Soldato
Keep the 320d...why give away the mega equity you have in it for almost zero equity in a (probably too expensive, let's be honest) 520i of the same age?
BMW and M Power Owners
- Thread starter panthro
- Start date
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There is a massive difference between these two cars which I think may complicate this decision. On paper, Havana is right, why bother. But...
The 3 Series is an F30. This is a car thats been around for 10 years now and wasn't particularly brilliant even when it was current. By contrast, the 5 Series is a G31 - the current generation 5 Series which is a considerably better car than the old 3 Series in almost every way imaginable. It will feel like a major upgrade and like a far newer car even though, in reality, it is the same age as the 3 Series.
You've presumably been offered a good deal because it's a 520i SE, which is about the least desirable 5 Series in the range.
I'm not sure how to advise because my view is tainted by the fact I really don't like the F30 3 Series and would therefore do almost anything to get out of one and into something else - especially if something else is a 5 Series.
The 3 Series is an F30. This is a car thats been around for 10 years now and wasn't particularly brilliant even when it was current. By contrast, the 5 Series is a G31 - the current generation 5 Series which is a considerably better car than the old 3 Series in almost every way imaginable. It will feel like a major upgrade and like a far newer car even though, in reality, it is the same age as the 3 Series.
You've presumably been offered a good deal because it's a 520i SE, which is about the least desirable 5 Series in the range.
I'm not sure how to advise because my view is tainted by the fact I really don't like the F30 3 Series and would therefore do almost anything to get out of one and into something else - especially if something else is a 5 Series.
Appreciate the input from you both.
Yes we have the F31 and actually really like it, but equally liked the G30 520. It's such a difficult decision because its on paper both good and bad financially - good figures, bad getting new agreement and higher cost. The SE is lovely but the M sport (520) is much nicer, but moves the cost up enough that we don't want to do it at the moment.
We don't want to go G31 320d and the 330d/340i is a bit over budget. It's either swap now to the G30 5 touring or wait a year and see if we're in a financially better position (possible, not that it's currently bad at all) etc. Don't know, it feels like swapping great for great.
Can I ask why? It is probably one of the most impressive (in context, of course, that doesn't mean it better than an M5
) cars I've driven. It's really very good indeed and likely to be significantly more fuel efficient than a 520i.Lol yeah, it's because we have a perfectly good F31 320dCan I ask why? It is probably one of the most impressive (in context, of course, that doesn't mean it better than an M5
- my wife wouldn't understand at all!Lol yeah, it's because we have a perfectly good F31 320d
It's almost like a completely different car, its so much better.
Maybe will test drive one. We said no to the SE based on looks and not being dead set on it but there's a 520d M sport with m sport suspension delete and nicer interior trim that is also in stock so may consider this. It's the same miles as ours but a pre reg 18 plate so money will have to be right. Reckon this would be much better than the SE?
So it's mainly the cosmetics that were putting us off the SE and cosmetically the other one is 'much better'
. I guess the question is does the desirability of the m sport make it a better proposition. Out of curiosity (and you've probably covered it here before so sorry if I have missed it) what do you hate about the F30/31 and what makes the G30/31 better?
What I dislike about the F30 is the interior. It's always annoyed me - it's just poor. It feels like a big 1 Series (the dash is VERY similar to that found in the F20 1 Series) and never felt to me like a premium car inside. The G30 is far nicer, it's better made, it looks better and generally just feels a lot more upmarket. So to does the new G20 3 Series - it's back to being a small executive car.
I don't think either the E90 or the F30 3 Series represent the best of what BMW can do from an overall perspective. The F30 drives well - very well - but if thats all that mattered you'd probably not be buying a 3 Series.
I don't think either the E90 or the F30 3 Series represent the best of what BMW can do from an overall perspective. The F30 drives well - very well - but if thats all that mattered you'd probably not be buying a 3 Series.
I was given a 418i loaner the other day. Granted, it couldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding and I only went a grand total of 9km in it, but the interior wasn't THAT bad. The G is leagues ahead, but the F isn't the quite the travesty you're making it out to be.
It is a big 1 as opposed to a small 5, I'll give you that, but it's hardly a Lada Riva.
Soldato
Such an odd comparison to make and still doesn’t show the 3 series in that great a light
Just saying it’s all relative and what you’re used to!Such an odd comparison to make and still doesn’t show the 3 series in that great a light
nice review - as ever he drives into the mountains - b58 soundtrack, [email protected], (he prefers comfort mode ~ M sport suspension delete ?)
The 2022 BMW M440i Gran Coupe Is The Best Modern BMW! Wonderfully Dynamic & Crazy Efficient
The 2022 BMW M440i Gran Coupe Is The Best Modern BMW! Wonderfully Dynamic & Crazy Efficient
My 3 series GT needs new disks. It's a 328i GT, it wasn't mentioned during the MOT that BMW did last month but was picked up by ATS when replacing my tyres last week.
What kinda price would i be looking at the 4 discs including labour? Pads have loads of life according to the iDrive.
What kinda price would i be looking at the 4 discs including labour? Pads have loads of life according to the iDrive.
Interesting - Joe Achilles didn't like it, reporting a major lack of space and noted BMW offered better packages for less money.
Soldato
Did they say why it needs new discs?
yes doesn't have the rear passenger space his 3 GT has, wonder if I should shun frameless too (always have frost problems, even on cars even with frames), and, at a premium, as JA says vs 3. ... red is nicer than the green.