520d Msport vs 320d Msport Coupe
Discussion
2 quite different cars but both good depending on your requirements. Both offer reasonable levels of performance and excellent economy (sub 8 seconds to 60 and 50 plus mpg for the 3).
The 3 series coupe looks great but only has room for four, the 5 is obviously a better car if you have a family or colleagues to transport about as it seats 5 in comfort.
The M-Sport is actually quite well specified. On the coupe for example you will get Xenons, sports seats, 18"s and lots of nice bits and bobs.
Ultimately it will come down to what you want/need from the car. Go and have a look/feel/drive of both. Neither is a duff choice.
The 3 series coupe looks great but only has room for four, the 5 is obviously a better car if you have a family or colleagues to transport about as it seats 5 in comfort.
The M-Sport is actually quite well specified. On the coupe for example you will get Xenons, sports seats, 18"s and lots of nice bits and bobs.
Ultimately it will come down to what you want/need from the car. Go and have a look/feel/drive of both. Neither is a duff choice.
They also do an editions pack for the 3 series 4 pots, where you get metallic, leather, bluetooth, nav (upgradeable to nav pro for £380) and the 18" wtcc wheels for £1000.
Adding this actually brings the lease price down!
You then have a really well specced car.
The 3 series is a much, much better car than the 5 series imho, unless you care what the neighbours see sat on your drive it is a no brainer.
I loved my 535d, but I prefer the 3 series to drive and strangley enough for comfort. I would not have another 5 series without the comfort seats.
Adding this actually brings the lease price down!
You then have a really well specced car.
The 3 series is a much, much better car than the 5 series imho, unless you care what the neighbours see sat on your drive it is a no brainer.
I loved my 535d, but I prefer the 3 series to drive and strangley enough for comfort. I would not have another 5 series without the comfort seats.
gizlaroc said:
They also do an editions pack for the 3 series 4 pots, where you get metallic, leather, bluetooth, nav (upgradeable to nav pro for £380) and the 18" wtcc wheels for £1000.
Adding this actually brings the lease price down!
You then have a really well specced car.
The 3 series is a much, much better car than the 5 series imho, unless you care what the neighbours see sat on your drive it is a no brainer.
I loved my 535d, but I prefer the 3 series to drive and strangley enough for comfort. I would not have another 5 series without the comfort seats.
Crikey!Adding this actually brings the lease price down!
You then have a really well specced car.
The 3 series is a much, much better car than the 5 series imho, unless you care what the neighbours see sat on your drive it is a no brainer.
I loved my 535d, but I prefer the 3 series to drive and strangley enough for comfort. I would not have another 5 series without the comfort seats.
I have the complete opposite opinion, 3 series is dreadful compared to the 5 series, check them both thoroughly before choosing
gizlaroc said:
They also do an editions pack for the 3 series 4 pots, where you get metallic, leather, bluetooth, nav (upgradeable to nav pro for £380) and the 18" wtcc wheels for £1000.
Adding this actually brings the lease price down!
You then have a really well specced car.
The 3 series is a much, much better car than the 5 series imho, unless you care what the neighbours see sat on your drive it is a no brainer.
I loved my 535d, but I prefer the 3 series to drive and strangley enough for comfort. I would not have another 5 series without the comfort seats.
This pack is for the three series SALOONS only - not the coupe. The O/P is asking which is better - a 520d M Sport Saloon or a 320d Coupe.Adding this actually brings the lease price down!
You then have a really well specced car.
The 3 series is a much, much better car than the 5 series imho, unless you care what the neighbours see sat on your drive it is a no brainer.
I loved my 535d, but I prefer the 3 series to drive and strangley enough for comfort. I would not have another 5 series without the comfort seats.
[TW]Fox said:
gizlaroc said:
The 3 series is a much, much better car than the 5 series imho
Errr how does 'no' sound? Even basic logic dictates a 3 Series is not a 'much much better car' than a 5 Series. Better suited for you, perhaps, but not a 'much, much better car'.
That is after all the only thing we can offer.
gizlaroc said:
[TW]Fox said:
gizlaroc said:
The 3 series is a much, much better car than the 5 series imho
Errr how does 'no' sound? Even basic logic dictates a 3 Series is not a 'much much better car' than a 5 Series. Better suited for you, perhaps, but not a 'much, much better car'.[TW]Fox said:
gizlaroc said:
[TW]Fox said:
gizlaroc said:
The 3 series is a much, much better car than the 5 series imho
Errr how does 'no' sound? Even basic logic dictates a 3 Series is not a 'much much better car' than a 5 Series. Better suited for you, perhaps, but not a 'much, much better car'.I had this choice and only really having the wife i went for the coupe the attention it gets!!all beit alot lower then standard.and shipping the parents around in the back, foot room in the back is the only issure i have had, oh that and dirty MAF
Edited by big_peaches on Monday 23 June 16:03
[TW]Fox said:
There is opinions and there is daft opinions, you can prefer the 3 but it's patently obvious it isnt a much much better car. It is a much much better car than an Astra, sure, but then pricing and build means thats only obvious..
