What else is worth looking for...?

[oktapod]

I've missed out on a 330Ci Sport, which is a pity but I know now that it's one I like very much (even though I've yet to drive one - I was phoning ahead to book the test-drive when they told me it had gone).

I'm game for other suggestions, though. In the same vein, but not as big as a 5-series. Would prefer a 6-cylinder petrol, but of course a good diesel is fine too. Budget to around £8k, less whatever I can get for the old Puma (£1k-ish).

What'd you recommend? I'm looking for a balance of driveability, looks, comfort, toys, durability, reliability and performance. I don't mind not having any extremes - an all-rounder is fine, rather than a jap speed box or dull-as-dishwater family saloon.

Oh, and it needs to have two usable back seats, big enough to fit two car-seats for my son and the baby-which-has-yet-to-appear-but-will-do-so-soon... which also means access is important - TTs and such are out because you just can't do it. The 330Ci is fine though.

[Slurms]

Stick to the 330Ci

You budget should get you a decent one..

[bramley]

Coupe when you'll have 2 kids to get in and out? I know it's perfectly possible but hardly 'easy'.

Pretending for a second that you hadn't said no 5 series, I'd go for something like this: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/787666.htm



Or a 530, but I bought a 530 (touring) and kinda wish I'd got a 540 as there ain't much difference in the mpg in the real world.

[oktapod]

Bramley - this will be 'my' car; we already have a Skoda Octavia vRS estate for general kid-lugging duties, so really whatever car I get only needs to be able to do the 'lugging' once a week, and probably only one child for a while...

330 is still my preference - is the 4-door any different to the coupe, other than having two extra doors?

Also, what's the 330Cd M Sport like in comparison to the 330Ci M Sport?

[bramley]

Ah, ok.

I know someone with a 330 clubsport that has a 525 touring for family stuff, he's very happy with the 3.

Dunno what sort of mileage you do but I'd be tempted by a nice E36 M3.

[LordGrover]

... or a CSL: clicky

[Rawhide]

LordGrover said:

... or a CSL: clicky

show me a CSL for £8k and I'll show you £8k

[LordGrover]

fair point well made.

[tom g]

330 is a great all-rounder, I love my 330ci. But now I've got a baby, having a 4-door would be v handy.

I recommend you get a 330 saloon; besides having 4 doors they're hard to tell apart from the coupe.

[Fox-]

bramley said:

Or a 530, but I bought a 530 (touring) and kinda wish I'd got a 540 as there ain't much difference in the mpg in the real world.

Oh yes there is. The 8 cylinder ones are noticeably heavier on fuel.

[SJobson]

Fox- said:

bramley said:

Or a 530, but I bought a 530 (touring) and kinda wish I'd got a 540 as there ain't much difference in the mpg in the real world.

Oh yes there is. The 8 cylinder ones are noticeably heavier on fuel.

Mr Bramley's experience with his 530i against my 540i indicates they're closer than you might think. However, I think his consumption will improve now his crank case seal has been replaced (think that's right). Dave, is your fuel economy better now?

FWIW, my average in the 540i since I last disconnected the battery is 21.2mpg according to the OBC, and it's generally pretty close to being perfectly accurate for each tank.

[blackburnbmw]

tom g said:

330 is a great all-rounder, I love my 330ci. But now I've got a baby, having a 4-door would be v handy.

I recommend you get a 330 saloon; besides having 4 doors they're hard to tell apart from the coupe.

How can a saloon and coupe be hard to tell apart, unless you are myopic???!!!

[sonnyb]

Agreed, saloon and coupe look very different, or I would not have bought a coupe.
In fact the coupe does not share any body panels with the saloon.