[magic77]

Well the itch has really taken hold so starting to look.

Its going to come down to costs at end of the day but the final list seems

E92 LCI 325D M Sport ( though concerns on fuel mpg - any real world figures would help)

E92 LCI 320D M Sport

New Merc C Class Coupe (very tempting as same power as 325D yet fuel economy of 320D as its a 2100CC)

Main thing is from those that have owned both how would you compare the ride between the merc and the bmw.

I drove a curtsey car at xmas 250cdi saloon and ride was ok but bit too soft for my likeing. Been told the coupe will be more sport orientated and I suppose could opt for the sport magnetic ride.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[MEGA]

Is this company car and therefore new the logical option?

Otherwise for the same money I'd be buying a 18 month old 335d

[scooba0010]

WIFE has a 325d e92 , I have a C250 blue efficency diesel Merc I would say the Merc is more efficent by around 3-5 mpg ,I get around 40 in the merc and 36 in the Bmw.

The Merc 4 cyl bi turbo is noisy and rough known as a grunnter 204bhp ? .

The Bmw 6cyl turbo is smooth quite and like silky 200bhp I also realise the BMW can be tweaked to 240bhp with a evolve map , I think with all the early problems with the merc Fuel pump and injector issues id better forget any tweaks to it .

depends what you want test drive them both

[Falmouthboy]

Our post LCI automatic 330d averages about 38 MPG and get's to the high 40s on the motorway. The engine is far more refined and smooth than the 2.0L. Nothing 'wrong' with the 2.0L, but the 3.0L 6 is so much better and nowhere near as thirsty as you may imagine.

If it's a company car there are clear financial benefits to the 2.0L, but as a private purchase I would take a 3.0L 6 any time if you can dind one at the right price.

[SO8]

Originally Posted by Falmouthboy

Our post LCI automatic 330d averages about 38 MPG and get's to the high 40s on the motorway. The engine is far more refined and smooth than the 2.0L. Nothing 'wrong' with the 2.0L, but the 3.0L 6 is so much better and nowhere near as thirsty as you may imagine.

I agree .... having come from a 320d (177) auto to an LCI 330d auto ....

FWIW my 330d LCI auto is giving between 35mpg (heavy traffic) to 54mpg on a motorway ! The average has been about 39mpg in the albeit brief 2 months and 3K miles we've had it.

It is not far off the 320d for fuel economy which surprised me. The LCI versions are far more economical than the earlier ones. I can't imagine the 325d would be too much different - If you can get a 325d then it is in a different league to the 320d ... though, as said, the 320d is really good in it's own right ... just not a 6 cyl

[JLR1969]

If I was getting a 6 cylinder BMW I would not waste time with a 325d but instead get a 330d post LCI.

Depends how important MPG is and how many miles a year you do.

High miles = 320d with map to 215 bhp

Average miles = 330d

Low miles = 335d with map

[magic77]

Thanks for the great feedback some good information. The car would be private paid for company funds (opted out of car scheme)

Main reason for new is cant find a 330D with options I want in approved. I'm waiting for price and deal on a 325D right now if it comes out within budget I will see if a 330D is in my reach.

Problem is got to keep monthly payments down.

Interesting comments on the merc I test drive a brand new one at xmas as wifes B-class was for service, and it was impressive. Initially I thought it was a 6 cylinder until I checked certainly quiter and smoother than my 320D.

What tempts also is the mercs are above 200cc so better pence per mile 16p instead 13p

I think money will be the final factor though would be hard to say bye to bmw

It would be the new Merc Coupe so hopefully injector/pumps would be improved being based on the LCI equivalent saloon

[chris_s1]

Hi Magic

I get a long term average of 42mpg out of my 325d, and I've done 45k in less than 2 years so that's pretty long term. Mixture of 80% m-way cruising at 77mph and 10% A-road thrashing and 10% trotting round town.

If you get a 325d you HAVE to get it remapped, it makes truly massive gains, its a completely different beast to drive.

I had a C220 as a hire car last week (got stuck in Scotland in the storms/ash cloud and had to drive Edinburgh - Bristol lol) and I wouldn't swap my car for that Merc for all the tea in China, rolly suspension and the auto box was so horrible.....

[magic77]

thanks I think if I Do do it 325 will be the key jut case of trying to get right deal as right now its not looking good.