BMW 3-Series Coupés - Which would you go for?

PaddyofNine

I'm window shopping some 3-series coupes at the moment with a view to picking one up in the near future. (It came down to this or an Audi A5, but these are a bit cheaper, and just as nice looking IMHO!)

I've been looking at a few and am wondering what you think...

This one's a lovely looking car, but a few things are turning me off it - it's a 2007, first of all. I'd be keen to buy a car from the second half of 2008, so the tax'd be a good bit cheaper. (I'm planning on keeping the car for at least 5 years.) Plus it's a 3.0 litre, so not only would the tax be huge but it'd thirsty!

This one from Murphy Gunn is a lovely looking car. The spec I want too (I prefer the silver model, and don't mind the pimp-my-ride red leather seats! ) It's a bit pricey, mind, but it does come with a Premium Selection warranty, as well as a full service history at a BMW authorised dealer.

(Indeed, for the same price I could buy this 2009 model from a BMW dealer in Athlone!, or this one from Joe Duffy in Dublin)

This one is a great looking car from a dealer in Meath but again it's a 2007. I see he also doesn't take trade-ins, and I'm trying to get rid of my 98 Golf!

This one's also a great looking car, but it's a private sale at a price similar to the ones above, and I think if I'm spending that money on a car I'd be better off buying it from a dealer with a warranty.

Finally, this guy seems to have a few of the model I want. Might give him a ring later this week.

(If you're wondering, I'd mainly be using the car to commute to work, and would be doing a good bit less than 10,000 miles a year!)

So, whaddya think? What would you go for?

EPM

330d would be my choice. Different league to the 320d

PaddyofNine

I'm not sure if I mentioned this car in the above list - seems like a nice looking car with a decent spec, and significantly cheaper than the one mentioned above from Murphy Gunn, despite a similar spec. The only thing I can see wrong with it is that it's from a non-BMW dealer, but a SIMI registered one nonetheless.

Gumbo

330d all day long gets my vote, although i think youve linked the same car twice, ie. no M&G in the OP.

i wouldnt worry about the late half of 2008 as all cars registered in 2008 can opt for CO2 motor tax if its lower.

the one in Keanes is nice, decent spec, Xenons (standard), leather, upgraded 19" 225 Alloys, bluetooth and its M-Sport which i'd buy over the SE all day long too, but i have to admit i dont like the walnut dash. 330d is 245bhp iirc with bucket loads of torque available all the time!

PaddyofNine

Yeah it's a lovely looking car alright but I could have a late 08 or even an 09 320d for that price, and it's an 07. Plus my insurance would climb a good bit with a 3.0 litre, and the tax'd be collossal!

EPM

PaddyofNine wrote: »

Yeah it's a lovely looking car alright but I could have a late 08 or even an 09 320d for that price, and it's an 07. Plus my insurance would climb a good bit with a 3.0 litre, and the tax'd be collossal!

But you'd have a far superior car, plus if you're keeping it no DMF to worry about like you would with a manual 320d...

PaddyofNine

Actually the more I look into it, it's rather economical as large diesel engines go. I must check out what the tax and insurance'd be though...

Stevie Dakota

That 330D looks fantastic, but I am a sucker for 6 cylinders and cream leather. If you were going to hold on to it for a while then I would take it over a 4 pot 320D anyday.

listermint

Agree with Stevie, Nay to the 320 330 all day everyday.

Gumbo

PaddyofNine wrote: »

Actually the more I look into it, it's rather economical as large diesel engines go. I must check out what the tax and insurance'd be though...

OSI wrote: »

Looking at 1200-1500 for tax

motor tax is 1293 per annum.

PaddyofNine

Ouch. Multiply that by five years and it's a big difference between that and a 08 320d.

I am interested by the 330D though - I'd never really considered it before, but the insurance is pretty much the same and as I've said they're much more economical. I've since been looking at picking one up in the UK, a 2008 model, so that the tax'd be much cheaper (I presume). Been looking at a few models here.

Gumbo

PaddyofNine wrote: »

Ouch. Multiply that by five years and it's a big difference between that and a 08 320d.

I am interested by the 330D though - I'd never really considered it before, but the insurance is pretty much the same and as I've said they're much more economical. I've since been looking at picking one up in the UK, a 2008 model, so that the tax'd be much cheaper (I presume). Been looking at a few models here.

if your going the UK, would your budget stretch to the 335d?

mickdw

I would go for 07 335d msport. Yes the tax is 1300 compared to 600 for an 08 but if you are keeping it long enough, the poor residual value shouldnt worry you.

