BMW 120D VS 123D or something else

[rdb85]

Possibly looking at getting my first diesel. Any issues to look out for? Problem areas etc? Or could you recommend something else. I would love a 335d but its rather large for me.

[KevinCamaroSS]

Need a bit more info really, miles per year, type of driving, budget etc. etc.

[rdb85]

Miles about 12k a year. Budget 15k

[V88Dicky]

Seeing as you already like the 1 Series, how about a 125i coupe?

Silky smooth 3.0 straight six petrol, and still capable of 40+mpg if you drive sensibly. Well looked after low miles ones seem to start around £10k.

Edited by V88Dicky on Monday 24th April 16:08

,

Edited by V88Dicky on Monday 24th April 16:09

[MinuteMan]

Don't get a diesel if you're only doing 12k miles a year, and an 8 mile daily commute. You won't see the benefits

[funkyrobot]

Something else.

[WCZ]

I'd go for a higher mileage 135i personally, the bmw diesels are extremely boring to drive

[CaptainMorgan]

Agree with the above, when I borrow the mrs 320d for work it's only just getting hot when I arrive, I think I'd spend most of my time cleaning out the EGR valve if it was being used full time like that. You need to do decent miles to see any advantage of a diesel, plus you have all the extra expense of DPFs etc.

I'd go for a petrol, 125/130/135 depending on how quick you want it/budget, nice motors.

[CaptainMorgan]

WCZ said:

I'd go for a higher mileage 135i personally, the bmw diesels are extremely boring to drive

Out of curiosity, why seek out a higher mileage 135i?

[rdb85]

The 135i are quite hard to get hold of from my postcode L19 2RF. I found a 2011 125i with the 2.0, same BHP as the 3.0, so same power and cheaper tax. I would love a 135i

[rdb85]

But what would you recommend if I where to look at something else similar power etc, same tax or less. There is an r32 but I dont want to pay £500 to tax it lmao

[Loyly]

You don't really do enough miles to benefit from a diesel, but if you are set on one then go for it. I am a big fan of the 123d. It's not exciting in the traditional sense of enjoyment but as a useful little commuter with loads of punch and a decent chassis I can see the appeal. I've done quite a few miles in a first generation 123d and despite the apparently meagre headline bhp figure, the ease with which it can deliver a sackload of punch is impressive and makes for a fantastic mid-pace overtaking machine.

[rdb85]

Loyly said:

You don't really do enough miles to benefit from a diesel, but if you are set on one then go for it. I am a big fan of the 123d. It's not exciting in the traditional sense of enjoyment but as a useful little commuter with loads of punch and a decent chassis I can see the appeal. I've done quite a few miles in a first generation 123d and despite the apparently meagre headline bhp figure, the ease with which it can deliver a sackload of punch is impressive and makes for a fantastic mid-pace overtaking machine.

That's true they do look good. Maybe better with a petrol or something other than a 1 series but still German

[ZX10R NIN]

Lol you really can't make up your mind can you, I see the budget has crept a bit.

If you want a diesel BMW then get yourself an Alpina D3 they have fantastic handling & with your budget you should be able to grab a BiTurbo version & they hold their money well.

Alpina D3 Saloon

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Alpina D3 Coupe

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...


Personally I'd go for 335i it's a very sweet steer with a good engine (although the intercooler on both the 1&3 are not good enough & really need to be changed for a more efficient one) and just a nicer place to be than a 135i imo.

335i M Sport Highline

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Or go for an M135i

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

135i Coupe

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[rdb85]

ZX10R NIN said:

Lol you really can't make up your mind can you, I see the budget has crept a bit.

If you want a diesel BMW then get yourself an Alpina D3 they have fantastic handling & with your budget you should be able to grab a BiTurbo version & they hold their money well.

Alpina D3 Saloon

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Alpina D3 Coupe

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...


Personally I'd go for 335i it's a very sweet steer with a good engine (although the intercooler on both the 1&3 are not good enough & really need to be changed for a more efficient one) and just a nicer place to be than a 135i imo.

335i M Sport Highline

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Or go for an M135i

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

135i Coupe

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

I know I will get there. Just need to find one that's not too far from my postcode L19 2RF. I like that 335i looks lovely as does that 135i

[DoubleD]

Does the 335i not have loads of reliability issues?

[Dolf Stoppard]

Why does the car have to be in your postcode? You're spending £15k - surely it's worth travelling for?

[rdb85]

Suppose so just nothing ridiculous. 80 miles would be okay. But it depends really on what's on offer.

[ZX10R NIN]

Do the right checks & ask the seller the right questions then travel to wherever it is then enjoy the drive home as you've got the right car rather than the one that was the closest. I've travelled all over the UK to get the right car & yes I've turned up to some lemons but when I've turned up to the right car my journey there becomes irrelevant.

[Funk]

MinuteMan said:

Don't get a diesel if you're only doing 12k miles a year, and an 8 mile daily commute. You won't see the benefits

Absolutely this.