5 series verus 3
Discussion
Hi,
Ok I know this is a bit of an odd question to ask but it’s coming from me with zero experience of either so I'd like your opinion.
I have a 100 mile commute to work and back every day with starts off with 15 mins of twisty roads (not quick though as I'm normally stuck behind something) and then motorway the rest ending with about 20 mins of stop/start through traffic.
I currently have a golf 2 tdi GT (has the gti suspension) - its not a bad car really, a bit boring, but is fully loaded and is an ok place to be. However it’s rather noisy on the motorway and I've been thinking about getting something that would be quieter and an auto for the stop/start through town.
So I've been wondering about getting either an E46 or E60 diesel (if I can afford it), I probably cannot afford the 3/3.5 litres so will have to go with the 2 litre. I was initially thinking of getting a E46 3 door as these are nice looking motor and within budget. Its then I started noticing I might be able to get an E60 5 series 5 door for a little more.
I also like the idea of having a larger car for the motorway to have a little more 'presence' on the road. However I'm wondering how the 5 drives compares to the 3 series - is it going to be a lot of weight and barge like driving or can there actually be a little fun in the models I'm looking at? (I'm sure an M5 would be fine).
As diesel is much cheaper here than petrol, I cannot really afford to run a non-smoker for my commute.
Any thoughts, ideas on this?
thanks
Ok I know this is a bit of an odd question to ask but it’s coming from me with zero experience of either so I'd like your opinion.
I have a 100 mile commute to work and back every day with starts off with 15 mins of twisty roads (not quick though as I'm normally stuck behind something) and then motorway the rest ending with about 20 mins of stop/start through traffic.
I currently have a golf 2 tdi GT (has the gti suspension) - its not a bad car really, a bit boring, but is fully loaded and is an ok place to be. However it’s rather noisy on the motorway and I've been thinking about getting something that would be quieter and an auto for the stop/start through town.
So I've been wondering about getting either an E46 or E60 diesel (if I can afford it), I probably cannot afford the 3/3.5 litres so will have to go with the 2 litre. I was initially thinking of getting a E46 3 door as these are nice looking motor and within budget. Its then I started noticing I might be able to get an E60 5 series 5 door for a little more.
I also like the idea of having a larger car for the motorway to have a little more 'presence' on the road. However I'm wondering how the 5 drives compares to the 3 series - is it going to be a lot of weight and barge like driving or can there actually be a little fun in the models I'm looking at? (I'm sure an M5 would be fine).
As diesel is much cheaper here than petrol, I cannot really afford to run a non-smoker for my commute.
Any thoughts, ideas on this?
thanks
I used to enjoy my E46 320D allot on these journeys, however a basic remap from emaps will keep the economy and get you a very nice drive. I did a enthusiastic tour of scotland in it that was really good and showedhow truely capable the car was.
The M-Sport is the variant to get as the handling is very nice and balanced. I bought mine at 92k and unfortunately it was written off 6 months later at 104k.
HTH
D
The M-Sport is the variant to get as the handling is very nice and balanced. I bought mine at 92k and unfortunately it was written off 6 months later at 104k.
HTH
D
I have both a 3 Series and a 5 Series. Both cars can do either job but if I had to decide which to use it would be the 5 Series for the Motorway / A roads and the 3 series for B roads / fun.
The 5 does not like to be hustled as much as the 3 and is quieter on the motorway stretches. Less economical though as it weighs more so may prove less economical through town.
I understand your reasoning for diesel but you would really have to smash through some miles to recoup the initial outlay to buy a diesel over a petrol. My wife and I both do 130 miles every day and are still much better off with the petrol.
There is less to go wrong (touch wood!) with a NA petrol over a Turbio Diesel (Swirl Flaps, Turbos, Injectors etc - just search on here). Not saying the diesels are unreliable by any stretch though. I guess it is down to your prefered driving style at the end of the day.
The 5 does not like to be hustled as much as the 3 and is quieter on the motorway stretches. Less economical though as it weighs more so may prove less economical through town.
I understand your reasoning for diesel but you would really have to smash through some miles to recoup the initial outlay to buy a diesel over a petrol. My wife and I both do 130 miles every day and are still much better off with the petrol.
There is less to go wrong (touch wood!) with a NA petrol over a Turbio Diesel (Swirl Flaps, Turbos, Injectors etc - just search on here). Not saying the diesels are unreliable by any stretch though. I guess it is down to your prefered driving style at the end of the day.
junglie said:
I understand your reasoning for diesel but you would really have to smash through some miles to recoup the initial outlay to buy a diesel over a petrol. My wife and I both do 130 miles every day and are still much better off with the petrol.
Thanks for your thoughts on the 3 vs 5. However I'm not sure about petrol vs desiel arguement as yes desiels are more, but they also resell for more (and quicker) later on.If I take the bog standard combined fuel consumption:
520i = 9.5 l/100km. 28,000 kms a year = 3325 euro (@1.25 euro a litre)
520d = 5.9 l/100km. 28,000 kms a year = 2793 euro (@1.05 euro a litre)
So what 500 odd euros. Not a massive amount I must admit.
We have both a 3 series (E90) and 5 series (E60). I used to have an E46 too.
I love my E60 but it does have the 35d engine which you said isn't an option on this occasion - if you don't need the space go for the 3 series. Plenty good enough on the motorway and a bit more fun on the twisty stuff when the chance presents itself.
My E46 330d Sport was a great car - plenty of poke (not remapped) and good economy. For what it is worth I always thought the 4 door had more of a 'stance' than the 2 door too.
I love my E60 but it does have the 35d engine which you said isn't an option on this occasion - if you don't need the space go for the 3 series. Plenty good enough on the motorway and a bit more fun on the twisty stuff when the chance presents itself.
My E46 330d Sport was a great car - plenty of poke (not remapped) and good economy. For what it is worth I always thought the 4 door had more of a 'stance' than the 2 door too.
Aha! A man on the continent.
With the price differential it makes more sense as in the UK there is 1p or so in it.
The other question you have to ask yourself being a PM member is can you really live with the sound of a 4 pot over a beautifully balanced and sonorous straight 6........I mean, REALLY!!??
With the price differential it makes more sense as in the UK there is 1p or so in it.
The other question you have to ask yourself being a PM member is can you really live with the sound of a 4 pot over a beautifully balanced and sonorous straight 6........I mean, REALLY!!??
junglie said:
Aha! A man on the continent.
With the price differential it makes more sense as in the UK there is 1p or so in it.
The other question you have to ask yourself being a PM member is can you really live with the sound of a 4 pot over a beautifully balanced and sonorous straight 6........I mean, REALLY!!??
With the price differential it makes more sense as in the UK there is 1p or so in it.
The other question you have to ask yourself being a PM member is can you really live with the sound of a 4 pot over a beautifully balanced and sonorous straight 6........I mean, REALLY!!??
Edited by bosshog on Tuesday 29th December 16:45
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