Hi all,

havent posted in a few months on the road a lot with work and still no net at home, anyway time has come to change the 318is for a diesel. Took this out for a spin today a very smooth ride, the car is in mint condition full bmwsh and was very impressed, except for one thing, i was not happy when changing gears there was a clunk noise as you let out the clutch, let the window down and the noise was very noticeable other than this the engine purred away. Any comments on what this could be. I do very much like this car but if it is a gearbox job in 7 months just after the warrantee runs out Oouch

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=706410 - http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car& carID=706410

Very very nice. A mild chipping and tis 530D poke and 2.5 tax & insurance.

Does noise sound a bit like a clunk from the driveshaft or diff when clutch is engaged? Or is it coming from the engine end?

There definitely shouldn't be any clunking from the gearbox or driveline.  My 523i turned 117k last night and the change and drivetrain is tight as a drum.  Unless you can feel some notchiness or significant resistance in the gearchange then the first place to start looking would be the clutch and propshaft coupling, imo.

They are looking for all the money for the car (and it seems to be a std UK Sport spec with no obvious options) so you really should have no questions marks about it at all.  If they are shy about acknowledging a problem or investigating it then walk away and keep looking.

T.J. wrote: Very very nice. A mild chipping and tis 530D poke and 2.5 tax & insurance. Does noise sound a bit like a clunk from the driveshaft or diff when clutch is engaged? Or is it coming from the engine end?

Difficult to say i think it was comming from the drive shaft

With the full BMWSH the miles are correct the last service was 4k mile ago so no funny stuff with the clock.

Hi Les,

If there's anything wrong with it at all I'd walk away. You could end up spending a fortune on it if it's not right.

There are thousands of used BMWs for sale at the minute so I'd look at one of them instead.

Happy hunting though

John

JohnH wrote: Hi Les, If there's anything wrong with it at all I'd walk away. You could end up spending a fortune on it if it's not right. There are thousands of used BMWs for sale at the minute so I'd look at one of them instead. Happy hunting though John

Here what your saying but have been looking for a couple of weeks now and this has not a mark on it except for one or two stone chips on the front. 

[QUOTE=One thing I would advise if dealing with them is to push the hardest deal you can, try every angle, price, warranty, stereo upgrade, new tyres, couple of free services etc

Tried pushing them with my 318is for a bigger trade in, not much success will try again 

Check the cars history very carefully. I looked at cars in the mentioned garage before and all seemed not quite right. I know the millige is showing high but it might be higher.... You have a doubt about the drive train noise already. walk away.  Its not worth the risk.

Mick

Also looks like a UK swimmer?????

Mick

Always eager to learn new things - Mick525i, what does your last post mean?

And welcome to the forum lesurely!

Also looks like a UK swimmer?????

UK import. As in it swam accross the Irish sea>>>>

Mick

larzyh wrote:   And welcome to the forum lesurely!

Ah thanks.

She is from across the pond he had no problem in mentioning this. 

larzyh wrote: My car is a UK import; 1 owner in UK, full service history. I find that UK cars are often better cared for and better spec'ed than native Irish cars.

I agree and I import virtually all my cars directly myself, but unfortunately, in many cases - especially with the unscrupulous private or trader, during the swim across the service histories and other records seem to get washed overboard.  For that reason, and because there is good information readily available with a small bit of work, the UK history should be verified.

A colleague recently looked at a 318Ci being sold privately.  There was a bit of a smell from the start because it was still on UK plates and being sold "privately".  I sent him in the direction of HPI and the last mileage they had recorded (2.5 years previously) was 20k higher than that showing when my colleague viewed it.  He wouldn't be the most experienced car buyer but is reasonably street smart and yet could easily have been badly burned.

It's a good chance it is a worn flexi joint coupling between the engine output shaft and the prop shaft.If you like the car bring a mechanic he will let you know for definate.Coupling is about €80.

Guys,

You missunderstood me. I aggree cars from the UK are better cared for and better equipped, but alot harder to prove service history and history in general.

Dont buy that car of that dealer just on your heart alone. I needs to check all the history boxes before you buy. Also you already have a concern about a gearbox noise. What has the dealer said about that??

Mick

635CSi wrote: Seriously, I think you should find out the UK reg it had and get a HPI check done. It's worth every penny in my opinion. I have heard very dodgy stories about this dealer but if your willing not to listen to me, that's perfectly fine, go get your fingers burnt!!

I dont often aggree with 635csi but this time he is right. The amount of bad clocked cars on sale and nothing done about it is a discrase.

Remember the Volvo s40 on here for sale in Lucan.... 140K down to 48K.

Look up carzone and the amount of 6 and 7 year old cars with 48K on the clock.....

Mick

IMO   if I was you i'd stuff me cash in me pocket and head off to the UK...   eg.

