Buying M135i vs 330d / 430d

[rlli]

Hi all,

I’m costing a couple of options for my next car which I will probably run for 12-18 months before selling. I’m trying to model the cost of ownership during that period, and at the moment am weighing up pros and cons of the M135i and 330d / 430d at a max budget of £18k. I need something built in 2014 or newer and am leaning towards the 8 speed auto as I will be doing a lot of driving in London at speeds of less than 40mph. Insurance is taken care of through my employer and I’l do approx. 10k miles in a year.

Is there likely to be much difference in depreciation between these models? The 4 series seems to command a slight premium over the 3 series at the moment which may be worth taking into consideration. The Upcoming budget on 22nd November is likely to penalise diesels – I think I’ll get the full details before making a purchase.

Anything else to be aware of when comparing running costs between two? Are there any DPF issues on the F3x?

Head says diesel heart says M135i…

[ZX10R NIN]

If you're driving in London don't forget the T Charge so make sure your 330/430d is a Euro6 model some may be Euro5 as it was on the change over.

[rlli]

Thanks for the reply, fortunately I don't need to drive through the Congestion Charge Zone, so will be exempt from the T Charge.

[Smuler]

Diesels don't really cost in @ 10k mile p/a, surely? Arguably a 335/435i would be a better comparison.

Thus with risks coming from diesel unpopularity, if you don't need the extra room / seats in the back, the M135i will be more fun and practical.

The 3/4 with that engine are auto only, so you could only have a M135i with a manual. I think an auto makes sense in London.

M135i is going to be the last performance small BMW that's RWD, from my reading, so I'd bet depreciation at some point at least will be better than what will, from 2018/9, be an outdated 3/4 series with it's replacement that is still in RWD or at least AWD.

I'd 100% go M135i ,assuming here that a M235i is out of budget. a nicer drive, just, and better looking compared to pre 2015 facelift M135i ; yeah, perhaps that's the M135i's low point : looks. 3 is better, 4 just about as it looks lard arsed.

[rlli]

Smuler said:

Diesels don't really cost in @ 10k mile p/a, surely? Arguably a 335/435i would be a better comparison.

In my worst case assessment against the petrol it could be as much as £1000 per year - this is based on commute through London (15mph average over 15 miles) with the M135i being half as efficient as the diesel. No real way to tell apart from testing though.

335i / 435i seem to be out of budget as none are appearing in my searches (60k miles and below).

Smuler said:

I'd 100% go M135i ,assuming here that a M235i is out of budget. a nicer drive, just, and better looking compared to pre 2015 facelift M135i ; yeah, perhaps that's the M135i's low point : looks. 3 is better, 4 just about as it looks lard arsed.

M235i is a potential too (and would be my preference tbh) and I've seen a couple a little over budget so not out of reach - need to get the all clear from work too as it's supposed to seat 4 adults in comfort...