Which 4 Series Should I Go For?
Discussion
So I will start by explaining my situation briefly...
I have a commute Monday to Friday of 36 miles (one way) which consists of 23 miles on A roads and 13 miles on the motorway. I am estimating an annual mileage for myself of 20,000 miles. I have done some quick comparisons below using estimates I got online. I test drove both of the below yesterday, and I know which one I really want (435d) but I am thinking there must be more of a difference in the running costs I have outlined below. The sensible side of me is saying get the 420d. Aside from the actual cost of the car, is there anything which I am forgetting here? Which would you have?
The BMW 420d xDrive M Sport Coupe Automatic
Combined MPG = 60.1
Total Annual Fuel Consumption (Gallons) = 347.22
Total Annual Fuel Cost = £1,595.87
Insurance Cost (Annual) = £837.68
BMW 435d xDrive M Sport Coupe Automatic
Combined MPG = 50.4
Total Annual Fuel Consumption (Gallons) = 396.83
Total Annual Fuel Cost = £1,823.85
Insurance Cost (Annual) = £862.86
I have a commute Monday to Friday of 36 miles (one way) which consists of 23 miles on A roads and 13 miles on the motorway. I am estimating an annual mileage for myself of 20,000 miles. I have done some quick comparisons below using estimates I got online. I test drove both of the below yesterday, and I know which one I really want (435d) but I am thinking there must be more of a difference in the running costs I have outlined below. The sensible side of me is saying get the 420d. Aside from the actual cost of the car, is there anything which I am forgetting here? Which would you have?
The BMW 420d xDrive M Sport Coupe Automatic
Combined MPG = 60.1
Total Annual Fuel Consumption (Gallons) = 347.22
Total Annual Fuel Cost = £1,595.87
Insurance Cost (Annual) = £837.68
BMW 435d xDrive M Sport Coupe Automatic
Combined MPG = 50.4
Total Annual Fuel Consumption (Gallons) = 396.83
Total Annual Fuel Cost = £1,823.85
Insurance Cost (Annual) = £862.86
Smuler said:
I've had a 320d as a loaner and it was okay, but I simply did not find it fast enough. I have a 335i. So I can't see how any one who wants a 435d could be happy with a 420!!
I am (considering) being sensible!Smuler said:
It's a nice surprise to see such a small difference in fuel cost. I don't have the figures to hand, but I guess it's the extra cost of buying 435d which is a factor? Other than that, it's 4WD which may or may not be a good thing?
Potentially, below are the best lease deals I can find. (Not looking for suggestions on cheaper deals here, don't want to go off topic as such, have asked for this in another thread.)Well, I have read the 0-62mph in the 4WD is quicker, not that this will be a major factor in everyday use! I also drive on country roads a fair bit and in the winter, the 4WD could prove handy, not that it snows a lot in the UK.
Bmw 4 Series Diesel Coupe 420d [190] xDrive M Sport 2dr Auto [Prof Media]
9+23
20k miles per year
Admin fee: £360.00 inc-vat
Initial Rental: £2859.66 inc-VAT
Monthly Rental: £317.74 inc-VAT
Bmw 4 Series Diesel Coupe 435d xDrive M Sport 2dr Auto [Professional Media]
9+23
20k miles per year
Admin fee: £360.00 inc-vat
Initial Rental: £4148.19 inc-VAT
Monthly Rental: £460.91 inc-VAT
Smuler said:
If cost of purchase is an issue (and I've read posts on here which would say otherwise, as discounts greater on bigger engined cars it seems) are the petrol models an option? 20k is not mega miles. Could you factor the faster petrols into your calculations?
