320d M Sport or 120d M Sport

[Planman]

Coming up to a new company car choice. Thinking about a 120d M sport with some options or could probably just stretch to a 320d m sport with no options. Don't really need the space of the 3 series.

Whats going to the best drive and choice in the long term?

[blackspider]

Thats a tough one-for looks the 3 otherwise the one.they a both generally the same(not by looks).
What options can you opt for in your budget?

[Planman]

I was thinking satnav, leather, potentially xenon lights.

[wobert]

I've currently got a 120d Sport, and am trying to convince the missus to replace her current motor with a 320d M-Sport.

Main differences are:

1 series is 100kg lighter than the 3. This translates into slightly better acceleration, and better fuel economy.

1 series is tighter in the back in terms of room, but unless you are carrying 4 adults there shouldn't be too many problems. I've got two children aged 7 & 2, and they fit in fine. 90% of the time it's only me in the car.

1 series has a smaller boot, but TBH we can pack a weekend's gear in no problems.

1 series is deemed as being uglier, but at least it's distinctive, plus you can't see it from the inside!

Not sure about handling differences, as I've not driven a 320d saloon.

There are some great deals going at the mo, so you could probably add the leather & xenons without hitting the price.

HTH

Robert

[Dino D]

If you don't need the space and are not worried about depreciation then I'd say the 1.

I haven't driven it but it is certain to the more entertaining steer being lighter and smaller. I sat in one and it is snug inside, but in good way-feels like allot lower and sportier than the 3.

Get a stealth remap from DMS and you'll be smiling.

One thing-does the 1 have the same new generation engine as the new 3?

[CatherineJ]

We went through the same process recently.

I had the choice of a 120D M Sport with metallic, sun protection glass, leather and bluetooth or a 318i M Sport with Sun Protection Glass, 18" Alloys and Bluetooth.

I loved the 3 Series so much, even though it had the baby petrol engine and I wouldn't swap it for the world. So if you can run to a 320D M Sport I would say go for it.

[TSNsMrMe]

If you don't need the space, and sheer driving fun is high on the agenda...then the 120d M Sport is a no brainer.

Its an absolute hoot of a car and I wish I'd chosen one instead of an A4 1.9 TDi Avant Sport that I have. Cos' its s**t.

The 120d M Sport I drove had me laughing for 2 hours, and searching out roundabouts just for the hell of it. It's like a go kart on dizzy pills. However, I needed more space, although I now realise I could have got away with it.

If you want the comfort and flexibility though - then a 320d is certainly the one to go for.

[wobert]

Dino D said:

One thing-does the 1 have the same new generation engine as the new 3?

Yes, both have the same 163 bhp engine.