[Taxboy]

I've decided my 2001 E39 520i is now due for change (I've owned it from new) and I looking to line up a replacement

I now don't need the size of a 5 series and would like something a little nippier than the current car but with better mpg. My mileage should also drop down to about 15k but this will involve several longish trips so the ability to munch miles in comfort is important to me. Also forgot to add MUST be an auto.

My initial thoughts are either a 320d or 325d auto am I thinking along the right lines or should I also think about a C class, or even somethin else before making the final decision. Budget is up to £20k and I'm not looking to buy new as I don't want to take take too much of a hit on depreciation

Any ideas thoughts welcomed

[bmwak]

For me the 320D fits the bill nicely. It is reasonably quick (facelift engine) gives good MPG and is only £95 in tax. If you ever want more power then you can always have it remapped, but for me its fine as stock to be honest.

If you want to compromise 'cheap to run' for 'performance' then go for the 325D which gives you 2 more cylinders also.

You should be able to pick up a nice 58/59 plate with low mileage and decent spec for that price I would have thought.

[Vaheed1]

I think the 320d is a car for all occasions. fairly swift, economical, spacious, comfortable and good looking (in M sport LCI guise) - There's a mountain of them to chose from, so you're more than likely to find your ideal combo.

Good luck.

P.S - if you're looking at the Merc C Class - stay away from the 200/220CDI models - utter horse shit.

[willhollin]

6 cylinders definitely.

With 20k you should pick up a nice 330d with ease.

[Bungle009]

Ive got a nice 2009/09 M-Sport LCI 330d that could be yours for 20k....

[Bungle009]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641597

[Taxboy]

Originally Posted by Vaheed1

I think the 320d is a car for all occasions. fairly swift, economical, spacious, comfortable and good looking (in M sport LCI guise) - There's a mountain of them to chose from, so you're more than likely to find your ideal combo.

Good luck.

P.S - if you're looking at the Merc C Class - stay away from the 200/220CDI models - utter horse shit.

Thanks for that - what exactly is wrong with those versions of the C class (or isit more a case of what's right !!)

[Taxboy]

Originally Posted by willhollin

6 cylinders definitely.

With 20k you should pick up a nice 330d with ease.

I'm not certain that a 330d will give me the reduction in running costs that I've currently got - unless you can shed any light on that

[Bungle009]

Tax is £165/year. MPG is 45, over 500 miles from a tank, whats not to like, along with 245 bhp & 500 torques !!

[Bungle009]

The 4 cylinder Merc diesels are very rattly compared with the BMW 4 cylinder units. Of course 6 cylinder BMW's move the game on significantly....

[EssexIan]

Slightly left of topic but - I came to my 335d from an E39 M5 with a very specific set of criteria in mind and the 335d has mostly lived up to my needs. However the general quality of build and materials in the E9x compared to the E39 still leaves me dissapointed and I still believe the E39 is a more refined car than the E9x 3 series. My brother still runs an E39 525 touring and every time I ride in this it reminds me what a fabulous car the E39 was.

Don't get me wrong the E9x 3 series is a great car but if I were you I'd check out all the alternatives as there may be something that suits better.

Ian

[edowen]

Try and find an efficient dynamics 320d. £20 a year road tax, negligible drop in performance over the normal 320d, and better ride dure to smaller alloys and non run-flat tyres.

I'd also recommend getting one with the fab new hdd based media system.

[Gibbo]

If you don't use the rear seats often a 120/3d Coupe or 170tdi DSG Scirroco may be an alternative.

[G_M_S]

Why look at a diesel? There are plenty of nice 6 cylinder late 3 series petrols, 325i or 330i, that will get you high 30's mpg in manual form and slightly less in auto. Given your reduced miles and the difference in cost between petrol and diesel, you might never get the benefit of the higher mpg from a diesel.

After all you've lived with a 6 cylinder petrol for all these years - I'm assuming very happily?

[Taxboy]

Originally Posted by Gibbo

If you don't use the rear seats often a 120/3d Coupe or 170tdi DSG Scirroco may be an alternative.

Thanks for that but definitely need 4 doors. Also very disappointed with the quality of the plastics in the 1 series used as my dealer transport - yuk !!

[Taxboy]

Originally Posted by G_M_S

Why look at a diesel? There are plenty of nice 6 cylinder late 3 series petrols, 325i or 330i, that will get you high 30's mpg in manual form and slightly less in auto. Given your reduced miles and the difference in cost between petrol and diesel, you might never get the benefit of the higher mpg from a diesel.

After all you've lived with a 6 cylinder petrol for all these years - I'm assuming very happily?

The price differential between diesel & petrol is a fair point but I'm aining to try and get overall real world figures of at least 40 mpg especially in an auto form if possible. Still life is full of compromises