430/35d pre-LCI vs 420d LCI?
Discussion
Morning All,
I'm looking to buy a pre-owned BMW 4 series with a budget of up to £25k.
Originally I was looking at 2015/16 cars with the 6 cylinder diesel engine, so either 430d or 435d.
However, I noticed that with the same budget I can get a 2017 420d with less than 10k miles on the clock. This option will buy me an LCI car, with newer iDrive, LED headlights, LED tail lights, etc.
The LCI cars look slightly more up-to-date, but ultimately the differences are subtle and once the novelty wears off I wonder if I'll regret not going for a car with the better engine. Additionally, from what I can make out the larger 6 cyl cars often have a better spec, such as electric seats, pro-nav, etc.
What would you do?
I'm looking to buy a pre-owned BMW 4 series with a budget of up to £25k.
Originally I was looking at 2015/16 cars with the 6 cylinder diesel engine, so either 430d or 435d.
However, I noticed that with the same budget I can get a 2017 420d with less than 10k miles on the clock. This option will buy me an LCI car, with newer iDrive, LED headlights, LED tail lights, etc.
The LCI cars look slightly more up-to-date, but ultimately the differences are subtle and once the novelty wears off I wonder if I'll regret not going for a car with the better engine. Additionally, from what I can make out the larger 6 cyl cars often have a better spec, such as electric seats, pro-nav, etc.
What would you do?
Username... said:
Morning All,
I'm looking to buy a pre-owned BMW 4 series with a budget of up to £25k.
Originally I was looking at 2015/16 cars with the 6 cylinder diesel engine, so either 430d or 435d.
However, I noticed that with the same budget I can get a 2017 420d with less than 10k miles on the clock. This option will buy me an LCI car, with newer iDrive, LED headlights, LED tail lights, etc.
The LCI cars look slightly more up-to-date, but ultimately the differences are subtle and once the novelty wears off I wonder if I'll regret not going for a car with the better engine. Additionally, from what I can make out the larger 6 cyl cars often have a better spec, such as electric seats, pro-nav, etc.
What would you do?
£25k would get you a less than 10k miles 2017 330d - that way you get a newer car and the 6 cylinders.I'm looking to buy a pre-owned BMW 4 series with a budget of up to £25k.
Originally I was looking at 2015/16 cars with the 6 cylinder diesel engine, so either 430d or 435d.
However, I noticed that with the same budget I can get a 2017 420d with less than 10k miles on the clock. This option will buy me an LCI car, with newer iDrive, LED headlights, LED tail lights, etc.
The LCI cars look slightly more up-to-date, but ultimately the differences are subtle and once the novelty wears off I wonder if I'll regret not going for a car with the better engine. Additionally, from what I can make out the larger 6 cyl cars often have a better spec, such as electric seats, pro-nav, etc.
What would you do?
Having come from a 3 to a 4, I'd personally stay clear of the 4 - the doors are huge and a real pain in tight car parks - and the driving experience is identical to a 3 Series.
And whilst it may seem more stylish, they are just as 10 a penny as a 3 Series.
And beware the depreciation is horrendous so don't rule out PCP/leasing - it may work for you
Edited by GTEYE on Wednesday 14th February 09:06
I'd be cautious of a 20d. Whilst on face value they seem more economical, in my experience that's if you're willing to drive it more sedately on time. If like me, you're used to faster cars and push it :-
Well, I'm only getting 5p / per mile saving compared with my old 325 (2002). I had no choice, only 2ltr 4cyl cars are available in the X1 range.
But in any other range I'd go for the better engine.
435d is X drive only. Lots of debate here about ride not being sporty.
X drive has impressed me on the X1 but then I do take it up rough roads, through some fords/ floods. Things I wouldn't do in a coupe, which I'm sure will be lower even with X drive.
I think if you're happy with the power of a 430d and want a sportier ride from stock, that might be the best car.
