F31 Petrol Touring - Thoughts Please
Discussion
Hello all,
We are considering looking for a 3 series touring. Mileage and opinions here dictate we are avoiding diesel options and we will have a budget of around £17k. I'm seeing the occasional 2017 330i popping up in our price bracket, but I suspect we may end up settling for the 320i.
Is there anything we should be aware of when looking? Quirks/weak points/must have options?
Our overall criteria doesn't only state 3 series touring. We have two greyhounds and two kids, but my wife likes small cars. So this is intended to be her car which therefore should be as small as it can be to accommodate the four humans & two dogs. 5 series is too big, Mini probably a little too small. Volvo V40 too small, V60 too big. Golf estate would do it but I think it is a little bland. A4 is bigger than the F31. If you have other suggestions please shout, but we are hoping for an estate not an SUV, and as stated, not diesel.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts - thank you all!
We are considering looking for a 3 series touring. Mileage and opinions here dictate we are avoiding diesel options and we will have a budget of around £17k. I'm seeing the occasional 2017 330i popping up in our price bracket, but I suspect we may end up settling for the 320i.
Is there anything we should be aware of when looking? Quirks/weak points/must have options?
Our overall criteria doesn't only state 3 series touring. We have two greyhounds and two kids, but my wife likes small cars. So this is intended to be her car which therefore should be as small as it can be to accommodate the four humans & two dogs. 5 series is too big, Mini probably a little too small. Volvo V40 too small, V60 too big. Golf estate would do it but I think it is a little bland. A4 is bigger than the F31. If you have other suggestions please shout, but we are hoping for an estate not an SUV, and as stated, not diesel.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts - thank you all!
Not a poke at you but I wonder if splashing out 17k why not get the car you want, if it meant adding a few extra K, and on the other side of the transaction perhaps the "better" model might be easier to sell/depreciate less, meaning overall cost difference is marginal.
You're a long time dead, so why settle.
Edit, sorry, must admit I didn't read your whole message just the word settle. I don't know anything about the f31 but if HUD is an option its great, and six pot n55 or b58 are really good engines.
You're a long time dead, so why settle.
Edit, sorry, must admit I didn't read your whole message just the word settle. I don't know anything about the f31 but if HUD is an option its great, and six pot n55 or b58 are really good engines.
Edited by bmwmike on Thursday 11th March 15:17
Agreed, I don't want to settle, but you get a much younger 320i than 330i. I wondered if someone was going to say it is just a turbo swap and a map to convert, as I understand both options are 2.0 4 bangers. I think you need to go 340i to get to the 6 pot? Or maybe the older 335i?
From a purely selfish point of view this will be primarily my wifes car. I have an old Legnum VR4 as my "practical" car and a 5.0 supercharged V8 XJ as my comfortable cruiser. I'm not suffering for power on my drive! My wife will be more concerned with MPG than 0-60, and more concerned with young/reliable rather than older and higher spec. However, I will drive it sometimes, hence keeping my eyes open for the 330 option.
From a purely selfish point of view this will be primarily my wifes car. I have an old Legnum VR4 as my "practical" car and a 5.0 supercharged V8 XJ as my comfortable cruiser. I'm not suffering for power on my drive! My wife will be more concerned with MPG than 0-60, and more concerned with young/reliable rather than older and higher spec. However, I will drive it sometimes, hence keeping my eyes open for the 330 option.
A F31 touring is a great choice. It’s very practical and yet it does feel small, probably because isn’t too wide, so easy around town and parking etc. It surprised me.
I drove several loaner 320is circa 2014-2015 and they were woeful. But I believe same time the 328i became 330i it got a newer engine and assuming that’s the one carried over to next (current generation) it’s a lot better. Mpg and performance.
I drove several loaner 320is circa 2014-2015 and they were woeful. But I believe same time the 328i became 330i it got a newer engine and assuming that’s the one carried over to next (current generation) it’s a lot better. Mpg and performance.
I had a 2014 3281 F31 and loved it but sold it when I moved back to the UK and I was recently looking for something similar to replace it but was also looking at 330d / 335d, then I discovered x Drive, which changes things.
However, the 328i F31 I had was very well specified, Sportline, pan roof, loads of electronics not normally seen on English F31's, (electric seats, height and heating, HUD, 360' cameras, lane control and departure warning, pedestrian collision braking, etc), but it also had the adaptive suspension. Holy cow, if you can find a car with that option, you must check it out, its amazingly good when switching from Comfort to Sports, they really make the car come alive.
The car was roomy enough (we came from a Mondeo, so were used to more cabin space) but with 2 adults, 2 kids and a bootfull of stuff, it did several long road trips very well, it's also super easy to park in crowded car parks with small spaces. Economical too, perfectly reliable, just a lovely thing to drive all the time. It was also cheaper to run than the Mondeo. I was really, really very happy with it.
When we moved back here, the 3 wagons we looked at were all much lower spec, and just didn't tick the boxes, but I did come close to getting an x Drive 320d and getting it remapped, I drove one and was very impressed.
All in all, I'm sure I'll have another 3 Tourer one day. Or maybe an 135i after the kids have moved out...
