£6k German Saloon or Coupe

[SteveS Cup]

Hi All,

After wanting to change my slightly modified R53 MCS for some time now (put on hold as my gf and I got a house) I now need something more grown up and more comfortable for the slightly longer commute / getting older!

I have £6k to spend on something with a bit of comfort, half decent economy and more space. I'm not too fussed about performance but if it's an oil burner I'd like a bigger engined one! I'd like something that would give me 30mpg +. I still want something that looks nice and sporty though.

This is my current list...

E90 3 Series - love the saloon but I'm looking at a higher mileage car with the spec I'd want. I'd like an M Sport, ideally a 330d but maybe a 320si?

E46 3 Series - I'd get a nice one and I still think the coupe is gorgeous. But the interior is starting to look dated. I'd like a 330cd but I'd be happy with a 318ci!

CLK 320 CDI - never noticed them before in my price range but with the "AMG" styling they look nice, maybe a bit old man??

C320 CDI - I like them but they are a bit dated now?

E60 525d M Sport - probably high on mileage but is a touch over 100k miles an issue?

Is there anything else I should be considering? With this budget am I better off just getting the nicest E46 I can find or will a 140k mile e90 330d be bullet proof!?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Matt UK]

You list small petrol engines and larger diesels..,

Get a BMW straight-six 3.0 petrol. Lovely things to sit behind.

[fathomfive]

Surely any of those would be better in petrol form, especially if your economy bottom line is 30mpg?

[underphil]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

[User33678888]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Cabrios, saloons and estates all for similar money.

[User33678888]

underphil said:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Damn that looks good vhm compared to the BMW I posted..

[SteveS Cup]

In terms of the Vauxhall - I have looked at them and the Mondeos but I'd like something RWD as it seems more of a proper car.

A 330ci is what I've wanted since I bought a TT 8 years ago. I should of got one then and I should of got one a few years back instead of the Mini. But realistically I'm going to see 20mpg? 25mpg max?

[User33678888]

I doubt high 20's would be hard to achieve. Depends so much on your driving style. That Vauxhall won't get anywhere close to it's claimed figures if you drive it like a rental

[mike-r]

I get 32mpg average out of my 330ci, it's in the RR section if you fancy a look. What you consider dated TBH I consider 'classic BMW' which the newer interiors are seem to have missed. Anything after the E46/E39 doesn't feel anywhere near as ergonomic or as cosseting and leaves me a bit cold.

Mine's on 135k and still going strong, I intend on running it into the ground but I can't see it breaking down on me any time soon.

[TheLordJohn]

SteveS Cup said:

. But realistically I'm going to see 20mpg? 25mpg max?

You're way out. I sold my E36 M3 (Evo, so 6 speed) and averaged 29mpg all round throughout the course of ownership, which was a little over a year and around 10k miles.
It would easily get 33/34 at 75 on cruise control. And unlike any other car I've owned, 75 on the speedo was a true 75mph.

[wilbo83]

A 330ci should get the figures you desire. I have the same 3 litre straight six in my Z4 and my long term average is 32.8mpg. It really is a remarkable engine for balancing performance and economy.

[graham22]

You're not a million miles from what I want for my E90 330d, 86k but it's a SE rather than a M-Sport - the later point will save you a fair wedge and is worth consdering if you do decide the BMW options.

If you find it in the ads ignore the price, this is what it's up for on a friends forecourt, I'm happy to sell it privately for less & sort his commission or lack of.

[R36vw]

My missus has an r52 mcs and I' think I'm getting better mpg from my e90 330i. I average about 30-33mpg mixed driving and as much as 40-42mpg on a long run using cruise control. As said its worth looking at an S.E. You'll find the ride smoother but has all the power you need like the m, but you'll get one in budget too. Engines on these are superb.