Well, I'm only getting 5p / per mile saving compared with my old 325 (2002). I had no choice, only 2ltr 4cyl cars are available in the X1 range.
But in any other range I'd go for the better engine.
435d is X drive only. Lots of debate here about ride not being sporty.
X drive has impressed me on the X1 but then I do take it up rough roads, through some fords/ floods. Things I wouldn't do in a coupe, which I'm sure will be lower even with X drive.
I think if you're happy with the power of a 430d and want a sportier ride from stock, that might be the best car.
I have looked at 3 series, but if I got one of those I'd want the touring and these seem to be a few £k more expensive than the saloon. Plus I'm coming out of an E90 3 series and thought it might be a little too similar. I could be convinced... perhaps I should take one for a drive.
Is the 4 series really that similar to the 3 in terms of driver experience? I sat in both and much preferred the seating position in the 4 coupe. I found that I sat much lower and the cabin up front felt more spacious - it just felt that little bit more special to sit in. I'm quite tall too and feel a little cramped in my current car.
In terms of engines, I'd be happy with either the 30d or 35d. I heard the X-Drive suspension setup is quite wallowy on a 3 series - does the 4 have suffer with the same problem?
Thanks a bunch for the advice so far!
Is the 4 series really that similar to the 3 in terms of driver experience? I sat in both and much preferred the seating position in the 4 coupe. I found that I sat much lower and the cabin up front felt more spacious - it just felt that little bit more special to sit in. I'm quite tall too and feel a little cramped in my current car.
In terms of engines, I'd be happy with either the 30d or 35d. I heard the X-Drive suspension setup is quite wallowy on a 3 series - does the 4 have suffer with the same problem?
Thanks a bunch for the advice so far!
Username... said:
I have looked at 3 series, but if I got one of those I'd want the touring and these seem to be a few £k more expensive than the saloon. Plus I'm coming out of an E90 3 series and thought it might be a little too similar. I could be convinced... perhaps I should take one for a drive.
Is the 4 series really that similar to the 3 in terms of driver experience? I sat in both and much preferred the seating position in the 4 coupe. I found that I sat much lower and the cabin up front felt more spacious - it just felt that little bit more special to sit in. I'm quite tall too and feel a little cramped in my current car.
In terms of engines, I'd be happy with either the 30d or 35d. I heard the X-Drive suspension setup is quite wallowy on a 3 series - does the 4 have suffer with the same problem?
Thanks a bunch for the advice so far!
There's also the 4 Series Grand Coupe Is the 4 series really that similar to the 3 in terms of driver experience? I sat in both and much preferred the seating position in the 4 coupe. I found that I sat much lower and the cabin up front felt more spacious - it just felt that little bit more special to sit in. I'm quite tall too and feel a little cramped in my current car.
In terms of engines, I'd be happy with either the 30d or 35d. I heard the X-Drive suspension setup is quite wallowy on a 3 series - does the 4 have suffer with the same problem?
Thanks a bunch for the advice so far!
It's only from reading, but I'm sure the wallowy ride issue is 3 and 4 series.
I'd a E92 335i and personally feel the current 3/4 is a step backwards, in terms of steering feel and feedback. So if you feel same , that could be another reason to keep to a sharper non-X drive variant.
As it's p/heads, ought to mention there a petrol variants such as 340i
A 430d with RWD would be my pick, I really like the 435d in terms of the engine(I think the extra turbo makes a difference), but I'm not sure why it's only offered with the sky high looking Xdrive.
If economy is a priority then the 420d should get a look in, I do prefer the 6 cylinder diesels though for their extra punch/smoothness.
If economy is a priority then the 420d should get a look in, I do prefer the 6 cylinder diesels though for their extra punch/smoothness.
Is the general consensus that LCI is not worth going for, if it means I'm looking at a 20d engine? I'm leaning towards a rear drive 430d non-LCI at the moment.
