The 2.0 D had so many problems with the chain driven cam. best avoided

I had a BMW 2.0 litre chain cam diesel for 5 years and no problems.

The neighbour has one and had had no issues.

Work colleague has one and again no issues.

Its a great engine and BMW have sold millions thus a few issues would be expected occationally, lets not get carried away with the tiny minority.

Hi Steveieb - yes, that's right. When I first joined the forum I had a much-loved A4 2.5 TDI Avant, so the nom de clavier followed naturally!

That was a V6 diesel and was a lot quieter than four-cylinder diesels. I'd consider a BMW 330d but we're ideally looking (because of SWMBO's arthritic knee) for something a bit higher off the ground and without the heavily-bolstered sports seats in the current Octavia.

I looked at a Sportstourer to replace the B class, but the only option was the 1.5, so I didn't take it further. I also didn't like the interior - it was all black and felt cramped.

I also looked at the 3 series GT and the dealer happened to have a used 320i xdrive manual in stock so I took it for a drive.

Unfortunately the car had a number of features which annoyed me before I even drove it - mainly ergonomics - seat adjustment, indicator operation, warnings on a screen I couldn't read as the steering wheel was in the way. The heavy clutch and poor manual box were also downers for me.

As regards trouble - friends have two BMWs - both four years old and both have had very expensive out of warranty repairs in the last couple of months. An X5 V8 diesel with head gasket failure, a 330i with water pump failure, so they aren't bomb proof!

My error - regardless the engine still needed 4 figures spending on it to get it fixed!

"The drawback of the BMW is the very fact that it's a BMW."

Yup. I agree. I could not live with the envy or hatred of other motorists.

And I prefer to avoid drawing attention to myself as far as possible when I'm out in public.

Edited by FP on 15/12/2015 at 18:31

I see your point entitrely, FP, but on balance I'm with Rob on this one, not least because more 3-series BMWs are sold in the UK than Mondeos. I don't think BMWs any longer have the image of 'look at me, aren't I successful' that they undoubtedfly used to have.

KB, thank you, and the feelig is mutual: I value your opinion greatly as do many others, I'm sure. Indeed, the Golf SV is a possibility, although (a) I'd want the 150 bhp GT version and no-one can supply one for a test drive, and (b) although, as others have said upthread, BMWs aren't bomb-proof, I think that one bought new and looked after will last longer than a VW Group product.

I've always changed cars within 3 years up to now (which is why I've been very happy with VWs and Skodas), but in retirement the next one may have to last longer. I bought a seven-year-old Z3 in 2008 and sold it when it was 12 years old; it had clearly been looked after by its 2 previous owners and nothing went wromg. My impression was of a properly engineered quality product. I'm hoping that a new BMW would last as long.

But there are other possibilities, and I'll draw up a short list in the New Year and share it on here.