3 series...or something else?

Muscle750

If you want to hear a bang and a smouldering wallet to the the of £8k plus stay away from the BMW total bunk not to mention the swirl flap issue

RichardD1970

rev_henry wrote: »

horror stories about routine servicing costing £3k and various expensive problems. Certainly nice inside though and fast, but at the lower end of the mpg scale I'm looking at.

To be fair that could (and is) said about any of the "prestige" brands.

rev_henry

Well today I want a convertible again. Reading between the lines the 3.0d E93 doesn't have too many horror stories compared to the 2.0d. Any thoughts?

rev_henry

After some thought, a convertible will 'cost' me a car that is at least 3 years older, i.e. 7 or 8, which is quite old for a £10k car, so I'm moving away from that idea.
Currently I'm thinking W204 C class (preferably 250, although 220 would do if it had all the options), F30 320d or even an E class. I could just about get an approved used C or E class in budget, I haven't yet seen a new shape BMW approved used in budget.
Is this approved used business worth seeking out and paying a premium for? Are the above any good?

bengalknights

Id recommend the Lexus IS or the budget person in me says mondeo titanium x

gabitzul

Have not owned that many cars, but I do have a W204 (2009 Estate SE with some upgrades). Very well built and the OM646 is how an engine should be built, not had any issues. Chain driven. Get the older one so not OM651 as they are fragile and have DPF.

Make sure it's an auto (went for manual and I don't enjoy it) and has Comand. Cruise is standard on auto and many other toys.

Remembered something, be prepared to do your own servicing if you can or at least find a local garage who can take care of it, they are a bit more complex than average (though I don't think exagerrately so). The main dealer prices are tear inducing.