I'll check out the Gran Coupe again, but if it means less space up front due to position of drivers seat I'll think I'll pass and go for the coupe. The latter is surprisingly roomy in the back.
Not many 30i cars around. Would love the 35/40i but MPG would be mid-twenties realistically and I don't think I could live with that. 30d apparently is mid-40s to the gallon.
Difficult to predict, but I wonder how the change of view on diesel cars will affect depreciation in the coming years?
I'll check out the Gran Coupe again, but if it means less space up front due to position of drivers seat I'll think I'll pass and go for the coupe. The latter is surprisingly roomy in the back.
Not many 30i cars around. Would love the 35/40i but MPG would be mid-twenties realistically and I don't think I could live with that. 30d apparently is mid-40s to the gallon.
Difficult to predict, but I wonder how the change of view on diesel cars will affect depreciation in the coming years?
Edited by Username... on Wednesday 14th February 10:07
Username... said:
Is the general consensus that LCI is not worth going for, if it means I'm looking at a 20d engine? I'm leaning towards a rear drive 430d non-LCI at the moment.
I'll check out the Gran Coupe again, but if it means less space up front due to position of drivers seat I'll think I'll pass and go for the coupe. The latter is surprisingly roomy in the back.
Not many 30i cars around. Would love the 35/40i but MPG would be mid-twenties realistically and I don't think I could live with that. 30d apparently is mid-40s to the gallon.
Difficult to predict, but I wonder how the change of view on diesel cars will affect depreciation in the coming years?
Diesel is a concern, isn't the 35d nomenclature pretty much dead now : removed from the new 5 series and new X3. Suggests some reduction by BMW in their range. I'll check out the Gran Coupe again, but if it means less space up front due to position of drivers seat I'll think I'll pass and go for the coupe. The latter is surprisingly roomy in the back.
Not many 30i cars around. Would love the 35/40i but MPG would be mid-twenties realistically and I don't think I could live with that. 30d apparently is mid-40s to the gallon.
Difficult to predict, but I wonder how the change of view on diesel cars will affect depreciation in the coming years?
Edited by Username... on Wednesday 14th February 10:07
I've not followed prices closely, but I'm sure I've seen used diesel values fall when others on here have been looking at specific examples and I've looked, generally.
I went for it on X1 but partly cos I didn't like the 20i 4cyl petrol I drove. and was expecting to do 30k miles p/a and effectively run vehicle into ground over it's lifespan.
You need to do the maths re: petrol and calculate whether any saving isn't dwarfed by any sales deals on, say, a 340i plus the risk of diesels depreciating rapidly over coming years ; particularly powerful ones.
Here's a good review of a G/coupe by the way. Driver says he's 1 m 85 and seems happy in front.
https://youtu.be/zNfrE-uw2d0
Edited by Smuler on Wednesday 14th February 10:26
Hmm... I am concerned about the future impact on diesel depreciation. I guess if it was bad, it could wipe out the savings made by a diesels improved economy vs going for something like a 435i over the long term...
Considering I do around 12-15k annually, what do people think about this as an option?
Anyone have experience of real world MPG from one of these? I generally do a mix of motorway and town driving.
Considering I do around 12-15k annually, what do people think about this as an option?
Anyone have experience of real world MPG from one of these? I generally do a mix of motorway and town driving.
Edited by Username... on Wednesday 14th February 10:33
Username... said:
I have looked at 3 series, but if I got one of those I'd want the touring and these seem to be a few £k more expensive than the saloon. Plus I'm coming out of an E90 3 series and thought it might be a little too similar. I could be convinced... perhaps I should take one for a drive.
Is the 4 series really that similar to the 3 in terms of driver experience? I sat in both and much preferred the seating position in the 4 coupe. I found that I sat much lower and the cabin up front felt more spacious - it just felt that little bit more special to sit in. I'm quite tall too and feel a little cramped in my current car.