However, the 328i F31 I had was very well specified, Sportline, pan roof, loads of electronics not normally seen on English F31's, (electric seats, height and heating, HUD, 360' cameras, lane control and departure warning, pedestrian collision braking, etc), but it also had the adaptive suspension. Holy cow, if you can find a car with that option, you must check it out, its amazingly good when switching from Comfort to Sports, they really make the car come alive.
The car was roomy enough (we came from a Mondeo, so were used to more cabin space) but with 2 adults, 2 kids and a bootfull of stuff, it did several long road trips very well, it's also super easy to park in crowded car parks with small spaces. Economical too, perfectly reliable, just a lovely thing to drive all the time. It was also cheaper to run than the Mondeo. I was really, really very happy with it.
When we moved back here, the 3 wagons we looked at were all much lower spec, and just didn't tick the boxes, but I did come close to getting an x Drive 320d and getting it remapped, I drove one and was very impressed.
All in all, I'm sure I'll have another 3 Tourer one day. Or maybe an 135i after the kids have moved out...
In a very similar position, I purchased a 2018 320i touring for the mrs last year as our longer distance car.
Previously I had a 520d touring company car, but, I prefer the drive of the 3 series, just feels a bit more dynamic and less nose heavy.
sure a 330i would be more exciting, but it’s plenty quick enough and I really like it.
Previously I had a 520d touring company car, but, I prefer the drive of the 3 series, just feels a bit more dynamic and less nose heavy.
sure a 330i would be more exciting, but it’s plenty quick enough and I really like it.
330i and 335/340i are much much rarer than the 320i so if you aren't bothered about performance then you'll have a wider choice. I've done a bit of research on the older engines 320/328 and the newer 320/330i in the past, and I seem to recall the later ones are more reliable - think there were timing chain, cooling system and oil leak issues on the earlier engine (N20?)
I'm coming from a Golf R estate which went back at the end of it's lease in February.
I should pick up my 330i Touring tomorrow so will let you know my thoughts, definitely go for a 320i or 330i from 2015 onwards as they will come with the B48 engine which is an improvement on the N20 in pre LCI cars.
I managed to get one for under £16k so just need to keep your eyes peeled. I did look at the option of remapping a 320i but it's not like they were much cheaper.
I should pick up my 330i Touring tomorrow so will let you know my thoughts, definitely go for a 320i or 330i from 2015 onwards as they will come with the B48 engine which is an improvement on the N20 in pre LCI cars.
I managed to get one for under £16k so just need to keep your eyes peeled. I did look at the option of remapping a 320i but it's not like they were much cheaper.
Good input, thanks for all for your thoughts.
I agree it will be tight for two greyhounds, but the point for this car is that it is achievable - I will have the larger cars for more space in the back. Maybe we should try and find one we are able to stick the dogs in before we buy. If anyone has one, I'd love to know the height floor to ceiling and the length/width at the parcel shelf height.
We are replacing a 2015 Mazda 3, so we want to keep it younger than that - I'm sure it will be the newer engine, but thanks for the heads up.
I notice no-one is suggesting other makes, so I guess the F31 is at least a decent car!
I agree it will be tight for two greyhounds, but the point for this car is that it is achievable - I will have the larger cars for more space in the back. Maybe we should try and find one we are able to stick the dogs in before we buy. If anyone has one, I'd love to know the height floor to ceiling and the length/width at the parcel shelf height.
We are replacing a 2015 Mazda 3, so we want to keep it younger than that - I'm sure it will be the newer engine, but thanks for the heads up.
I notice no-one is suggesting other makes, so I guess the F31 is at least a decent car!
Sorry for the extra reply, but I just spotted a post on this thread that helps answer my own question:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
By Timberwold near the bottom of the page.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
By Timberwold near the bottom of the page.
Spleen said:
3 Series Touring boot really isn’t that big, two greyhounds is pushing it a bit.
Interestingly enough, I have recently purchased an F31 330d for my greyhound. He is a bit taller and longer than the average greyhound but he can just about stand up in the boot, I don't think two would fit if I'm honest. If you have any questions about greyhounds and F31's I am happy to answer! SlowStig said:
Spleen said:
3 Series Touring boot really isn’t that big, two greyhounds is pushing it a bit.
Interestingly enough, I have recently purchased an F31 330d for my greyhound. He is a bit taller and longer than the average greyhound but he can just about stand up in the boot, I don't think two would fit if I'm honest. If you have any questions about greyhounds and F31's I am happy to answer! SlowStig said:
Interestingly enough, I have recently purchased an F31 330d for my greyhound. He is a bit taller and longer than the average greyhound but he can just about stand up in the boot, I don't think two would fit if I'm honest. If you have any questions about greyhounds and F31's I am happy to answer!
Interesting! Ours are 24 and 29 kg, so not that big. Would you mind measuring length, depth and height of your boot for me? Whilst my Legnum was bigger than a 3 series of it's day (1998) it is probably not any bigger than an F31, so I'd be interested to make a comparison. They do fit in the Legnum - the Mazda 3 is only a hatch so one is a squeeze, and I would have to engage in animal cruelty to get them in the boot of the XJ. The Legnum is our only option at the moment.Also, appreciate yours is an oil burner, but how do you feel about the car?
