123d / 330d / 535d
Discussion
I'm considering a new daily and have a shortlist of a 123d, 330d and 535d. Ideally I'd like to have a 335d on the list instead of the 330d but I'm struggling to find one under £10k with a spec and mileage I want.
I appreciate they're each very different cars with their own pro's and con's but just wondered what people's preferences would be? I do around 12k per annum with a mix of country, motorway and city driving.
I appreciate they're each very different cars with their own pro's and con's but just wondered what people's preferences would be? I do around 12k per annum with a mix of country, motorway and city driving.
HP, my first thought is whether 12k p.a. is really enough mileage to require a diesel?
There's a big size difference between 123 and 535, so unless I needed a big car I would personally go 330D and try and get one with a manual gearbox; it's my driver's preference, but also because I believe it's better on fuel and having a manual I wouldn't later regret not getting the auto only 335d
There's a big size difference between 123 and 535, so unless I needed a big car I would personally go 330D and try and get one with a manual gearbox; it's my driver's preference, but also because I believe it's better on fuel and having a manual I wouldn't later regret not getting the auto only 335d
philmots said:
Are 123d under 10k already too?
SE spec and high miler M Sports have been between £9-10k for a bit, Ive got my 64k mile M Sport with decent spec compared to most up for sale at the mo which could be had by someone with a £10k budget 
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
Fox- said:
With a £10k budget and just 12k PA, buy a petrol one.
I'd say 12k is on the borderline, about what Ive averaged over 4 years of ownership. At that sort of mileage a diesel returning 45mpg still uses a tank of fuel less per month than an equivalent performing petrol returning low 30s mpg.LocoBlade said:
I'd say 12k is on the borderline, about what Ive averaged over 4 years of ownership. At that sort of mileage a diesel returning 45mpg still uses a tank of fuel less per month than an equivalent performing petrol returning low 30s mpg.
Which, if both cars were identically priced and had identical non-fuel running costs would be fair enough. But they are not - his £10k will buy an older diesel, which therefore means he can buy a petrol equivilent of the same age and mileage for less money. If he picks well - for example something N52 engined - he need not worry about engine related repair bills either. A 130i would be a far better choice than a 123d.The petrol comment is a fair one and not one I'd really weighed up. I did a few sums last night using book figures and average fuel prices and there's not huge sums in it.
To be honest, a 3 series is my preferred choice so I did a couple of comparisons between 335d/335i and a 330d/330i. The diesels are still cheaper to fuel over the year (assuming the petrols are fueled on a Super Unleaded) but the 330d worked out only £200 cheaper than the 330i. There was a bigger gap of £600 on the 335d/335i but again, not a huge difference over a year.
To be honest, a 3 series is my preferred choice so I did a couple of comparisons between 335d/335i and a 330d/330i. The diesels are still cheaper to fuel over the year (assuming the petrols are fueled on a Super Unleaded) but the 330d worked out only £200 cheaper than the 330i. There was a bigger gap of £600 on the 335d/335i but again, not a huge difference over a year.
Remember these big 3 litre petrols are going to have a higher VED each year and savage depreciation. I know you also buy cheaper with petrol, but come px time in a year or so a £10k 3 litre petrol is going to be worth bugger all. The market for this kind of car is tiny.
The 335 isn't as reliable as the diesels either.
The 335 isn't as reliable as the diesels either.
Fox- said:
Which, if both cars were identically priced and had identical non-fuel running costs would be fair enough. But they are not - his £10k will buy an older diesel, which therefore means he can buy a petrol equivilent of the same age and mileage for less money. If he picks well - for example something N52 engined - he need not worry about engine related repair bills either. A 130i would be a far better choice than a 123d.
I don't disagree that a 130i is the better car if you want entertainment as I've just replaced said 123d with a 130i due to a change of job, but good luck finding an equivalent age/mileage one for the same money as a 123d, let alone less. Non fuel running costs will also be lower on the 123d despite popular forum folklore saying all diesels are expensive to service. Service interval/costs for both are pretty much the same so being £150 a year less tax and a few quid less to insure gives the 123d a running cost head start that the 130i can't hope to recoup.
LocoBlade said:
I don't disagree that a 130i is the better car if you want entertainment as I've just replaced said 123d with a 130i due to a change of job, but good luck finding an equivalent age/mileage one for the same money as a 123d, let alone less.
You won't as there was almost nil overlap - the 130i ending production not hugely long after the 123d first appeared.Fox- said:
You won't as there was almost nil overlap - the 130i ending production not hugely long after the 123d first appeared.
There's a reasonable amount of facelift 130i's around of 2007/8 vintage to compare against early 123d's, quite a few are LE 3 door cars admittedly but I don't believe production officially stopped until mid 2009. A 120i really isn't in the same ballgame when looking for something equivalent so you'd be looking at an older pre facelift 130 to get the price significantly below £10k.mikeyscott said:
I'm going to be doing circa 28k a year, so originally started looking at 320d M sport touring, but also now starting to look at the 120d/123d 5 door m sport.
Running a S40 T5 at the moment, which is just stupid re fuel bill!
Attending the Snows event this weekend.
Snows in Portsmouth?Running a S40 T5 at the moment, which is just stupid re fuel bill!
Attending the Snows event this weekend.
Recently bought a 57 plate 130i for £11K with 21K miles and have to say its like a new car. There are plenty to be had as they are not in demand due to people perceived view that diesel is more economical but as stated it really depends on your annual mileage. Reliability should also come into the equation and the 130i is a much simpler engine.
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See, I hear people say that but I have an E92 330D M sport on 19" wheels and I find the ride bang on. When I got it I was terrified my spine would snap as soon as I ran over my first leaf but I have to say it's a nice mid point between firm and wallowy.Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff