Where would you put your 7k?
Discussion
Hi,
Well I've sold our E60 520d and I'm on the lookout for a new car. My budget is up to £7800, however I would rather spend a little less and save some money for any required work.
However, I actually know very little about BMWs, and would really appreciate some input on what to go for, and perhaps some links to some cars and why I should consider it. I have always had Audi's, however after inheriting the 520d from my wife I immediately loved the drive and feedback through the steering. However the performance was somewhat lacking, and I spent every journey wishing it had a bit more go.
So I have been thinking about high mileage 530i, 530d or 535d models. Although would I be asking for trouble with over 100k - and what spec / options do I need? I've also been looking at 330d tourings, although worry it maybe a little small...
I do approximately 10-miles each day, so fuel isn't an issue, although I would rather a diesel due to running costs and residuals.
Thank you all!
Well I've sold our E60 520d and I'm on the lookout for a new car. My budget is up to £7800, however I would rather spend a little less and save some money for any required work.
However, I actually know very little about BMWs, and would really appreciate some input on what to go for, and perhaps some links to some cars and why I should consider it. I have always had Audi's, however after inheriting the 520d from my wife I immediately loved the drive and feedback through the steering. However the performance was somewhat lacking, and I spent every journey wishing it had a bit more go.
So I have been thinking about high mileage 530i, 530d or 535d models. Although would I be asking for trouble with over 100k - and what spec / options do I need? I've also been looking at 330d tourings, although worry it maybe a little small...
I do approximately 10-miles each day, so fuel isn't an issue, although I would rather a diesel due to running costs and residuals.
Thank you all!
AudiSport said:
Welshbeef said:
E39 M5
A great car worth considering they have been cheap for so long now how long before they start to go up? Might never happen but a car to enjoy.
Again I would love one, but M running costs are a bridge too far for me financially. Also, I'm after an Auto!A great car worth considering they have been cheap for so long now how long before they start to go up? Might never happen but a car to enjoy.
Well 10 miles a day = do not buy a diesel as the engine will simply no get to operating temps in that time so lots of engine wear plus the DPF will never regenerate and cost you 1/7th of the cars cost to replace when it fails.
Note all the cars you mention in the original post gaff the possibility of big bills given cars age
Note all the cars you mention in the original post gaff the possibility of big bills given cars age
With the mileage you're doing I'd stay away from diesels and look at petrol engined variants. As alway buy on condition and try for something with a good history. The BMW petrol engines are fairly solid so 100k plus miles shouldn't be a problem but make sure it drives well with smooth changes (if auto) and no knocks or creaks from the suspension. Auto is most common box on these and reduces mpg but suits the car; check if it's had the oil changed and if not budget £300 or so to get it done as it's something worth doing to prolong life.
As for extras, obviously leather, also pro nav if poss as this can be kept reasonably up to date with after market disc updates and comes with a decent Bluetooth function. Heated seats are ideal with leather imo. Pan Roof is nice but has issues with getting blocked resulting in water ingress into the boot frying the electrics (£lots) so check thoroughly or avoid. I assume you're looking at the touring for space; I'd check the saloon for boot space because you'll get a fair bit more for your money.
As for extras, obviously leather, also pro nav if poss as this can be kept reasonably up to date with after market disc updates and comes with a decent Bluetooth function. Heated seats are ideal with leather imo. Pan Roof is nice but has issues with getting blocked resulting in water ingress into the boot frying the electrics (£lots) so check thoroughly or avoid. I assume you're looking at the touring for space; I'd check the saloon for boot space because you'll get a fair bit more for your money.
Is one of these too small for you ? http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
Edited by Crackie on Wednesday 25th February 23:22
I've just put my 2004 530i up for sale. Its very low mileage for the age, totally geniune and I don't think you can get a higher original spec.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291389763069?ssPageName=...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291389763069?ssPageName=...
AudiSport said:
I agree, the M3 / M5 option would be lovely, however it's the potential maintenance costs that put me off.
Firstly the E46 M3 and E39 M5 are much simpler cars and while servicing and maintenance might cost more, you won't get the random electrical issues with the newer generation models.For 10 miles a day there's no way you should consider a diesel, the fuel saved will be more than offset by the risk of a replacement DPF and the fact that you have to drive a tractor.
And then there's depreciation, the normal cooking models will continue to depreciate to zero while the M cars mentioned have pretty much reached the bottom of their depreciation curve. It's a common mistake but you need to look at the bigger picture rather than just mpg figures and dealer servicing costs.
Read this, summarises the things to look out for
To answer your question, I'd be looking at a petrol version where the lack of bills will probably outweigh the loss on residuals.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
+What+could+go+wrong%21%3F
To answer your question, I'd be looking at a petrol version where the lack of bills will probably outweigh the loss on residuals.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
+What+could+go+wrong%21%3F
inline6 said:
I'm currently running a BMW 530I sport (n52) in a similar price bracket. Great car for the money with reasonable running cost. As mentioned by others, go for highest spec you can....and ideally msport.
How do you find the performance of the 3.0L engine? Enough go for such a big car?I'd be tempted by something like this, although I appreciate its over budget, there are older cheaper examples out there
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
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