Matt Simis

For that price I would be looking at 2004-2005 6 Series, a designed as BMW coupe. If running costs and tax are an issue, the 630i is meant to be good (lower costs than the 645/650i).
Unfortunately the later 635d is still mega money.

That or a 330/335d.. pre-2008 its taxed as a 2.9litre, so EUR1293.
Post 2008 a 330d and 335d are EUR630.

Seperate

Matt Simis wrote: »

That or a 330/335d.. pre-2008 its taxed as a 2.9litre, so EUR1293.
Post 2008 a 330d and 335d are EUR630.

I've a 320d in today, road tax is €156 for the year.

Apparently it's 177bhp as standard, and can hit 200ish bhp with a map.

It came up from Cork, and the MPG reads 49.9!

You just can't argue with that.

Stevie Dakota

Seperate wrote: »

You just can't argue with that.

The numbers are hard to ignore, the tax difference between a 2007 330D and a 2008 320D is head wrecking.

The 320D is huge for a reason.

bmw535d

try to get a 2008 330d, i know there is only like 40 bhp difference between the 320cd and the 3.0 but the smoothness and sound of the straight 6 in lethal for a diesel. also try to get an msport or if you cant afford that right now it is easily retrofitted in the future when you can afford it,,either way these are a very nice car

bmw535d

Seperate wrote: »

I've a 320d in today, road tax is €156 for the year.

Apparently it's 177bhp as standard, and can hit 200ish bhp with a map.

It came up from Cork, and the MPG reads 49.9!

You just can't argue with that.

330d will also do 49.9 average,

Gumbo

Seperate wrote: »

Apparently it's 177bhp as standard, and can hit 200ish bhp with a map.

yep, 177bhp standard after september 2007 and easily 210bhp with a very simple remap and that is not pushing the engine. the mappers can get more from them but to keep everything working perfect 210-215 is max they go.

Idbatterim

the below is a beauty at a great price! I love the color combo!

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320Ci-M-/201020198020177/advert?channel=CARS

Shane732

You're comparing 2 completely different cars. The 330 is a totally different animal to the 320. The 330 wins hands down every time. Buying something that you want to keep for 5 years - go for the 330 you'll love it.

Plus as some other posters have said - Go North!!

I'll have a look through them later on and link you some of them. Go to David Prentice in Omagh, unbelievably helpful.

Stevie Dakota

Idbatterim wrote: »

the below is a beauty at a great price! I love the color combo!

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320Ci-M-/201020198020177/advert?channel=CARS

Yuck, gutless 4 pot petrol, and by all accounts a problematic engine. Mutton dressed up as lamb.

PaddyofNine

Shane732 wrote: »

You're comparing 2 completely different cars. The 330 is a totally different animal to the 320. The 330 wins hands down every time. Buying something that you want to keep for 5 years - go for the 330 you'll love it.

Plus as some other posters have said - Go North!!

I realise the 330d is the better machine, but my budget is not unlimited. I walked into this thinking I'd spend up to €25,000 or so - €27k, maybe €28k if I saw something I really wanted. At a push I'd spend €30,000 on a car but it's unlikely I'd get a 08 330 and VRT for that money. And the year is a big thing - the tax difference between the two is almost €1,000! Multiply that by the (at least) five years I'd intend to keep it, and it's some difference!

btkm8unsl0w5r4

The 320d may be the engine of choice for the cost conscious ( cost conscious person buying an expensive car that is) but 6 pot BMWs is in a different league from a driving pleasure point of view. Also the 330d is pointless when the 335d is the same tax bracket and more powerful by a good bit.

Every tom dick and harry has a 4 pot BMW, only those with the most discerning tastes go for the bigger engines.......;)

TCP/IP

Dont buy any of the cars you have seen on this thread. Get one with an Idrive

CaraFawn

Mekhi Red Switch wrote: »

Every tom dick and harry has a 4 pot BMW, only those with the most discerning tastes go for the bigger engines.......;)

Driving a car with a large engine does not mean you have more money or are smarter than the guy driving a 4 pots.
Some have money and do not want to spent lots of cash on petrol, tax, insurance.
A 320d will do the job more than well.

Now of course bigger engines bring a big smile to your face, but then, it comes with a higher cost...So each to their own and priorities in life I suppose.

Anyway unless you are bloody loaded, none of these matters anymore

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Have driven both, owned both and paid more for a 4 pot than a 6 pot. Driving a car with a large engine does not mean you have more money or are smarter than the guy driving a 4 pots, it just means you care more about driving enjoyment, refinement, aural pleasure and you know the thing that most irish people forget about when buying a car....the engine makes the car not the badge.....

4 pots are fine...but given the choice

Flame suit on.....

