Bmw 2015 320d or 520d

Kaizersoze81

I'm currently looking in the uk at both 320d Msport auto and 520d msport auto.
One thing that surprised me is that there is very little between the price of the 3 and 5 series, I can pick up a 520d mspott auto with 30,000 miles for £18,500. Is there any reason the prices are so similar ? Is there anything to look out for with these models?


Also would you recommend only buying from a BMW dealer over there, or would cargiant be reputable also?

Thanks

bazz26

Big cars suffer big depreciation which is why prices are similar between them, same would be with the Audi A4 and A6. You also have to factor that there recently was a new 5 Series model launched which depresses the resale value of the older model too whereas the a 15 reg 3 Series would still be the current model. Which one to buy would really boil down to what you want from the car.

The 3 Series is slightly smaller, lighter and narrower than the 5 Series which means it's handling is more nimble while fuel economy will be slightly better. Flip side is the 5 Series is more refined (even in 520d form), has better standard equipment and offers more comfort and space.

Cargiant will probably be cheaper than a main dealer but the cargiant warranty is worth nothing if you cannot get the car back to them whereas the used BMW dealer warranty should be transferable over here given that BMW UK and BMW Ireland are the same entity.

Theboinkmaster

I'd get the 520d and make sure it's BMW approved used car.

Kaizersoze81

Thanks. I see there's a newer 5 series out now while 3 series is not being released until 2018 so that may also explain the price similarity.

They're all about ? 2,500 dearer from a main dealer than cargiant. I know cargiant give no discount, wondering would a main dealer offer maybe 5-10%?

bazz26

Not a hope from a UK main dealer I'd say, unlike over here their cars tend to be priced very close to what they expect to get for them.

digiman

bazz26 wrote: »

Not a hope from a UK main dealer I'd say, unlike over here their cars tend to be priced very close to what they expect to get for them.

The 3 series also had an LCI in 2015, something to look out for as well. Wouldn't cost a lot more to get the 3.0L as well which would be worth looking at, supposed to be a cracking engine by all accounts

bazz26

There is still a fair difference in VRT between a 320d and 330d here though.

maddness

I've had a 520 msport and my wife has a 320 m sport.
It depends on what kind of driving you do and what you really want from a car.
The 520 is a lot bigger and wider and is a lovely place to spend time but I prefer the 320 as it's so much more fun to drive.
The 5 is quieter and therefore seems more expensive and will impress the neighbours if that's your thing. I'd still have a 320 msport though and we have found it considerably better on fuel than the 5.

bmwguy

I have had 5s for a while now but I am thinking of going back to 3 next time. 5s are very quiet and comfortable though. Miss the e39s I had they had the best of both. Comfortable and a really great drive.