[siross]

Evening all,

I'm currently looking for a new car and I've got my heart set on a BMW. In an ideal world I'd be driving something like this but unfortunately there's absolutely no way I can afford it.

I pretty much have my heart set on an E91 LCI but cannot decide on an engine/spec/price range.

I've figured my budget out as £14000. This is based on me getting £1500 for my car (webuyanycar.com value it at £1400), getting a low rate personal loan of £10k over 3 years and adding in £2500 of my own savings.

I'm struggling to find anything within this budget that fits really. I'd like a car with heated electric seats, sat nav, automatic transmission, m sports and under 60k in order to have a warranty that isn't going to cost the earth.

Now I think I have the following options:

1) Increase loan amount, either paying more monthly or extending the period of the loan. This isn't ideal to be honest.
2) Put more of my own money in, not ideal but certainly possible.
3) Settle for a lesser engine/spec/year/mileage car. I don't think this is an option, if I'm going to be spending £300 a month on a car, I want it to be the right car.


The most plausible to me seems option 2. However, I would be uncomfortable with this unless the car I was paying more for was worth more when I came to sell it, i.e. depreciate less than a car of a lesser spec.

Any advice on what to do?

[The0pportunist]

http://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/3-Series/2...cmdc=se_na_re_

Im so surprised at how rare AUC e91s are, there is literally nothing above 320d for that price range.

Good luck though.

[siross]

I know, I've fallen in love with a car on Autotrader, it's a black e91 with every extra I would ever want including a panoramic roof, the only thing missing is upgraded sound system although that's an assumption it's not listed.

Only problems are, it's £16.5k and a 335d.

I'm starting to lean more towards the 330/335d again because they're plentiful in comparison to the petrol variants. I also really enjoy the power delivery of a diesel, I've been driving my dad's 1.9cdti Astra over the past few days and love it!

[RajB]

Originally Posted by siross

I know, I've fallen in love with a car on Autotrader, it's a black e91 with every extra I would ever want including a panoramic roof, the only thing missing is upgraded sound system although that's an assumption it's not listed.

Only problems are, it's £16.5k and a 335d.

I'm starting to lean more towards the 330/335d again because they're plentiful in comparison to the petrol variants. I also really enjoy the power delivery of a diesel, I've been driving my dad's 1.9cdti Astra over the past few days and love it!

I'd say for the extra 2k over your current budget (and you can always haggle that down a bit) you get a very nice motor that ticks all the boxes for you. I'd go see it for sure or at least call up and get as much info on it for sure.

[RajB]

Also I find the 20d a little under powered for my liking so the 30/35d are a much better prospect.

[takumichinoku]

Ah feel for you mate. Wait a little and get the car you really want..

Told you to buy mine

[mob17]

Don't worry about the sound system, you can upgrade that in due course and make it better than the top level BMW system. That would cost a fair amount but can be done in small stages.

I'm a firm believer in getting an older but bigger/better engine BMW, so a 30d/35d would be good.

Don't rush as well, take your time and the right car will come.

Have you been for a test drive in the F series cars? You may have noticed the steering is very light with little feel.

All F series steering is very light IIRC (there may be SOME models with hydraulic but i'm not sure which ones). For the E series, the 335d feels proper, as its got hydraulic steering. Not sure about the 330D, may also have hydraulic. Personally, i don't like the electronic assisted steering.

[siross]

Originally Posted by RajB

I'd say for the extra 2k over your current budget (and you can always haggle that down a bit) you get a very nice motor that ticks all the boxes for you. I'd go see it for sure or at least call up and get as much info on it for sure.

Problem is where does my budget end lol. I wish it was closer and I'd go and have a look and ask for a test drive but it's 150 miles away

Originally Posted by RajB

Also I find the 20d a little under powered for my liking so the 30/35d are a much better prospect.

Thanks for that, I was wondering. On paper the engine sounds decent with circa 180bhp and that can be upped with a remap. The reason I've been pondering the 20d is because I've been worried about running a big engined car coming from a Vectra 1.8 (driven for over 7 years). The 20i gets pretty bad press across the board so that's out.

Also, I want a nice modern interior in my new car, with upgraded gadgets and tech. I started looking at the A5 sportback 2.0 tfsi, great looking car and the engine gets a great write up but the interior (IMO) is inferior to that of the 3 series.

Originally Posted by takumichinoku

Ah feel for you mate. Wait a little and get the car you really want..

Told you to buy mine

Hahaha I would have loved to pal. I wasn't quite in the position to give you an offer you could accept unfortunately. I'm also ideally after an estate. Having said that I was a bit gutted when you sold it, fantastic car!

Originally Posted by mob17

Don't worry about the sound system, you can upgrade that in due course and make it better than the top level BMW system. That would cost a fair amount but can be done in small stages.

I'm a firm believer in getting an older but bigger/better engine BMW, so a 30d/35d would be good.

Don't rush as well, take your time and the right car will come.

Have you been for a test drive in the F series cars? You may have noticed the steering is very light with little feel.

