E39 530 / ST220 / X type 3.0
Discussion
Looking to change my daily driver for a cheap barge.
Out of the three what would you choose? Or recommend
Bearing in mind I also drive a e46 m3 at the weekend so worried the e39 bmw would feel similar and make the m3 almost redundant.
Also don't want to use the m3 as the daily as my job sometimes involves going to building sites.
Out of the three what would you choose? Or recommend
Bearing in mind I also drive a e46 m3 at the weekend so worried the e39 bmw would feel similar and make the m3 almost redundant.
Also don't want to use the m3 as the daily as my job sometimes involves going to building sites.
colinrob said:
I have an E39 540 fantastic car, bought an E46 M3 as weekend car sold it after 6 weeks as to similar bought a TVR Tuscan instead completely different, no help I know but the E39's are fantastic cars
This is what I can see happening, and want to avoid, as I have put a lot of ££ into the m3. danzman1991 said:
I think realistically you may struggle with 30mpg from each one of those three options...
If my E39 M5 can achieve 25mpg, then I'm pretty confident that a 530 coukd achieve 30 plus mpg. However, it is probably better to get something totally different to your fun cars if you think they will be similar.I'd rule out the Jag just because I think they're cack 
Overall I'd go for the E39 - BUT, 30mpg is pushing it. I've done 20k in mine over the last 18 months and have averaged around 25mpg. That's a fair mix of town, country & motorway.
The Mondeo is a cracking car, am considering an estate version of the ST220 for my wife. But they do lack the driving dynamics of the BMW.
With respect to taking away how special the M3 feels: get an auto. They're superb cars, nice smooth box and the 530i isn't a slow car. BUT, the M3 is still something a bit special and unless you spend 5k on mods for a 530i it just won't feel that way to drive.
In short: buy the E39. Or the Mondeo. Or possibly the Jag. But just make sure you buy the BMW in the end.
Overall I'd go for the E39 - BUT, 30mpg is pushing it. I've done 20k in mine over the last 18 months and have averaged around 25mpg. That's a fair mix of town, country & motorway.
The Mondeo is a cracking car, am considering an estate version of the ST220 for my wife. But they do lack the driving dynamics of the BMW.
With respect to taking away how special the M3 feels: get an auto. They're superb cars, nice smooth box and the 530i isn't a slow car. BUT, the M3 is still something a bit special and unless you spend 5k on mods for a 530i it just won't feel that way to drive.
In short: buy the E39. Or the Mondeo. Or possibly the Jag. But just make sure you buy the BMW in the end.
I drive an ST220 estate and have looked at the other 2 for possible buys...
My conclusion... The ST220 ~(obvs as I own it) but here is why...
The Jag...
Not really the right image and too small for me (it's a lot smaller than the mondy) and you also have to pay more for equivalent condition car, although they are a very nice place to be. Same engine as the ST220 (albeit with slightly more power) which I get around 26mpg average.
The 5er
Nice, but repairs and maintainence are more expensive - they're also rare as a manual, especially with the sport bodykit. Once you spec it up to match the ST, the cost of an equivalent again is quite a lot more.
Ultimately the Mondy offered the best VFM and I also like the rarity value of them (there are less than 500 estates on the road).
On a run, at 70mph I can get 32mpg. Around town I get 24. Average 26mog
My conclusion... The ST220 ~(obvs as I own it) but here is why...
The Jag...
Not really the right image and too small for me (it's a lot smaller than the mondy) and you also have to pay more for equivalent condition car, although they are a very nice place to be. Same engine as the ST220 (albeit with slightly more power) which I get around 26mpg average.
The 5er
Nice, but repairs and maintainence are more expensive - they're also rare as a manual, especially with the sport bodykit. Once you spec it up to match the ST, the cost of an equivalent again is quite a lot more.
Ultimately the Mondy offered the best VFM and I also like the rarity value of them (there are less than 500 estates on the road).
On a run, at 70mph I can get 32mpg. Around town I get 24. Average 26mog
TheBALDpuma said:
Ultimately the Mondy offered the best VFM and I also like the rarity value of them (there are less than 500 estates on the road).
500? That common? 
I've a mk4 2.5T Estate. Roughly 140 of them, quicker (much quicker if remapped) and better mpg than the ST220.
Darn sight bigger and heaver though.
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