Which series to buy?

[MOMACC]

I currently lease a 218d M Sport
18 plate in estoril blue
It's, in my opinion, a fantastic car.
Only issue is that 9 months after delivery we had a baby so now I need something more practical.

I currently pay £300pm on the lease and £50 maintenance pm on top.
Looking at buying something a few years old, low mileage, auto for about 15k. Current one has only done 22k due to Covid.

Job is client facing and post pandemic mileage could be +20k per year so see no benefit in leasing and want to buy.

I'm thinking either an X / 3 or 5 series, with more lean towards a 5.

What would you go for?
Any advice on used BMWs and things to look out for?

[Simes205]

3 series touring perfect size, F31.

Buggy fits in easily.

My 2 are now 5 and 8. It’s adequate and takes us to the South of France each summer in comfort with ample space.

[edthefed]

Having previously had 2 x 3 series and an X3 and currently running a 5 series...i couldnt go back to a 3 series !

The 5 is just a nicer more spacious place to be

[MOMACC]

Getting a toddler in and out of the coupe isn't the most fun thing to be doing at 7am, 4 doors will be a joy.

I'd seriously consider buying it from the lease co if it wasn't impractical.

We are also considering adding another baby to the clan so a 2 year old and a newborn getting in and out of the coupe, couldn't think of anything worse.

[g3org3y]

MOMACC said:

Getting a toddler in and out of the coupe isn't the most fun thing to be doing at 7am, 4 doors will be a joy.

I'd seriously consider buying it from the lease co if it wasn't impractical.

We are also considering adding another baby to the clan so a 2 year old and a newborn getting in and out of the coupe, couldn't think of anything worse.

Yes, coupes + baby seats = faff.

E63 6 Series (passenger seat fully forward!)






OP, honestly the best thing to to is go see the cars in person. Take your buggy and see how you find the space. A big buggy (eg UppaBaby Vista) can fill a boot quite easily).

The 5 Series is bigger than the 3 Series as expected. More room in the back and more boot space.
The height of the X5 makes it a lot easier to get a baby (and especially a heavier toddler) in/out of the car seat without hurting your back.
X3 may be worth a look as a compromise?

[g3org3y]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I like your thinking. Will advise wife that we're trading her X5 in for an E93 M3, sorted. Easy access.

[BFleming]

4 Series GC or 3 Series GT would be my recommendation (in that order).

[Rueh]

Had a similar issue with to the OP when I had an E92 3 series. I dug my heels in for a bit regarding 2/4 doors, but I’m glad I made the very un-PH decision to get an X3, although it is a 35d (not remapped, also un-PH).



Obligatory sideways photo, seat is all the way forward here, but you get the idea. Also have no issue fitting the enormous fancy spinning rear facing contraption that resides in the wife’s car. So far it’s proved to be an excellent Dad-mobile. Would not consider buying another 2 door until he’s old enough to climb in himself.

Only difficult part now is trying to fasten the clip once he’s in and trying to ‘help’.