They potentially could, to be honest I haven't considered them up until now because my perception is a diesel for my situation would be more efficient. Both from a fuel economy and insurance perspective. Although I would love to be proved wrong.apotts said:
Let me help:
The BMW 420d xDrive M Sport Coupe Automatic
Spritmonitor MPG = 44
Total Annual Fuel Cost = £2169
Amount I would pay, annually, to not drive a 20d = £1,500
Total: £3669
BMW 435d xDrive M Sport Coupe Automatic
Spritmonitor MPG = 35
Total Annual Fuel Cost = £2727
Amount I would pay, annually, to not drive a 35d = £500
Total: £3227
BMW 435i/440i xDrive M Sport Coupe Automatic
Spritmonitor MPG = 28
Total Annual Fuel Cost = £3212
Amount I would pay, annually, to not drive a 35i/40i = £0
Total: £3212
Hahaha! I'm not sure if you're taking the mick (guess you are) or not but what is behind this figure: "Amount I would pay, annually, to not drive a 20d = £1,500"?The BMW 420d xDrive M Sport Coupe Automatic
Spritmonitor MPG = 44
Total Annual Fuel Cost = £2169
Amount I would pay, annually, to not drive a 20d = £1,500
Total: £3669
BMW 435d xDrive M Sport Coupe Automatic
Spritmonitor MPG = 35
Total Annual Fuel Cost = £2727
Amount I would pay, annually, to not drive a 35d = £500
Total: £3227
BMW 435i/440i xDrive M Sport Coupe Automatic
Spritmonitor MPG = 28
Total Annual Fuel Cost = £3212
Amount I would pay, annually, to not drive a 35i/40i = £0
Total: £3212
Monty Python said:
If you're worried about running costs, why are you looking at BMW? They're not exactly the cheapest cars to buy and run. If that's all you're making the decision based on, get a Mondeo or an Insignia. If you want a BMW because of the badge then forget running costs and buy the one you like.
I'm not worried as such, I'm more considering. This would be my first 'prestige' car so I am just considering all options. I will find out in the next month or two if I will be getting a car allowance from work, if I do, this decision will be a no brainer for me. I am just assuming it wont happen for the moment and if it doesn't, it does not mean that I will rule out the 435d (or 435i for that matter).wibblebrain said:
Whatever you decide OP base it upon realistic fuel consumption figures, not the official quoted ones as they are not realistic. My 6 series is 10mpg down on the official consumption figures.
But FWIW I would definitely be choosing a 6 cylinder car over a 4 cylinder.
Noted, will do. I think @apotts has helped with that!But FWIW I would definitely be choosing a 6 cylinder car over a 4 cylinder.
This is what a lot of people have said, including the guy at BMW but I suppose if he didn't he wouldn't be doing his job! Then again, he seemed like a nice genuine fella so I think it was his actual personal opinion.
jayemm89 said:
I'd also be looking at what deals can be done on petrols.
I do recall when the 4 series came out, some very smart people got some epic deals on the 6 series. IT was being discounted by crazy figures like £20k because they simply couldn't shift them as demand focused on the then-new 4.
I will take a look out of curiosity now. I do recall when the 4 series came out, some very smart people got some epic deals on the 6 series. IT was being discounted by crazy figures like £20k because they simply couldn't shift them as demand focused on the then-new 4.
cerb4.5lee said:
This all day long, the 6 cylinder diesel is noisy from the outside but not too bad inside but the 4 cylinder diesel is noisy inside and outside, unless you are doing high miles it has to be a petrol engine without a doubt.
Would you consider 20,000 miles per year high miles? I thought it was hence me originally only looking at diesels. smashy said:
Wow, according to that the 435d Auto is only 0.8 mpg less than the 420d xDrive Auto.nickfrog said:
Good as 4wd is not going to help you much - if anything it may help you start (on the flat) but not stop then, sadly. Winter tyres on BMW RWD seems like a smarter solution - isn't there a 330d RWD that is quite aggressively priced either discounted or leased ? Could be a good bet in your situation.
I have my heart set on a 4 Series! I'm not going to know for another 1-2 months if I will be getting a car allowance or not (annoyingly) so I have some time to decide which variant I want. I'm also hoping that in that time perhaps the prices will drop a little on certain variants in light of the 440i being released.JNW1 said:
There are one or two more up to speed with this than me but my understanding is that you'll be able to spec a 440i at a dealers anytime now (you may even be able to do so already) with first deliveries being from April onwards? However, the online configurator hasn't caught up with this yet as it still seems to be quoting the 435i not the 440i!
Yeah that was the first place I checked, the online configurator. I do wonder when leasing companies will start to list it.This might not make sense to everybody but it does to me, I think I'm going to go with a 435d. I do want something with 6 cylinders but I can't bring myself to go for a 435i or 440i YET.
This is my first car with with an engine bigger than 2.0 litres and I know that the real MPG figures aren't too far apart but I think I'll be better off with the 435d for now.
A two year lease isn't a long time if you ask me to have a car for, it's the safer option for me in my situation I believe, in terms of my commute etc. and I can then assess what my running costs look like and if it will be a good idea for me to go for a straight 6 petrol engine next time.
