[TomJ79]

Hi, new to the forum and have a dilemma...

I'm sure this debate has been had by many people, so sorry if I'm covering old ground.

I have a choice of company cars - the 318d Touring Sport Plus, or the same 320d option.

The 318d is cheaper a month for me (about £80) on tax and personal contributions, and as it's more economical makes more sense. But my heart wants the 320d for the extra power.

My question is - is there a significant difference between the two? I really want the Sport Plus trim which looks amazing in Le Mans blue. I guess my dilemma is does the extra power warrant spending more on tax etc a month?

Anyone out there with experience or in a similar situation?

Cheers

Tom

[jayakrishnanv]

Hi Mate,

the difference has been already discussed here if i remember but still what i can recollect is as follows where other members who have done the comparison in a bit more detail will be able to chip in.

As i have understood you want the sport plus edition whether its 318d or 320d. So thats the trim you will be selecting and you can get some more features than the SE trim in a discounted price.

Now for the 320d the efficient dynamics model is 177bhp and more powerful than the 318d but at the same time gives the same range of mpg in return sort of +/-5-10mpg depending on the road and driving style.

Now the 318d from this forum what i have learned and understood is like cannot be remapped where as 320d can be. But in your case since its a company lease i really doubt whether you can do any mod to the car w/o the permission of the leasing company and the company group automotive insurance.

320d Efficient Dynamics you will be able to get normal tyres where as 318d i assume its having a run-flat which again comes to the liking of the person who owns and drives. Each tyre type having its own limitations as well...

[Dizzle]

Yes. Went for the 320d there was a difference in power, not that the 318d was gutless just not as surging. btw the LCI 2011 320d m sport is 184bhp compared to the 318d's 143bhp

Swear the 320d was £80 in tax. I work out the 318d as £63 and the 320d as £91 from comcar.

I'd say drive the two, in reality the 318d would have been more than sufficient. but coming from a 118d I wanted something with more power this time round.

[TomJ79]

Thanks guys - the tax on mine is slightly different, I am a 40% tax rate and the difference is noticeable...however to get the Sport Plus I have to pay a bit towards it out of my own pocket as the company prefer us to have the basic models!

Yeah I can't chip it or do anything to it as the company won't allow it.

I'm driving them back to back soon so will hopefully make a decision....but a test drive doesn't always give you the answers!

Thanks again

[B33M3R]

Let us know how you get on

[rich1068]

Originally Posted by jayakrishnanv

Hi Mate,

the difference has been already discussed here if i remember but still what i can recollect is as follows where other members who have done the comparison in a bit more detail will be able to chip in.

As i have understood you want the sport plus edition whether its 318d or 320d. So thats the trim you will be selecting and you can get some more features than the SE trim in a discounted price.

Now for the 320d the efficient dynamics model is 177bhp and more powerful than the 318d but at the same time gives the same range of mpg in return sort of +/-5-10mpg depending on the road and driving style.

Now the 318d from this forum what i have learned and understood is like cannot be remapped where as 320d can be. But in your case since its a company lease i really doubt whether you can do any mod to the car w/o the permission of the leasing company and the company group automotive insurance.

320d Efficient Dynamics you will be able to get normal tyres where as 318d i assume its having a run-flat which again comes to the liking of the person who owns and drives. Each tyre type having its own limitations as well...

I think you've got it all a bit confused. The Sport Plus is an edition of the M Sport not the SE. Also you can't get a Sport Plus ED. And anyway the ED isn't available as a Touring.

@the OP. If your heart is set on the Sport Plus then I'd stretch to the 320d. Yes there's nice touches on this model but it's all about the engine at the end of the day. You're going to be driving it for however many years not staring at the alloys.

[m1bjr]

Depends on usage.

If its a motorway mile muncher for work, whats the point of all the extra tax for a few ponies?

Was in the same boat - took the base model dullard 318d. Have the tuned 335i for play though

And it IS much more economical in every sense than the 320d - collegue runs one and he cannot touch my 70mpg on the motorways

[BBChris]

Just made exactly the same choice.. Went for the 320d.

The missus as the 118d MSport and find the gearing very long and gutless . Goes ok I guess but there's no "shove". I'm hoping with 184bhp i'll be happier!

OP (or anyone!) - what are the current delivery timescales you're being given? Im told 14 weeks!

[Dizzle]

Think mine was about 9 weeks Chris

[rich1068]

IIRC I was told about 14 weeks but it came earlier. About 10 or 11 I think.

[Rethw]

I had the exact same decision to make, currently have a 318d se saloon. Instead of the 320d MSport Plus Saloon I went for the 318d MSport Plus Touring also managed to spec a few more bits for the same price. Need the extra space.

Just chased my fleet guy and still on for September delivery.

[TomJ79]

Well as much as I wanted the 320d I ended up going for the 318d Sport Plus, Le Mans Blue with a few extras.

I know there'll be occasions when I wish I had the extra hp, but it's kinder on the pocket from a company car tax and fuel point of view, and round where I live there's not masses of open road to play with.

I'm being told 12-14 weeks delivery, but the lease company are saying BMW are usually quite good so it may be quicker. Looking forward to it!

[rich1068]

Oh it will look the dogs danglies

[TomJ79]

I've seen a post of yours Rich with a few pics, looks fantastic!

[TomJ79]

One other thing....are the corona rings white led type affairs, or are they the yellowish tint on the Touring? I opted for the Xenon visibility pack....

[Dizzle]

Well it will be interesting I find out but my guess is they'll be the normal H8 bulbs = amber.

[rich1068]

I went for the Visibility Pack so I guess they'll be the same as mine. But on any pictures of mine with lights on they're just the DRLs not the full on xenons.

Does that make sense? lol

I could snap some extra pics if you like.

[B33M3R]

Originally Posted by TomJ79

One other thing....are the corona rings white led type affairs, or are they the yellowish tint on the Touring? I opted for the Xenon visibility pack....

Xenons on


DRL's on


Lights off