buying a d3 bi-turbo, advice

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d3-blue
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buying a d3 bi-turbo, advice

Post by d3-blue » Wed May 19, 2021 10:27 pm

Hi all

I`m possibly going to look at a d3 biturbo at the weekend, car is a 2011, 106k with full history (mainly bmw). From the look of the services it's been owned by a company for the first part of its life and has amassed a good chunk of its miles in that time. Services have been according to what's been advised on the dash by the looks of it so are fairly well spaced. Timing chain is a concern for me so would be interested to hear peoples experience on here of what's actually happened with their cars that have made that mileage and whether you've changed the chain for piece of mind?

I`ve got a very good BMW specialist near me who has given me some great advice but would be great to hear from some owners first hand.

Thanks in advance

James
Alpina d3 bi turbo

ex;
Audi tt black edition
Ford focus rs ,mk2
Alpina d3, no 454
mini cooper s
evo ix fq320,
focus rsmk1
civic type r,
206 gti

ttrill
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Location: Surrey

Re: buying a d3 bi-turbo, advice

Post by ttrill » Thu May 20, 2021 4:36 pm

Hi James,

I have #454, I am assuming you had D3MT 454?

I got mine in July ‘20 from a forum member, it’s been well cared for so the issues that I have had to rectify are pretty standard for the car although I have done some preventative maintenance as well

I got it at 77k and I am now in 92k. The service intervals for mine were 16k when it was new which normally spells trouble for the chain later on. It seems like it did around 60k on those intervals then after that came down to 8k. Just yesterday I booked the car in for a chain replacement as it is starting to concern me slightly and I have noticed an increase of noise recently from the chain. When buying the car I did expect to do the chain at some point so it doesn’t bother me too much.

Other work I have done:
Gearbox service (automatic box)
Glow plug module
Water pump
Belts and tensioners
All shocks and springs
Rear callipers, discs & pads all round
Corroded Exhaust clip
Boost pipe seals
Plus a few other minor items like washer jets etc etc

At 106k I’d like to think that some of this work has been done, if not I would factor this into purchase cost as it will only be a matter of time. Of course this is based on my experience but from what I have seen it is common work at these miles.

I did the brake & suspension work myself but I have spent around 2.5-3k on parts + labor fees so far, not including the chain which will be the single biggest expense (expected).

I hope this doesn’t put you off as they are great cars and deserve to go to good homes.
Toby

2011 D3BT #454
2019 440i Gran Coupe

d3-blue
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Re: buying a d3 bi-turbo, advice

Post by d3-blue » Thu May 20, 2021 10:09 pm

Hi Toby

Yes, 454 mt d3, cracking car, probably should have kept it..

Yes i`m expecting a few things, from what i`ve seen all those things are to be expected as you say. The one i`m looking at has gone straight through previous mot`s with the exception of one with worn tyres. I`m kinda expecting to have to do the chain as i`m hoping to keep it for a while so will be piece of mind, just hope i can get this factored into the asking price.

James
Alpina d3 bi turbo

ex;
Audi tt black edition
Ford focus rs ,mk2
Alpina d3, no 454
mini cooper s
evo ix fq320,
focus rsmk1
civic type r,
206 gti

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