[SteveG]

Hi folks,

Not posted in ages.

My company 320D M Sport is up for renewal as I'm about to go through the 90K miles barrier after 2 and a half years.

The company car scheme has recently been revised and I now have a dilemma.

Firstly it has to be diesel which I'm used to. If I want a 320D I can only go up to SE level. However if I drop to 318D I can have the Edition M Sport as pictured in Stephen's thread albeit his is the 320D

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133959

Alternatively I could have a 120D M Sport (177bhp) 3 door with quite a few toys on it and I do like it in white but haven't driven it.

My current M Sport is 163bhp and the 318D that I can have is 143bhp. Would I notice a big difference in performance. If so can the 318D be remapped ? I've heard that the new ECU is secure and not accessible.

I love the look of Stephen's car and the opportunity to get leather, the WTCC wheels, sat nav and bluetooth are appealing. However I'd hate to get it and find it underpowered and slow.

If I did go down the 120d route would I be viewed as an old man in a young persons car as I'm 48 now

Any views or advice from you experts out there would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

Steve.

[- Paul -]

I think you'd notice the power difference a little too much. I'd go 320d SE or the 120d.

[jonsteele]

Keep your eye on this thread about modding the 18D engine.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134628

[mjh93sa]

Get down a dealer and test drive one, until you try it back to back you won't know.

[SteveG]

MJ,

I'm in the process of trying to arrange a demo through our fleet co-ordinator but was hoping some body on here may have already driven both the 320d and the 318d.

If the 318d can be remapped I'd really consider it. If it can't I suspect I'll end up going down the 120d route or possibly even consider the new A4 S Line.

Been really pleased with my 320d though. Apart from the new fuel tank under warranty it's run like a dream.

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by SteveG

MJ,

I'm in the process of trying to arrange a demo through our fleet co-ordinator but was hoping some body on here may have already driven both the 320d and the 318d.

If the 318d can be remapped I'd really consider it. If it can't I suspect I'll end up going down the 120d route or possibly even consider the new A4 S Line.

Been really pleased with my 320d though. Apart from the new fuel tank under warranty it's run like a dream.

I think I'm right to say the 120d has the 208 bhp engine in it, not sure if the new 320d will have, as I thought all new 320d's saloon will have the 177 bhp.

[SteveG]

Creepy,

According to the 1 series brochure I have, the 120D (2.0 litre) has 177bhp. The 123 D (2.0 litre) twin turbo has 204 bhp.

I picked the brochure up at the weekend from the dealer so don't think it's about to change.

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by SteveG

Creepy,

According to the 1 series brochure I have, the 120D (2.0 litre) has 177bhp. The 123 D (2.0 litre) twin turbo has 204 bhp.

I picked the brochure up at the weekend from the dealer so don't think it's about to change.

Sorry Steve my mistake, the 177 bhp engine in a ligher 1 series is going to feel pretty good IMO as 2.0 ltr diesels go one of the best, if this vid is anything to go by, you can chip the 118d

[PhilR]

Steve,

Nice to come accross someone else as indecisive as myself.........and that's before one starts to consider the colour.

I think the 120d and the 320d share the same 177ps engine.
It's the 123d that has the 203bhp engine (twin turbo I think).
I'm pretty sure the 318d has around 140ish ps - used to have 120ps previously.

I have driven a 1 series and was not impressed at all compared to a 3 series
Personally I would go for 320 SE with the 177ps over a 1 series anyday and if you can get a remap then great?

Do you have the option of making a contribution towards say a 320d M Sport Edition? It may not be much per month and you can get tax relief on any contribution you make - I've done this twice before and one of my former employer's didn't even take the extra of me! If your in the higher tax bracket it's even more appealing. This is after all the car you appear to really want.

The M Sport Edition is a nice motor but I think you'll find a 318d a bit flat in comparrison to your current 320d M Sport.

PhilR

[SteveG]

Phil,

Unfortunately due to the company car policy if I want the Edition M Sport it can only be a 318d version which has 143bhp. The same applies if I want the standard M Sport.

However, if I 'm prepared to change to SE or lower I can have a 320d.

I really do like the Edition M Sport with all it's extras and especially the wheels, but am not sure I could accept the drop from 163 to 143bhp.

