I read this post with interest as I have a position at work which may mean either staying in digs (sod that) or driving everyday and was thinking about buying a much older BMW to drive 150 miles a day and leave my nice E60 parked up at home.
With that type of car, I would say watch out for http://www.swirlflaps.co.uk/what-are-swirl-flaps.html" rel="nofollow - swirl flap failure, turbo failure and fuel pump failure all of which were common faults on the E46 diesels and at that age of car will write it off if they break as they can lead to engine failure.
You could argue that at that age and mileage these faults would have manifested themselves by now. Also with the number of diesel engines that BMW make the percentage of failures will be very low, it's just that when they do fail, it is catastrophic.
If it is an auto it will have swirl flaps at that age, if it is a manual then it won't, just. If it is an auto ask if there is any history to prove it has had http://www.motormec.co.uk/swirl.pdf" rel="nofollow - blanks fitted in place of the swirl flaps.
Check that it has had more than the manufacturer's recommended oil changes to prolong turbo bearing life. Bearing failure is the cause of turbo failure, they get hot from oil starvation and wear causing the baldes to meet the casing which break and then go into the engine, hence the reason for frequent oil changes.
6 owners in 12 years, that 's a change every two years or has one person owned it for the majority of the time and then it has been shunted around for some reason (could this be a reason to be worried about?) or another.
If you want a cheap BMW run around unless it is only hundreds of pounds to buy, I would stay well clear of an old diesel. I think they are just too much of a liability, which will make your eyes water and your wallet bleed when they go wrong.
But then that's just me as a diehard petrolhead.
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