All F series steering is very light IIRC (there may be SOME models with hydraulic but i'm not sure which ones). For the E series, the 335d feels proper, as its got hydraulic steering. Not sure about the 330D, may also have hydraulic. Personally, i don't like the electronic assisted steering.

That's a good point, the sound system can be done in stages certainly. I'd like to do a lot of the work myself to keep costs down if I can. Will take a bit of reading up but I've got experience of audio installation previously.

My issues with a slightly older model is that the facelift E91 looks SO much better to my eyes, it would be a massive compromise. I would also have to factor in the retrofit of CIC nav to the price of the car.

I've not test driven an F series car no, they're out of my price range so I don't want to tease myself lol.

I wish Makkan00 didn't buy an F10 5 series and make it look so incredible, made me want one of them!! I looked though and for a good example F10 530D/535D I'm looking WAY over budget!

[siross]

This is the car that I'm pretty much in love with:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...s?logcode=visc

Black exterior with cream leather interior (excluding light coloured dash) - Only better combo in my opinion would be the cinnamon leather but this is a very close second!
Panoramic Sunroof
Upgraded 19" alloys
CIC Nav
Parking aid (rear)
Automatic
Heated seats
Partially electric seats (from spec sheet)
Rain sensor
Xenons
DAB radio
Hi-Fi speaker system (checked spec sheet, awesome!)

Edit: postcode is work postcode not home

[Dann]

If you stick the reg plate into this site: (https://www.bmw-warranty.co.uk/Login/Index)
It will generate the VIN number.
Grab the last 7 digits and put them in here: (http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html) and it will give the spec list.

Model description:335d
Market:Europa
Type: UX72
E-Code: E91 (MUE)
Chassis: touring
Steering: rechts
Doors: 5
Engine: M57D30T2 - 3,00l (210kW)
Drive: Heckantrieb
Transmission: automatisch
Body Color: Rubinschwarz Metallic (X03)
Upholstery: Leder Dakota/oyster (LCCX)
Production date: 05.06.2009
Assembled in: München

Code Serienausstattung Standard Equipment
S321A
Exterieurumfänge in Wagenfarbe Exterior parts in vehicle color
S853A
Sprachversion englisch Language version English
Code Sonderausstattung Optional Equipment
S1CAA
Selektion COP relevanter Fahrzeuge Selection of COP relevant vehicles
S1CBA
CO2 Umfang CO2 package
S1CDA
Brake Energy Regeneration Brake Energy Regeneration
S205A
Automatikgetriebe Automatic transmission
S230A
Zusatzumfang EU-spezifisch Extra package, EU-specific
S258A
Bereifung mit Notlaufeigenschaften Tire with run-flat functionality
S2MFA
BMW LM Rad M Sternspeiche 193 BMW alloy wheel, M spider spoke 193
S2PAA
Radschraubensicherung Lug bolt retainer
S302A
Alarmanlage Alarm system
S320A
Entfall Modellschriftzug Deleted, model lettering
P337A
M Sportpaket M Sports package
S358A
Klimakomfort-Frontscheibe Climate comfort windscreen
S386A
Dachreling Roof railing
S402A
Panoramadach elektrisch Electric panoramic roof
S423A
Fussmatten Velours Floor mats, velours
S428A
Warndreieck und Verbandstasche Warning triangle and first aid kit
S431A
Innenspiegel automatisch abblendend Interior mirror with automatic-dip
S441A
Raucherpaket Smoker package
S470A
Isofix-System Isofix-System
S481A
Sportsitz Sports seat
S488A
Lordosenstütze Fahrer u. Beifahrer Lumbar support, driver and passenger
S494A
Sitzheizung Fahrer/Beifahrer Seat heating driver/passenger
S4UAA
Sitzverstellung teilelektrisch Partially electric seat adjustment
S502A
Scheinwerferreinigungsanlage Headlight cleaning system
S507A
Park Distance Control hinten (PDC) Park Distance Control (PDC), rear
S521A
Regensensor Rain sensor
S522A
Xenon-Licht Xenon Light
S534A
Klimaautomatik Automatic air conditioning
S544A
Geschwindigkeitsregelung mit Bremsfunkt. Cruise control with brake function
S563A
Lichtpaket Light package
S609A
Navigationssystem Professional Navigation system Professional
S612A
BMW Assist BMW Assist
S615A
Erweiterte BMW Online Information Expanded BMW Online Information
S616A
BMW Online BMW Online
S620A
Spracheingabe Voice control
S633A
Vorbereitung Handy Business Preparation, mobile phone, Business
S654A
DAB-Tuner Radio Bavaria C III
S672A
CD-Wechsler 6-fach CD changer for 6 CDs
S676A
HiFi Lautsprechersystem HiFi speaker system
S698A
Area-Code 2 für DVD Area-Code 2 for DVD
S6AAA
BMW TeleServices BMW TeleServices
S6ABA
Steuerung Teleservices Control for Teleservices
S704A
M Sportfahrwerk M Sports suspension
S715A
M Aerodynamikpaket M Aerodynamics package
S760A
Hochglanz Shadow-Line High gloss shadow line
S761A
Individual Sonnenschutzverglasung Individual sunshade glazing
S775A
Dachhimmel anthrazit Headlining anthracite
S7XAA
M Lederlenkrad+Schaltwippe+Multifunktion M Leathr. wheel+shift paddle+multifunc.
L812A
Länderausführung England / Irland NATIONAL VERSION GREAT BRITAIN
S850A
Zusätzl. Tankfüllung Export Additional Export tank filling
S863A
Händlerverzeichnis Europa Retailer Directory Europe
S877A
Entfall Überkreuzbedienung Delete cross-pattern operation
S880A
Bordliteratur englisch On-board vehicle literature English
S8S2A
Codierung Alarmsignal Coding alarm signal
S8S3A
Automatische Verriegelung beim Anfahren Automatic locking when driving off
S8SCA
Freischaltung Telematik länderspez. Telematics access request,country-spec.
S8SMA
Fahrgestellnummer von aussen sichtbar Car ident. number visible from outside
S8SPA
Steuerung COP Control unit COP
SXE2A
Indi. Edelholz Muschelahorn anthrazit
Individualausstattung

