F30 LCI or more kit/options

[LM95]

Hi.

I have pretty much set myself on a F30 330d / 335d. Not too fussed which would probably prefer the 35d but am open mainly to the right car.

The quandary that I have is my budget at 20k - 22k max means I can get a Standard spec 2016 335d which is the updated model just about in. They do look a little sharper and with the model updates seems a good place to go. But if I just drop down a year and a bit I can look at things like the pro nav and m sport plus and possibly the upgraded audio but this would be pre LCI.

The standard car is not exactly basic and I don’t seem to be able to get what would be my preferred option of adaptive dampers on anything >2015 in my budget so are these other things less important and the newer model will hold value just as well over the next couple of years?

Any thoughts on this from anyone who has also looked at / purchased a 2015 / 2016 3 Series?

Cheers.

[Smuler]

Only thing sprung to my mind is that the LCI improved the overall handling ; but was that the case with the 335 as that by exception is standard AWD.
If not and it’s the more powerful car you want , then maybe not such a good reason to go LCI.
I’ve never driven on but from reading here it seems the ride is soft so maybe a way if changing suspension would be an idea. Perhaps the adaptive or getting new springs and dampers as many do.

[LM95]

Thanks for the response, yes it may be that the additional options make the car a better place to be. I hear so much about the 2016 LCI update being the one to stretch to for anyone looking at these around 22K but I am not sure if it is worth it at the expense of the upgraded nav etc. The newer lights etc do make it appear more fresh if you know what I mean.

Looks like springs are a good change for the x-drive vehicles but coming from an X-Trail it will likely seem pretty dynamically sound & I will probably be able to live with it for a while!

Cheers.

[Smuler]

LM95 said:

Thanks for the response, yes it may be that the additional options make the car a better place to be. I hear so much about the 2016 LCI update being the one to stretch to for anyone looking at these around 22K but I am not sure if it is worth it at the expense of the upgraded nav etc. The newer lights etc do make it appear more fresh if you know what I mean.

Looks like springs are a good change for the x-drive vehicles but coming from an X-Trail it will likely seem pretty dynamically sound & I will probably be able to live with it for a while!

Cheers.

I'm not an expert, but it seems change was 2015 and not a great deal?

https://www.carwow.co.uk/blog/bmw-3-series-old-new...

And I've driven 3 series as loan cars up to 16 plates and don't recall being wowed by any differences.

[RBrown]

ACS springs on pre LCI model improves the ride.

Don’t think you are wanting a F31. But know of an excellent 2015 330d xdrive Touring with ACS springs, msport+ with 21.5k miles going for your budget. Email me if you want more info.

[Mr Whippy]

I tried to get a full spec 335d LCI on average miles at about 2.5yrs old or so on average miles for £22 ish, but even finding an LCI car with leccy seats was near impossible.
I'm not sure where the high spec cars are hiding, unless you want to pay £35,000+ for a nearly new one.

I ended up paying £28 for a 5k mile 1yr old 335d. Far from ideal and still not top spec (no hud, adaptive lights or dampers)
I was still looking for almost a month which felt ridiculous.

I didn't drive a pre LCI.

I'd highly recommend driving both and see if it's important to you, as if it's not I'd save your money on buying an LCI.

I've just seen an 80k miles 15 plate loaded spec (iirc) for about £16,000.
Had that been around I'd have probably gone for that instead, pending a test drive of an LCI.

For me the important variable was handling and steering feel and so the LCI appealed.
However how different/better one is, is up to you to determine by testing imo.


I know I'm going to suffer heavy depreciation in the next 3 years, but intend to keep for 5-10 years.

Given the choice I'd get as old and high spec and fbmwsh as you can find.

If you're buying any newish BMW you're just throwing money away imo.

[LM95]

Smuler said:

I'm not an expert, but it seems change was 2015 and not a great deal?

https://www.carwow.co.uk/blog/bmw-3-series-old-new...

And I've driven 3 series as loan cars up to 16 plates and don't recall being wowed by any differences.

You are likely right. Unless you have extensively driven the precious model it probably does not matter. It looks like the update came out with the 16 plate cars. That article is mid September 2015, led front lights is the only really obvious change although I believe it was an option on earlier cars.

[LM95]

Mr Whippy said:

I tried to get a full spec 335d LCI on average miles at about 2.5yrs old or so on average miles for £22 ish, but even finding an LCI car with leccy seats was near impossible.
I'm not sure where the high spec cars are hiding, unless you want to pay £35,000+ for a nearly new one.

I ended up paying £28 for a 5k mile 1yr old 335d. Far from ideal and still not top spec (no hud, adaptive lights or dampers)
I was still looking for almost a month which felt ridiculous.

I didn't drive a pre LCI.

I'd highly recommend driving both and see if it's important to you, as if it's not I'd save your money on buying an LCI.

I've just seen an 80k miles 15 plate loaded spec (iirc) for about £16,000.
Had that been around I'd have probably gone for that instead, pending a test drive of an LCI.