I've just done a search on the forums and found a post by gIzzE in respect of a Spider Tuning box for the 320D (177). I've checked their website and it doesn't make reference to a box for the 318d (143). If they actually make one and it gets me to 170/175bhp I'd go for the 318 and get Spider Box.

I sat in a 120D M Sport 3 door in white at the weekend and it felt tight and compact. Unfortunately it was in the showroom so I didn't get to drive it. Are they that bad compared to the 3 series I'm used to ??

Steve.

[stephen3rd]

SteveG, I went from a 318i M Sport (142 BHP) to 120d SE (163 BHP) and have now gone back to the 320d Edition M Sport in the link above.

The main reason i ditched the 318i (after 365 days) was because it was very very slow, i know the diesel will make a difference because of the extra torque but it is still a pretty heavy car to lug about.

The 120d was a good bit quicker and got quicker with age and when i traded it in last week i could get over 400 miles to the 50 litre tank and still blow some numpty's away from red lights.

The 320d Edition M Sport as i can vouch for is a great deal with the options. I have been taking it easy on the engine until i get about 1000 miles under its belt. The 177 engine doesnt feel as quick as the 163 engine but it hasnt been broken in yet. I know that it is pulling a heavier car but the 0-60 times are the same on paper and the torque figures are pretty similar. For what its worth i am also thinking on a Spider box or similar once it has done 1000 miles or so.

I know i havent answered your question yet but i think that the 318d Edition M Sport with a Spider tuning box or similar would do the trick. I would guess that doing that should take you to around the 170 BHP mark. Then you wouldnt have lost out power wise (By much) and you will have all the nice toys that will make you happy with the car.

Now we just need to pick a colour and any additional extra's if you are allowed too, let the fun commence.......

S

[FieldingMellish]

Originally Posted by stephen3rd

SteveG, I went from a 318i M Sport (142 BHP) to 120d SE (163 BHP) and have now gone back to the 320d Edition M Sport in the link above.

The main reason i ditched the 318i (after 365 days) was because it was very very slow, i know the diesel will make a difference because of the extra torque but it is still a pretty heavy car to lug about.

S

A brand new 318i M Sport will be quicked than yours, because of the Efficient Dynamics engine - cuts 1 second off the 0-60 speed.

[Nohedes]

Hi Steve,

Interesting question!

I don't think you mentioned how important performance is to you and your driving style, but judging by your annual mileage I guess you have to be fairly careful with your licence, as a result I would go for the 318d M-Sport. I had one of the pre-ED 318d models for a couple of days when my previous car was in for some warranty work and I must say I was really impressed. It was very smooth, went well and also returned vg economy.

The newer 318d also has the dpf (I think) so doesn't belch out black smoke and I think in normal driving would be more than quick enough - plus it will have the M-Sport chassis whereas I have found SE spec cars a bit floaty (no offence intended to any SE owners here, just my preference ).

The toys on the special edition (Nav, leather etc) plus the M-sport bits (wheels, sports seats etc) will make the ownership experience much more special.

Either way, both nice cars - good luck!

[SteveG]

Stephen,

The annoying thing is that I can have one or two extras that I'd gladly give up to have the 320 Edition M Sport. I've offered to contribute more for my private use figure but the maximum I can pay per month is £135 which I guess is quite cheap considering the car I'm getting and the fact that I don't pay any company car tax on it.

Anyways, I can't change the rules so I'd be going for Silver (as my current 320D is silver and I like it), heated seats, the USB connection option (I have a Creative Zen Vision, will it still work ?) and auto rain sensors/headlights.

The local dealer advised me to pay to upgrade the business sat nav to professional but I've read posts on here that say the business version is better. If I don't upgrade the sat nav I may shell out on Xenons although I'm not really fussed one way or other about them having never had them.

Damn, I've just read Kiwirobbie's reply about a Spider box not being available for the 318d

Steve.

[SteveG]

Nohedes,

I do most of my mileage on the motorways but do like the power on my current 320d for overtaking as I know that when I put my foot down I can pass safely.

I'm worried that the 318d in standard mode might be a tad underpowered. I've also heard good and bad reports about the steering feedback on all the Efficient Dynamics models.

