G23 BMW 420 or Alternatives

[Rob 131 Sport]

My son is intent on getting a convertible as his next car. Whilst convertibles are not my thing, he’s 24 next month so can make his own decision.

He’s pretty much decided on an early G23 21/22 BMW 320i or D. He quite likes the Mercedes C Class but for some reason wasn’t keen on the Audi A5 having owned a few Audi’s previously. He does about 15k miles per year in mixed conditions so a Diesel should be okay. However are there any known faults with either these Diesel or Petrol engines.

The price of these (with a mileage under 50k) is high at between £25 to £30k and I was just wondering whether there are any alternatives that we’ve missed.

Moreover, he’s looking to change early in the new year, so if anyone has one they are looking to sell around this time please PM me.

[ZX10R NIN]

If he's looking at the C Class tell him to look up a segment & take a good look at the E Class in Premium/Premium Plus spec:

E350, this is a 2.0T:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509256...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509156...

220d:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504171...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509246...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508295...

Non premium options:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509266...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509116...

2.0T:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509256...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509096...

[Rob 131 Sport]

Many thanks for the suggestions. He did consider an E Class as they are good value, but he wants something smaller.

Personally I’d like him to get a BMW 128i or failing that a tin top BMW 420i/d or Audi A5.

Then again as a parent, what do I know

[AddyT.]

Hi Rob,

Just to follow on from Nin’s post, I got an E coupe during the summer which is basically identical to the cabs he’s sent links for but with the tin top! Just wanted to mention that it is definitely a step up in looks and interior over the C class and I really dont find the car too big. I did consider C classes (saloons and estates) but thought they were a bit too small and the E just seemed so much better across the board and its a lot of car for the money. Obviously like you said its his choice certainly but would recommend he at least takes a look at one and for a drive if he’s open to it!

[ZX10R NIN]

Rob 131 Sport said:

Many thanks for the suggestions. He did consider an E Class as they are good value, but he wants something smaller.

Personally I d like him to get a BMW 128i or failing that a tin top BMW 420i/d or Audi A5.

Then again as a parent, what do I know

The E class is 58mm longer & 8mm wider so there really isn't much in it.

[Rob 131 Sport]

ZX10R NIN said:

Rob 131 Sport said:

Many thanks for the suggestions. He did consider an E Class as they are good value, but he wants something smaller.

Personally I d like him to get a BMW 128i or failing that a tin top BMW 420i/d or Audi A5.

Then again as a parent, what do I know

The E class is 58mm longer & 8mm wider so there really isn't much in it.

I had an E Class when he was in his early teens (2014 to 2018) so I think he associates them with boring middle aged men.

[ZX10R NIN]

[a_dreamer]

What about Z4

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025071444...

I had one many years ago with the 2.5 litre engine. Was the hard top version. Great fun.

[Rob 131 Sport]

a_dreamer said:

What about Z4

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025071444...

I had one many years ago with the 2.5 litre engine. Was the hard top version. Great fun.

That’s a great option. However he does carry passengers so needs a 4 seater.

[Rob 131 Sport]

For some reason he seems to now want the Mercedes C Class Convertible. Whilst I would have a BMW over a Mercedes every time, ultimately it’s his money and choice.

Does anyone have any advice (or have owned) a 20-23 year 220d C Class Convertible.

[ZX10R NIN]

Nothing to really report but again the Premium Plus models are the ones to look for, if they have an E nearby get him to sit in one.

[Rob 131 Sport]

ZX10R NIN said:

Nothing to really report but again the Premium Plus models are the ones to look for, if they have an E nearby get him to sit in one.

I’m just sat with him now at the Classic Car Show. At age 24 he’s not keen on the ‘E’ seeing it as something I might have.

I obviously haven’t brought him up properly in that he wants a Mercedes over a BMW