Not Sure What To Get... £20k Budget
21 January 2010, 10:45 AM
#61
Scooby Regular
I think the wheel issues are just the 19" wheels, the 18's are fine.
Was reading through all the brochures last night and the M versions do come with other bits I prefer such as electric bolster sports seats, thicker steering wheel, suspension and not to mention the bumpers and styling mods so I may hold out for an M Sport version.
Decided I really want the satnav/tv option now as well though so it could take some time to find the right one. So gutted I missed the Suffolk one - Le Mans blue M sport 57 plate with most options and some bonus options as well. Was only £18k as well but sold within hours of going up.
I think you will struggle to get a 335D for anything less than say £22k from what I've seen.
Was reading through all the brochures last night and the M versions do come with other bits I prefer such as electric bolster sports seats, thicker steering wheel, suspension and not to mention the bumpers and styling mods so I may hold out for an M Sport version.
Decided I really want the satnav/tv option now as well though so it could take some time to find the right one. So gutted I missed the Suffolk one - Le Mans blue M sport 57 plate with most options and some bonus options as well. Was only £18k as well but sold within hours of going up.
I think you will struggle to get a 335D for anything less than say £22k from what I've seen.
21 January 2010, 10:49 AM
#62
Scooby Regular
Dream - don't dismiss the SE. I actively looked for a 335d SE and not an M Sport (no one believes me but I wanted a very stealthy car) for the following reasons most of which apply to a 320d too:
The ride is very firm and the alloys are fragile but the 19" ones are much worse for cracking. Mine came with 17" alloys (tiny it seems) but sports suspension - the 17s give a nice ride and the suspension is nice and firm but compliant.
The front spoiler (to me) looks plasticky. It also sits very low and catches on our driveway (had a courtesy M Sport saloon for two days)
The rear "diffuser" is also plasticky and in the 335i/d, hides the twin pipes.
I can't stand dark interiors - the M Sport has black headlining which makes it feel like a coal mine.
I much prefer non M Sport alloys - yes that's weird but I think the M Sport alloys are too fussy and of course fragile. Many want bigger alloys but I think BMW's finest are non M Sport 18" Ellipsoids. I like mine too (17" 160 Star alloys) but of course they are too small for many.
I think "M" logos on a non "M" car are gay.
The M Sport steering wheel is very fat - looks cool but I wasn't keen.
However you get sports seats (feel the same as non sports but have a bit more side padding and an extendable base) which are nice.
Most prefer the M Sport but unless you must have that look, I wonder whether it's really worth it, especially in a four pot BMW.
S3 is actually quick standard - high 5s to 60 and under 14 to 100. That's fast.
The ride is very firm and the alloys are fragile but the 19" ones are much worse for cracking. Mine came with 17" alloys (tiny it seems) but sports suspension - the 17s give a nice ride and the suspension is nice and firm but compliant.
The front spoiler (to me) looks plasticky. It also sits very low and catches on our driveway (had a courtesy M Sport saloon for two days)
The rear "diffuser" is also plasticky and in the 335i/d, hides the twin pipes.
I can't stand dark interiors - the M Sport has black headlining which makes it feel like a coal mine.
I much prefer non M Sport alloys - yes that's weird but I think the M Sport alloys are too fussy and of course fragile. Many want bigger alloys but I think BMW's finest are non M Sport 18" Ellipsoids. I like mine too (17" 160 Star alloys) but of course they are too small for many.
I think "M" logos on a non "M" car are gay.
The M Sport steering wheel is very fat - looks cool but I wasn't keen.
However you get sports seats (feel the same as non sports but have a bit more side padding and an extendable base) which are nice.
Most prefer the M Sport but unless you must have that look, I wonder whether it's really worth it, especially in a four pot BMW.
S3 is actually quick standard - high 5s to 60 and under 14 to 100. That's fast.
I actually prefer darker interiors so that doesn't worry me and I love the way the M wheels look. Though my faves in the brochure are the 19" 5 spoke 199 type wheels.
I also prefer the thicker wheel as I am a big chap so thin wheels feel funny, although my wife would agree with you on the M badges, she didn't like them on our old 320.
