Im picking my M3 up in a few days! Hooray, but decided to keep it a few months of the summer for some fun then chop it out when Ive finished abusing it a little.

I cant get away from beemers now, Im converted

So I want the next car to be -

Cheaper(sub 15K)
practical(5 doors)
Economical - must be diesel
Still handle well and go alrightish

Im down to the 120d or the 330d sport touring - both of which can be had for 12-15K for a good one - so which should I buy, or am I missing some other magical car that fits this bill. 4 X 4s are now out for me, much though I fancied an X5 3.0d sport.

I know itll be nothing like an M3, but I drive a car once a week max now and its just dead money.

 

Andy, my sis bought an 06 120d on Saturday - picks it up on Thursday. I've been looking at a 330d Touring myself (yep, a bit of a change from an S2000!) so I'll be glad to hear some feedback too. There's quite a bit of info on the BMW forum on PH.

 

330d touring and get yourself a remap

 

What gives there then, Craig? Buying something more extreme and looking for a second car that can pull a trailer....?

 

I had a loaner 120d and wasn't impressed. Peaky would be my overall assessment. Strangely the same engine in a 5 series I tried was completely different.

I would do the sums - do you really need a diesel? If your mileage is not that high, the additional purchase cost and the differential between petrol and diesel fuel significantly erodes the potential savings.

 

yup we have had loan of a 1 series - fun but no were near as good as the 3 series 330D sport anyday for me !

 

Not at present, skis and mountain bike hauling duties! Hiring a caterham for track days makes more financial sense than buying a caterham (in an unusual moment when I consider financial implications). I've also got the CBR which is eaiser to polish and fiddle with

 

I've just bumped my thread on our 120d to the top

 

Interesting

I love the idea of the 3L six engine over a 2L however the 120d is newer technology

 

Doesn't mean it's necessarily better!