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.jsp?searchform=&modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&photo=1&state=block&sort=3&hassearched=Y&make=BMW&min_pr=10000&source=2&model=5+SERIES&max_pr=14000&miles=1500&agerange=2&mileage=&postcode=sw19+3rq&variant=525&bodyid=2&trim=sport&fuelid=2&colour=&transmissionid=0&keywords=&ukcarsearch_full.x=56&ukcarsearch_full.y=12&start=2&distance=179&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200723287702561 - http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.jsp?searchfo rm=&modelexact=1&lid=search_used_cars_full&photo =1&state=block&sort=3&hassearched=Y&make=BMW &min_pr=10000&source=2&model=5+SERIES&max_pr =14000&miles=1500&agerange=2&mileage=&postco de=sw19+3rq&variant=525&bodyid=2&trim=sport& fuelid=2&colour=&transmissionid=0&keywords=& ukcarsearch_full.x=56&ukcarsearch_full.y=12&start=2& amp;distance=179&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id =200723287702561

Cost ( list price ) £10,995 = €16,223 + Vrt €6657  = €22,880

I know it's more than the car your looking at but at nearly half the miles,  and you can get it FULLY checked out !

Its an auto too. Better resale. and worth the extra 2 grand.

Much better bet in the long run. If we stop buying from dodgy dealers then they will stop trading. I am not directing this at any one dealer.

Mick

Slightly off topic - the advice in the UK is to buy BMW's with automatic transmission for better resale values.  The typical premium for an auto over a manual for most BMW's would be between £1k and £2k, depending on the model.  I'm wondering what people on this side of the pond think.  Will people pay a pemium for an auto in this country?  Or is it like most stuff, people want it but they won't pay any extra for it?  Or do buyers here tend to actually prefer manuals? 

I'm thinking here particularly of cars 4 years old and older.  Thoughts appeciated...!

My car is a manual, but I would have bought it even if it had been automatic; auto gearboxes have com such a long way to the point were the performance drop off is irrelevant in daily driving.

I quite like shifting gears and feeling "connected" to the operation of the vehicle but automatics really come into their own in the heavy stop/start traffic that's become such a curse.

635CSi wrote: Mick525i wrote: Its an auto too. Better resale. and worth the extra 2 grand. Much better bet in the long run. If we stop buying from dodgy dealers then they will stop trading. I am not directing this at any one dealer. Mick An auto is actually a bad thing when it comes to a bimmer in some people's books, they are really overshadowed by the sheer brilliance of the manual. If I was ordering a brand new 5 Series instead of spending my hard earned on an auto gearbox I'd spend it on leather.

See what I mean I never aggree with you

I have several motor trade friends, Merc's and BMW sell better and get more money when fitted with an auto box. Infact I have heard them say "dont buy a manual Merc, you will never sell it again".

It is more of a problem on Mercs because of the customer they have, but its there on BM's as well. Ask a trader to choose between 2 similar 520's and he will go for the Auto every time. We are talking 5 series here not 3's and 1ers... thats different.

Mick

Good morning Mick; we seem to be the early risers here.

I have never driven a manual Mercedes but I believe they make particularly bad manual gearboxes and excellent autos.

I think BMW have a good reputation for their manuals apart from some notchiness (which some people, like me, like) and the clutch delay valve (which I don't like; has anybody here removed theirs?).

I prefer the manual, but it can have its downsides as i learnt to my dismay.

Mercedes are great manuals as its an aul fellas car

Looking at you list of BM's your in a better place than I to know. I have only had Auto Bm's I have drivin 2 520 manuals but I prefaired the Auto.

Horses for courses I supose.

Good Morning.

Mick

Mick525i wrote:  Also you already have a concern about a gearbox noise. What has the dealer said about that??

He said he hadn't notice anything !! going back to check the service history and bring a mechanic friend with me.

He also said the car has been here for over a year on irish plates, I'll wait and see... not going to let the heart rule on this on.

635CSi wrote: Mick525i wrote: See what I mean I never aggree with you I have several motor trade friends, Merc's and BMW sell better and get more money when fitted with an auto box. Infact I have heard them say "dont buy a manual Merc, you will never sell it again". It is more of a problem on Mercs because of the customer they have, but its there on BM's as well. Ask a trader to choose between 2 similar 520's and he will go for the Auto every time. We are talking 5 series here not 3's and 1ers... thats different. Mick I never said Merc make good manuals, they make absolutely terrible manuals as a matter of fact... You've driven a 520i manual but never a 530i manual, now that would be an absolute hoot! No offence to you, but I think your opinion is a buoyest one.

None taken.

Yep proberly a bit buoyest but I have always thought large exec saloon's sell best in Auto Trim. If Im tearing accross the hills I would much prefair a manual box anyday. But for normal day to day driving the Auto suits very well. 1 1/2 hours into abbey street from rathfarnham this morning in traffic. never changed gear once. never even had to move my left foot.

