See more from Ask Carzone 
Which old diesel exec to go for?
Hi, with a budget of 3 to 5000 to spend I've been lookin at a 05 Bmw 320D with 180000 miles and part service history for 3000 € but do timing chains and turbos give a lot of trouble in these models or would you think a 05 Audi A4 2.0 Tdi be a better buy but I've been lookin more at Bmw cause I've owned a E36 for years, any recommendations, Thanks
Our answer:
Hi John,
I think at that price you're taking a big risk - any high-end saloon going that cheap is going cheap for a reason and those 520ds can develop major timing chain and turbo problems. I'd say the Audi would actually be the safer bet, reliability-wise.
Have a motoring question? Ask us here!
Ask us anything motoring related and please provide as much information as possible so we can give you the most accurate advice.