FOA: Fox
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[TW]Fox;17771068 said:It's a BMW Individual car so sadly there wont be many others like it. The key point is that the top of the doorcards is black - on a standard E92 with a light interior the top of the doorcard is usually the same colour as the seats
Can't you get cream leather and some sort of cream dash very like that though?
![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
Yes you can:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...page/15/radius/1501/postcode/pl11aa?logcode=p
But as you'll see the entire doorcard is cream whereas on the Individual car the black of the dash top continues around the doorcard.
Before you ask, that particular car is cheap because the spec is crap
[TW]Fox;17771103 said:Yes you can:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...page/15/radius/1501/postcode/pl11aa?logcode=p
But as you'll see the entire doorcard is cream whereas on the Individual car the black of the dash top continues around the doorcard.
Before you ask, that particular car is cheap because the spec is crap
I see your point, not a fan of the wood either with it.
What sort of 'spec' should you be looking for?
I would never use a Nav but understand in this market you've gotta get one for the other iDrive stuff and resale?
Bluetooth (is that phone prep?) I assume is good? What other stuff do you think is worth looking out for?
No idea what sort of spec you want but my requirements are:
Absolute MUST have:
Professional Navigation
6FL USB Interface
Bluetooth Telephone Preperation
BMW Connected Drive (BMW Online+Assist)
Would really like but would buy the right car without:
Front PDC
Sunroof
Logic7 Hifi
Nice but I dont care if it hasnt got it:
DAB Radio
Comfort Access
Couldnt care less:
Heated Seats
Active Cruise
Adaptive Headlights
Absolute MUST have:
Professional Navigation
6FL USB Interface
Bluetooth Telephone Preperation
BMW Connected Drive (BMW Online+Assist)
Would really like but would buy the right car without:
Front PDC
Sunroof
Logic7 Hifi
Nice but I dont care if it hasnt got it:
DAB Radio
Comfort Access
Couldnt care less:
Heated Seats
Active Cruise
Adaptive Headlights
Hey Fox, I'd be interested in your opinion on this car:
http://www.stratstoneharrogatebmw.c...olnDealerID=16319¤tCh=WBAVB32060AW50411
I've been thinking about changing the Focus for a while now - owned it for 3 years from a year old its been incredibly reliable and whilst its actually quite 'fun' to drive, its slow and unrefined. Basically I just fancy something a bit nicer after finding my love of cars reignited somewhat after 10 years of average but practical cars to cart the family about.
My reasons for the 330i are pretty much what you were saying a few pages back - seems to tick the boxes and do a lot of things very well. The reliability worries me a little, especially as the Boxster is already a car that has the potential to give me big bills, but I'm guessing at sub 40k miles and my useage being about 5k a year then I shouldn't struggle to keep a decent warranty on this for the next 3 years?
Any 'must haves' missing off that example above? You dont see many 4 door 330i's around here - lots of coupes but still need the rear door practicality really. I realise the photos are crap, but worth a viewing? I don't think I could stretch to a 2008 car without selling the Boxster, which I dont want to do as its useful to have 2 cars between us (and frankly I love the car on the right road)
http://www.stratstoneharrogatebmw.c...olnDealerID=16319¤tCh=WBAVB32060AW50411
I've been thinking about changing the Focus for a while now - owned it for 3 years from a year old its been incredibly reliable and whilst its actually quite 'fun' to drive, its slow and unrefined. Basically I just fancy something a bit nicer after finding my love of cars reignited somewhat after 10 years of average but practical cars to cart the family about.
My reasons for the 330i are pretty much what you were saying a few pages back - seems to tick the boxes and do a lot of things very well. The reliability worries me a little, especially as the Boxster is already a car that has the potential to give me big bills, but I'm guessing at sub 40k miles and my useage being about 5k a year then I shouldn't struggle to keep a decent warranty on this for the next 3 years?
Any 'must haves' missing off that example above? You dont see many 4 door 330i's around here - lots of coupes but still need the rear door practicality really. I realise the photos are crap, but worth a viewing? I don't think I could stretch to a 2008 car without selling the Boxster, which I dont want to do as its useful to have 2 cars between us (and frankly I love the car on the right road)
Well the massive turn off for me right away is that its a prefacelift E90. I do not think the prefacelift E90 is a good looking at all. The angles are all wrong, the front lights/bumper on the M Sport are just wrong, really.. I don't like it at all and find it hard to recommend one. The LCI is a huge improvement over the pre LCI model (It's amazing how subtle changes can make a difference).
But, I guess, provided you like the looks (and are happy with the fact this is a 4.5 year old car for nearly £16k) then the actual spec is fine interior wise but it's missing Xenons which would turn me away immediatly as non Xenons on a pre LCI 3 Series means you get horrible looking reflector headlights.
But moving to the interior - again more dissapointment. It's the same old boring black and silver. Now, I have that in my car, and its ok - but in the E90 its much worse as there is so much silver. The interior also looks quite tired already in those photos. You cant tell much from BMW AUC photos and it might be lovely in the flesh but my thoughts are that isn't an immaculate example.
I wouldnt be buying it, thats for sure. Bear in mind it also isnt the same engine as I've discussed elsewhere in this thread - its the older N52 engine. This has a considerably lower combined MPG figure (I think its 31-32mpg?) and is a pre Efficient Dynamics car. The one benefit of that though is that it doesnt have direct injection. This is a +1 for reliability but a -1 for economy.
Up the budget. Or wait a bit and buy an LCI E60 which are almost down this far (Or are down this far if you dont want an M Sport).
But, I guess, provided you like the looks (and are happy with the fact this is a 4.5 year old car for nearly £16k) then the actual spec is fine interior wise but it's missing Xenons which would turn me away immediatly as non Xenons on a pre LCI 3 Series means you get horrible looking reflector headlights.
