[M series]

Hi All,

I know this topic has been covered before, but as I've just joined the forum, and considering purchase of new BMW, I'd interested in what you all think.

I test drove the 320d and 323i recently and couldnt believe how responsive the 320d was..until I got out to check car, and heard that diesel rattle!! Bit loud, so Im leaning towards the 323i.

Looking at getting a 323i with Sports pack, Innovation pack, sunroof, metallic paint with 18 inch 193m wheels, got a retail quote of around 78k from one dealer but haven't yet started the bargaining process...what do you think is a realistic price I could pick up this car for?

[Beejay]

We've been driving a 320d for 4 months now and are extremely happy with it. It is a beautiful car for cruising and a competent one for the daily commute. The torque from the diesel is fantastic and leaves a petrol car for dead. In fact, putting the foot down still sometimes is somewhat frightening as it leaps forward from low-rev torque that cannot be had in a petrol-engined car. Otherwise, driving characteristics are the same as the petrol siblings. We grew accustomed to the soundtrack of the diesel quickly and these days it is more referred to as the purr of a tiger than the agricultural connotations often put by people who have not learnt to appreciate the other benefit (for the wallet and for the planet) besides the grunt of this fine machine: with a 10%/90% split between cruising and heavy traffic commuting, it sips less than 7l/100km. The petrol engine will struggle to go below 11l/100km in that situation. Seems clear-cut to me.
Enjoy.

[Zen]

I aint sure, but I think you could probably slash a mere 5 - 6k off the current price that the dealer quoted u. Like most people would probably suggest here, goto another dealership and see what they offer you for the same spec before dealing.

[bcoz]

Originally Posted by M series

Looking at getting a 323i with Sports pack, Innovation pack, sunroof, metallic paint with 18 inch 193m wheels, got a retail quote of around 78k from one dealer but haven't yet started the bargaining process...what do you think is a realistic price I could pick up this car for?

The quote for $78K sounds like it already includes the $4K credit BMW is currently promoting, as by my reckoning a 323i with those options comes to around $82K (in NSW) before any discounts.

I think both 323i and 320d now have the same starting price of $58,300. If that is the case, then a similarly optioned 320d would be $5K cheaper thanks to the saving in LCT (as it qualifies for the higher LCT threshold of $75K).

Which ever car you decide on, I think a minimum of 10% discount is doable on factory orders (I recently got 11.5% off a factory ordered 330d), and up to 15% discount on Brand New cars in stock (showroom or in storage), depending on how keen the dealer is to move them.

From what I've read, bigger discounts (up to 20%?) can be had for demo's, or if you want to wait for the runout deals in December/January, on New 2009-plate cars.

[peterd]

Originally Posted by Beejay

The petrol engine will struggle to go below 11l/100km in that situation. Seems clear-cut to me.
Enjoy.

I'm not too sure about that - most of my driving is stop/start traffic, and I get around 11l/100km and that's in a car that's done less than 1000km. If I do any motorway driving, consumption drops to around 8l/100km.

[amberzombie]

i do stop-start traffic everyday for the past 3 years in my 320i and i'm getting 11.2l/100km

and i'm ALWAYS in DS mode too.

that being said... i'd LOVE to get in one of those 320d's and give em a whirl...

in terms of diesel engines, does anyone know how BMW's are compared to other car manufacturers?

[s4008616]

Speaking about fuel consumption believe it or not my 335i is displaying an average of 9.8L/100km.

It is my daily driver to work.

[M series]

Bee jay, glad to hear your enjoying your 320d. I could definitely get used to that economy..the petrol figure of 11l sounds a bit high...dealer is quoting realistic figure of between 8-9L per 100km..sounds like a bit of sales spin.

I'll definitely take your advice Zen. Quote included the 4K discount. Think I'll aim for at least 10% off, not too sure I'll find a dealer with car in stock..in colour I want, so most likely a 3 month wait.

Amberzombie, is the 11.2l/100km figure for a 320i or 323i? Sounds bit high. I like the idea of 9.8L/100km with the performance of the 335i...

I'd love to know what the BMW employee discount is, probably close to 17-20%.

[Zen]

Oh how I wish my 320i drinks 10L/100km.. last time I checked, it was gurgling about 15L/100km. LOL

Then again tis a pretty old car, and I guess I kinda have a heavy right foot. teehee..

[samchuang33]

Originally Posted by amberzombie

i do stop-start traffic everyday for the past 3 years in my 320i and i'm getting 11.2l/100km

and i'm ALWAYS in DS mode too.

that being said... i'd LOVE to get in one of those 320d's and give em a whirl...

in terms of diesel engines, does anyone know how BMW's are compared to other car manufacturers?