I'm going more for looks with this car than any performance as it will just be the family hack, so styling is more important than handling, but ride is important hence why we will be testing both SE and M versions.
21 January 2010, 10:59 AM
#63
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mars
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Be keen to hear your thoughts.
Mine is a bit unusual having sports suspension (an extra) but otherwise SE spec and also now non run flat tyres which are the best "upgrade" I have ever made to any car. It's taken away the one weakness. M Sports on run flats are very crashy and firm - non run flats help a lot.
Another minor consideration - a set of tyres for a M Sport (225/40 18" up front, 255/35 18" rear) will cost you about double what a set of SE (225/45 17" all round) ones set you back. I replaced all four of mine last week for £550 + £28 for balancing and aligment. Not bad. But a bit dull.
Mine is a bit unusual having sports suspension (an extra) but otherwise SE spec and also now non run flat tyres which are the best "upgrade" I have ever made to any car. It's taken away the one weakness. M Sports on run flats are very crashy and firm - non run flats help a lot.
Another minor consideration - a set of tyres for a M Sport (225/40 18" up front, 255/35 18" rear) will cost you about double what a set of SE (225/45 17" all round) ones set you back. I replaced all four of mine last week for £550 + £28 for balancing and aligment. Not bad. But a bit dull.
21 January 2010, 11:00 AM
#64
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just got off the phone with Bowkers, he reckons £25k for a 335D with all the toys. He said I could be looking more realistically at a 330D, which doesnt cut it for me. When I asked about his views on the quoted MPG figs for a 335i, he said if you dont cane it, mid 30s, if you cane it... mid 20s. I cant remember what the consumption was like when I had one, although I have a feeling it was similar to my 330Ci
I'm going to have to decide whether or not to buy outside the main dealer network... which could be dicey, or lower the spec or go for a petrol (or increase the budget - which I dont think Anna will be too happy about as we're getting married next year!!).
With regard to the M Sport vs SE thing. As far as the 335D is concerned, the SE is fairly sporty already (firm suspension, seats etc) and I'd be happy with that (and I like the star spoke 19" wheels).
On the 320D, personally, I like the M styling, and I agree with Matt that external M badges are wrong as ****, but I dont object to them on the steering wheel etc.
Sod it, I'm going to ring the guy with the 330D......
I'm going to have to decide whether or not to buy outside the main dealer network... which could be dicey, or lower the spec or go for a petrol (or increase the budget - which I dont think Anna will be too happy about as we're getting married next year!!).
With regard to the M Sport vs SE thing. As far as the 335D is concerned, the SE is fairly sporty already (firm suspension, seats etc) and I'd be happy with that (and I like the star spoke 19" wheels).
On the 320D, personally, I like the M styling, and I agree with Matt that external M badges are wrong as ****, but I dont object to them on the steering wheel etc.
Sod it, I'm going to ring the guy with the 330D......
21 January 2010, 11:05 AM
#65
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mars
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jay - I couldn't find a 335d at the right price (similar budget to yours) and started looking for 330ds - almost bought one then spotted mine at the 11th hour. It was such a good price that I though it must be a 325d wrongly worded!
The standard SE alloys are a bit dull (sort of five spoke thingies but not very exciting) but most spec at least star alloys or often the 18" ones.
If you get one with the 18" 162 alloys (elipsoid) I may have to hate you slightly!
Good luck!
The standard SE alloys are a bit dull (sort of five spoke thingies but not very exciting) but most spec at least star alloys or often the 18" ones.
If you get one with the 18" 162 alloys (elipsoid) I may have to hate you slightly!
Good luck!
21 January 2010, 11:09 AM
#66
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What do you reckon:
This...
335i with toys, main dealer, 40k miles
Or this...
335D with toys, not main dealer, 54k miles
This...
335i with toys, main dealer, 40k miles
Or this...
335D with toys, not main dealer, 54k miles
Last edited by Jay_bee; 21 January 2010 at 11:12 AM.
21 January 2010, 11:15 AM
#67
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mars
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The 335i (first ad) by miles. Lower mileage, main dealer, no overuse of exclamation marks and a MUCH nicer interior colour. Wouldn't be surprised if you could offer at least a grand under that price and bag it. That red 335d leather is minging.
