Yet Another 520D Facelift Question

[Pimmy]

Hi Petrolheads,

I've been a happy owner of an 2.6V6 Audi A4 for the past 12 years and now its time to change. Long story short - due to budget restrictions, I am puzzled between those two options which have exactly the same spec and history of ownership:

(I am aware that this engine is inadequate for this car, and performance would be crap, but it's a wife's+kids car - I have a 1100cc Yamaha ;-))

a.) 2006 - 93k miles - £6500

- Pros: Timing chain failure problem not applicable, hence safer buy.

- Pros: £1500 cheaper.

- Cons: Bigger fuel consumption.

- Cons: Less power.

- Cons: Harder to sell at later point (or I am wrong?).

- Cons: Bigger mileage.

b.) 2007 (LCi / facelift) - 66k miles - £8000

- Pros: Better fuel economy.

- Pros: Less miles on the clock.

- Pros: Slightly more power.

- Cons: £1500 more expensive.

- Cons: THE MAIN ONE - The timing chain problem.

What would you guys advice me? Both cars are very good condition and very tempting to buy.

Thank you,

Pimmy

[G4VHD]

Welcome..

The timing chain problem? Educate me my friend

[Pimmy]

The timing chain problem? Educate me my friend

Ough - there is tons of topics across all BMW forums. Here is what I found most thorough - this thread should give you all the info saving you time to browse: http://www.babybmw.net/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=39358

[Pimmy]

Here is another perspective to look from:

- What do you recon would be the loss of return when I sell any of those in lets say 5 years time? In other words, if (a.) sells for £2000, would (b.) sell for £3500 in 5 years time?

Point to note is that I do very low mileage - max 5,000 miles per year.

[G4VHD]

Read into the chain problem..

It really on concerns cars that have been abused..I personally wouldn't worry mate

[Pimmy]

Read into the chain problem..

It really on concerns cars that have been abused..I personally wouldn't worry mate

Thanks Gav, this is what I could not understand - is every single car going to face this faith or its dependant on type of use.

Cheers

[G4VHD]

From what I've read is down to the of use, manuals more than autos as harsh ger changes put strain on the chain

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

Bmw did a low-level recall on this unit in 2008-2010 so i'm sure it wouldn't be an issue unless the clown that had it didn't take advantage ! ;)

By low-level I mean that the issue wasn't common but, the material used was different !