[bakili]

Hey guys, i am thinking to get new car again.
This time it will be definitely another BMW.
At the moment i am driving e90 318i, which is pretty nice car, spent quite lot on it, drives perfectly, but short of power and don't like colour Met Arctic.

I am thinking of:

Japan Red -320d se (found one with very good spec, leather, idrive etc)
Grey- 325i se (same better spec leather, idrive)
Black -520d Msport (2.5k out of budget)
Grey -525d SE Touring Auto (bit high on milege)

I would prefer manual.
Also bit scared of diesel BMW's.

Which one to go for, or just stick with my underpowered 318i

[E92BSM10]

What are the prices and mileage for the 320d and 325i

[bakili]

320d is on 05 with 85k on clock, full m/dealer history/ 1 owner, for 8.5k
325i is on 05 with 51k on clock, full m/dealer history/ 1 owner, for 10.5

[Vaheed1]

I would try and find an M sport - they hold their value better than the SE models. If you're considering the 325i at £10k - then I'm sure you can pick up a 320d m sport for the same amount. I wouldn't worry too much about mileage - these things are bullet proof!

[kaishang]

The 325i is the 2.5 liter valvetronic engine isn't it? I vote for this car; used to own one and the engine is a lot of fun

I also think the softer SE suspension is better for daily use.

[m1bjr]

Buy the Grey one

[Swiller]

Originally Posted by Vaheed1

I would try and find an M sport - they hold their value better than the SE models. If you're considering the 325i at £10k - then I'm sure you can pick up a 320d m sport for the same amount. I wouldn't worry too much about mileage - these things are bullet proof!

Just to point out. An msport is really just stiffer suspension, m badges, and bodykit. If buying second hand, the fact that they hold their residuals betternis a good reason not to buy one second hand. Mileage on the other hand is an important metric if you are worried about resale values. Ses come in all sorts of spec. Sports seats are a must IMHO and shove some second hand oem rims on it.

Bak you should also look into a 330i. Same econ as the 325i more power and same prices second hand. INS and tax negligible. 0-60 is less than 6.5 even on the old auto models.

The 320d is a great car, but you can get a 2008 regd plate 330ise with 87 on clock for a quid under 12 grand. Go a couple of years older with similar mileage and you end up in 4 figures.

Good luck whatever you choose.

[zltm089]

want power?....just for for a 335i or D....

forget about colour, leather, bluetooth, ipod, fridge, cruise control, adaptive lights, or microwave...

[buckethead]

a 320d will do almost double the m.p.g than a 330i and 325i
and in everyday use theres not alot between them

i used to have a 330i i miss the car a bit i don't miss the £120 per week petrol bill

also a 330i 05 costs £245 a year to tax not to sure about the 325i

320d £120 or £90

[andyp74199]

Although a 320/325 is quicker there is just not enough of a difference to justify the change imho. If you really have to upgrade then wait until you can afford a 330/335 i or d. (....goes off to check on current 335d prices)

[bakili]

i owed few diesel cars before, and honestly never achieved good economy only on long run maybe once a year. I do about 10-15miles a day max, and buying diesel car for this kind of milege not worth it.

Already arranged viewing this weekend on 325i and 330i m sport, not boded about economy or road tax, bit worried about insurance. I am still very young (30) with not very clean licence.

[kaishang]

If you are only doing that distance each day then the purchase price is important and the fuel consumption is not important. So petrol makes sense.

If your insurance is expensive, you can try self-insurance, ie get third-party only; drive carefully, don't crash it and don't do sudden stops at lights so you don't get rear-ended. 30 isn't _that_ young either.

Originally Posted by bakili

i owed few diesel cars before, and honestly never achieved good economy only on long run maybe once a year. I do about 10-15miles a day max, and buying diesel car for this kind of milege not worth it.

Already arranged viewing this weekend on 325i and 330i m sport, not boded about economy or road tax, bit worried about insurance. I am still very young (30) with not very clean licence.

[m1bjr]

Originally Posted by buckethead

a 320d will do almost double the m.p.g than a 330i and 325i
and in everyday use theres mot alot between them

What?

Maybe in Essex (I'm in Maldon right now and I can see your point), but where I live there is NO comparison between them as a DD

[Swiller]

It's true, it will do almost double mpg. On 15 miles per week, it doesn't matter. A 330i, taking residuals into account will prob cost about the same to run over 10k, 20k or 30k a year. There are so many e90 320ds on the roads, residuals will plummet over the rarer 6 pot petrols. Look at the e46 second hand values to see how a 320d compares to a 330i. Cost of ownership is THE metric, not mpg when buying second hand.

[scooba0010]

Originally Posted by m1bjr

Buy the Grey one

+1