428i or 430D? Lux/Sport/M:Sport? X:Drive or not?

[AlmostUseful]

I’ve narrowed my new car search down to a 4 series coupe, and I’ve set myself an arbitrary £19k limit which can stretch marginally for the right car but I won’t go over £20k.

Looking at AUC cars only, and have a few to choose from. 64 plate onwards 428i M:sports, Luxuries, and Sports.
Also looking at 430D M:Sports, lux and Sports.

Firstly, on a day to day basis, which do you think would be more enjoyable to own? The 428i is quick enough for me, and is economical enough for my 30 mile each way commute - but I had an e91 330D that I adored so would it make sense to go to the 430D? I like that’s it’s faster, I loved the torque but I swore to myself that I’d get a petrol engine at the soonest possible time - no real reason other than I don’t like the diesel smell on my hand when filling up... I also have this perception that diesels are more complex and expensive to repair, but realistically a 245hp turbod 4 pot will be the same?

Then we get on to the spec. Luxury looks nice, my 330D was an SE and I liked it, Lux seems similar but I thought I’d fancy an M:sport. M:Sport on E91s was generally a bit crashy but the cars look better and have slightly higher spec. I fancy something that handles so could go for one, but then they do do a Sport and I can’t really see the spec difference - any pointers? As long as it has the sports seats with extended leg pads etc I’m happy with the interior.

Lastly, X-Drive appeals, but then I lose the M:Sport suspension and the handling benefits presumably? Is that a good thing? Adaptive suspension seems out of budget (based on typing adaptive into the AUC search bar!) so won’t be getting that.

I’ll have the car for about 3 years putting around 45-60k miles on it and Lux/SE or M:Sport with the X:drive all appeal on that basis, anybody driven the lot back to back to give a comparison?

Sorry for all the questions, but google doesn’t seem to be answering them all!

[PHlL]

428i is a 2.0 4 cylinder, 430d is a 3.0 6 cylinder. For me, I'd take the latter as a nicer engine IMO. You do enough miles to warrant the diesel as well.

M Sport definitely. Luxury residual values aren't as good, BMW don't even import that trim into the UK anymore it so sells so poorly.

M sport suspension is quite hard over our pot holey roads. With the 19" it crashs hard through the car and always makes an unnerving sound. If you could get a car with adaptive suspension I'd pick that, even if it went over budget slightly as a lot nice.

Couldn't really care about xDrive. Could take it or leave it. Wouldn't put me off a car, but wouldn't go out my way to find one with it. If it comes with it, nice to have. xDrive cars run 15mm higher too.

[AlmostUseful]

Cheers Phil, yes I know the 428 is only a 4cyl and it dies out me off - ideally I’d go 435 or 440 but it’s too much of a stretch! I don’t know why I’m looking at the to be honest but they’re right there. Appealing to me!

Probably will go 30D to be honest, just fancied the clean running of the Petrol.

I’ve seen a few with 18” wheels so will look for those over the 19’s, thanks. Probably forsake the Lux and X:drive then.

[helix402]

430d as it has the correct minimum No of cylinders for a BMW (bar E30 M3-even they are better with a 6).

[snake_oil]

Surely surely surely you'd find a couple of extra quid for a 6 pot petrol?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2018...

[snake_oil]

Also, check this out

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2018...

Private sale but comes with a service package. 15 plate too. Nom nom.

Adaptive suspension too.

[AlmostUseful]

snake_oil said:

Also, check this out

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2018...

Private sale but comes with a service package. 15 plate too. Nom nom.

Adaptive suspension too.

That’s beautiful, but even though none of us trust traders, I can’t see myself ever handing over 20 grand to a someone in a private sale!
How on earth can you do tha safely?

[AlmostUseful]

helix402 said:

430d as it has the correct minimum No of cylinders for a BMW (bar E30 M3-even they are better with a 6).

Let’s be honest, we all know you’re right.

[Mr Tidy]

AlmostUseful said:

helix402 said:

430d as it has the correct minimum No of cylinders for a BMW (bar E30 M3-even they are better with a 6).

Let’s be honest, we all know you’re right.

Definitely - my BMW Indy told me to stick to at least 6 cylinders, and ideally petrol! So I now have two straight 6 petrol BMWs, which is great!

[snake_oil]

AlmostUseful said:

That’s beautiful, but even though none of us trust traders, I can’t see myself ever handing over 20 grand to a someone in a private sale!
How on earth can you do tha safely?

Bank transfer. Don't see the problem myself.

[gizlaroc]

snake_oil said:

Bank transfer. Don't see the problem myself.

Me neither. Even better if financed, about as safe as you can get car buying.

Private buyers tend to pump their cars into trade when issues.

Finance companies won't be in on any scam.

Win, win.







I would take the 28i over the 30d, I love that engine. 40i can get a bit boring, the 28i is sweet, revs OK, sounds much nicer than the derv, and you have to work it a bit.

Drive them both and see what you think.

[AlmostUseful]

Presume you mean if I was paying off a finance company rather than the owner it would be safer still? That’s interesting, as is the thought that cars with problems would go into trade.

I absolutely won’t run it without an AUC Warranty so if it came with one, great, if not I’d need to get one from mondial and reprice car accordingly.

[gizlaroc]

AlmostUseful said:

Presume you mean if I was paying off a finance company rather than the owner it would be safer still? That’s interesting, as is the thought that cars with problems would go into trade.

I absolutely won’t run it without an AUC Warranty so if it came with one, great, if not I’d need to get one from mondial and reprice car accordingly.

Yeah, I always love it if at least some of the purchase price is finance.

As long as you are under 60k miles when you start warranty, also if you buy AUC, make sure you are not going to be over 60k when you want the warranty, ad it costs so much more, and then monthly so you don't get a price increase, yearly you will get asked mileage, go over 60k miles and bang, warranty price triples, on monthly it just keeps rolling over until you cancel.
So do the maths carefully.

[AlmostUseful]

That’s good to know, thanks. I’m looking at around 20-30k cars so assuming I can’t get a 2nd year added at purchase i’ll Be under the 60k when looking to continue with the warranty.

[Pioneer]

AlmostUseful said:

... I absolutely won’t run it without an AUC Warranty ...

The only reason I buy from main dealers is to get the manufacturer's warranty. No other added value at all. The actual cars themselves are meant to be prepped to BMW standard before being sold. Haha. I've had maybe 15+ BMWs via AUC todate. Running a F31 Sport, F10 MSport, F83CP and G12 MSport at the moment. I have a great story to tell but I need to wait a few weeks. If you find the right car from a private seller do your usual checks, pay your money and take a chance.