Car Owners Hub UK - Built by Drivers, for Drivers

I have a start-up business and need to visit clients often, so I need a vehicle with a 6-cylinder engine that can cover 25-30k miles per year.

With a budget of no more than £12,000, dependability is paramount.

looked at
One-owner, full BMW service history, 90,000 miles, f10 530d (2014). The turbo went out the day I went to pick it up from the dealer.

I bought what I thought was an older, non-turbo petrol vehicle.
- My 2009 BMW 325i has 77k miles and a complete service history, but it keeps breaking down for no apparent reason. The problems include an electrical management light (EML), a whining differential, gaps in the rev band, and the constant need for water.

completely bewildered as to where to begin.
I used to own four E46s, and they were impervious to bullets.I have been crushed by the younger generations.

Your recommendation?

There's nothing wrong with a car with an N47 engine as long as it has low mileage or has had its timing chain done. I used to recommend 6 cylinders, but the N57 has too many problems. Instead, look at the BMW N47 or B47; there are plenty of models to choose from within your budget.

Like mentioned before, it's a good idea to check the BMW's service history for any unusual items, but especially the frequency of oil and filter changes; the more frequent the better.

Gentlemen, I am much obliged.
Are 6-cylinder equivalents something you think people should avoid?

Forget about reliability issues ever again—just get something Japanese.

Alternatively, try something crazy and carefully evaluate your prospective clients to reduce your miles to 7,000 to 10,000.