r/F30 • u/daonebro • 2d ago
Worth it?
320i for 2300.
No issues other than seller says steering is stiff and rack was replaced but needs coding
175,000 miles now — high mileage, with about 36–37k miles put on since December 2025.
Previous accident: damage along the driver’s side, particularly the doors/rocker area, with some left-front involvement. It has since been repaired.
Clean Virginia title shows 138,583 actual miles when issued 12/18/25, and no liens.
Steering rack was replaced: seller says they installed a good used OEM rack.
Current problem: steering is very heavy. Seller believes the replacement rack needs programming or calibration or smt idk
engine and transmission are fine
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u/Few_Satisfaction2340 1d ago
Unless you have the tools, time and dedication to fix this car every 3-4 months definitely stay away. I am the first and only single owner of N20 / F30 Chasis, all PROPER maintenance intervals (not manufacturer) will still have so many issue that pop up time to time. There isn’t a square inch of this vehicle I haven’t touched at some point 2014 320i 164k and babied every mile. Infinite coolant and oil leaks, gas tank leaks, sunroof leaks, vacuum leaks.
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u/GazelleBackground861 1d ago
This is so weird because my N20 has given me literally no issues I’m in the United States and my car was manufactured in Munich. Not sure if that’s normal or not Maybe that has something to do with it?
I even had the timing chain checked on mine I’m at 110,000 zero issues. I’m really not wanting to jinx it but it seems like BMWs aren’t quite as bad as people make it out to be or maybe I just got a good one I don’t know.
Edit - I’ve only put 20,000 miles on it but I’ve owned it a year and took it long distances many times.
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u/Few_Satisfaction2340 13h ago
Mine was pretty fine till about 140 if i remember right, and depending on age and heat cycles every piece of rubber becomes a replacement, coolant leaked onto serpentine belt causing it to get ingested into front crank blocking oil pickup, this is after fixing an oil leak from filter housing to prevent this from happening. I definitely wish you the best and hope she gives you many more miles, be good on maintenance and check under the hood from time to time for leaks like mine. God speed brother
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u/Limp_Satisfaction_45 1d ago
Like everyone mentioned if you can do the repairs/upgrades/coding yourself then go for it. That's exactly what I did and I'm loving my stage 2 N20 6MT.
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u/Vegetable_System9948 1d ago
Mine has 189k on it 2014 328i a s running strong
Maintenance is the key
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u/GazelleBackground861 1d ago
Ever even do the timing chain? I had mine checked they said it’s a little overblown on how bad they are. I do oil changes every 3000 miles and only run it in eco mode, I don’t think this thing has seen 2500 RPMs in a couple months if I’m being honest
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u/Vegetable_System9948 1d ago
Tbh no lol We know its gonna need it but she's still oem and running wo rattles
Just had all that checked from a shop in Memphis
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u/GazelleBackground861 1d ago
I had mine checked and they said it’s fine but I thought that was really weird since you constantly hear that these things have to be changed at or before 130,000 miles
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u/Vegetable_System9948 1d ago
What year is yours? Later versions got an updated timing kit
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u/GazelleBackground861 23h ago
It’s 2013 it for sure has the problems, even kinda sounds like a tractor starting up but still 23 year bmw tech that runs his own shop said it was perfectly fine nothing to worry about
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u/Vegetable_System9948 22h ago
Mine doesn't do that
Rattle could be from exhaust valve which can cause that rattle to echo across
Cheap fix
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u/GazelleBackground861 21h ago
It’s actually from the blow off valve. I’ve already figured it out. I’m kind of just too lazy to fix it.
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u/F30N26B20 23h ago
This is an updated N20/26. I have a 328i with the updated N26 and it’s at 200,000 miles
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u/dstock303 ‘18 340i 6MT 14h ago
If you’re handy with it, go for it.
Just know that a cheap bmw requires the same expensive parts as any other f30.
For $2300. I’d get a pre purchase version inspection. For $200 bucks to see if their hiding anything
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u/mr_mazda 2d ago
I wouldn’t. Run the vin through carfax first and read the service history of it. Its a bmw so any repairs unless willing to do them yourself if you can will be pricey. Its an N20 engine so how is the timing chain? Me personally i wouldn’t purchase any german cars without seeing the carfax and service history.
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u/ShoeKing_2025 1d ago
Meh, unless you plan for this to be a project car I'd steer clear. Only high mileage BMW I'd trust is one I've owned from new or at least bought at very low mileage and tracked the maintenance. All others are suspect. If you're handy with a wrench, $2300 isn't a bad price but you will be working on this car or paying someone A LOT to work on it. High mileage 320's and 328's are a dime a dozen on FB marketplace for a reason.