My next car...
Discussion
It's time to order a new car! Maybe I'm getting old but I am struggling this time.
My recent history includes an Audi A6 TDI sport and two BMW 520d M Sports. I have been so pleased with the most recent (a 2011 F10 with 8 speed auto and prof satnav) that I'm thinking same again!! My scheme gives me an allowance and the monthly rental isn't always linked to just list price. Therefore certain cars are cheaper even though the list price is much higher
In brief, the shortlist is
Same again - 520d MSport
Or in terms of BMW I also fancy a 330d Msport or even a 4 series Gran Coupe most likely 420d MSport
Jaguar 200 bhp XF ( even if the youth at the dealer I called in today looked down his nose at me!)
Or possibly an Audi A6 of some hue.
I'd love a CLS or a 6 Gran Coupe but can't/won't stretch.
Interesting in that I could get the 3 litre version of A4/C class etc or the 2 litre version of the 5/E Class//A6/XF for similar monthly money. I do have a couple of interesting cars in the garage for weekend use so do I need the more powerful car in the week? I pay my own diesel so which would be cheaper. Big car and small engine or smaller car and bigger engine?
I'm sure others have been in a similar dilemma especially of the 520d v 330d variety. What did you do and why?
My recent history includes an Audi A6 TDI sport and two BMW 520d M Sports. I have been so pleased with the most recent (a 2011 F10 with 8 speed auto and prof satnav) that I'm thinking same again!! My scheme gives me an allowance and the monthly rental isn't always linked to just list price. Therefore certain cars are cheaper even though the list price is much higher
In brief, the shortlist is
Same again - 520d MSport
Or in terms of BMW I also fancy a 330d Msport or even a 4 series Gran Coupe most likely 420d MSport
Jaguar 200 bhp XF ( even if the youth at the dealer I called in today looked down his nose at me!)
Or possibly an Audi A6 of some hue.
I'd love a CLS or a 6 Gran Coupe but can't/won't stretch.
Interesting in that I could get the 3 litre version of A4/C class etc or the 2 litre version of the 5/E Class//A6/XF for similar monthly money. I do have a couple of interesting cars in the garage for weekend use so do I need the more powerful car in the week? I pay my own diesel so which would be cheaper. Big car and small engine or smaller car and bigger engine?
I'm sure others have been in a similar dilemma especially of the 520d v 330d variety. What did you do and why?
The F10/11 is much more refined than the F30/31, while the 3.0 diesel is much better than the 2.0. If I had to choose I would go 520. None of the other cars listed are as good IMO for daily drive ( assuming it is a good work horse that you are after). Though the 4 series is probably the prettiest.
You're best deals, BMW wise will be these.
As mentioned, a 330d is one of the cheapest cars outside of a 1 series. Also good deals on the 3 Series GT due to good discount from BMW.
The 4 series Gran Coupe currently aren't too strong (about £60-70 more a month than the 2dr Coupe for an equivalent 420d). Jump up to a 430d isn't too bad either.
And if a 420d GC is in your budget, I'll think you'll be surprised to see a 535d is also there. Obviously it will be more than you're outgoing 520d, but not by much to be fair.
A 6 series is probably going to be over budget. You can get a 730d SE relatively cheap so to speak considering the price of the car, but will be more than all of the above.
Obviously it depends on what lease company you use, but those are how it pans out on the BMW Partnership Scheme, so would imagine other funders are similar. Hopefully gives you a good indication though.
As mentioned, a 330d is one of the cheapest cars outside of a 1 series. Also good deals on the 3 Series GT due to good discount from BMW.
The 4 series Gran Coupe currently aren't too strong (about £60-70 more a month than the 2dr Coupe for an equivalent 420d). Jump up to a 430d isn't too bad either.
And if a 420d GC is in your budget, I'll think you'll be surprised to see a 535d is also there. Obviously it will be more than you're outgoing 520d, but not by much to be fair.
A 6 series is probably going to be over budget. You can get a 730d SE relatively cheap so to speak considering the price of the car, but will be more than all of the above.
Obviously it depends on what lease company you use, but those are how it pans out on the BMW Partnership Scheme, so would imagine other funders are similar. Hopefully gives you a good indication though.
I don't know if this still applies on the F series cars, but on the E9x series, the difference between the six cylinder cars and the 4 cylinder wasn't just the engine. They also had the following as standard, which I don't believe could even be specified as an option on the 4 cylinder cars.
- auto-drying brakes
- hill start assistant (on manual cars)
- soft stop
- automatic fade compensation
- brake standby function
Also, the brake discs are much larger. My E92 330i was parked behind a 420d yesterday, and I noticed that my brakes were significantly larger.
If I were you I'd go for the six cylinder car (but I've also heard the current 520d is a great car though!).
- auto-drying brakes
- hill start assistant (on manual cars)
- soft stop
- automatic fade compensation
- brake standby function
Also, the brake discs are much larger. My E92 330i was parked behind a 420d yesterday, and I noticed that my brakes were significantly larger.
If I were you I'd go for the six cylinder car (but I've also heard the current 520d is a great car though!).
I've been lucky to experience all the cars your refer to. The latest 2.0 diesel in the 520d is a much more refined unit than the one you will have in yours. The emmissions are also down to 109 (SE). My wife has a facelift X3 and the difference between the previous 2.0 and the new one is significant. You would also get standard nav, leather and xenons in the facelift car.
However, it isn't a 6 cylinder and if you want real punch this is the only way to go. I have recently come out of an F31 and into an F10 for a short while in between cars and the 5 really feels like a step up in terms of refinement and luxury (the Luxury trim is a classy alternative to M sport too). The 3 series is more fun to drive though being that bit sharper and smaller. You mention 4 Series Gran Coupe which could be a good mid point as it looks more special than a 3, has better standard kit, and drives much the same. Having xDrive as an option on 3 and 4 might be a benefit?
I think you would find the A6 dull to drive and the Ultra is not as well specced as a 520. The XF is really quite old now and the media system feels very dated compared with what BMW are producting.
If you spend lots of time on the motorway then the 5 is proably better all round but if you like a hoon then the 330/430 is hard to beat!
Not sure that helps but they are my views having spent decent time in all the cars you refer to (XF aside)
However, it isn't a 6 cylinder and if you want real punch this is the only way to go. I have recently come out of an F31 and into an F10 for a short while in between cars and the 5 really feels like a step up in terms of refinement and luxury (the Luxury trim is a classy alternative to M sport too). The 3 series is more fun to drive though being that bit sharper and smaller. You mention 4 Series Gran Coupe which could be a good mid point as it looks more special than a 3, has better standard kit, and drives much the same. Having xDrive as an option on 3 and 4 might be a benefit?
I think you would find the A6 dull to drive and the Ultra is not as well specced as a 520. The XF is really quite old now and the media system feels very dated compared with what BMW are producting.
If you spend lots of time on the motorway then the 5 is proably better all round but if you like a hoon then the 330/430 is hard to beat!
Not sure that helps but they are my views having spent decent time in all the cars you refer to (XF aside)
tomic said:
I don't know if this still applies on the F series cars, but on the E9x series, the difference between the six cylinder cars and the 4 cylinder wasn't just the engine. They also had the following as standard, which I don't believe could even be specified as an option on the 4 cylinder cars.
- auto-drying brakes
- hill start assistant (on manual cars)
- soft stop
- automatic fade compensation
- brake standby function
The f series cars have all of those as standard regardless of cylinder count. - auto-drying brakes
- hill start assistant (on manual cars)
- soft stop
- automatic fade compensation
- brake standby function
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