F30 330D or F10 530D? ??
Discussion
Looking for the pro and cons of 530Ds against 330Ds?
I have test drove the 330D but after looking it seems the 5 series 3 litre is the same price! Especially when some standard equipment is taken into account. I am going to test drive a 62 plate f10 m sport tomorrow. It has 45k mileage...
Maybe I can squeeze a f30 with the newer engine rather than the n47? Or will the timing chain stuff be fixed by 2012 anyway so making it a mute point? (Except for a little less torque / mpg?)
I have test drove the 330D but after looking it seems the 5 series 3 litre is the same price! Especially when some standard equipment is taken into account. I am going to test drive a 62 plate f10 m sport tomorrow. It has 45k mileage...
Maybe I can squeeze a f30 with the newer engine rather than the n47? Or will the timing chain stuff be fixed by 2012 anyway so making it a mute point? (Except for a little less torque / mpg?)
I would say 330d, but I also think that the 5er has a bit of an old man image. I also think that they tend to be a little less of a cruiser, should be cheaper to run, also. The 5er tends to feel better built, but I think that the 3 series has always been well built, and I prefer the size of the 3er for UK roads. Having driven an F30 I would say that they're a good size, but not too large. I feel much bigger could be annoying.
I would say that the following is a must:
Xenons,
Some sort of nav,
Upgraded audio,
Split folding seats,
Sport seats and suspension, if you're not looking at an 'M-Sport' model. They make all of the difference. They can also be optioned as electric with memory, and heated.
I know that this is all subjective. I would also try and buy from a dealer. The car will then come with a comprehensive warranty with the option to extend provided the car has done less than 60,000 miles. They also include breakdown cover for 12 months as part of the warranty, and this can also be extended.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
There's a nice looking 330d here, which has all of the above. Even comes as an approved used BMW. Looking at a 45k 62 plate 530d I came to a rough budget of £20,000. This falls into that budget, and with a bit of arm twisting, you may be able to get 2 years warranty thrown in.
I would say that the following is a must:
Xenons,
Some sort of nav,
Upgraded audio,
Split folding seats,
Sport seats and suspension, if you're not looking at an 'M-Sport' model. They make all of the difference. They can also be optioned as electric with memory, and heated.
I know that this is all subjective. I would also try and buy from a dealer. The car will then come with a comprehensive warranty with the option to extend provided the car has done less than 60,000 miles. They also include breakdown cover for 12 months as part of the warranty, and this can also be extended.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
There's a nice looking 330d here, which has all of the above. Even comes as an approved used BMW. Looking at a 45k 62 plate 530d I came to a rough budget of £20,000. This falls into that budget, and with a bit of arm twisting, you may be able to get 2 years warranty thrown in.
Edited by JakeT on Friday 6th October 21:44
The F10 is significantly better in build quality. Not as big as some think, in reality and certainly in terms of perception when driven.
As far as handling, the 3 is better in terms of ultimate performance handling, perhaps, but that is far outweighed by the better ride, comfort and quietness of the 5, IMO, after having owned both.
I doubt the running costs would be significantly different.
I'd never go back to a 3 series after owning an F10.
As far as handling, the 3 is better in terms of ultimate performance handling, perhaps, but that is far outweighed by the better ride, comfort and quietness of the 5, IMO, after having owned both.
I doubt the running costs would be significantly different.
I'd never go back to a 3 series after owning an F10.
So I test drove the 530d and didn't bother having another go at the 3 series because the 5 is superb and would suit the family needs too. It also comes close to the feel of a SUV size in the front which the Boss will ultimately be happy with.
It's a massive car when viewing close up from the outside and I actually felt a little intimidated when I sat in it because of its size. However, as soon as I drove it the car it seemed to shrink and felt the perfect size and easy to negotiate the UKs road!
It's a massive car when viewing close up from the outside and I actually felt a little intimidated when I sat in it because of its size. However, as soon as I drove it the car it seemed to shrink and felt the perfect size and easy to negotiate the UKs road!
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