I have drivin the audi 2.0tdi and it some what a bit too smooth for me therefore not punchy enought. There is a significant lag in the audi and when the turbo boost kick in at 2000rpm, the nose of the car goes up and wheel spins. Stupid front wheel drive. If u want to consider audi, get the quaddro or else dont buy it. The merc C220cdi is better than audi. Not much lag and give a smooth linear accleration not as puchy as 320d when turbo kicks in as 320d has more torque. Power wise, i think they are kinda close in terms of numbers but BMW tend to deliver the power better to the road therefore better consumption and faster accleration times.

Say, u must have a very heavy right foot to get over 11l/100ks for a 320. I got around 9.1l/100ks last time i got the service 320i for a weeks.

[zenderm3]

Originally Posted by M series

Bee jay, glad to hear your enjoying your 320d. I could definitely get used to that economy..the petrol figure of 11l sounds a bit high...dealer is quoting realistic figure of between 8-9L per 100km..sounds like a bit of sales spin.

I'll definitely take your advice Zen. Quote included the 4K discount. Think I'll aim for at least 10% off, not too sure I'll find a dealer with car in stock..in colour I want, so most likely a 3 month wait.

Amberzombie, is the 11.2l/100km figure for a 320i or 323i? Sounds bit high. I like the idea of 9.8L/100km with the performance of the 335i...

I'd love to know what the BMW employee discount is, probably close to 17-20%.

Mate,

I've been supporting my mother in her purchase of a 320d or 323i... so far we both agreed that the 320d for the price/offering is a better car... especially with the fuel economy.... up to 1100km/tank! PM if you like as I have been getting a raft of pricing and I'm happy to compare options/costs..

So far the spec that we are looking at for mum is:

320d Executive
- Innovations Pack
- Metallic Paint
- Electric Seats
- Sunroof
- Comfort Access

Cheers.

[samchuang33]

Originally Posted by zenderm3

Mate,

I've been supporting my mother in her purchase of a 320d or 323i... so far we both agreed that the 320d for the price/offering is a better car... especially with the fuel economy.... up to 1100km/tank! PM if you like as I have been getting a raft of pricing and I'm happy to compare options/costs..

Say, when is the car coming?

1100ks/tank.i think u will find that getting around 1000k will be more realistic. Im getting 7.4l/100k driving very spriited. My wife get 6.9k/100ks before when she was driving it. I figure if i drive 335i with similar driving style, i would be getting over 12l/100ks. I think so far the maximum we have manage to get was 850k on one tank when fuel reserve light came on (which still had 100ks range left) which was bloody good already. I think that was almost all highway driving on that tank thou.

[eff1dude]

I've had my 320d for about 11 months now after trading in my 525i. Unless I go the whole hog and get a 335i, I can't see myself going back to a petrol 6 again for two main reasons. First, the performance/economy ratio is unbeatable in a diesel and second, you save big $'s on purchase because of the higher luxury tax threshold.

Although BMW sixes sound great, I was getting 14l/100km arounnd inner Melbourne in the 525i and now get 7.4l/100km in the 320d driving in exactly the same manner (ie spirited driving). This alone will save me over $1,200 a year in fuel. Also the 320d's 1st service isn't due until 30,000k's so this will save $'s as well.

12 months ago I never thought I would say this, but top of my current wishlist for my next BMW is another diesel - 330d to be exact.

[BMW //MPOWER]

Originally Posted by Zen

Oh how I wish my 320i drinks 10L/100km.. last time I checked, it was gurgling about 15L/100km. LOL

Then again tis a pretty old car, and I guess I kinda have a heavy right foot. teehee..

I'd also put it down to the fact youe e36 320i has 50% more cylinders than the e90 320i.

[BMW //MPOWER]

Originally Posted by eff1dude

Also the 320d's 1st service isn't due until 30,000k's so this will save $'s as well.

I highly doubt if you go to 30,000km service intervals you'll be saving money... even the best synthetic oils barely last 15,000kms under usual conditions. At 30,000kms you would also be getting close to burning through your first set of tyres & brakes, plus you'd probably want to flip out a few filters before then if your spend a lot of time in the city as they'd probably also be done by then too. Then again if your planning on flipping it after a couple of years, i doubt you'd care.

[samchuang33]

Originally Posted by BMW //MPOWER

I highly doubt if you go to 30,000km service intervals you'll be saving money... even the best synthetic oils barely last 15,000kms under usual conditions. At 30,000kms you would also be getting close to burning through your first set of tyres & brakes, plus you'd probably want to flip out a few filters before then if your spend a lot of time in the city as they'd probably also be done by then too. Then again if your planning on flipping it after a couple of years, i doubt you'd care.

Sorry M Series
SA told me that it is a good idea to get that extra oil change especially for new diesel even though BMW said that it should up last to 30000ks. I try to keep my car at optimal conditon so i have already change oil and filter at 5000ks and plan to do another one around 15000. After that, i think i will do oil change every 15-20,000 ks. I mean it does not cost that much for a oil change considering that our cars ain't cheap.