Legnum Nick said:
Interesting! Ours are 24 and 29 kg, so not that big. Would you mind measuring length, depth and height of your boot for me? Whilst my Legnum was bigger than a 3 series of it's day (1998) it is probably not any bigger than an F31, so I'd be interested to make a comparison. They do fit in the Legnum - the Mazda 3 is only a hatch so one is a squeeze, and I would have to engage in animal cruelty to get them in the boot of the XJ. The Legnum is our only option at the moment.
Also, appreciate yours is an oil burner, but how do you feel about the car?
My greyhound is 35kg and about 3ft by 4ft (or so it feels like). Happy to measure the boot, they come with a built in dog guard as well, which is handy if you don't have a crate to put the dog in.Also, appreciate yours is an oil burner, but how do you feel about the car?
I have put maybe 1k on mine so far, coming from a td5 disco so I am easily pleased. However, I genuinely think its a brilliant allrounder. Mine has xdrive and some nice features like radar cruise, adaptive suspension, heated steering wheel etc. I use it mostly in comfort and eco mode so the dog doesn't get thrown around in the back and its more comfortable for driving around day to day.
I was torn between getting a petrol or diesel, however I found that I couldn't get anything remotely nice as an approved petrol at the time other than 320i and I wanted xdrive which limited me from any of the fun engines. This was the best compromise, 260bhp, 0-60 in 5.4 seconds or something ridiculous like that, from a diesel estate which will do 40-50mpg, it doesn't sound as good but the sound deadening makes it hard to hear any diesel clatter (the 6 pots are very smooth) and the amount of torque makes up for it.
Build quality seems pretty good, no squeaks or rattles, the ZF8 is a fantastic gearbox so nice and smooth changes through the gears and easy to use around town. I am honestly trying to think of things which I don't like but its so comfy and nice to drive compared to my cars of the last few years, I am struggling to find fault! Beware of the £40k bonus tax, if the car you are looking at cost over 40k new and less than 5 years old, you have an extra £325 to pay per year until the car is 5 years old. I was not aware and even after asking the dealer who confirmed the tax was only £150 per year, I was slightly annoyed that I had to pay it.
I think my main gripe was the buying experience, as the main dealer didn't seem to care, so the car came with quite a few faults that imo, should have been sorted prior to sale. Even after a few months it still has problems that are being solved by my local dealer now, nothing major but stuff a 3 year old car shouldn't really be suffering from after going through an AUC check.
My parents have an F31 320d X-drive, 15 plate I think, and they've been pretty happy with it. It does look good, and it's got a panoramic roof and light-coloured interior, so it feels nice and airy inside.
The X-drive aspect does however sound a bit questionable, and it might even be worth avoiding. The turning circle is apparently noticeably poor compared to their previous E46, and with 18" summer tyres it's still a bit rubbish in snowy conditions. RWD+winter tyres sounds like it might be a better tradeoff? (I won't try to second-guess anybody else's situation though. I bet X-drive and winter tyres works very well.)
The X-drive aspect does however sound a bit questionable, and it might even be worth avoiding. The turning circle is apparently noticeably poor compared to their previous E46, and with 18" summer tyres it's still a bit rubbish in snowy conditions. RWD+winter tyres sounds like it might be a better tradeoff? (I won't try to second-guess anybody else's situation though. I bet X-drive and winter tyres works very well.)
SlowStig said:
My greyhound is 35kg and about 3ft by 4ft (or so it feels like). Happy to measure the boot, they come with a built in dog guard as well, which is handy if you don't have a crate to put the dog in.
An idea of dimensions would be awesome if you don't mind. The lurgy is kind of getting in the way of just visiting showrooms and working it all out first hand. We don't use crates - we haven't had the dogs long but they have been kennelled together for over three years and are happy to be in close proximity. Our commute is about 20 miles but not particularly DPF friendly - plus my wife has more of an issue with particulates in the air than I do (and I have am not a fan) so the diesel is off the table for us. I suspect a 340 is a step too far for what my wife will be happy with though, so a 330 seems to be what we are looking for. No rush - we have a Mazda 3 to sell first and want to try and get good money for that. The XJ has a ZF 8 speed box and I have no issues with that - however it is roughly double the power/torque of the 330i which will give a slightly different experience I'm sure.
With regard to X-Drive, I'm not convinced that we will pay significantly extra for it but if two identical (& identical price) cars turned up and one had it we'd choose it. We use winter tyres on the Legnum and the Mazda so I'm sure winter tyres would make an appearance on whatever my wife's next car turns out to be. I used to say the same as most people - we have no need for winter tyres in the UK - however when you do some reading and then experience them I think it becomes a sensible investment from a grip, confidence, safety point of view. And it's not like you can wear out your summer tyres at the same time as your winter tyres!
All these thoughts and comments from everyone are greatly appreciated though - I have to say everyone is being friendly and helpful at the moment - is it because I am new?!
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