Mick

635csi,,,

Just as a buy the way what do you drive.

Mick

larzyh wrote: Good one Mick - 635CSi calling anybody biased (I am presuming this is what he means) is rather like kettles calling pots black!

LOL, but I was really just asking out of curiosity.

So go on 635, tell us, whats your transport?

Mick

lesurely wrote: Mick525i wrote:  Also you already have a concern about a gearbox noise. What has the dealer said about that?? He said he hadn't notice anything !! going back to check the service history and bring a mechanic friend with me. He also said the car has been here for over a year on irish plates, I'll wait and see... not going to let the heart rule on this on.

Good idea, the message from this thread is just to be carefull.

Mick

For me diesels should be autos. They have too few revs and are better suited to autos.

635CSi wrote:      Actually come to think of it, we have gone majorly off topic here!!!

For a bit I thought it was going to be a never ending tread. But It made for some good reading.

A    Volvo

Gars Estoril: Thanks I will.

635CSi wrote: Mick525i wrote: LOL, but I was really just asking out of curiosity. So go on 635, tell us, whats your transport? Mick I drive a Volvo S70, somehow I think I've mentioned this before. I love it, it's sprightly, it's very comfortable as Volvo's go and has a bit of prestige. It doesn't really suit my image though, I'm half the age of the average driver of one of these! I've owned a rusty old E30 which went to the scrapper, that counts me as a former BMW owner. Bear in mind that just because I'm a Volvo driver doesn't mean I'm not a die hard Bimmer fan...

My 65 year old uncle drives one

Nice car though.

Mick

A dog leg gearbox is an unusual manual transmission layout, an up-over-up shift between first and second gear resembling the hind leg of a dog.

R  2  4       1  3  5
|  |  |       |  |  |
---N---       ---N---
|  |  |       |  |  |
1  3  5       2  4  R
Dog leg     More common 
pattern     "H" pattern

Dog leg layout gearboxes are usually found on performance automobiles because in road racing it is rare to shift into first gear other than for the initial start or exiting a pit lane.

Notable street cars to feature the dog leg layout are the BMW M535 and (Non-US) M3 E30, Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 and 2.5-16, Porsche 914, early 911, 924 Turbo (all featuring Getrag gearboxes), Talbot Sunbeam Lotus and the Lamborghini Miura. A non-performance car to feature such a shift pattern is the Subaru 360. Also: Datsun 160J Hardtop SSS. A dog leg transmission has also been seen in odd places such as a 1980 Datsun 210 Wagon built during the 210/310 crossover or a Citroen 2CV. The mid 70's Oldsmobile Cutlass with the 260 V8 had an optional 5 speed transmission that utilized the dog leg shift pattern.

-------------
Dave Ryle


"The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it." -- George Bernard Shaw

" They are basically an 850, and everyone knows that car. I love my car anyway, I don't care if it's an ould geezer's car! My S70 cost IRL£45,000 new!! "

And is probably worth anywhere between 1500 quid and 3 grand now!!  Great car to buy second hand, not so much to buy one new!

Volvo Volvo

as I said,,,   driven by older gents more mature in there years.....boring cars yawn yawn.

dryle wrote: http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=706410 - well have you decided whether you are getting the car, seeing as we have gone on to saab and volvo's

 Going down tomorrow with a mechanic friend

635CSi wrote: lesurely wrote: dryle wrote: http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=706410 - well have you decided whether you are getting the car, seeing as we have gone on to saab and volvo's  Going down tomorrow with a mechanic friend Make sure it's not a cut 'n' shut!

Thats abit unfair.....

Mick525i wrote: 635CSi wrote: lesurely wrote: dryle wrote: http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=706410 - well have you decided whether you are getting the car, seeing as we have gone on to saab and volvo's  Going down tomorrow with a mechanic friend Make sure it's not a cut 'n' shut! Thats abit unfair.....

someone want to explain

635CSi wrote: http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=706410 - Make sure it's not a cut 'n' shut!

??????  

635CSi wrote: dryle wrote: car(s) welded together. CAr would want some bang to become one of them. the e39 is pretty solid and bulletproof Yes but from what I hear, that dealer is into that sort of business. That 525d isn't cheap enough for a 110,000 mile car anyway...

careful what you post, dont want defammation from any1

Thanks all,

No didn't buy, my friend said the gear box has to come out and some (could be wrong on the technical) sync gear or springs on the plate ??, any how the best part of 800 yo yos to fix depending were you you go. Said it to the sales guy and he still had no idea of what i was talking about-- so that made my mind up.

Theres plenty more around, had a quick look over the pond and with vrt, exchange rates all cleared looks like a save of around 4k. 'me wonders me do'