k on something totally different.

might be the clunge repellant volvo i go for ;-)

 

[chriswt]

sorry duplicate post (again)

 

[chriswt]

I've never heard of anyone with failed swirl flaps on an E90.
And I sit on all the BMW forums daily.

I was surprised too but when I was looking into purchasing an E90 I found loads of info on Swirl flaps on the E90. The 330d and 335d have stronger flaps but they are still present.

The BMWland forum has a few threads on the issue.

Edit - gIzzE, just re-read your comment and so to whether there are many failures on the E90 I'm not sure but some people on Bimmerforum have said they've known of failures. I'd personally ge them blanked off just in case.

 

[Allanbee]

Hi, new here myself. I bought a 2004 c180 kompressor auto in September and I love it it. I was in a similar position to you in that I wanted a decent run around on a similar budget to you. Started looking at 3 series and even the odd TT, but then found a 04 C180 with 40k on the clock. For 41/2 grand I can't moan. Only had it a little while so can't honestly help you with the running costs, but if getting up in the morning and seeing the three pointed star out the front window counts then best thing I ever did! By the way don't rule out an auto till you try it, I think mines is great. Good luck.

 

[st4]

Welcome Alan. I agree there is a feel good factor about a Mercedes.

Tom. How is the car hunting going?