21 January 2010, 11:24 AM
#68
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Although I have actually avoided ones where the English is non-existent (innit and dat?).
Erm, yes, less miles, main dealer. What about running costs?
Regarding the red interior, my 330CI had the Individual Imola red leather, so that doesnt put me off too much.
Are we really thinking the main dealer vs independent is serious enough to compromise on the D? The D are always more expensive to buy than the petrol versions, hence the mileage thing. Will the road tax be the same on the 335i?
21 January 2010, 11:32 AM
#69
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mars
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Road tax will be a fair bit more as will the running costs but 54k miles (the D) is a lot for any £20k car - I consider a car with over 70k miles to be very hard to sell - decent dealers don't like to accept anything with more than 70/80k on them - you'd soon hit that on a car bought with 54k miles I reckon. Think of it as a years extra mileage.
I do look at how an ad is written - if someone can't write an ad properly, I just don't trust them - it's not very professional. But then I write for a living!
It's a tricky one indeed. What do others think?!
I do look at how an ad is written - if someone can't write an ad properly, I just don't trust them - it's not very professional. But then I write for a living!
It's a tricky one indeed. What do others think?!
21 January 2010, 11:39 AM
#70
Scooby Regular
I agree with Matt, I wouldn't buy from an ad that was poorly written, if they can't take care over a simple ad, does that reflect in the car?
21 January 2010, 11:47 AM
#71
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't think they come with external badges, just the door sills and steering wheel from memory but I would ask them to take any external badges off as a matter of course.
I agree with Matt, I wouldn't buy from an ad that was poorly written, if they can't take care over a simple ad, does that reflect in the car?
I agree with Matt, I wouldn't buy from an ad that was poorly written, if they can't take care over a simple ad, does that reflect in the car?
And your thoughts on the I vs D scenario?
21 January 2010, 12:35 PM
#72
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thoughts on this....?
335D with toys, not main dealer & 11k miles
And its fairly local to me too. Just checked out their current stock list, some nice cars there too
335D with toys, not main dealer & 11k miles
And its fairly local to me too. Just checked out their current stock list, some nice cars there too
21 January 2010, 12:54 PM
#74
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Shame about the colour, thats my least favourite colour. Still, if the rest of its right, might be worth biting the bullet on that.
Still considering the petrol one. the extra £2k on the purchase price would cover the additional tax and fuel costs for some time... decisions decisions
21 January 2010, 12:57 PM
#75
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mars
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thing is though, 11k is barely run it - it's almost a "new" mileage really.
The 335i does look nicer - I love Space Grey - but the 11k 335d is pretty good too.
Love the alloys on both too - the 335i has standard ones, that 11k 335d seems to have the slightly different (but similar) ones - both 19"
I bet you could make an offer on that low mile 335d too...
The 335i does look nicer - I love Space Grey - but the 11k 335d is pretty good too.
Love the alloys on both too - the 335i has standard ones, that 11k 335d seems to have the slightly different (but similar) ones - both 19"
I bet you could make an offer on that low mile 335d too...
21 January 2010, 01:05 PM
#76
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, Im sure I could (and would/will) make an offer, but the same applies to both really.
I thought the wheels were the same on both
And it'd cost around £800 - £1000k to change that wood trim, wrong colour, more expensive....
The mileage is superb but I think I'm talking myself into that petrol
I thought the wheels were the same on both
And it'd cost around £800 - £1000k to change that wood trim, wrong colour, more expensive....
The mileage is superb but I think I'm talking myself into that petrol
21 January 2010, 01:11 PM
#77
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mars
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The petrol is bang on for spec and colour plus the reassurance of being a main dealer - certainly helped when I bought mine blind a few months ago.
Just need to make sure you are okay with the extra thirst (although it's not much more) and tax. FYI a pre 08 335d is £215 a year in tax. Not sure what the 335i is but it's low for it's power.
Just need to make sure you are okay with the extra thirst (although it's not much more) and tax. FYI a pre 08 335d is £215 a year in tax. Not sure what the 335i is but it's low for it's power.
