3 or 5 series?
Discussion
Good evening all!
If a new job comes off I’ll be looking at a car allowance which would probably mean I’d be looking for a new car. I’ve always liked BMW 3s and 5s, especially as an estate.
I’ve been in vans for the last several years with work so I’m completely clueless as to what would be the best thing to go for? I’m looking for some performance but as it’s also going to be a working vehicle I’ll be needing some economy.
Budget would ideally be around £10k .
Thanks for reading!
If a new job comes off I’ll be looking at a car allowance which would probably mean I’d be looking for a new car. I’ve always liked BMW 3s and 5s, especially as an estate.
I’ve been in vans for the last several years with work so I’m completely clueless as to what would be the best thing to go for? I’m looking for some performance but as it’s also going to be a working vehicle I’ll be needing some economy.
Budget would ideally be around £10k .
Thanks for reading!
Both are great and you won’t be disappointed. However for £10k I’d be looking at something with less then 15k miles per year, low ownership and a full BMW or Specialist History.
To get the most for your money unfortunately I’d rule out the M Sport Models and Touring / Estates. You are therefore looking at either a 320d or 520d SE.
To get the most for your money unfortunately I’d rule out the M Sport Models and Touring / Estates. You are therefore looking at either a 320d or 520d SE.
Rob 131 Sport said:
Both are great and you won’t be disappointed. However for £10k I’d be looking at something with less then 15k miles per year, low ownership and a full BMW or Specialist History.
To get the most for your money unfortunately I’d rule out the M Sport Models and Touring / Estates. You are therefore looking at either a 320d or 520d SE.
I’ve noticed saloons are better value for money and to be honest if push came to shove I could do without the EstateTo get the most for your money unfortunately I’d rule out the M Sport Models and Touring / Estates. You are therefore looking at either a 320d or 520d SE.
Gandoolie said:
Rob 131 Sport said:
Both are great and you won’t be disappointed. However for £10k I’d be looking at something with less then 15k miles per year, low ownership and a full BMW or Specialist History.
To get the most for your money unfortunately I’d rule out the M Sport Models and Touring / Estates. You are therefore looking at either a 320d or 520d SE.
I’ve noticed saloons are better value for money and to be honest if push came to shove I could do without the EstateTo get the most for your money unfortunately I’d rule out the M Sport Models and Touring / Estates. You are therefore looking at either a 320d or 520d SE.
Do the 20d's still have timing chain issues?
Out of principle I'd go for a 530d touring. They have the right number of cylinders, a big boot, strong residues, and I've had 2 in a row.
Probably the best cars I've ever owned.
M-Sport vs SE, I always go for SE's, I feel that they ride better.
M-Sports do look nicer and have stronger residuals though.
Out of principle I'd go for a 530d touring. They have the right number of cylinders, a big boot, strong residues, and I've had 2 in a row.
Probably the best cars I've ever owned.
M-Sport vs SE, I always go for SE's, I feel that they ride better.
M-Sports do look nicer and have stronger residuals though.
SteveR1979 said:
Do the 20d's still have timing chain issues?
Out of principle I'd go for a 530d touring. They have the right number of cylinders, a big boot, strong residues, and I've had 2 in a row.
Probably the best cars I've ever owned.
M-Sport vs SE, I always go for SE's, I feel that they ride better.
M-Sports do look nicer and have stronger residuals though.
What kind of economy are you getting from the 530?Out of principle I'd go for a 530d touring. They have the right number of cylinders, a big boot, strong residues, and I've had 2 in a row.
Probably the best cars I've ever owned.
M-Sport vs SE, I always go for SE's, I feel that they ride better.
M-Sports do look nicer and have stronger residuals though.
Alpina D3 is a good car.
I tend to stick with 5 series, had a couple of 3 series and they were too small in the back (E91).
Currently got a 520d M-Sport estate (F11) and it's a great car, comfy, looks ok for an estate, nav system is good, plenty of space and it's not too big to park in town.
I tend to stick with 5 series, had a couple of 3 series and they were too small in the back (E91).
Currently got a 520d M-Sport estate (F11) and it's a great car, comfy, looks ok for an estate, nav system is good, plenty of space and it's not too big to park in town.
I had "Modern" trim on my 3 series Touring. It had the side wall on the tyres to make it comfy but also had all the high spec inside (Pro Nav, better leather, tinted windows etc). It doesn't carry the cost of M-Sport but has most of the benefits. Steering wheel looked a bit crap though in comparison.
As someone else mentioned above, if you do a lot of town driving then a 3 series else a 5 series. The 5 is hands down better quality and refinement but so big. We had a 520d M Sport Tourer new in 2016 and it was very nice, also fitted with the more reliable B47 engine from 2014 and not the N47 my old E92 320d had.
un1eash said:
As someone else mentioned above, if you do a lot of town driving then a 3 series else a 5 series. The 5 is hands down better quality and refinement but so big. We had a 520d M Sport Tourer new in 2016 and it was very nice, also fitted with the more reliable B47 engine from 2014 and not the N47 my old E92 320d had.
I think it’s probably going to be a 5 series as it’s going to be driving to site and not so much pottering about. What engines should I be avoiding?Gandoolie said:
I think it’s probably going to be a 5 series as it’s going to be driving to site and not so much pottering about. What engines should I be avoiding?
At 10k I'd be looking for the best 525/530d you can find:530d M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102028...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102038...
525d M Sport Estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102088...
SE Saloon
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104221...
ZX10R NIN said:
Gandoolie said:
I think it’s probably going to be a 5 series as it’s going to be driving to site and not so much pottering about. What engines should I be avoiding?
At 10k I'd be looking for the best 525/530d you can find:530d M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102028...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102038...
525d M Sport Estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102088...
SE Saloon
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104221...
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