[OGM2LCI]

Looking to change my car some time this year as I'm starting to get a little bored!

So I'm looking at either a 123d or a 325d having written off the idea of a 335i due to reliability woes and fuel costs!

So I know any advice on here will be biased but what do people reckon?

Has anyone driven the pair that could offer advice?

I'm also wary of the issue with the N47 timing chain that does put me off the 123d but I would like the idea of 240bhp which would probably feel quicker than that of a remapped 325?

[Thermobaric]

Well, I personally don't care for 1 Series' so I would say go 3 series. It depends on how much of change you want I suppose. If I couldn't have an M3/911/something better e.t.c. I think I would be happy with E92s forever heh. What about a middle ground between the 325d and 335i and go 330i? I'm not sure you would notice much of a difference between a 320d and a 325d. With the 330i you get the great petrol straight six soundtrack and decent performance.

[OGM2LCI]

Yeah that's true, and I take your point but a 330i wouldn't be much different to fuel that a 335i!

I would only want an E92 because finding an E90 with xenon's can be quite tricky, the same goes for the 1 series, and I know first hand that I'd be stepping down from the E92 to the 1er in terms of quality, both my mum and girlfriends mum have had 1 series' and they just don't feel as solid inside

I probably wouldn't feel much difference between the 320d and the 325d but I would look at remapping it, constantly considering a 330d but to buy they're just that little too much at the minute

[Aragorn30d]

There will be a massive difference between the 20d and 25d. Go test drive one.

[briers]

330i manual coupe if you can find one

what about a petrol 2 series? I really like them

[OGM2LCI]

Again if I was going for a petrol for me it would be the 335i but I just don't think I could fuel it at all, it's a shame because if I could I'd snap one up, so for the time being it will be a diesel but I'm just after something with a little more poke than the 320d

I'll have to find a couple close by that I can test drive, I've been in a remapped 123d and they are impressive, especially with how linear their power delivery is (down to twin turbos)

But then it wouldn't be anywhere near as smooth and refined as a 25d, but I'd have to find more monies to buy the 25d in the first place

[OGM2LCI]

Originally Posted by cupraraj

123d is shocking. its basically a 120d in my eyes. not that quick as they make out

go for a 325d. or if budget can be stretched go for 330d.

Really? Admittedly the only 123d I've been in is remapped so was around 250bhp but I was quite impressed, not sure 325d at the same sort of power would feel as quick?

[stampylove]

Originally Posted by James-B93

Really? Admittedly the only 123d I've been in is remapped so was around 250bhp but I was quite impressed, not sure 325d at the same sort of power would feel as quick?

25d is a totally different engine in a different league way more torque and power, super smooth and built like a brick s##thouse with the potential for great mapping. An lci is the same engine as the 330 and 335.
Horse's for courses though and not knocking the 123. Do a test drive.

[abeardo83]

My girlfriend's e90 325d is a beast of an engine. 160k miles so far, does 48mpg and still pulls like a train. Same torque figures as my 335i too.

[pmmcbl]

I think this is an unfair comparison to be honest. If you are doing low mileage get a petrol if high then a diesel.
I have a 335i and mpg isn't great at any point. Since I do town driving most of the time I'm getting 24mpg. On long runs I get 35mpg without problems, sometimes more if I drive at 70mph.
The 325d and 330d are poor on mpg if driven in town, some on here have reported similar mpg to 335i's.

If you can't afford fuel I get a 118d.

[BMW-330i]

I owned a 120D manual for three years, great little car with an entertaining drive but completely different to a 3 series. The straight 6 sounds so much better, but not so entertaining to drive on small country lanes. The larger the car the more refined the drive.

[david in germany]

I have 2 e90s and one E87. Go with the e90, balance and comfort are top notch. The e90 is also better in the curves, much more controlled.