This is my first car with with an engine bigger than 2.0 litres and I know that the real MPG figures aren't too far apart but I think I'll be better off with the 435d for now.
A two year lease isn't a long time if you ask me to have a car for, it's the safer option for me in my situation I believe, in terms of my commute etc. and I can then assess what my running costs look like and if it will be a good idea for me to go for a straight 6 petrol engine next time.
JNW1 said:
You're right, what you're saying makes no sense whatsoever! As you concede, a 440i and a 435d won't be a million miles apart in terms of fuel consumption and I can't really believe that such a small difference would influence anyone looking at a £40k car. Don't get me wrong, the 35d is an excellent engine as diesels go and if you want/need X-Drive then I can understand why you'd go that route; however, the noise, wider rev range and refinement of a top-notch 6 cylinder petrol is far more in keeping with the character of a sports coupe so if X-Drive isn't a necessity the 440i wins hands down IMHO!
Haha, I didn't think it would to all! I'd be leasing so the price of the car wouldn't affect me much though it would appear the 435d OTR price is higher than a 440i, well the models I am comparing anyway,
I agree with you, just feel that it's the more considered of the two options for myself considering my situation. Plus I have been behind the wheel of a 430d and that was plenty fast enough for me!
bad company said:
My 335d x Drive is up for change next year at the end of the lease. I chose it ahead of the 335 petrol engine. I fancy a 4 series convertible next time and will certainly try the 440.
Can I ask if you don't mind, why did you chose the 335d ahead of the 335 petrol engine at the time?Lets say I go for a 435d xDrive M Sport Coupe, what options would you recommend?
I personally would like the Sports Automatic Transmission. (Apparently this comes as standard if I am reading the brochure correctly?)
I have read the Adaptive Suspensions should be a must buy. (Again, if I am reading the brochure correctly this isn't available on the variant mentioned above?)
Also, Alpine White or Metallic Estoril Blue?
I personally would like the Sports Automatic Transmission. (Apparently this comes as standard if I am reading the brochure correctly?)
I have read the Adaptive Suspensions should be a must buy. (Again, if I am reading the brochure correctly this isn't available on the variant mentioned above?)
Also, Alpine White or Metallic Estoril Blue?
gizlaroc said:
But too many people compromise and go for the diesel when in reality they didn't need to.
That is why we are discussing it.
If it was 20mpg vs 40mpg and you're doing 30k miles then fair enough, but it is more like 30-34 vs 36-40, and people convince themselves buying the petrol will ruin them.
It is about £10 a week, and when you are loosing £500 a month in depreciation or on hire costs, and you are still putting £200 or £240 a month in in fuel, plus insurance, servicing, tyres etc. etc. just buy the one you want.
You have a point.That is why we are discussing it.
If it was 20mpg vs 40mpg and you're doing 30k miles then fair enough, but it is more like 30-34 vs 36-40, and people convince themselves buying the petrol will ruin them.
It is about £10 a week, and when you are loosing £500 a month in depreciation or on hire costs, and you are still putting £200 or £240 a month in in fuel, plus insurance, servicing, tyres etc. etc. just buy the one you want.
Guys, I am getting impatient with work as they can't tell me whether or not I will get this car allowance now and can only tell me any time between now and the end of March. If I do get it, I will probably go all out (440i M Sport Coupe).
But I have been offered the below and I am tempted to bite the bullet now, thoughts?
420i M Sport 5dr Auto Gran Coupe [Professional Media][2016.25]
£3,253.07 inc VAT initial rental
£361.45 inc VAT per month
20k miles p/a
But I have been offered the below and I am tempted to bite the bullet now, thoughts?
420i M Sport 5dr Auto Gran Coupe [Professional Media][2016.25]
£3,253.07 inc VAT initial rental
£361.45 inc VAT per month
20k miles p/a
gizlaroc said:
It remembers everything, seat settings, mirrror settings, steering wheel, climate setttings, radio stations, etc. etc.
Means when you get in you don't have to turn the climate down from 26ºc and you don't have to put Radio 5 live back on while adjusting all the mirrrors etc.
AHAHAHAHAHAMeans when you get in you don't have to turn the climate down from 26ºc and you don't have to put Radio 5 live back on while adjusting all the mirrrors etc.
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