In terms of engines, I'd be happy with either the 30d or 35d. I heard the X-Drive suspension setup is quite wallowy on a 3 series - does the 4 have suffer with the same problem?
Thanks a bunch for the advice so far!
Don't be taken in by the marketing BS, its the same car, same wheelbase, same length..... Yes in the 4 you sit fractionally lower, but it makes no difference to the driving experience.Is the 4 series really that similar to the 3 in terms of driver experience? I sat in both and much preferred the seating position in the 4 coupe. I found that I sat much lower and the cabin up front felt more spacious - it just felt that little bit more special to sit in. I'm quite tall too and feel a little cramped in my current car.
In terms of engines, I'd be happy with either the 30d or 35d. I heard the X-Drive suspension setup is quite wallowy on a 3 series - does the 4 have suffer with the same problem?
Thanks a bunch for the advice so far!
The 20d can be very economical - mine averaged 49.5mpg over 80,000 miles commuting in to London - I would guess the 30d would be low 40s, so there is a difference.
The 4 Series is marginally better equipped but the majority of 330's you find will have Pro Nav etc so really very little difference. In terms of feeling special, its exactly the same dash, controls, materials....
Edited by GTEYE on Wednesday 14th February 10:40
If you don’t mind going up a size the 35d engine is available with RWD in the F10 saloon or F11 touring. I went from a E90 330d to a F11LCI 535d and haven’t looked back. Excellent car with plenty of poke, try to get one with Harmon Kardon sound, dimming mirrors and power food mirrors. The last one is surprisingly useful. Power tailgate is another good one. Have a look here
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds?CarTypeFF=...
Go for a LCI as these are Euro 6 without addblue. Around 22k will get you a nice one, test drive one and see what you think
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds?CarTypeFF=...
Go for a LCI as these are Euro 6 without addblue. Around 22k will get you a nice one, test drive one and see what you think
Edited by Huskyman on Wednesday 14th February 14:50
If you want to avoid the painful initial depreciation and also higher ish maintenance costs, and poverty spec blues, I'd just get a good pre-LCI 6 pot petrol turbo rwd... so x35i probably.
If you go 4/4GC they're also well specced too... but the 4gc does look a bit naff, it doesn't work quite as nicely as a 6gc does.
The small diesels must be bland in a big car and a BMW deserves a bit of poke... but even with 300bhp+ the F30 is far from exciting.
I'd avoid anything from BMW AUC unless you plan to keep years or can suffer the high ish depreciation + trade mark up (15% ish at these kinda values) which instantly disappears the moment you buy.
If you go 4/4GC they're also well specced too... but the 4gc does look a bit naff, it doesn't work quite as nicely as a 6gc does.
The small diesels must be bland in a big car and a BMW deserves a bit of poke... but even with 300bhp+ the F30 is far from exciting.
I'd avoid anything from BMW AUC unless you plan to keep years or can suffer the high ish depreciation + trade mark up (15% ish at these kinda values) which instantly disappears the moment you buy.
TRL told me the 4 handles better than the 3 as did another BMW salesman ,this is What Car says....Of all the executive saloons, the 3 Series is one of the very best to drive. And its two-door cousin we’re talking about here is even better, feeling even more composed than the 3 Series in corners, thanks to its lower centre of gravity and wider stance........
If your going diesel get the 3 ltr no x drive and plenty of mpgs ive had 50/52 OBC mpg plenty of times on a run.
If your going diesel get the 3 ltr no x drive and plenty of mpgs ive had 50/52 OBC mpg plenty of times on a run.
I had a 420d as a courtesy car while my F10 535d was in for a service......
Similar price as Your discussing.
The 4 v the 5 just cannot be compared he quality of the interior is in a different league. You also get that beast of an engine in RWD only too so it doesn’t look silly high tide height.
The 420d economy appeared good on paper yet driving my commute in the same way as I drive my own cars it was hardly any better and vastly slower and a horrible noise.
