Motorway hack - 335xd | A6 BiTdi | Ghibli Diesel | E350
Discussion
Hi All
Very soon I'll be having a change in circumstances that means I will probably have to change my daily from an E92 M3 (that I love dearly) to something a lot more economical. As much as I adore driving the M3 it'll end up costing me about ~£700pcm in fuel alone which I can't justify.
I have the option of a company car, but separately I'd like to explore a car allowance option and see if I can get anything interesting around the £25k mark that I can use as a daily, and perhaps an R53 Mini or S2000 for weekends and track days!
At the moment I'm considering the following:
F30 335xd - probably the go-to car for these requirements. Blistering 0-60 and can be had pretty cheaply now. Quite common and a bit staid? Most are also low-spec
A6 3.0 BiTDi - I like the anonymous looks and they sound nice. Good levels of kit in the Black Edition too. I'd love one with B&O but difficult to source.
Maserati Ghibli Diesel - I sat in one last week and it was lovely. Really comfortable and a nice cabin. Dated infotainment system though, which is typically 'Italian'. Not sure I like the rear-end, but the front is gorgeous. You don't see them that often.
Merc E350 diesel - I love the new shape E-Coupe but it's too expensive. I've spotted quite a few previous-shape E350d's with high-spec that I'm sure are a nice place to be but I can't really get on with the looks externally.
Am I missing anything obvious? I'd consider an i3 but I'd be worried that on the days that I need to a bit further I'd get stranded. My daily commutes might not be too predictable.
Many thanks for any insights and owner experiences.
Very soon I'll be having a change in circumstances that means I will probably have to change my daily from an E92 M3 (that I love dearly) to something a lot more economical. As much as I adore driving the M3 it'll end up costing me about ~£700pcm in fuel alone which I can't justify.
I have the option of a company car, but separately I'd like to explore a car allowance option and see if I can get anything interesting around the £25k mark that I can use as a daily, and perhaps an R53 Mini or S2000 for weekends and track days!
At the moment I'm considering the following:
F30 335xd - probably the go-to car for these requirements. Blistering 0-60 and can be had pretty cheaply now. Quite common and a bit staid? Most are also low-spec
A6 3.0 BiTDi - I like the anonymous looks and they sound nice. Good levels of kit in the Black Edition too. I'd love one with B&O but difficult to source.
Maserati Ghibli Diesel - I sat in one last week and it was lovely. Really comfortable and a nice cabin. Dated infotainment system though, which is typically 'Italian'. Not sure I like the rear-end, but the front is gorgeous. You don't see them that often.
Merc E350 diesel - I love the new shape E-Coupe but it's too expensive. I've spotted quite a few previous-shape E350d's with high-spec that I'm sure are a nice place to be but I can't really get on with the looks externally.
Am I missing anything obvious? I'd consider an i3 but I'd be worried that on the days that I need to a bit further I'd get stranded. My daily commutes might not be too predictable.
Many thanks for any insights and owner experiences.
Shiv_P said:
How far do you typically drive? An A6/E/5 series or even S/7/A8 class of car is considerably more comfortable than your typical 3/A4/C class
It will be at least 80 miles most days. I did briefly think about leasing an A8 TDI50 but the decent deals soon disappeared.I suppose I should add 535d to the list then!
Is this a long term deal - as in the mileage & job role?
Because if not, any saving you make monthly on fuel could easily be outweighed by depreciation.
Look at something that may not depreciate as much - and that means fuel economy does not have to be such a factor. Especially if you can get a company allowance towards a private car purchase.
For me, that logic could swing buying a petrol engined car i want rather than a diesel exec barge etc.
Out of the list you provided - Maserati ( with good warranty and service plan) every time. Audi's are boring places to be after the novelty of the well built interior wears off (sic).
Because if not, any saving you make monthly on fuel could easily be outweighed by depreciation.
Look at something that may not depreciate as much - and that means fuel economy does not have to be such a factor. Especially if you can get a company allowance towards a private car purchase.
For me, that logic could swing buying a petrol engined car i want rather than a diesel exec barge etc.
Out of the list you provided - Maserati ( with good warranty and service plan) every time. Audi's are boring places to be after the novelty of the well built interior wears off (sic).
For me the obvious choice is the Alpina D5, I'm bias (as the owner of a D3) but these cars are superb especially in terms of ride & handling.
