159 TI - Which engine to go for?

[SteveS Cup]

Hi all,

I've been wanting to change my current car (R53 Mini Cooper S) for something more mature (The mini is lowered, loud and quite quick!) and something bigger for ages but I've not gone for anything yet.

I've scratched my head over E90 and E60 BMW's, petrol / oil burners but I'm feeling a bit "meh" about them.

I've always loved the 159 especially in TI form. I'm leaning towards a diesel now so which is the engine to get? 2.4 or 1.9? Big difference in performance?

I'd like to get a car and not fiddle with it (no remaps, coilovers, wheels, brakes etc etc) which is why I've gone off the idea of the BMW as I'd always be wanting to change bits so it's more unique, where as the 159 is stunning to start with and very rare in comparison.

Any advice?

[SteveS Cup]

Is the 2.4 a 5 pot with 200bhp / 290lb/ft!?

I'm not fussed by mpg, I was looking at 530i's. But I like the idea of getting a diesel for better economy. 35 mpg + would be incredible. My mini sees around 22mpg at the moment (it's around 230bhp from a 1.6).

My gf hates alfa's due to an old colleague of hers with a GTV and having nothing but trouble.

I sat in the Brera when it first came out and couldn't believe the difference / improvement from the 156/147's.

I really like the GT but want a 4 door saloon.

[SteveS Cup]

IMO the 4 door is simply stunning. The higher boot line gives a lovely nose down / arse up stance and the 19's hiding the brembo's are superb. I'll try to go and test a few soon.

[SteveS Cup]

When you say very thirsty we're still talking 35-40mpg??? That's bloody brilliant IMO for a 200bhp diesel!