Need advice for my first BMW

hopeless wanderor

Would like to get some advice for my first BMW purchase

I have been driving a beater 1.2 Fiesta for sometime now. It is now time for something new. Was looking into getting a EV but we are 1 car household so range anxiety is keeping me away from the cars plus high range models are expensive too. Have always wanted to experience owning and driving a BMW car.

Have my eyes set on BMW 3 or 5 series

For 3 series 2019 & up

For 5 series 2017 & up

Any other series to look at?

Looking at M Sport models for both, budget is 30k but lower the better. BMW approved with 2 years warranty seems like a good option.

I would be hoping to keep this car for the next 5 years atleast. Need advice on what kind of mileage for cars should be good?

For example I found 2017 5 series m sport with 150k km is cheaper than 2019 3 series m sport with 50k km.

Is 150k too much or should I be targeting for cars below 100k or any other value . Looking for BMW approved as I would like to have the peace of mind of 2 year warranty.

Any others pointers or advice on what to lookout for is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

User1998

Theres no set mileage you should be aiming for. It all depends on price, condition, service history etc. How much mileage your going to be putting on the car yourself should also be a factor.

Buddy Bubs

They're both nice cars, I found the 2019 3 series quite uncomfortable in msport setup when I went looking, a bit harsh. I think it may have had adaptive suspension but I didn't figure it out on test drive. It was a nice sporty drive though.

I bought a 2018 5 series msport 530e soon after which I found more comfortable. I had it alongside an Audi A6 for a little while and I preferred the Audi, but if you want a BMW you want a BMW.

As important as 3 series v 5 series I'd be thinking if you want a 20d or 30e engine.

Are the cars you're looking at too old for the BMW approved warranty though?

bazz26

The 3 Series is more nimble and driver focused being more compact in size. Interior and boot space are smaller than the 5 Series but the 5 Series tends to have better standard spec.

The 5 Series is more comfortable and refined. 5 Series will feel like a monster of a car in both size and manoeuvrability coming from a Fiesta though. If you going PHEV (30e) in either then take note that the boot size is reduced due to the location of the battery.

Running costs can vary between the two also with the likes of tyres for example being more expensive for the 5 Series especially on the larger wheels.

hopeless wanderor

Thank you for the inputs so far, I am going more towards the 20d models.

If buying from BMW approved used it tends to come with 2 year warranty, maybe the cutoff is 160k for the warranty

I will probably drive another 150k Max over the next few years

GPoint

approved used car warranty can be given even at 200+ k km mileage and is very good and covers everything.

Drive both cars and decide what suits better.

If you want to experience what bmw drives like definitely go for 3 series, keep it for 3 years , enjoy it and move up to 5 series when starting to want more comfort over fun on the road .

Stallingrad

If you're in the position of considering 3 or 5 series I would go 5 every time. Much more solid and premium experience. It's a big old barge though so get a good test drive in. BMW warranty is great for peace of mind but keep in mind wear and tear items like brake will be a real eye opener after your Fiesta.

Also look out for galvanic corrosion on the doors on the 5, a known issue that BMW will repair if you make a fuss.

Screenshot 2024-06-04 at 10.14.10 a.m..png

Seth Brundle

I'd also choose the 5er (have one currently) but as you're moving up from a Fiesta, it will feel big and heavy and more "old man"-ish. I'd recommend taking both out for a test drive and see what you think yourself.

Another thing to consider is the spec of the cars you look at. Whilst they have somewhat standardised in recent years, something priced quite keenly will probably come with bugger all extras so do comparison checks.

Also bear in mind servicing & maintenance costs will be much higher than what you're used to.

hopeless wanderor

Thank you all for the inputs, much appreciated. I am in no rush, just want to make an informed decision as this would be my first big car purchase.

The general consensus seems to be that the 5 series is bigger, especially coming from a fiesta, would definitely be test drive both to get a feel. From my research I see that the G series engine would be the preferred one.

So from advice received so far something that ticks the below boxes should be decent under 30k.

1. G series x20d
2. Less than 150km mileage
3. Full service history
4. 2 years BMW warranty

Seth Brundle

The mileage won't matter too much if the car has been properly maintained.

You also most likely won't get details of the FSH if buying from BMW. However, you can get an overview of the history within the iDrive menus (Vehicle Information -> Vehicle Status -> Service Requirements -> Service History) [see here]

The BMW warranty covers pretty much everything in the car and is very good. Nonetheless, check the car over thoroughly before buying. The one consolation is that should something go wrong within the two years then it will probably be covered so buying a lemon won't taste as bitter as if you were buying from a non-BMW dealer.
After the two years, you may be able to extend the warranty depending on age, etc but this might be with mapfre so, at the time, check the wording throghly because it may actually cover nothing meaningful!

Stallingrad

One more thing to keep in mind with any 5 series is it doesn't come with folding rear seats as standard. Quite a few owners spec them as an option and it's well worth having.

Seth Brundle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122218432#Comment_122218432

It would depend on what you plan on carrying but I'm now on my fourth five series and don't recall wishing I had folding rear seats with any of them.

Stallingrad

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122218442#Comment_122218442

We lead very different lives so! IKEA, timber, Recycling centre, bikes. The boot on my Superb is huge yet I still often have the seats down.

Seth Brundle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122218480#Comment_122218480

My wife's Seat is used to carry long &/or dirty things and I'm happy to not be putting crap like that in my car
I do have roof bars though (I've bought them for all of my 5ers) which I guess does make a difference when transporting my bikes.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122218373#Comment_122218373

I went from a polo to a 5 series and trust me when I say avoid car parks for a few months, it is like driving a big boat in comparison to a small car and takes alot getting used to. I struggled alot and I have been driving 18 years.

Mac 3

Have had 3 520d's, great all rounder. Good economy, low road tax, the automatic is good, you'll get used to the space. Im not sure if any one mentioned runflat tyres yet, can be dear through the likes of advance, but you can always order online. The cheaper brands dont seem to last so try and get a recognized brand.

Some of these might have service packs that stay with the car for its first five years so you might be lucky and find one that has an active service pack.

Don't let anyone give you stick over indicators.

hopeless wanderor

Thanks all for the good advice.