No they're not cheap in comparison to a 540d but there a much better car.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Alfa Giulia Speciale
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I do like the Alfa but I'd go for the Ghibli the engines better engine yes the infotainment isn't the best but they sound lovely drive well & as you say they're not a common sight, but I'd take the Alpina over both but also understand the appeal of buying something with half the mileage of the D5.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
A7 BiTdi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
CLS350 cdi AMG Line Premium Plus
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
BMW 640d GC
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
640d Coupe
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Leftfield:
SQ5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Panamera
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
No they're not cheap in comparison to a 540d but there a much better car.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Alfa Giulia Speciale
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I do like the Alfa but I'd go for the Ghibli the engines better engine yes the infotainment isn't the best but they sound lovely drive well & as you say they're not a common sight, but I'd take the Alpina over both but also understand the appeal of buying something with half the mileage of the D5.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
A7 BiTdi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
CLS350 cdi AMG Line Premium Plus
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
BMW 640d GC
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
640d Coupe
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Leftfield:
SQ5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Panamera
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Thanks for this ZX - appreciate you putting the time in and you've certainly given me some food for thought:
Alpina D5 - I've always been a big fan of the Alpina looks, but I dunno. The D5 is looking a bit dated?
Alfa Giulia Speciale - I used to own a 147 GTA and loved it. Hadn't even considered a Giulia. The Speciale has a good level of kit and should do over 50mpg, but a little low on power.
Maserati Ghibli - definitely like these. I showed my wife one last night and she told me to get it bought!
A7 BiTdi - Definitely a fan, especially with that engine
CLS350 cdi AMG Line Premium Plus - I'm sure it's a good car but I feel a bit too young for one.
BMW 640d GC - definitely on the list and will try and get a go in one.
640d Coupe - same as the GC
SQ5 - this has really put the cat amongst the pigeons. The one you linked is a great colour combo and has the B&O audio too! Only issue is, my wife has a Q3 Black Edition on lease and we might look a bit too much like an Audi family (as pathetic as that sounds). I do fancy something SUV-like with a bit of oomph.
Panamera - always liked them but don't fancy one.
Thanks very much - will update shortly!
Alpina D5 - I've always been a big fan of the Alpina looks, but I dunno. The D5 is looking a bit dated?
Alfa Giulia Speciale - I used to own a 147 GTA and loved it. Hadn't even considered a Giulia. The Speciale has a good level of kit and should do over 50mpg, but a little low on power.
Maserati Ghibli - definitely like these. I showed my wife one last night and she told me to get it bought!
A7 BiTdi - Definitely a fan, especially with that engine
CLS350 cdi AMG Line Premium Plus - I'm sure it's a good car but I feel a bit too young for one.
BMW 640d GC - definitely on the list and will try and get a go in one.
640d Coupe - same as the GC
SQ5 - this has really put the cat amongst the pigeons. The one you linked is a great colour combo and has the B&O audio too! Only issue is, my wife has a Q3 Black Edition on lease and we might look a bit too much like an Audi family (as pathetic as that sounds). I do fancy something SUV-like with a bit of oomph.
Panamera - always liked them but don't fancy one.
Thanks very much - will update shortly!
Another vote for the 640d and I loved its performance/economy mix. It returned 40mpg in my hands over 70k miles and I loved the way it looked. I've also test drove a SQ5 and I was left very impressed with it.
Ended up swapping the 640d for a Mercedes GLC350d as I wanted something a little more practical. The 350d engine is nice and smooth but it lacks a little bit of punch compared to the 640d, because it only has one turbo instead of two.
Interested to hear what you end up with.
Ended up swapping the 640d for a Mercedes GLC350d as I wanted something a little more practical. The 350d engine is nice and smooth but it lacks a little bit of punch compared to the 640d, because it only has one turbo instead of two.
Interested to hear what you end up with.
ArsE92 said:
Thanks for this ZX - appreciate you putting the time in and you've certainly given me some food for thought:
Alpina D5 - I've always been a big fan of the Alpina looks, but I dunno. The D5 is looking a bit dated?
Alfa Giulia Speciale - I used to own a 147 GTA and loved it. Hadn't even considered a Giulia. The Speciale has a good level of kit and should do over 50mpg, but a little low on power.
Maserati Ghibli - definitely like these. I showed my wife one last night and she told me to get it bought!
A7 BiTdi - Definitely a fan, especially with that engine
CLS350 cdi AMG Line Premium Plus - I'm sure it's a good car but I feel a bit too young for one.
BMW 640d GC - definitely on the list and will try and get a go in one.
640d Coupe - same as the GC
SQ5 - this has really put the cat amongst the pigeons. The one you linked is a great colour combo and has the B&O audio too! Only issue is, my wife has a Q3 Black Edition on lease and we might look a bit too much like an Audi family (as pathetic as that sounds). I do fancy something SUV-like with a bit of oomph.
Panamera - always liked them but don't fancy one.
Thanks very much - will update shortly!
The SQ5 is a good car it has plenty of go, but the ride isn't as good as the Ghibli or 640d as much as like the Alpina & would probably buy it I can understand why you'd (& most would) buy the Ghibli.Alpina D5 - I've always been a big fan of the Alpina looks, but I dunno. The D5 is looking a bit dated?
Alfa Giulia Speciale - I used to own a 147 GTA and loved it. Hadn't even considered a Giulia. The Speciale has a good level of kit and should do over 50mpg, but a little low on power.