21 January 2010, 01:19 PM
#78
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just done a check on Parkers car tax calc, and its £215 at the moment, after April it will be £245
Hmmm.... the arguement is building for the petrol (plus the misses wont be bothered about me having to put extra to to buy the diesel.. ah... the quiet life
)
Hmmm.... the arguement is building for the petrol (plus the misses wont be bothered about me having to put extra to to buy the diesel.. ah... the quiet life
)
21 January 2010, 01:22 PM
#79
Scooby Regular
Yeah, Im sure I could (and would/will) make an offer, but the same applies to both really.
I thought the wheels were the same on both
And it'd cost around £800 - £1000k to change that wood trim, wrong colour, more expensive....
The mileage is superb but I think I'm talking myself into that petrol
I thought the wheels were the same on both
And it'd cost around £800 - £1000k to change that wood trim, wrong colour, more expensive....
The mileage is superb but I think I'm talking myself into that petrol
21 January 2010, 01:22 PM
#80
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mars
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Either car kicks **** big time.
If you PM me your email address, I can send you the 335i vs 335d test from BMW Magazine.
DD - you are right. I did get confused...
If you PM me your email address, I can send you the 335i vs 335d test from BMW Magazine.
DD - you are right. I did get confused...
21 January 2010, 01:26 PM
#81
Scooby Regular
Dream - don't dismiss the SE. I actively looked for a 335d SE and not an M Sport (no one believes me but I wanted a very stealthy car) for the following reasons most of which apply to a 320d too:
The ride is very firm and the alloys are fragile but the 19" ones are much worse for cracking. Mine came with 17" alloys (tiny it seems) but sports suspension - the 17s give a nice ride and the suspension is nice and firm but compliant.
The front spoiler (to me) looks plasticky. It also sits very low and catches on our driveway (had a courtesy M Sport saloon for two days)
The rear "diffuser" is also plasticky and in the 335i/d, hides the twin pipes.
I can't stand dark interiors - the M Sport has black headlining which makes it feel like a coal mine.
I much prefer non M Sport alloys - yes that's weird but I think the M Sport alloys are too fussy and of course fragile. Many want bigger alloys but I think BMW's finest are non M Sport 18" Ellipsoids. I like mine too (17" 160 Star alloys) but of course they are too small for many.
I think "M" logos on a non "M" car are gay.
The M Sport steering wheel is very fat - looks cool but I wasn't keen.
However you get sports seats (feel the same as non sports but have a bit more side padding and an extendable base) which are nice.
Most prefer the M Sport but unless you must have that look, I wonder whether it's really worth it, especially in a four pot BMW.
S3 is actually quick standard - high 5s to 60 and under 14 to 100. That's fast.
The ride is very firm and the alloys are fragile but the 19" ones are much worse for cracking. Mine came with 17" alloys (tiny it seems) but sports suspension - the 17s give a nice ride and the suspension is nice and firm but compliant.
The front spoiler (to me) looks plasticky. It also sits very low and catches on our driveway (had a courtesy M Sport saloon for two days)
The rear "diffuser" is also plasticky and in the 335i/d, hides the twin pipes.
I can't stand dark interiors - the M Sport has black headlining which makes it feel like a coal mine.
I much prefer non M Sport alloys - yes that's weird but I think the M Sport alloys are too fussy and of course fragile. Many want bigger alloys but I think BMW's finest are non M Sport 18" Ellipsoids. I like mine too (17" 160 Star alloys) but of course they are too small for many.
I think "M" logos on a non "M" car are gay.
The M Sport steering wheel is very fat - looks cool but I wasn't keen.
However you get sports seats (feel the same as non sports but have a bit more side padding and an extendable base) which are nice.
Most prefer the M Sport but unless you must have that look, I wonder whether it's really worth it, especially in a four pot BMW.
S3 is actually quick standard - high 5s to 60 and under 14 to 100. That's fast.
Regarding your comments about cacked wheels, which ones are you referring to?
The M Sport wheels are 18", not 19". So any cracking issues (if it's with the 19s as you say) is not with the m sport spec wheels.
21 January 2010, 01:32 PM
#82
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mars
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You can get 19" M Sport wheels and 18" ones.
