420d, 520d or 330d?
Discussion
aaron_2000 said:
Take into account the fact the 5 Series is now a previous model, where as the 3 Series is still a current one. I'd rather drive a current shape 330d than a previous generation 520d..
This is fairly irrelevant though because the current shape 330d is of the same generation as the previous shape 5 Series. The fact the 5 Series has been replaced doesn't change that....It would be an argument in favour of a new 5 Series versus a new 3 Series though, for sure, but I'm not sure we are there in this thread.
Evening all.
Just noticed this thread has gone 'live' again, so thought it would be rude to disappoint you!
I ended up with an auto 520d tourer in M Sport spec. Not 'my' car as such, as one became available on the company car scheme owing to a previous employee leaving. 2 years old with 12,000 miles on the clock when it fell into my hands.
It was less hassle to go with this as it saved me organising a loan, insurance, tax etc, and worrying about servicing bills and running costs etc. It's just had an interim service at Sytner BMW at a cost of £359, and had a new tyre owing to a puncture at £170 so kind of relieved that the company are picking up the tab!
It's great as a barge, wafting around effortlessly enough, although fuel economy isn't great at an average of 44mpg so far over 4000 ish miles! With the auto box it's plenty quick enough for the kind of driving I do.
It's costing me £340 a month in tax though, which is making me question how much longer I stay in the company car scheme. Once we've remortgaged next year I may opt out and go for a straight six 3 or 5. Happy enough with having a BMW, not as brash as the newer MB's or Audi's.
Thanks for all the input to the thread.
Just noticed this thread has gone 'live' again, so thought it would be rude to disappoint you!
I ended up with an auto 520d tourer in M Sport spec. Not 'my' car as such, as one became available on the company car scheme owing to a previous employee leaving. 2 years old with 12,000 miles on the clock when it fell into my hands.
It was less hassle to go with this as it saved me organising a loan, insurance, tax etc, and worrying about servicing bills and running costs etc. It's just had an interim service at Sytner BMW at a cost of £359, and had a new tyre owing to a puncture at £170 so kind of relieved that the company are picking up the tab!
It's great as a barge, wafting around effortlessly enough, although fuel economy isn't great at an average of 44mpg so far over 4000 ish miles! With the auto box it's plenty quick enough for the kind of driving I do.
It's costing me £340 a month in tax though, which is making me question how much longer I stay in the company car scheme. Once we've remortgaged next year I may opt out and go for a straight six 3 or 5. Happy enough with having a BMW, not as brash as the newer MB's or Audi's.
Thanks for all the input to the thread.
Keith R said:
So in conclusion, if you want comfort, refinement and the feeling of being cosseted on your daily commute, get the 520d. If you love driving get the 330d. 
This sums it up perfectly I guess, although I'm saying this not having driven a 330d (as I knew heart would win over mind!).I would love to say I 'love' driving, and I promise you I used too, but now with the kind of driving I do which consists of mway miles and a 5 mile dull commute to work comprising of no less than 18 sets of traffic lights (thanks to the Nottingham Tram system), the auto 520d suits my needs perfectly.
Edited to say this post is slightly spooky as it's my 520th on the forum!!
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