330d or 330i advice - used or new?

[philmo999]

I am finally giving back my 520d after a long lease, and loved the car. Looking for a change.

Tried a 320d m series touring for a week a few years ago, and really liked it.

My concern is reliability and hassle with service costs.

I would like to move away from a lease and consider buying something maybe 3 years or so old with maybe 25k tops on the clock.
My concern is not buying a money pit, I know dealer service costs are very high and i have been stung before (with and old 320i).

For piece of mind would I just be better of leasing a new car ?

On the car front is there much give between the 330 diesel vs petrol, I know economy is king with the D but as I do around 12k per year might I be better off with the petrol in terms of driving enjoyment ?

Sorry if this is all a bit vague - but just trying to avoid any car stress.

[curvature]

I got rid of my F31 330d Touring just about a year ago and swapped for a 640d GC.

The 330d averaged 42mpg for the 3 years that I owned it. Best I would get is 50+ on a slow long run.

If you buy a 3 year old car the servicing is cheaper at main dealers. BMW want to keep the older cars coming back so give some help in that way. Plus at 3 years old somebody else has taken a big hit on depreciation.

Mine ended up costing me £11k over 3 years and 70k miles plus servicing, tyres and fuel.

In contrast I reckon I'll lose about £14k on the 640 and servicing is about 30% dearer.

On 12k miles I think I would stick with petrol.

Not sure if that helps?

[philmo999]

Your comment on fuel type is a good one - thinking about it petrol might be more sensible.

Whilst by 520d was with the dealer last week I had a 220i for a few days, was good fund and really smooth.

Would miss the torque of a diesel but maybe ready for a bit more refinement.

Thanks for the help.

I also note some dealers offer service packs, but maybe that is for newer cars.

Just want security, my lease with service provided that but that - but at a cost.

[Smuler]

I’d go 340i @ that mileage and budget.
B58 is a great engine, I have a 4 year old 340i and no problems. I only hear of an oil filter breaking up issue.
The 340i will give you driving pleasure.
I’ve never enjoyed the 4 cylinders that much.
Wouldn’t put my own money into a diesel for fear of more restrictions in three green obsessed years ahead.

[philmo999]

If you don't mind me asking did you purchase yours from a BMW dealer, and did you take up an service packs to cover any exposure.

Or do you just deal with what comes your way.

Local dealer with my 520d has been fine, but then its leased and has a service contract so I'm not exposed.

Some years back for a 320i I used to get some really horrible bills from the dealer....