Help me with 3 Series spec... please!

[Fume troll]

The time has come to replace our A5 cab with something a bit more family friendly. Initially I was thinking of about the same spec in an A6 Avant, but by the time I add it all up it's well over £50k. Still tempted, but we have a Caddy Maxi Life van, so don't really need another massive car - just something quick, comfortable and snow proof that can house two kids on long runs. So I started looking at A4 Avants, but then realised I should really be looking at 3 Series Touring models too... and the reviews I've read seem to suggest that I really should.

Thing is, I don't really understand how BMW models and options work Is a luxury model the same as a base model with more options? Is it a cheaper way to get the same stuff? What are the must haves on 3 series' ?

It would be a 330 D xdrive, but much beyond that I'm a bit lost.

Cheers,

FT.

[Fume troll]

Thanks - I tried the configurator and couldn't make it work properly, but I think that was because it was on the ipad - it's much better on the PC.

Cheers,

Tom.

[Fume troll]

Thanks chaps, appreciate the feedback. I will post in the BMW section too.

Cheers,

FT.

[Fume troll]

Thanks all, really useful feedback. The Merc would be an option if you could get it in AWD here.

Cheers,

FT.

[Fume troll]

AlasdairMc said:

I'd also be looking at the 3GT as an alternative to the Touring. It costs about £1300 more (or it did in late 2013) but it's a lot bigger in both the back seats and the boot.

Interesting! Hadn't even considered that. Less than £1000 different for a 330 xdrive Msport.

Cheers,

FT.