The cracking issue applies to:
230 19" (non M Sport)
193 18" (M Sport)
225 19" (M Sport)
It's worst on the 230s but the others are pretty bad too. This is from an E90Post survey of 100s of owners.
The list of styles is here:
BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93) wheels
The cracking issue applies to:
230 19" (non M Sport)
193 18" (M Sport)
225 19" (M Sport)
It's worst on the 230s but the others are pretty bad too. This is from an E90Post survey of 100s of owners.
The list of styles is here:
BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93) wheels
21 January 2010, 01:44 PM
#83
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lancaster/Manchester or stuck in a traffic jam somewhere in between
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Sold it this morning!!!!!!!!
Took my number in case it falls through.
Think I'll wait, going to pass on the silver diesel, dont want to compromise, and I wouldnt be happy with the silver, and wood trim.
Sold it this morning!!!!!!!!
Took my number in case it falls through.
Think I'll wait, going to pass on the silver diesel, dont want to compromise, and I wouldnt be happy with the silver, and wood trim.
21 January 2010, 01:46 PM
#84
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am pretty sure that 2006 and 2007 models come in the highest car tax bracket of around £400. BMW then made slight tweaks to come in at below 225g/co2 for new models after the regulations changed.
21 January 2010, 01:50 PM
#85
Scooby Regular
You can get 19" M Sport wheels and 18" ones.
The cracking issue applies to:
230 19" (non M Sport)
193 18" (M Sport)
225 19" (M Sport)
It's worst on the 230s but the others are pretty bad too. This is from an E90Post survey of 100s of owners.
The list of styles is here:
BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93) wheels
The cracking issue applies to:
230 19" (non M Sport)
193 18" (M Sport)
225 19" (M Sport)
It's worst on the 230s but the others are pretty bad too. This is from an E90Post survey of 100s of owners.
The list of styles is here:
BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93) wheels
How bad is it, in reality, though? I'm thinking of the fact that a few years ago a visitor to Scoobynet would have thought that all Subarus came with chocolate engines as standard.
21 January 2010, 02:11 PM
#87
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Afraid so mate. I have been looking for a while for a 335i Msport but can only afford the older ones in the higher tax band.
Re alloys. What alloys are okay for cracking on the Msport then if any?
Re alloys. What alloys are okay for cracking on the Msport then if any?
21 January 2010, 02:16 PM
#88
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mars
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jim - none that I know of - it seems to affect all but the 17" ones which come on some lesser models.
It's been quite an issue really.
My "weedy" 17" rims are rock solid cast alloy - as tough as houses. And quite weirdly, the alloys pictured on the Wonder Wheels box!
Look at the two stickys and one of the recent thread for more info:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=22
It's been quite an issue really.
My "weedy" 17" rims are rock solid cast alloy - as tough as houses. And quite weirdly, the alloys pictured on the Wonder Wheels box!
Look at the two stickys and one of the recent thread for more info:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=22
Last edited by Matteeboy; 21 January 2010 at 02:18 PM.
21 January 2010, 02:35 PM
#89
Scooby Regular
I only do 4k miles a year in my car so to me it doesn't matter whether I get D or I if I was buying one from an economy POV, but it would annoy me having to physically pay out £400+ a year in tax, on top of say £500 for insurance per year.
I think a 335i would be more fun and suit you better, but you can't beat the better running costs of a 335d and if you will be doing motorway miles of any sort the d would make more sense but not sure if it's worth an extra £2k or so.
Tough choice.
21 January 2010, 04:26 PM
#90
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jim - none that I know of - it seems to affect all but the 17" ones which come on some lesser models.
It's been quite an issue really.
My "weedy" 17" rims are rock solid cast alloy - as tough as houses. And quite weirdly, the alloys pictured on the Wonder Wheels box!
Look at the two stickys and one of the recent thread for more info:
UK - E90Post - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
It's been quite an issue really.
My "weedy" 17" rims are rock solid cast alloy - as tough as houses. And quite weirdly, the alloys pictured on the Wonder Wheels box!
Look at the two stickys and one of the recent thread for more info:
UK - E90Post - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