---- Steuerung Individual
Hinweisschild BMW Individual

0X03 Rubinschwarz metallic
Sonderlackierung "rubinschwarz-metallic", wie Schl. Nr. X03.

0XE2 BMW Individual Edelholzausfuehrung Muschelahorn anthrazit
Dekorleisten in Edelholz "Muschelahorn anthrazit".

[Greg330]

I do like the look of that 35d!!

[Pumper]

Dang, used right-hand drive cars sure are cheap.

[siross]

Dann That's how I got the spec, cheers

Originally Posted by Greg330

I do like the look of that 35d!!

It's gorgeous isn't it! I'm in love

Originally Posted by Pumper

Dang, used right-hand drive cars sure are cheap.

Not cheap enough

[singh21]

What car you selling?

[siross]

Originally Posted by singh21

What car you selling?

Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 Nav Sri with ~76k on the clock

[mob17]

Originally Posted by siross

Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 Nav Sri with ~76k on the clock

335 will be a huge jump you will love it.

Strongly recommend test driving a few examples of 330d and 335d.

Whatever you get you'll want M Sport seats (some SE models come with m sport seats, like the E92 335D, not sure about E91). Suspension wise don't worry too much as the standard suspension, SE or M Sport, isn't great anyway and can be greatly improved upon for around £5-600.

[siross]

Thanks for the advice mate, appreciate it.

My main concern of having an M Sports model is the styling, the e91 SE looks bland in comparison to M Sports in my opinion. I could look at a bodykit etc but I don't want to go down that route, a lowered facelift e91 on 19" wheels is my goal!

[ahmedb]

If you can live with a 320d, there's this one and with it being a private sale you can probably negotiate to around £13k.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...atic?logcode=p

Barring that the touring you have found is a true beaut

[siross]

Originally Posted by ahmedb

If you can live with a 320d, there's this one and with it being a private sale you can probably negotiate to around £13k.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...atic?logcode=p

Barring that the touring you have found is a true beaut

That's a lovely car!

In all honesty a remapped 320d would probably be more than fast enough from me coming from the Vectra, but would I regret not going for a 330/335d?

The wheels on the 335d that I've found has the 19" 313 style alloys which are gorgeous! Assuming the cost of those + tyres would be ~£1k?

Also, how does the warranty work with remapping? Or would the car need a warranty at all? I've always thought it was a necessity with the 335i because of the potential costs!

[Bbbeemer]

If your going to map the car, I wouldn't bother with the warranty as this would void it anyway. I personally have a 335i without warranty and yes its a risk because there are known problems with the car, but there are known problems with any car you buy and you also only hear the negative stories on a forum. People don't post how wonderful their cars are and how much they haven't had to spend on them.

If warranty is important, I would say go for the 330/335 so it gives you the power you want and keep it as standard but it will be more expensive to run.

[richk84]

That 335d is an amazing car, great spec. Plus it has the anthracite maple wood inside which is mega rare and goes well with the oyster leather

[siross]

Originally Posted by Bbbeemer

If your going to map the car, I wouldn't bother with the warranty as this would void it anyway. I personally have a 335i without warranty and yes its a risk because there are known problems with the car, but there are known problems with any car you buy and you also only hear the negative stories on a forum. People don't post how wonderful their cars are and how much they haven't had to spend on them.

If warranty is important, I would say go for the 330/335 so it gives you the power you want and keep it as standard but it will be more expensive to run.

Warranty isn't an absolute necessity, I'm open to advice on whether it's required or not to be honest. Does the 335d have the same known potential issues as the 335i?

Originally Posted by richk84

That 335d is an amazing car, great spec. Plus it has the anthracite maple wood inside which is mega rare and goes well with the oyster leather

I know, it's amazing! I really want to go and see it but not sure when I'll get the time. I don't think it will be around long to be honest.