Haha, why is my opinion daft?? I have owned a 535d and then a 335i, when I had to choose either a 520d or a 320d this time round I went for the 320d.
Main reasons are, the ride is a lot nicer, smoother and far more solid feeling and a lot less jarring, which also is the same in the cabin with the 3er feeling a lot more solid after you have done a few thousand miles, because the ride feels more composed the handling also feels alot better, combine this with the car being a bit smaller and when pressing on the 3er also feels alot more fun, the 535d used to skip about at the back on anything but snooker table flat corners, the 3 series definitely holds the road better.
Then there is the comfort, and this is the thing that surprised me most about the 3 series, the driving position is nicer and the seats are in a different league comfort wise, plus they also hold you in better too, quite simply the best seats I have had in a car, the 5 series comfort seats are also very nicer, but at £1300 they are also an expensive option. At least they improved the headrests on the LCI 5er.
As I say, only my opinion and it depends what you are looking for from your car, if you need the extra space the the 5 series is the one to have, but for someone who just wants the most fun car then I do think the 3 series coupe is hard to beat and the better car, if not quite the same image down the golf club.
gizlaroc said:
Haha, why is my opinion daft??
Becuase you are making blanket statements when you mean to say 'for my tastes' at the end.The 5 Series is higher in the range than the 3 Series, is more expensive, and is slightly better built. Whether its better for your needs is entirely debatable but its clear that the bottom of the BMW range is not 'much much much better' than the top of it.
I'd have the same issue if you said the 5 Series was a 'much much better car' than the 7 Series for example. For me, sure it is, I dont like the 7, but its hardly a 'much much better car' is it.
The 3 series is a 'much much better car' than a Vauxhall Vectra, not a BMW 5 Series.
Personally, I prefer the 5.
I've had a 335i Sport and have a 520d Sport on order (both Tourings). I prefer the looks, ride and extra space that the 5 offers. Frankly, I also think that, although the 5 M Sport is hardly a rare sight, it's less common than the 3. For me, the 5 oozes class and the 3 suggests 'middle manager'.
Also, I have to disagree about the seats in the 3 which, even with optional lumbar, I found distinctly average. I've spec'd comfort seats in the 5 for that very reason. My wife absolutely hated the 335 because of the ride and poor seats.
Spec for spec, I think the 5 is better equipped as well isn't it? 18" wheels and park distance are standard on the 5 but optional on the 3 are they not?
I've had a 335i Sport and have a 520d Sport on order (both Tourings). I prefer the looks, ride and extra space that the 5 offers. Frankly, I also think that, although the 5 M Sport is hardly a rare sight, it's less common than the 3. For me, the 5 oozes class and the 3 suggests 'middle manager'.
Also, I have to disagree about the seats in the 3 which, even with optional lumbar, I found distinctly average. I've spec'd comfort seats in the 5 for that very reason. My wife absolutely hated the 335 because of the ride and poor seats.
Spec for spec, I think the 5 is better equipped as well isn't it? 18" wheels and park distance are standard on the 5 but optional on the 3 are they not?
Interesting that a lot of people who are 'experienced' with previous 5's and 3's seem to have moved down from 535d/i's and 335d/i's to 520ds / 320ds.
Same for me - i'd an LCI 535d last year, and an e70 x5 - now in a 320d...
... is the fuel squeeze taking effect on engine sizes we go for?
Same for me - i'd an LCI 535d last year, and an e70 x5 - now in a 320d...
... is the fuel squeeze taking effect on engine sizes we go for?
Why did I go from a 335i to a 520d?
Fuel has nothing to do with it my case, nor the much hyped 'credit crunch'.
However, mine's a company car and the tax difference is huge - circa £200/month difference in tax alone on cars of similar value. Couple that with overcrowded roads and speed cameras and I simply couldn't justify the cost of the 335.
When I changed jobs, it was a useful opportunity to get rid of a car that was costing my a fortune, wasn't really big enough for the job, and my wife hated.
Don't get me wrong though, in the right circumstances, the 335i was brilliant....it's just that those circumstances hardly ever occurred and the car was so quick I was destined to lose my licence for a long time.
I'm saving enough by choosing a 520d M Sport Auto (over my 335i M Sport Manual) to fund a second hand Elise for the weekends. A no brainer in my book and, once the house is sorted, I'll be on the search for my weekend play thing.
Fuel has nothing to do with it my case, nor the much hyped 'credit crunch'.
However, mine's a company car and the tax difference is huge - circa £200/month difference in tax alone on cars of similar value. Couple that with overcrowded roads and speed cameras and I simply couldn't justify the cost of the 335.
When I changed jobs, it was a useful opportunity to get rid of a car that was costing my a fortune, wasn't really big enough for the job, and my wife hated.
Don't get me wrong though, in the right circumstances, the 335i was brilliant....it's just that those circumstances hardly ever occurred and the car was so quick I was destined to lose my licence for a long time.