I guess the only true way to find out is via test drive of the 318d as recommended earlier by MJ. That said I think I already know the answer and if Kiwirobbie is correct about the lack of a Spider Box for the 318D, I suspect I'll be heading down the 1 series option to retain the performance.

Steve.

[SteveG]

I emailed them about half an hour ago so with a bit of luck we will both get the same response. Just hope it's positive mate !!

[- Paul -]

Originally Posted by FieldingMellish

A brand new 318i M Sport will be quicked than yours, because of the Efficient Dynamics engine - cuts 1 second off the 0-60 speed.

Bmw are showing 9.1 seconds for 0-60 for the 318i

My OLD 320D is quicker than that.

[stephen3rd]

SteveG,

I thought i was reading a description of my car.

Looks like the same colour and options, good choice

Its a nice problem to have...

I had the Pro Nav in my 1 and it was great. Just the thought of not having a dedicated drive for the Nav DVD and thinking that i could have had a wider screen made me do it. The Nav upgrade from business in the Edition model is £385. As i said in another thread the dealer told me that it couldnt be done, until he found my car already built with it.

The first thing i noticed about mine was that the steering felt pretty light. The new electric pump in the ED cars do take a bit of the feel out of the steering, but after a few weeks i wont remember what the 1 felt like to drive anyway.



S

[SteveG]

Stephen,

How did you find the 1 series ?

I love the white 3 door and have missed the practicality of my Golf GTI hatchback since getting the 320d. The boot space in the 3 series isn't exactly brilliant to be honest.

There's only me and the girlfriend so the rear doors are rarely used. If the build quality and ride on the 1 series is good, I could see myself in one.

That said, if Spider do a box for the 318d it's a no brainer with all the extra kit on the Edition M Sport. Fingers crossed for a positive reply from them.

Did you upgrade the sound system on yours. I've always been disappointed that the volume on the Prof unit in my 320d doesn't go that loud.

Steve.

[FieldingMellish]

Originally Posted by 1stnewcar

Bmw are showing 9.1 seconds for 0-60 for the 318i

My OLD 320D is quicker than that.

That's 0-62 mph, ie. 0-100 kilometers per hr, not 0-60.

Parkers quote 8.8 secs as the 0-60 time:

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/...px?deriv=38218

[stephen3rd]

SteveG,

I really liked the 1 series to be honest.

The one thing that is lacking a bit is the build quality, but i think that has improved over time. My 1 was the first my dealer delivered in September 2004.

With the practicality of the 1 hatch, that was one of my reasons for changing. I have started to play a lot of golf again and i had to drop one of the rear seats to put my clubs in. (In saying that, last year i managed to fit 4 sets of clubs, 4 adults and 2 trolleys into the 1)

The bag fits into the 3 boot with the trolley. It just dropped into the 5 series but there was no build slots till July. You do have the practicality of the hatch in the 1 but the boot is pretty small.

On the stereo front Pro Nav comes with upgraded speakers including the Subs under the seats, but i am not sure if this is the same setup as the HiFi option. Somebody could help us with that? (This was the same in the 1)

S

[FieldingMellish]

SteveG, leaving aside the fact that if you get either a 318i or a 318d you will indeed be getting a 'slower' car, I would recommend the 318i, especially if it's a question of having to lose the M Sport if you go with the bigger engine.

Maybe opening myself up for some abuse by saying this but so be it: I would rather have a 318i M Sport than a 330i SE. Yes, you heard that right!

I set out to buy a 320i in January, but the dealer didn't have a demo model and instead let me try a 318i M SPort. Then when I did eventually try a 320i, an SE, I wondered why it wasn't noticeably more powerful. And the ride was described by my wife as 'spongy'. So I waited and waited until I eventually got an acceptable price on a 318i M SPort, with the ED engine.

As for the steering, I really liked - and like - the electric steering. When I test drove a 320d (non-ED) I hated teh heavy steering.

All a matter of taste and personal preference of course. For me, burning up the road is not a priority (though that hasn't stopped me having a scare with a police car already and I only got the car 2 weeks ago ) But every time I get into the car and grip that M SPort wheel, and feel the way the car drives with the sport suspension, I have a little smile to myself....