Purchase advice - e92/e90/e60 3.0i

[TuscanNick]

I'm moving jobs and therefore need to replace company car (118d coupe) with a private vehicle. Looking to spend up to £10k (although less is obviously preferable!).

I have narrowed the choice down to a 3 litre petrol in either 3 or 5 series flavour. I don't do huge mileage (12k a year) and as co car tax is no longer an issue would far prefer a petrol. I have a Chimaera 450 as a weekend car so lower fuel economy/higher running cost of 335 doesn't seem worthwhile for the daily driver.

Currently edging towards a 3 coupe but a 5 series also appeals. I will mostly just be driving myself around so additional space not required although some of the 5's appear better spec.

Any advice from owners on the following would be greatly received:

- any noticeable differences in running costs between the 3 and 5
- any major watch outs for either car
- manual or auto (flappy paddles or normal) - will autos have higher failure rate/more expensive fix than manuals?
- any must have options/things to avoid

[TuscanNick]

Thanks all. Sounds like the manual is probably the better option, although most seem to come with an auto box.

I've had a bit of a google to try and find costs to resolve auto box if there are an issue but coming up short - anyone got an idea of what to budget if I go this route?

Now off to find a 330 coupe preferably with manual, heated sports seats, xenons and nav....