A BMW 3 SERIES 318 2.0 or a BMW 5 SERIES 525d

[Too Late]

Both cars have 90k miles roughly.
Will the Diesel off that much better MPG?
I am doing 70 miles a day.
Any issues i should be aware of and should look out for?
which one do you lot prefer?

CAR 1
£2,495
BMW 3 SERIES 318i SE 5dr Auto 2.0
Key facts•2004
•Petrol
•Estate
•Automatic
•92000 miles
.Topaz Blue, Finished in beautiful Topaz Blue. Full service history, Full Leather, Hpi clear!!!, Next MOT due 28/06/2015, Tax expires 30/11/2014, Automatic air conditioning, Cruise control, Park distance control, Parking protection all round, 16" Star spoke style 45 alloy wheels, Electric front + rear windows - anti trap + one touch, Central locking including fuel flap, Adjustable steering column, DSC-Dynamic Stability Control, Traction control, Roof rails, Anti theft alarm+remote, Remote control key/automatic recharge battery, 3 spoke sports leather multi-function steering wheel, Electric door mirrors, Immobiliser, Height adjustable front seats, Smokers pack, Leather seats, Central locking, Height adjustable drivers seat, Power steering, Radio, Alloy wheels, Airbags, Air conditioning, Alarm. This vehicle is in immaculate condition with just a minor bump to the front bumper. It has a quiet and smooth injection engine with water pump just replaced. The gearbox is nice and smooth with sports mode option. It has the extra option of full leather interior to make your journey more relaxed and it has one touch electric folding mirrors. It has ice cold air conditioning. The vehicle also is fitted with a tracker for extra protection and peace of mind. A good example family tourer not to be missed!!!, £2,495


CAR 2
£3,195
BMW 5 SERIES 525d SE 5dr Auto 2.5 Service History
Key facts•2002
•Diesel
•Estate
•Automatic
•99000 miles
.Metallic BLUE, A Very Tidy 5 Series Turbo Diesel Estate, Black Full leather interior, Automatic air conditioning, Park distance control, Parking protection all round, 7Jx16 spoke style alloys, Electric front/rear windows with anti-trap, Central locking including fuel flap, BMW Business RDS radio cassette, Active Stability Control + Traction control, Roof rails, Remote control anti theft, Remote control key/automatic recharge battery, Multi function steering wheel, Electrically heated + operated door mirrors, Immobiliser, Height adjustable front seats, Smoker's kit. With Full Black Leather Interior Automatic Climate Control Multi Function Steering Wheel Radio Cassette CD Player Alloys Front And Rear Parking Sensors Electric Mirrors Cruise Control Traction Control Remote Central Locking Front And Rear Electric Windows Airbags Immobliser Adjustable Height And Tilt Seats Great Boot Space Mot Until April 2015 Tax Until 31st October 2014 We Have Manuals And 2 Keys Call For An Appointment, £3,195

[ajb85]

A petrol would suffice. However neither of those engines are what you'd describe as BMW's finest work. I guess a 5 will pip the 3 but the fuel consumption, on average will be worse.

[Triumph Man]

I haven't actually read the stats etc, but I would personally go for the 5 series.

[aka_kerrly]

In my opinion the 5 series has far more potentially expensive failure points that are diesel specific like injectors, EGR system, turbo and fuel pump plus the air suspension on the rear that can cost quite a fair bit ie £500-£1000 to replace.

That said the 3 series is of an age where the common issues relating to worn lower arms, suspension bushes, diff carrier/mount bushes etc can all start need doing which can soon add up to a fair amount especially if you require garages to do the work.

It's a tough call!!!!!!

I'd personally look at a "proper" BMW with a 6 cylinder petrol in, a E46 3 series and E39 5 series were both available with the 2.2 straight 6 badged as 320I/520I but most owners seem to agree that on a longer run there is very little difference between the petrol engines.

[Too Late]

ajb85 said:

A petrol would suffice. However neither of those engines are what you'd describe as BMW's finest work. I guess a 5 will pip the 3 but the fuel consumption, on average will be worse.

Thanks for the replies... God I hope I am not buying a 3 legged horse of a car....