For me the important variable was handling and steering feel and so the LCI appealed.
However how different/better one is, is up to you to determine by testing imo.


I know I'm going to suffer heavy depreciation in the next 3 years, but intend to keep for 5-10 years.

Given the choice I'd get as old and high spec and fbmwsh as you can find.

If you're buying any newish BMW you're just throwing money away imo.

So you were in a very similar position. Like you I would like to keep this for at least 4/5 years. Hence why the 335d appeals so much. Practicality, economy & performance that I don't think anything else, at least at this price, can match.

I can not stretch to 28k and as you say almost all 25k or under are standard cars. I
Will be the only driver really so manual seats is not an issue but HK audio and pro nav would be nice as would adaptive dampers but in the scheme of things I am not sure they matter all that much and if I never drive one with these things I likely will never know what I am missing anyway! A 2016 66 plate can be had around 20k which although has a fair amount of depreciation to do certainly has done quite a bit in that first year and having 18 months of warranty left appeals. But come 4 or 5 years on I will have to accept it will be at the lower end of the price bracket because it will be one of the more basic.

Thanks for the response.

[Smuler]

FWIW, I've had pro nav on a 2009 335i I bought used and now have the standard nav on a 2017 X1; as a Nav tool standard does the job , I really don't see the extra screen size as a big deal. The 335i had the 1400£ stereo upgrade and it did sound like a band was in the car with me. However, by 2017 the standard speakers are much better. I have a 2004 M3 too and it's tech is sh*te. Not that I care, it's about the engine.

On the other hand , LED lights are great.

I'd look at this onehttps://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201710100141579?aggregatedTrim=335d&radius=1500&sort=sponsored&body-type=Saloon&advertising-location=at_cars&make=BMW&model=3%20SERIES&price-from=22500&postcode=cf118ta&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&price-to=25000&year-from=2016&page=1

[LM95]

Smuler said:

FWIW, I've had pro nav on a 2009 335i I bought used and now have the standard nav on a 2017 X1; as a Nav tool standard does the job , I really don't see the extra screen size as a big deal. The 335i had the 1400£ stereo upgrade and it did sound like a band was in the car with me. However, by 2017 the standard speakers are much better. I have a 2004 M3 too and it's tech is sh*te. Not that I care, it's about the engine.

On the other hand , LED lights are great.

I'd look at this onehttps://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201710100141579?aggregatedTrim=335d&radius=1500&sort=sponsored&body-type=Saloon&advertising-location=at_cars&make=BMW&model=3%20SERIES&price-from=22500&postcode=cf118ta&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&price-to=25000&year-from=2016&page=1

Hi Smuler,

thanks for the response a good point really, while is may look more flash to have the upgraded screen as a nav unit I am sure the standard is fine. The same with the audio, the X-Trail I have is poor, really poor, so I am sure it will be an upgrade in standard form.

Anyway, I have decided to go for the 16 plate onwards as the change in the lights to LED just look sharper and do give it a more modern look and if I did want even one of the options I would have t drop to the 330d. No big issue I am sure but if I did when the novelty of what ever combination of options I have managed to get wore off I would probably wish I had the 335d where as its unlikely to ever be the reverse.

That one is nice and I could probably haggle that to within budget too, the white seats with my kids though....... makes me nervous just thinking about it now!!

I quite like the look of the F31 now too and the added practicality would be useful. this one looks quite good for the money as do all of the ones at Motorpoint;

text


Thanks for the input helped a lot :-)

Edited by LM95 on Thursday 11th January 13:39

[Smuler]

LM95 said:

Hi Smuler,

thanks for the response a good point really, while is may look more flash to have the upgraded screen as a nav unit I am sure the standard is fine. The same with the audio, the X-Trail I have is poor, really poor, so I am sure it will be an upgrade in standard form.

Anyway, I have decided to go for the 16 plate onwards as the change in the lights to LED just look sharper and do give it a more modern look and if I did want even one of the options I would have t drop to the 330d. No big issue I am sure but if I did when the novelty of what ever combination of options I have managed to get wore off I would probably wish I had the 335d where as its unlikely to ever be the reverse.

That one is nice and I could probably haggle that to within budget too, the white seats with my kids though....... makes me nervous just thinking about it now!!

I quite like the look of the F31 now too and the added practicality would be useful. this one looks quite good for the money as do all of the ones at Motorpoint;

text


Thanks for the input helped a lot :-)

Edited by LM95 on Thursday 11th January 13:39

I'd say go 335 providing you are happy with AWD. I've certainly found AWD great on the X1.
LEDs are excellent, a step up from Xenon.
It's mostly touring's I've driven. If you revert to interest in a saloon, now I know you've got kids, I'd say look for the split folding rear seats which I don't think are standard?
Tourings are very practical and feel surprisingly compact. I would've had one but for needing the extra height of the X1.

