Disco Boy 2

After a little over 8 years of Scooby ownership I feel like it's time for a change. I have been fancying a Bimmer for some time know, but am struggling to decide what to go for.

My original choice was a 530d/535d, but I came to the conclusion that it was a bit boring, and I didn't really fancy buying an outgoing model.

That left me with one of the coupés. My initial choice was to go for a 635d. I test drove one about twelve months ago and loved it. Only problem was second hand prices were still too high. They have now dropped a little and are just about within my budget. I am now wondering however whether they are just too big, and whether they look a bit dated (they are obviously about to be replaced).

I am also looking at 3 series. Low mileage examples go for about the same price as a sixer with 25k on the clock. I would be looking at a 330d, potentially the cabriolet. I haven't taken one out yet, and no doubt a back to back test drive will probably solve my quandary.

In the meantime I thought I sous canvas your opinions.....

Disco Boy 2

For sous read would. Damn I-phones.

Dingdongler

I think you need to be a little more specific about what you want. Is it speed, handling, luxury, space, economy, residual value? etc etc Only when you give an idea about your priorities can somebody really offer you an opinion

Disco Boy 2

Speed isn't really as issue. All of the above have simelar performance figures.

For the most part my journey into work is a mixture of B roads and motorway. Comfort is however more important than handling ability.

I take my two sons to school in the morning. They will fit in any of the above. Apart from that the car is my own personal transport. We have a large Volvo as a family car.

Economy; quite fancy the additional economy of the 330d. But it's not a deal breaker.

I am likely to have the car for some time, maybe 6 years, so residuals aren't really an issue. I am tempted by the low mileage of a 3 series however.

zip106

I believe there's a new 6 series on the way next year, so you'll still be in an old model.

Disco Boy 2

Agreed. The difference is however, it will be at least four years from now before the new 6 Series is in my price range.

Matteeboy

335d? A hell of any engine although the 330d is a lot better on fuel. Coupes look pretty cool but the cabs weigh a LOT more than the hardtop versions so the performance is blunted - for some reason you can't get a cab with the 35d engine either.

rookymatt

iTrader: (15)

A three is way to crashy, the six is a very big car for a coupe/cabriolet and is realistically a cruiser more than a b road blaster, the five is the best option here, specifically the 530d, good power/torque (remapped will give a touch more fuel economy and better performance), good suspension, and comfortable with lots of toy options.
The 35d engine is good, but will be more thirsty than the 30d.
I'd suggest a 530d m sport.

Disco Boy 2

I went to look at a fully loaded 6er this morning. The dealership had a 330d in stock as well so I got to have a go in that first.

I was far more impressed with the 3 series than I had anticipated. The dealership was in north London, so the test route did not really provide full opportunity to test the cars out.

The 3 series had a slighty firmer ride, and altogether felt tighter. The 6er's ride was more forgiving, and the interior was certainly more plush.

The decider however was the internal space. I am 5'9" tall, and I generally sit reasonably close, however my 5 year old son could not fit his feet in the space behind the driver's seat. In the 3 series he had plenty of space.

Back to the drawing board..........

rookymatt

iTrader: (15)

Wasn't hexagon was it?? Thats my dealer.

Disco Boy 2

It was. Force of circumstance I suppose, but I didn't come away feeling as though I had 'tested' either car.

rookymatt

iTrader: (15)

The sales team there are shocking mate.
Bet they tried to force finiance down your throat too!!
Ring up and ask to test a 530d, this is the best of both worlds, personally my pick of the current models we sell.

Disco Boy 2

Really fancied a coupé, which was why I was going down the 6/3 series route. It may be worth taking a 5 series out though.

We didn't get as far as discussing finance.

ScoobyJawa

I just picked up a 330d Coupe SE but has the sports sus and optional 18's which are running non RFT's and the handling/ride is spot on IMHO, taught and sharp but not hard or crashy Tonnes of leg room in the back too, thought it would be bad but pleasantly surprised