[SteveG]

Hi folks,

You may recall my recent post in respect of whether to go for a 120d M Sport or 318d Edition M Sport to replace my 320d M Sport company vehicle.

On Friday the fleet manager rang me to advise me that the company had revised the scheme (from an insurance group and emissions perspective) which now meant the choice of cars was greater.

I can now have one of the following:

123d M Sport 3dr

123d M Sport Coupe

320d Edition M Sport

320d SE Coupe (not many extras allowed but could run to sports seats, USB, sports suspension and 18 inch wheels)

520d M Sport (not many extras other than USB, rain sensors etc.)

Audi TT diesel (not many extras other than reversing senors and USB)

I was confused with my original choice of two but now I don't know where to begin.

Would the SE coupe be a better bet than the Edition M Sport even though I won't get leather, navigation or bluetooth. Or, is the 5 series the best option ( I did spot that a new model is due out next year though) ?

Or, should I desert the BMW brand and go with the TT which I have to admit I like the shape of.

Off for a trip to the dealers today to pick up brochures etc. but any views from you saloon and coupe owners would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve.

[red355]

I would check that the revised 2.0 TDI engine in the titty doesn't sound like the tractor motor they have been installing in the Audi/VW/seat/skoda for the last few years.

The new injection system is supposed to be less harsh but then i really really does need to be better. My mates recent (March-08) A3Q 170TDi is still pretty loud

[Gibbo]

VW Group cars are moving to common rail diesel and hence the new ones like in the TT are much smoother.

From the list I would be tempted to try to 123d Coupe or the TT if you don't need the space.

[dxb335d]

TT does look good, i see one everyday round my miswah's. Stylish car but deffo a birds car.

Its a tough one but the 1series coupe does look very cool at the moment.

[- Paul -]

123coupe or 320d Edition M sport for me! Do you need lots of room for stuff?

[SteveG]

If I 'm honest I'm not entirely convinced by the 1 series coupe. In a strange way it reminds me of a Noddy car in that it just doesn't look well proportioned from a side view, yet the rear looks great.

I'm still tempted by the Edition M Sport and extra toys but the SE coupe is also appealing as it's the current shape and not about to undergo a facelift. The downside is that I'm used to M Sport spec so need to check out the cloth finish in SE trim.

I've no requirement for space as 90% of the time, only the front seats are used.

[scooba0010]

320d edition msport would get my vote in white with black lines

[SteveG]

Scooba,

As much as I agree on the white, the Edition models are only available in TIAG, Carbon Black and Sparkling Graphite so I'd go for TIAG and black lines.

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by SteveG

Scooba,

As much as I agree on the white, the Edition models are only available in TIAG, Carbon Black and Sparkling Graphite so I'd go for TIAG and black lines.

sounds like you have made your mind up then

[SteveG]

Not at all. But if I did go for the Edition it would be TIAG.

We can have three 48 hour test drives before choosing so I've just emailed the fleet co-ordinator to request the 123d coupe or 3 dr, the 320D SE coupe and a TT.

Unfortunately the TT will be the petrol version as their are no diesels in the country yet according to local dealer. The petrol is FWD whereas the diesel is quattro but it will at least give me a chance to drive one for a couple of days to check out build quality etc.

[dxb335d]

Cool mate and do it. Try them all out and you will have a better idea of whats what then!!

Good luck with the choice!

[Gibbo]

I have seen a few 1 series coupes recently and they are growing on me to be honest. They have that older E30 style built into them and I think the design is clever and a bit retro. I followed a 125i Le mans Blue sport with 18" alloys on Friday down a dual carridge way in traffic so got a good look back, side & front on the road and I like. The size of a 1 coupe is exactly between E30 and E36 generation BMWs and just shows how the modern 3 has grown.

[willhollin]

Originally Posted by SteveG

We can have three 48 hour test drives before choosing so I've just emailed the fleet co-ordinator to request the 123d coupe or 3 dr, the 320D SE coupe and a TT.

Lifes tough eh!

Im biased but i'd go with either of the 3 series you mention. Even the SE spec with sports seats and suspension will be very tidy. A few tweeks like blacklines etc and she will be a beaut.

Shame that twin turbo diesel isn't in the 3 series yet.

[dxb335d]

What twin tubo diesel?

the one i have?

[willhollin]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

What twin tubo diesel?

the one i have?

The 2.0 litre in the 123d.

[SteveG]

Willhollin,

Life is indeed tough as when I look at some of the stunning cars on here I'm sure envious as I know that without a lottery win I'll never be driving them.

Have to say that despite the vast range of cars (and prices) and probably age groups as well (although you all look young on the pics and videos from the recent meet), it's one of the friendliest forums I've been on.

What I really like is those that have the expensive cars don't look down so to speak, on those of us at the bottom end of the market.

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by willhollin

The 2.0 litre in the 123d.

I have heard it will not happen!

[gIzzE]

Hold on, is it the 'editions' M-Sport 320d or the Edition Sport "ES" 320d??

If it is the Edition M-Sport then go for that or a 123d, you get nav, 18" wheels, leather, and a few extra toys, if it isn't and it is the "ES" car then I would definitely go for the 123d.

3dr or coupe??
Personally I would go for the coupe, but only in graphite or white, don't like it in any other colour for some reason.

Did love my 5 door so would happily have a 3 door, and it is actually a lot more practical than the coupe. Think it looks great in silver, black, graphite or white.


Forget the TT, it is a bag of nuts to drive, typical dAudi driving experience, don't get me wrong I love the looks, and the image of the brand, but had 10 over the last 8 years and the all handle like a bag on nuts. Once the initial honeymoon period has passed you are left with a car that just isn't that fun to drive, not good when you are stuck in a company car for 2 or 3 years.

The 120d M-Sport is the only car I have kept for longer than a year, and I had it 18 months, sold it a couple of months back and really regret it, wish I had swapped it for a 123d instead of the 320d m-sport as the sensible family motor.

[SteveG]

gIzzE,

It is indeed the Edition M Sport with the TC wheels, leather, nav etc.

Just back from dealers with brochures. No overly impressed with the dash board finish on the TT. It looked rather hard plastic and a bit harsh. No denying great shape but not as impressed as I though I might have been. Will wait for test drive.

BMW unfortunately had three models in and I liked them all.

123d M Sport coupes in white and titanium and I was impressed with both but the white stood out.

320d SE Coupe in white with red leather which also looked stunning. (I couldn't run to leather though but could have sports seats, suspension etc.)

320d Saloon Edition M Sport in carbon black. Not a lover of dark colours (I'd have Tiag) but TC wheels, leather, nav etc. looked the business.

Did manage however to discount the 1 series 3 door.

Just hope I can decide between the 1 and 3 series coupe as the TT is going to have to be something special drive wise considering I'm not overly keen on interior finish.

Decisions, decisions !!!

[dxb335d]

Im liking white cars too at the moment, although i saw a cayman in white the other day and it looked shiiight!

[Gibbo]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Im liking white cars too at the moment, although i saw a cayman in white the other day and it looked shiiight!

Carlos, was it dirty or is this some other Essex 'shamzie' term.

[gIzzE]

Originally Posted by SteveG

.......the TT is going to have to be something special drive wise considering I'm not overly keen on interior finish.

The TT is all about looks, the Audi boys will tell you that the interior finish is the best in the business, I know, I used to be one.
The drive on the TT is very poor, I know 4 people now who have gone to Audi in the last few months, 2 with TT's and 2 with A5's, 3 of those have already got out and are going back to BMW.
Try and get the Audi for a long weekend if possible, the initial test is quite promising, it only after you have done a few miles you realise just how boring it is.