Shane732

Ok I've picked out a few nice looking E92's below. I'm not exactly sure what you're must haves are so it's pretty hard to narrow about 200 E92's down!

I've focused mainly on the bigger engined E92's that might be within your price range. Personally I'm a 325/335 fan as I don't really see the point of the 330 when you can basically have a 335 for the same money if you shop around. BTW I'm an E90 320 driver and I'd highly recommend moving up to the 325+ range.

Don't forget if you're going in as a cash buyer you'll get a reasonable discount on some of the models below depending on how long dealers have had them on the forecourts and how much the car owes them etc...

I've thrown in 335 that might just squeeze into your price range (unlikely as sterling rates aren't as good as they used to be and the OMSP of the 335 per Revenue is a joke). The last one is a 320D just shows that the value coming across from the UK is still there.

Just one other thing - Whatever you do buy an M-sport!!!!!

http://www.compucars.co.uk/used-cars/bmw/3-series/330/330d/for-sale/?1264007

http://www.compucars.co.uk/used-cars/bmw/3-series/330/330i/for-sale/?1250797

http://www.compucars.co.uk/used-cars/bmw/3-series/325/325i/for-sale/?1261473

http://www.compucars.co.uk/used-cars/bmw/3-series/325/325i/for-sale/?1273183

http://www.compucars.co.uk/used-cars/bmw/3-series/335/335d/for-sale/?1174123

http://www.compucars.co.uk/used-cars/bmw/3-series/335/335d/for-sale/?1132817

http://www.compucars.co.uk/used-cars/bmw/3-series/320/320d/for-sale/?1212736

copacetic

I'm not as against the 4 cylinders as some here, but there is a nice feeling to a 6 cylinder engine. It's unfortunate the euro has taken such a hit lately otherwise you could definitely bring in a 2008 325i or d for 30k or less. If anything prices have gone up also in the last 1.5 years, the 325i in the above post is the same price that 2008 ones were at the start of 2009. Anyway with the 3.0L engine and the low tax you get the best of both worlds. It also is a starting point in stepping up to the 3.0L engine and if you go for the i you don't have to worry about the turbos.

edit - there is some value around though

Heres an 2008 manual 325i for 19k GBP, so prob 18k.
http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/car_details/0,,1260_159980106__,00.html?currentCh=WBAWB32030P069742

so 22k euro. 8k vrt, 30k + expenses of 250-500. 2008 co2 is only 170 so 447 tax.

JJJJNR

Seriously! would you not just hold on to the golf till the 330D hits your price.. makes sense! one or two more years are not going to hurt since you already have it since 98.

voteforpedro

PaddyofNine wrote: »

I'm window shopping some 3-series coupes at the moment with a view to picking one up in the near future. (It came down to this or an Audi A5, but these are a bit cheaper, and just as nice looking IMHO!)

I've been looking at a few and am wondering what you think...

This one's a lovely looking car, but a few things are turning me off it - it's a 2007, first of all. I'd be keen to buy a car from the second half of 2008, so the tax'd be a good bit cheaper. (I'm planning on keeping the car for at least 5 years.) Plus it's a 3.0 litre, so not only would the tax be huge but it'd thirsty!

dont buy off these lads. the mother had a problem with her 03 318 and decided to go to a main dealer to get it sorted. they made a real balls of it and we're still trying to get the car back to normal a year later:mad:

Idbatterim

Op would you consider a 6 series?

Mr Benevolent

A fluffy kitten dies every time someone buys a coupe with a 2l engine. It's just wrong.

PaddyofNine

Idbatterim wrote: »

Op would you consider a 6 series?

I'd love to - beautiful car - but I'm after a 2008 or newer car, and cant' afford a 6-series that new.

PaddyofNine

JJJJNR wrote: »

Seriously! would you not just hold on to the golf till the 330D hits your price.. makes sense! one or two more years are not going to hurt since you already have it since 98.

I could but I just signed a three year contract at work so a 3 year loan from now would suit me grand.

Idbatterim

I dont know where all you posters advocating the bigger engines live, but here in Dublin, the only thing you will be racing to is the next set of lights! If the OP wasnt concerned about budget, he probably wouldnt be asking for advice on here. That said, the 6 pot is going to be a better drive, but you have to weigh it up against other practicalities!

PaddyofNine

Yeah, I can dream away but I have to face the harsh realities of the bank account! I do like the look of the 325i M-Sport mentioned above, though. A few people were telling me I'd be mad to buy a petrol car though, that they're much harder to sell. Would you agree with this? (I don't necessarily!).

