3 or 5 Series?

Buellguy

neilmcl wrote: »

Sorry, but I can't agree with this at all. The 3 series is one of the best driver's cars in its class, certainly not "run of the mill".

Agree - BUT where the hell can you actually DRIVE a car nowadays. Don't get me wrong - I own a bike - I can (and do) go on track days (ps the bike isn't a race rep) so get something that is comfy and works

motorguy

colino wrote: »

Sorry to disagree pgilc1, but the "little" diesel in the beemer was horrible and took away the whole character of the marque. If you really need an oil burner and an estate, drive nothing less than a 530D (preferably auto with leather and the electric pack), you'll never look back.

I didnt say it was the best (having owned two 535d's) just that thats the 'optimum'.

The 5 series isnt underpowered with the 2.0 diesel - its just that you need to keep a sense of perspective - the 'original' 530d in the e39 had about the same BHP as later 520d's - somewhere around 180BHP.

And given the choice i'd take a 520d over a 320d even IF the best drivers cars are much further up the range.

motorguy

Buellguy wrote: »

Agree - BUT where the hell can you actually DRIVE a car nowadays. Don't get me wrong - I own a bike - I can (and do) go on track days (ps the bike isn't a race rep) so get something that is comfy and works

You 'drive' a car every time you get an open stretch of road or are on a favourite A road. And every time it will be a better experience in a three series (like for like) than in a mondeo.

Apples2

I drive a 530D. A fabulous car, I love driving it and do a fair amount of motorway miles.

Over the last 11 days I have driven Bristol to Edinburgh. Edinburgh to Bristol, Bristol to Manchester, Manchester to Bristol, Bristol to plymouth and back again.
This should car is absolutely designed for this style of driving. Even after my long trips I don't want the drive to end.

You need some diy skills, an oil change costs me about 80.
Swirl flaps need to go, thermostats will need changing, glowplug errors to correct, all routine and common issues.

If you don't do the kind if driving I do, consider dpf problems (1,200 fix)
A new turbo will be 1,500

If you spend all your money on the purchase, you will always be frightened of that big repair bill.

Tyres are run flats so costly too.

Expensive motoring but worth every penny. It belongs on the motorway, heavy but remarkably fast which simply doesn't belong pootling around town, around town you are well in the low 20's mpg.

thelawnet

I couldn't be a BMW driver though. Maybe you could get a Peugeot badge for it?

Apples2

thelawnet wrote: »

I couldn't be a BMW driver though. Maybe you could get a Peugeot badge for it?

I agree with this, I never wanted a BMW, the reputation is well deserved. The little 2.0 4 pots still cut me up and try to drag race even though I drive a BMW.

My focus was the three litre engine, try to find a bad review of it... Everything else in that class of car is compared to it.

The lexus is220 was my choice for trim and equipment but the engine is no comparison at all, not by a country mile.

harveybobbles

Why bother with diesel? My boss runs a 56 plate 535d and it does similar MPG to his previous shape 545i ..

The diesel comes with all the usual rubbish that will fail at some point.

albionrovers

5-series all the way, I'm on my 3rd.
Found 3-series cabin too tight 15 years ago and 3 cars later I'd never drive anything else.
3 cars for total of 15K in 15 years.

skivenov

neilmcl wrote: »

Sorry, but I can't agree with this at all. The 3 series is one of the best driver's cars in its class, certainly not "run of the mill".

Depends what you mean by "driver's car". If you mean handling, you've never driven an S4. If you mean speed, it doesn't really matter any more there's cameras everywhere and all modern diesels are about the same. If you mean comfort, it's run of the mill. If you mean the level of trim, it's bland. If you mean ergonomics, it's lacking. If you mean it's got rear wheel drive, then yes, it's better than a Merc, but then so are most things.

As an overall package in the mid-sized rep-mobile class. I'd rather have a Mazda 6, an Audi A4, a Volvo V70, a Ford Mondeo, or a Hyundai i40 (don't knock em til you've tried em).

harveybobbles

I personally find the new 3's a bit naff looking. The E46 was the best looking/handling 3 Series.