I'm saving enough by choosing a 520d M Sport Auto (over my 335i M Sport Manual) to fund a second hand Elise for the weekends. A no brainer in my book and, once the house is sorted, I'll be on the search for my weekend play thing.
alfaspiderman2 said:
Why did I go from a 335i to a 520d?
Fuel has nothing to do with it my case, nor the much hyped 'credit crunch'.
However, mine's a company car and the tax difference is huge - circa £200/month difference in tax alone on cars of similar value. Couple that with overcrowded roads and speed cameras and I simply couldn't justify the cost of the 335.
When I changed jobs, it was a useful opportunity to get rid of a car that was costing my a fortune, wasn't really big enough for the job, and my wife hated.
Don't get me wrong though, in the right circumstances, the 335i was brilliant....it's just that those circumstances hardly ever occurred and the car was so quick I was destined to lose my licence for a long time.
I'm saving enough by choosing a 520d M Sport Auto (over my 335i M Sport Manual) to fund a second hand Elise for the weekends. A no brainer in my book and, once the house is sorted, I'll be on the search for my weekend play thing.
Yeah i must admit one of the reasons why i got rid of my 535d was that i only got to use the extra power 2% of the time - it spent the bulk of its time in 30's and 40's. In fairness i let the x5 go because i changed job roles and my fuel usage jumped from £100 a month to £500 a month of diesel. Which wears thin very quickly.Fuel has nothing to do with it my case, nor the much hyped 'credit crunch'.
However, mine's a company car and the tax difference is huge - circa £200/month difference in tax alone on cars of similar value. Couple that with overcrowded roads and speed cameras and I simply couldn't justify the cost of the 335.
When I changed jobs, it was a useful opportunity to get rid of a car that was costing my a fortune, wasn't really big enough for the job, and my wife hated.
Don't get me wrong though, in the right circumstances, the 335i was brilliant....it's just that those circumstances hardly ever occurred and the car was so quick I was destined to lose my licence for a long time.
I'm saving enough by choosing a 520d M Sport Auto (over my 335i M Sport Manual) to fund a second hand Elise for the weekends. A no brainer in my book and, once the house is sorted, I'll be on the search for my weekend play thing.
I bought an '05 e90 320 se in the meantime, but now i'm struggling to bring myself to buy anything else. Low monthly payments, easy on the fuel and with a tuning box on it, lots of get up and go.
Again, i'd be looking at a 520d m sport, or a a6 tdi (purely because the deals on them are stunningly good), but struggling to 'feel the love' to actually do it.
I've played with the idea of a weekend car, but my wife-to-be drives a 3.0Si Coupe z4, so i'm not sure i'd get the value. A local dealer has a westfield megabusa, or maybe a modded scooby STI. Dont know what to do.
Edited by pgilc1 on Tuesday 24th June 20:27
[TW]Fox said:
gizlaroc said:
Haha, why is my opinion daft??
Becuase you are making blanket statements when you mean to say 'for my tastes' at the end.The 5 Series is higher in the range than the 3 Series, is more expensive, and is slightly better built. Whether its better for your needs is entirely debatable but its clear that the bottom of the BMW range is not 'much much much better' than the top of it.
I'd have the same issue if you said the 5 Series was a 'much much better car' than the 7 Series for example. For me, sure it is, I dont like the 7, but its hardly a 'much much better car' is it.
The 3 series is a 'much much better car' than a Vauxhall Vectra, not a BMW 5 Series.
On a forum I don't think we have to put 'for my tatses' or 'in my humble opinion'. I would hope that most people would know it is one persons opinion, maybe we should all put 'I am not the head of BMW AG' at the end every time we give an opinion too. haha
Just to throw a little more fuel onto your fire, I am thinking of going back to a 1 series again, for me it was the best all round car I have owned. A real drivers car in a way most new BMWs aren't. As much fun as my CSL but completely useable on an everyday basis. And the fact you can pick up a 130i at a year old for pretty much half of list makes it an absolute steal!
It depends what you want from a car, I want something that is great fun to drive. I know others want something that shows others that you are 'middle management' but then that is why I always buy the touring and not the saloon, just see too many of them on the roads.
520d's are everywhere, I am seeing more of these than any other BMW at the moment, which is either testament just how good they are, or because they are one of the lease favourites because of they excellent monthly prices and superb BIK tax.
Agreed, I am absolutely smitten with the new 177bhp engine. I am seeing 40+ mpg round town and 50+ on a run sat at 90mph, and mine is an auto too. It has been tuned, to around 210bhp and the thing never fails to impress. The fact the BIK tax is low plus the amount of grunt on tap is plenty enough to make getting from A-B a breeze it is no wonder the 120d, 320d and 520d are so popular.
As an everyday work tool it is fantastic, just not the sort of engine to get you soul stirring. Which is why a 130i may be a better choice, but with fuel getting so pricey is it really worth it?
As an everyday work tool it is fantastic, just not the sort of engine to get you soul stirring. Which is why a 130i may be a better choice, but with fuel getting so pricey is it really worth it?
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