Maserati Ghibli - definitely like these. I showed my wife one last night and she told me to get it bought!
A7 BiTdi - Definitely a fan, especially with that engine
CLS350 cdi AMG Line Premium Plus - I'm sure it's a good car but I feel a bit too young for one.
BMW 640d GC - definitely on the list and will try and get a go in one.
640d Coupe - same as the GC
SQ5 - this has really put the cat amongst the pigeons. The one you linked is a great colour combo and has the B&O audio too! Only issue is, my wife has a Q3 Black Edition on lease and we might look a bit too much like an Audi family (as pathetic as that sounds). I do fancy something SUV-like with a bit of oomph.
Panamera - always liked them but don't fancy one.
Thanks very much - will update shortly!
The Maserati doesn't have the punch of the SQ5/640d but it still plenty quick enough, just buy the Ghibli
but before you do here are three other alternatives:XF
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
XF Estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
XJ Portfolio Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Portfolio
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Just a quick update for anyone interested.
Whilst taking my wife and son to look at a Ghibli we noticed an X6. I'd never even considered one before, but the spec on this one is lovely:
2013 X6 40d
Individual Silver Pearl paint
Comfort Seats
Camera all round
Logic 7/HK
Adaptive LED lights
I took it for a drive today and it's a lovely car. My only reservations are (a) the MPG, and (b) the relatively old-tech interior (the same as my E92 M3).
Maserati Ghibli - still in the running but not had chance to drive one yet.
SQ5 - still in the running but not had chance to drive one yet. I've looked at a few and they don't seem to age well. Whether it's the typical first 3 years usage having kids thrown in and all the wear that comes with that I'm not sure, but I'm yet to see one in anywhere near the condition of the X6 above.
640d - 2dr or GC - I sat in one today and whilst the spec wasn't great it was a lovely place to sit. The bonus being the models I am looking at are all newer tech interiors compared to the X6 with the digital dash and all that lovely stuff, and should do late 40s MPG. I've seen a couple on Autotrader with the B&O audio and a load of other options which would be fantastic.
Will keep you posted!
Whilst taking my wife and son to look at a Ghibli we noticed an X6. I'd never even considered one before, but the spec on this one is lovely:
2013 X6 40d
Individual Silver Pearl paint
Comfort Seats
Camera all round
Logic 7/HK
Adaptive LED lights
I took it for a drive today and it's a lovely car. My only reservations are (a) the MPG, and (b) the relatively old-tech interior (the same as my E92 M3).
Maserati Ghibli - still in the running but not had chance to drive one yet.
SQ5 - still in the running but not had chance to drive one yet. I've looked at a few and they don't seem to age well. Whether it's the typical first 3 years usage having kids thrown in and all the wear that comes with that I'm not sure, but I'm yet to see one in anywhere near the condition of the X6 above.
640d - 2dr or GC - I sat in one today and whilst the spec wasn't great it was a lovely place to sit. The bonus being the models I am looking at are all newer tech interiors compared to the X6 with the digital dash and all that lovely stuff, and should do late 40s MPG. I've seen a couple on Autotrader with the B&O audio and a load of other options which would be fantastic.
Will keep you posted!
For anyone interested I've gone a bit left-field!
After looking at a few different examples of the original shortlist I couldn't really find anything that floated my boat. So, I've taken the company car option instead and gone for a Tesla Model S
It looks like this and I collect it on Friday!
So excited! It's a 75D (couldn't stretch to the 100, so hopefully the range isn't an issue!). Good spec with Premium Upgrade Pack (air suspension, sound, winter pack etc), 21" wheels, Premium vegan leather. I can't wait!
After looking at a few different examples of the original shortlist I couldn't really find anything that floated my boat. So, I've taken the company car option instead and gone for a Tesla Model S
It looks like this and I collect it on Friday!
So excited! It's a 75D (couldn't stretch to the 100, so hopefully the range isn't an issue!). Good spec with Premium Upgrade Pack (air suspension, sound, winter pack etc), 21" wheels, Premium vegan leather. I can't wait!
dave_s13 said:
That escalated quickly!
Nice one. The model S is an amazing peice of kit.
ps....Those audi SQ5s are a bit tasty aren't they.....0-60 in 5.1 and 41mpg average!......yeah right Audi!
Cheers - thankfully the numbers stacked up. Especially with the BIK reduction in 2020.Nice one. The model S is an amazing peice of kit.
ps....Those audi SQ5s are a bit tasty aren't they.....0-60 in 5.1 and 41mpg average!......yeah right Audi!
I still like the SQ5 so maybe when my wife's leased Q3 goes back we can look again!
Motorpoint has a load of cheap (albeit not generously spec'd) 335ds.
https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/vehicleadvert/bmw/3%2...
https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/vehicleadvert/bmw/3%2...
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