My X5 3.0d tells me to service every 15000 on average coz i push it quite hard. My brother in-law who doesnt drive like a nut said his computer tells him to do it every 20000 so I guess it all comes down to how u drive it too.

[BMW //MPOWER]

Originally Posted by samchuang33

Sorry M Series
SA told me that it is a good idea to get that extra oil change especially for new diesel even though BMW said that it should up last to 30000ks. I try to keep my car at optimal conditon so i have already change oil and filter at 5000ks and plan to do another one around 15000. After that, i think i will do oil change every 15-20,000 ks. I mean it does not cost that much for a oil change considering that our cars ain't cheap.

My X5 3.0d tells me to service every 15000 on average coz i push it quite hard. My brother in-law who doesnt drive like a nut said his computer tells him to do it every 20000 so I guess it all comes down to how u drive it too.

Yes & No, i change mine every 10-15,000km's (the computer says every 20,000-25,000km's) and the bulk of that driving is interstate runs (i don't drive it during the week) and upon inspection of the 15,000km old oil (yes the correct bmw reccomended 5W30 castrol LL01 stuff) is not a pretty sight. Also given the type of driving i'm doing i dare say that my oil should be about as good condition as it could possibly be for the age.

My take on it all is that it won't cause you issues over the first 80,000km's or so, but the gradual build up with result in increased maintenance past that period, which is good for the dealerships back pocket...

[John_01]

For me, I choose a manual transmission so a petrol engine makes a nicer and smoother drive. I'd probably go for the 323i, especially if it can be tuned up closer to 325i power.

I am not really a fan of diesel engine sound. To be honest a BMW with a Diesel engine is still a difficult concept for me to grasp. I think a free revving petrol engine with a clear exhaust note is part of the character of a BMW. However if I was going for an automatic transimssion, I'd consider the 320d very carefully. I haven't driven one, but on paper it seems like a sensible choice for AT customers.

I reckon you are crazy if you change your oil less often that 12month/15k intervals. There should be a law against it.

[zenderm3]

Originally Posted by M series

Hi All,

I know this topic has been covered before, but as I've just joined the forum, and considering purchase of new BMW, I'd interested in what you all think.

I test drove the 320d and 323i recently and couldnt believe how responsive the 320d was..until I got out to check car, and heard that diesel rattle!! Bit loud, so Im leaning towards the 323i.

Looking at getting a 323i with Sports pack, Innovation pack, sunroof, metallic paint with 18 inch 193m wheels, got a retail quote of around 78k from one dealer but haven't yet started the bargaining process...what do you think is a realistic price I could pick up this car for?

Mate, how did you go with your selection of a car?

[Zen]

Originally Posted by BMW //MPOWER

I'd also put it down to the fact youe e36 320i has 50% more cylinders than the e90 320i.

Yes, that too. Unfortunately many SA's in the BMW dealership that I had come across in the past are so clueless, as they reckon all 320i must have a 4 cylinder engine! I practically LOL at them.

Originally Posted by John_01

I am not really a fan of diesel engine sound. To be honest a BMW with a Diesel engine is still a difficult concept for me to grasp.

Yes I understand where you come from as I also have the same feeling as you in regards to the soundtrack of the engine. As for the concept about luxury vehicles with diesel engines, it's been around for a while but just not in countries like Australia.

[BMW //MPOWER]

Originally Posted by Zen

Yes, that too. Unfortunately many SA's in the BMW dealership that I had come across in the past are so clueless, as they reckon all 320i must have a 4 cylinder engine! I practically LOL at them.

Hahaha yes, they do tend to be a bunch of monkeys...
Some of the gem's i've heard;
- The Michelin Pilot Sport tyres on my car are Run Flats.
- The new Z4 is a sports car.
- The N54 is a completely new engine. (Sorry the N52 was a new donk, the N54 is simply an M54 with a couple of hairdryers bolted on because the N52 couldn't handle them).
- Steptronic in 'sports mode' is as fast as a Manual.

The smartest thing i was ever told by a dealership employee was recently when i took the new z4 for a test drive with one of the mechanics (as all the sales reps were busy), "i'd buy a boxster over one of these anyday".

[zenderm3]

Originally Posted by BMW //MPOWER

Hahaha yes, they do tend to be a bunch of monkeys...
Some of the gem's i've heard;
- The Michelin Pilot Sport tyres on my car are Run Flats.
- The new Z4 is a sports car.
- The N54 is a completely new engine. (Sorry the N52 was a new donk, the N54 is simply an M54 with a couple of hairdryers bolted on because the N52 couldn't handle them).
- Steptronic in 'sports mode' is as fast as a Manual.

The smartest thing i was ever told by a dealership employee was recently when i took the new z4 for a test drive with one of the mechanics (as all the sales reps were busy), "i'd buy a boxster over one of these anyday".

Mate,

You have an awesome current car... I have a loan '04 325ci.... it isn't too bad... but it is an AT and I really think it would be much better as a MT!