But moving to the interior - again more dissapointment. It's the same old boring black and silver. Now, I have that in my car, and its ok - but in the E90 its much worse as there is so much silver. The interior also looks quite tired already in those photos. You cant tell much from BMW AUC photos and it might be lovely in the flesh but my thoughts are that isn't an immaculate example.
I wouldnt be buying it, thats for sure. Bear in mind it also isnt the same engine as I've discussed elsewhere in this thread - its the older N52 engine. This has a considerably lower combined MPG figure (I think its 31-32mpg?) and is a pre Efficient Dynamics car. The one benefit of that though is that it doesnt have direct injection. This is a +1 for reliability but a -1 for economy.
Up the budget. Or wait a bit and buy an LCI E60 which are almost down this far (Or are down this far if you dont want an M Sport).
I think most people see the pre-LCI E90 as a bit of a let down. I'd have to agree but at £15k that's a good deal.
Out of interest... are you looking to sell the Box' at the moment and how much do you think you'd get?
I dont think its a particularly good deal really. It's about what you'd expect to pay for that car at a main dealer. Remember the only real benefit to AUC cars is the included 1 year warranty which is absolutely excellent. There is no guarantee that the car is any more immaculate or any less covered in parking dings and marks than any other car.
Ok, thats for the insight 
Think I'll give this one a miss by the sounds of it and as you say wait a bit for the LCi E60 to come down a bit. I'd love to up the budget, but would struggle to justify it based on the mileage we do, and I just cant face selling any other toys to contribute!
Thanks again though
Think I'll give this one a miss by the sounds of it and as you say wait a bit for the LCi E60 to come down a bit. I'd love to up the budget, but would struggle to justify it based on the mileage we do, and I just cant face selling any other toys to contribute!Thanks again though
You see, I don't buy this sort of argument. I see it similar to those people who say "What's the point of modifying, the manufacture spent £££££££ developing the car, they know more, etc, etc"
Just about every car you will see tomorrow has been built down to some sort of compromise. Modifying is a way of readjusting the balance of these compromises to fit YOU. I really don't see the problem with buying a car with the thought of getting more out of it
.If you dont want an M Sport there are beginning to be quite a few LCI E60's around the £15k mark, especially if you are not fussy on specification.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...ds/530i/radius/1501/postcode/pl11aa?logcode=p
This one for example is well priced because it is missing Satnav. This isn't as big a deal on an E60 as it is on an E90 - with the E90 no nav means no idrive. On the E60 it simply means.. no nav (And a smaller screen). But you still get idrive etc.
Provided it has full history that particular car is still covered by it's BMW New Car Warranty until next year, as well.
Don't discount the 525i either:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...ostcode/pl11aa/keywords/525i/page/1?logcode=p
That one is particularly cheap as most of Autoquakes stuff tends to be as its direct from auction in a no-frills environment, but the 525i LCI also has an N53B30 engine - yes, the 3 litre petrol engine - developing 218bhp instead of 272bhp. Sadly there are no running cost savings as a result of having the lower power version of the engine but they are often good value for money used. This is the engine in my parents E60 and I'd describe its performance is 'pretty good' rather than 'astounding'.
If, though, you'd want a 530i M Sport with Pro Nav then you'll need to wait a while if you want to keep the same budget.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...ds/530i/radius/1501/postcode/pl11aa?logcode=p
This one for example is well priced because it is missing Satnav. This isn't as big a deal on an E60 as it is on an E90 - with the E90 no nav means no idrive. On the E60 it simply means.. no nav (And a smaller screen). But you still get idrive etc.
Provided it has full history that particular car is still covered by it's BMW New Car Warranty until next year, as well.
Don't discount the 525i either:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...ostcode/pl11aa/keywords/525i/page/1?logcode=p
That one is particularly cheap as most of Autoquakes stuff tends to be as its direct from auction in a no-frills environment, but the 525i LCI also has an N53B30 engine - yes, the 3 litre petrol engine - developing 218bhp instead of 272bhp. Sadly there are no running cost savings as a result of having the lower power version of the engine but they are often good value for money used. This is the engine in my parents E60 and I'd describe its performance is 'pretty good' rather than 'astounding'.
If, though, you'd want a 530i M Sport with Pro Nav then you'll need to wait a while if you want to keep the same budget.
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Nah, I don't think so anyway. Just spent a fair bit of cash having the suspension refreshed (new springs and suspension arms all round and a full geo setup) and new radiators for the aircon. Cost me just over £2k but well worth it. I love the car more every time I drive it, and the suspension work has made it feel even better - it feels really tight now like a new car..... and its 'my' car as the mrs doesn't like driving it
Whilst it was in the for the work the specialist garage showed me the car on the ramps and pointed out what other work I need to budget for over the next year or two (nothing major - brake pipes, possible coil packs and few minor bits and pieces) so providing the IMS doesn't go pop I feel happy with the car.I took a mates 350Z for a drive the other day to 'compare and contrast' and whilst it's a good drive in someways, and sounded great, the Boxster feels so much more nimble and 'alive'....and the 350Z did feel like a Nissan! I know they are different 'types' of cars but it was still an interesting comparison as they were similar budgets for 2 seater sports cars, but my 10 year old car certainly didn't feel any older than the 5 year old 350Z
The E60 is definitely tempting......I wonder if the mrs will notice its any bigger than a 3 series. Thats the only possible fly in the ointment - she's never driven anything bigger than the Mercedes C Class we owned, but I guess with parking sensors she'll be fine.
I'd just debadge it and not tell her!
I'd just debadge it and not tell her!