On the white car, nice color combo with the red and front parking sensors are an addition. I'd also prefer 18 inch wheels for ride comfort. If you're keeping long -term and want an audio refresh you can always go aftermarket and then revert to OEM for any resale if that was an issue.

Jeff White are local to me. See a lot of their cars around. I've not heard anything scandalous about them and this is within manufacturer's warranty.
Sadly no registration but if the 1 owner (that I always like) was local probably supplied by Sytner Cardiff and I find them good. Possibly only had the oil service so far, so be interesting to see what Idrive says.

[Osinjak]

LM95 said:

You are likely right. Unless you have extensively driven the precious model it probably does not matter. It looks like the update came out with the 16 plate cars. That article is mid September 2015, led front lights is the only really obvious change although I believe it was an option on earlier cars.

LCI came out with 65 plates. I know as I've got one.

[mattyn1]

Apologies for the blatant thread hijack but I recklessly decided yesterday I want a 15/16 plate 330/335 Touring.
Off later to my local BMW shop in Eastleigh.

Can anyone please give me brief advice on the pertinent questions at this stage? Facelifts, services, recalls etc.

Ta very much

[Smuler]

mattyn1 said:

Apologies for the blatant thread hijack but I recklessly decided yesterday I want a 15/16 plate 330/335 Touring.
Off later to my local BMW shop in Eastleigh.

Can anyone please give me brief advice on the pertinent questions at this stage? Facelifts, services, recalls etc.

Ta very much

Facelifts , date as above: late 2015.
No idea on recalls.
BMW can't sell a car too close to a service, as part of Approved Used Standards and these cars will all have I/drives which count down to when service due, from current measures. It's done on driving style, so if you drive car hard you may see the countdown go quicker.

I have a same generation X1, pretty much all cars will be, at latest, 2 years to an oil service and based on mine 3 years seems to require brake fluid and a vehicle check, so that's worth paying most attention to on the older cars you look at.
I'd ask for AUC report, particularly if there is no mention on when brake pads done. Might just be my sh*t driving, but on AWD cars (335 will be) they seem to wear quicker. Not that it's a big cost.

Surely your biggest issue is whether you want AWD. 335 it's mandatory, 330 can be either.

[mattyn1]

Smuler said:

Facelifts , date as above: late 2015.
No idea on recalls.
BMW can't sell a car too close to a service, as part of Approved Used Standards and these cars will all have I/drives which count down to when service due, from current measures. It's done on driving style, so if you drive car hard you may see the countdown go quicker.

I have a same generation X1, pretty much all cars will be, at latest, 2 years to an oil service and based on mine 3 years seems to require brake fluid and a vehicle check, so that's worth paying most attention to on the older cars you look at.
I'd ask for AUC report, particularly if there is no mention on when brake pads done. Might just be my sh*t driving, but on AWD cars (335 will be) they seem to wear quicker. Not that it's a big cost.

Surely your biggest issue is whether you want AWD. 335 it's mandatory, 330 can be either.

Good point and thank you - ideally I want a 335 - I am of that age you know!

But in all seriousness, the AWD is v high on the list - I had a A6 Quattro a while back and really liked the assurance it gives.

I want also - leather, Rear camera, and pro media. Budget £25K so might have to travel about to source this!

[Smuler]

Having experienced AWD on my X1 I’d have it on anything other than a more dedicated performance car that’s being used for pure thrills.

And if you’re happy with it , why go for the 330
I’m assuming you are after a touring in which case I’ve driven a few (though not 335) and wouldn’t be too bothered with camera , sensors were fine in my opinion.

[mattyn1]

Smuler said:

Having experienced AWD on my X1 I’d have it on anything other than a more dedicated performance car that’s being used for pure thrills.

And if you’re happy with it , why go for the 330
I’m assuming you are after a touring in which case I’ve driven a few (though not 335) and wouldn’t be too bothered with camera , sensors were fine in my opinion.

Thanks - yes I am on the hunt for a Touring preferably!

And as for the camera - my wife did not drive any of your cars! If she had, you would understand!

[Smuler]

No , not met your wife

She better going forwards ? Suggest maybe front parking sensors (don’t think they are standard) as a good option plus LEDs; they are standard on my X1 M Sport.

If needing to restrict costs I have the normal Nav , had Pro Nav generation back. I’m just as happy with normal tbh.

[mattyn1]

Smuler said:

No , not met your wife

She better going forwards ? Suggest maybe front parking sensors (don’t think they are standard) as a good option plus LEDs; they are standard on my X1 M Sport.

If needing to restrict costs I have the normal Nav , had Pro Nav generation back. I’m just as happy with normal tbh.

Only slightly better but it is generally my fault when it goes wrong!
Thanks for the info... but I won’t hijack this thread any more!!

[Charlie Croker mk2]

My main concern would be whether its Euro 5 or 6 as before Euro 6 cars are open to extra taxes being imposed by local authorities , you know the local authorities who are supposed to represent us not govern us !