Similar price as Your discussing.
The 4 v the 5 just cannot be compared he quality of the interior is in a different league. You also get that beast of an engine in RWD only too so it doesn’t look silly high tide height.
The 420d economy appeared good on paper yet driving my commute in the same way as I drive my own cars it was hardly any better and vastly slower and a horrible noise.
I appreciate all the feedback on this, it's given me plenty to think about.
I'm put off by the idea of a 20d now... so will definitely go for a six cylinder. I'd much rather have the better engine than a few of the novelties the LCI face-lift brings.
My father has a 530d actually with some nice options and colour combos, but I'm just put off by the interior which is a little dated compared to BMWs latest offerings. It seems that BMW are continuing the trend of the current layout in the 4 series in brand new models. Otherwise this would definitely be on my shortlist...
Someone mentioned that I should avoid BMW AUC. i had planned to going to BMW for peace of mind, possibility to extend the warranty, maybe get a service pack thrown in, etc. Why should I avoid this option?
I could get a cheaper car from the likes of Motorpoint, but I'm very wary of buying from a car supermarket type place. Should I be?
I'm put off by the idea of a 20d now... so will definitely go for a six cylinder. I'd much rather have the better engine than a few of the novelties the LCI face-lift brings.
My father has a 530d actually with some nice options and colour combos, but I'm just put off by the interior which is a little dated compared to BMWs latest offerings. It seems that BMW are continuing the trend of the current layout in the 4 series in brand new models. Otherwise this would definitely be on my shortlist...
Someone mentioned that I should avoid BMW AUC. i had planned to going to BMW for peace of mind, possibility to extend the warranty, maybe get a service pack thrown in, etc. Why should I avoid this option?
I could get a cheaper car from the likes of Motorpoint, but I'm very wary of buying from a car supermarket type place. Should I be?
Username... said:
I appreciate all the feedback on this, it's given me plenty to think about.
I'm put off by the idea of a 20d now... so will definitely go for a six cylinder. I'd much rather have the better engine than a few of the novelties the LCI face-lift brings.
My father has a 530d actually with some nice options and colour combos, but I'm just put off by the interior which is a little dated compared to BMWs latest offerings. It seems that BMW are continuing the trend of the current layout in the 4 series in brand new models. Otherwise this would definitely be on my shortlist...
Someone mentioned that I should avoid BMW AUC. i had planned to going to BMW for peace of mind, possibility to extend the warranty, maybe get a service pack thrown in, etc. Why should I avoid this option?
I could get a cheaper car from the likes of Motorpoint, but I'm very wary of buying from a car supermarket type place. Should I be?
If as per your original post, you're going around (late) 2015- 2016 then your car will be within the manufacturer's warranty so perhaps consider buying privately if you find a nice, and cheaper, 1 owner car. I'm put off by the idea of a 20d now... so will definitely go for a six cylinder. I'd much rather have the better engine than a few of the novelties the LCI face-lift brings.
My father has a 530d actually with some nice options and colour combos, but I'm just put off by the interior which is a little dated compared to BMWs latest offerings. It seems that BMW are continuing the trend of the current layout in the 4 series in brand new models. Otherwise this would definitely be on my shortlist...
Someone mentioned that I should avoid BMW AUC. i had planned to going to BMW for peace of mind, possibility to extend the warranty, maybe get a service pack thrown in, etc. Why should I avoid this option?
I could get a cheaper car from the likes of Motorpoint, but I'm very wary of buying from a car supermarket type place. Should I be?
I've bought 3 times from BMW AUC, 3 mint cars, 3 excellent experiences. BUT they were older , rarer cars and so I didn't really have much of a like for like comparison at the time and I did want warranty.
I know they'll screw up sometimes but BMW aim to retail only the best cars as AUC. A lot of cars I enquired about failed their standards and yet ended up on non-franchised forecourts.
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