E90 320D or Volvo S40 D5 R-Design 2.4d?

[Jordan63]

Talk to me,

Currently got a 59 plate e90, opportunity to swap for an 08 plate S40 in blue with anthracite wheels. My E90 has 99k on it & is Barbera red (Read purple). Volvo has 73k.

In love with it but can't decide whether or not it's worth the hassle.

Ps, I'm not a newbie, had a login a few years back but forgotten it, sorry.

[Jordan63]

Hmm. I like the E90 but I've just got, in my opinion, a naff colour & I can't click with it.

Here's mine:



And the Volvo..



For reference I do 20-25k per annum, 30 mile commute 5-6 days a week, and a trip from Norfolk to Derbyshire once a month, and lots of other trips on A/B roads in between.

I just find the Volvo so much more aesthetically pleasing, can't fault my 3 series apart from its looks!

Jordan

[Jordan63]

Any more thoughts on this? I'm very undecided.

Pro's for the Volvo (IMO)-
Colour
Interior
Less common
22k less miles

Cons -
Worth less
Slightly less MPG
Higher tax
08 plate whereas the E90 is 59.


Pro's for the E90 -
Newer
I've already got it - less hassle - no plate to change over
Cheap tax
Decent economy

Cons -
99k on it - I worry about the N47 chain issue constantly
Common
BMW stigma attached
It's purple.


I'm still very much on the fence about what to do, I'm reluctant to go and view without at least some certainty of what I want to do, as I know I'll be more likely to make as split second decision whilst at the dealership & act like a child in a toy shop!

[Jordan63]

Everyone I've asked so far has commented on how they're completely different cars, yet physically virtually the same car.

I'm not fussed about the fact the E90 is a BMW, I like the fact the Volvo is a bit different & you don't often see the R-Design S40 in comparison to a 320D.

I've had the BMW 3 months now and coming from a remapped Vectra C it felt like a nice, wise upgrade.

I just haven't really 'Clicked' with it - I thought the colour would grow on me - it hasn't. I also changed the awful grey interior to black, which looks ten times better but it's just not 'Wowing' me, which I appreciate it's an 8.5 grand car, but to me that's a fair whack at my age.

I just like the fact the Volvo is a bit different, and much nicer looking.

Still can't bloody decide!