Which BMW would suit my needs best?

[Hoink]

Hi all,

Thanks for reading and I apologise for (yet another) what car.

Now that I am approaching my mid 30's, I fancy settling down in something more mature and the BMW has caught my eye. I tend to drive about 9,000 miles per year of which is a mixture of being stuck in traffic jams (40 mins each way to work) and twice a week down the dual carriageway (10 miles each way).

I do like the shape of the 3 series and I prefer the engine to have a bit of pull. I'm guessing that the petrol would be the more sensible option due to my annual mileage and the type of driving I do.

Sadly, my budget is an issue and I would have a maximum of £12,500 to play with but it can't cost more than my MX5 to run (no M badge for me).

What would you recommend?

Thanks for any help.

[Fox-]

You need a 330i.

[cheddar]

Fox- said:

You need a 330d.

Fixed.

Or 123d Coupe

Mapping is your friend.

[Fox-]

Why bother with a diesel? He doesnt need it for his mileage and can take advantage of the lower prices of the lovely, smooth straight six petrol.

A 4 cylinder 1 Series doesnt compare.

I have just noticed he wants it to cost no more than his MX5 to run. This is a tall order regardless of his fuel type. The fact is that a BMW will cost more to run than an MX5. It will break more, cost more when it does break, cost more to put tyres on, cost more to service, and so on.

[cheddar]

Fox- said:

Why bother with a diesel? He doesnt need it for his mileage and can take advantage of the lower prices of the lovely, smooth straight six petrol.

A 4 cylinder 1 Series doesnt compare.

I have just noticed he wants it to cost no more than his MX5 to run. This is a tall order regardless of his fuel type. The fact is that a BMW will cost more to run than an MX5. It will break more, cost more when it does break, cost more to put tyres on, cost more to service, and so on.

All good points but a 1 series Coupe looks so much cooler, lacks the ubiquity of the 3 series and will punch out 250bhp/350+lbft torque which translates into an absolute hoot.

330i is a fine car but I'd soon get bored.

[Kong]

cheddar said:

Fox- said:

Why bother with a diesel? He doesnt need it for his mileage and can take advantage of the lower prices of the lovely, smooth straight six petrol.

A 4 cylinder 1 Series doesnt compare.

I have just noticed he wants it to cost no more than his MX5 to run. This is a tall order regardless of his fuel type. The fact is that a BMW will cost more to run than an MX5. It will break more, cost more when it does break, cost more to put tyres on, cost more to service, and so on.

All good points but a 1 series Coupe looks so much cooler, lacks the ubiquity of the 3 series and will punch out 250bhp/350+lbft torque which translates into an absolute hoot.

330i is a fine car but I'd soon get bored.

Why would you get bored of a 330i but not a 123d? The 330i has a smooth 6 cylinder engine which still has more power than the (rattly four pot) mapped 123d - then when you do map it you run the risk of reliability/warranty problems.

An E92 330i M-Sport is also a MUCH better looking car than the 1 Coupe, yes it's common but it's very nicely proportioned. The 1 looks too much like a shoe.

Most importantly at 9,000 miles a year the OP doesnt need a diesel. Although as an overall ownership proposition theres not way ANY BMW will be cheaper to run than an MX5.

[Fox-]

I wouldnt want a £12k E92 330i M Sport. I was thinking more along the lines of an E90 at this sort of money.

[Kong]

Fox- said:

I wouldnt want a £12k E92 330i M Sport. I was thinking more along the lines of an E90 at this sort of money.

Would you buy an E90?

[Fox-]

Kong said:

Would you buy an E90?

No, but then I bailed on the E92 after 3 months so this is strictly a 'Do as I say not as I do' situation

[Hoink]

Thanks for the debate everyone, I am following with interest...and looking at Auto Trader at the same time as all the model numbers always throw me.

I appreciate that the BMW will probably cost more to run than the MX5 (I just don't want to bankrupt myself). Once I decide on a model, with the help of you all, I will then see if the sums add up to justify buying it.

[louiebaby]

If you're going to be stuck in traffic in anything, wouldn't you want to be in the most comfort you can, with a beautiful ambiance.

£5k should put you in something E38 shaped with Comfort Seats and lots of toys, shouldn't it? Use the change for a fighting and petrol fund.

This might not be the best solution for you, mind. What else do you use your car for? Do you need to carry more than yourself regularly? Do you need to carry bikes on the roof, etc etc...

BMW do such a large range now, you could get a pretty nice Z4 Coupe for the money too...

[Kong]

Personally id buy one of these:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3824135.htm

All the car you ever need, looks great, sounds great, will do 155mph, decent mpg and very reliable even by BMW standards. That leaves you £6,500 towards clearing the mortgage

[Hoink]

Kong said:

Personally id buy one of these:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3824135.htm

All the car you ever need, looks great, sounds great, will do 155mph, decent mpg and very reliable even by BMW standards. That leaves you £6,500 towards clearing the mortgage

That is nice, and would fit the golf clubs in better than my current car. And you guessed it...the mortgage is behind the price limit!

[Fox-]

If you are happy with something a bit older that 330Ci does make a heck of a lot of sense. Great cars.

[Hoink]

Thanks everyone, much appreciated.

Age isn't really an issue for me. It is quite a comfort having some money left in the bank incase something needs fixing!