Which is the most comfortable BMW 3 series?

[99Chimaera]

Afternoon everyone.
Which the most comfortable BMW 3 series to buy preferably a touring. I had rather briefly a f31 320d Xdrive M sport Manual, which I had to get rid of last week. It left my ownership, because it kept giving me a very bad back.

Is there a more comfortable model, would the Sport be a better ride? Or would I be better off with a Luxury model? I would probably go for Automatic as I don't think the offset pedal position of manual helped.
My budget would probably be £14k
Many thanks for any suggestions.

[99Chimaera]

Many thanks for replies chaps. Food for thought.

[99Chimaera]

AlwynMike said:

3 series and comfortable are words that should not be in the same sentence.

I've had 4! (All Tourings)

SE seats are generally uncomfortable on long journeys.

I now have a 4 series Gran Coupe on basic 18" wheels.
Much more comfortable and quieter than any of my 3's.
Pretty good luggage space too if you don't need the height.
Interesting I didn't realise that they are all the same in terms of comfort. I thought my dad's 1 series wasn't that comfortable either and it has adaptive suspension. The most comfortable BMW I've ever driven was a e39 540i a speedy sofa!

[99Chimaera]

croyde said:

I have a e36 323 that I bought in 1998 and still use as my daily.

Bloody comfortable I have to say.

Driver's seat is knackered though and I have looked for years but can't find the original anthracite covers.

All it needs to make the seat look new again.

I can vouch for that. I've driven a e36 328i sport many times.

[99Chimaera]

ZX10R NIN said:

The Xdrives have SE suspension so if you're not finding it comfortable I'd suggest looking at the Jaguar XF Sportbrake:

Portfolio

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

3.0 /2.2d Premium Luxury

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Thank you for your suggestion, I 've always liked the XF Sportbrake, but unfortunately due to the limited budget, they will be a bit old.

[99Chimaera]

tim0409 said:

I suffer from a bad back and ironically BMW sports seats are the only seats that I find comfy. I would echo the earlier comment about getting the right position; for me it was the seat base fairy low, tilted back with the leg support extended, and the lumbar support and side bolsters extended. Once it’s sorted I didn’t let anyone adjust it!!

I've never had problems with firm riding cars with bucket seats, I had a few Golf GTIs, Audi A4 Sport, TVR Chimaera etc hence my buying a BMW M sport, when my last golf was written off in a bad rear end shunt by a hit and run driver. I was very surprised when I started getting back trouble, I tried a variety of seat positions and various cushions to no avail. I wonder if I'd been better off with Automatic.

[99Chimaera]

ZX10R NIN said:

If that's the case & you want something newer that's comfortable then the Mondeo in 180 Titanium spec ticks all the boxes, they're a decent steer loaded with kit & most importantly comfortable.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The other one would be the 508SW 2.2d in GT Form but you'll have to keep your eyes peeled as they're hard to find:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

My alternative pick to the 508 would be the Mazda6 in 180 Sport or SE L spec:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

V60 D5 not my cup of tea but people who I've sourced them to are very happy with them.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Some excellent suggestions there, thank you. The Ford's look very good value for the money. I like the look of the Volvo V60, the company has a good reputation for comfort.
Thanks again.