I also like that it's from a BMW Authorised Dealer. I know in Ireland the BMW dealers have their Premium Selection programme for used cars, which is basically what an RAC check is in the UK. Could you therefore skip the RAC check if buying from an authorised BMW reseller in the UK?

copacetic

PaddyofNine wrote: »

Yeah, I can dream away but I have to face the harsh realities of the bank account! I do like the look of the 325i M-Sport mentioned above, though. A few people were telling me I'd be mad to buy a petrol car though, that they're much harder to sell. Would you agree with this? (I don't necessarily!).
I also like that it's from a BMW Authorised Dealer. I know in Ireland the BMW dealers have their Premium Selection programme for used cars, which is basically what an RAC check is in the UK. Could you therefore skip the RAC check if buying from an authorised BMW reseller in the UK?

Not really, a 3.0L petrol that has low tax and decent mpg will sell fine imo.

PaddyofNine

If I buy a car from the UK that's registered there in January 2008, does anyone know if I'll have to pay the old (pre-08) tax on it when registering here, or the new (cheaper) one?

Stevie Dakota

PaddyofNine wrote: »

If I buy a car from the UK that's registered there in January 2008, does anyone know if I'll have to pay the old (pre-08) tax on it when registering here, or the new (cheaper) one?

You'll be on the new system.

copacetic

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

You'll be on the new system.

agreed, definitely the new system

PaddyofNine

copacetic wrote: »

I'm not as against the 4 cylinders as some here, but there is a nice feeling to a 6 cylinder engine. It's unfortunate the euro has taken such a hit lately otherwise you could definitely bring in a 2008 325i or d for 30k or less. If anything prices have gone up also in the last 1.5 years, the 325i in the above post is the same price that 2008 ones were at the start of 2009. Anyway with the 3.0L engine and the low tax you get the best of both worlds. It also is a starting point in stepping up to the 3.0L engine and if you go for the i you don't have to worry about the turbos.

edit - there is some value around though

Heres an 2008 manual 325i for 19k GBP, so prob 18k.
http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/car_details/0,,1260_159980106__,00.html?currentCh=WBAWB32030P069742

so 22k euro. 8k vrt, 30k + expenses of 250-500. 2008 co2 is only 170 so 447 tax.

Dragging up an old thread here, but it beats starting a new one. I've been looking a lot at the 325i since reading this. I presume they're fairly nippy, and I also presume they're fairly thirsty. Anyone got any first hand experience on this?

glynf

PaddyofNine,

If you are looking at 3 series and plan to keep for 5 years, make sure you go for a good spin and make sure you are happy with the ride comfort-especially if its got sports suspension. I had a 320d for 3 years and it was a firm ride to put it mildly, especially on country roads my hole was broke between the sports suspension & run flats.

Changed a year ago & I seriously considered the 330/335d and nearly bought a 335d from UK, but the RAC check brought up an interesting history-cost 300 or so but glad now I got it done. For a finish I went with a 3.0Tdi A5 as i got it for the same money as it would cost to bring in a 335d from the UK.

If you do a lot of milage & can stretch consider the Audi, if you want serious poke and can live with the harsh ride, go for the 330/335d.

copacetic

PaddyofNine wrote: »

Dragging up an old thread here, but it beats starting a new one. I've been looking a lot at the 325i since reading this. I presume they're fairly nippy, and I also presume they're fairly thirsty. Anyone got any first hand experience on this?

pretty nippy, reasonably thirsty. Can get very reasonable thirst if a careful driver, mpg is quoted at ~40mpg for combined cycle which is pretty good for a 3.0L petrol. I think 30mpg is a reasonable expectation for urban driving, although it'll drop if you race away from the lights a lot.

Mr Benevolent

copacetic wrote: »

pretty nippy, reasonably thirsty. Can get very reasonable thirst if a careful driver, mpg is quoted at ~40mpg for combined cycle which is pretty good for a 3.0L petrol. I think 30mpg is a reasonable expectation for urban driving, although it'll drop if you race away from the lights a lot.

But the 325i is a 2.5l, not a 3L...

copacetic

Confab wrote: »

But the 325i is a 2.5l, not a 3L...

It's not. The 325, 330, 335 are all 3.0Ls.

Mr Benevolent

copacetic wrote: »

It's not. The 325, 330, 335 are all 3.0Ls.

Damn Wikipedia, leading me astray...

copacetic

Confab wrote: »

Damn Wikipedia, leading me astray...

I think it was for a while, maybe 2006 to early 2007. Certainly most people still assume the 325 means 2.5 litre, 335 means 3.5 litre. etc etc. BMWs numbering is a bit pointless now that they have a 2.0 covering 318, 320, 123 and a 3.0L covering all the other 3 series.