The new commute is not massive by any means (20 miles each way), but it's quite slow with frequent hold ups in traffic at certain junctions/roundabouts, which takes about 40 minutes each way. I don't need a pure commuter machine that can chew up high mileages, I'm quite lucky in that I can still have a "sporty" commuter, but I can't carry on doing it im my S.

Doing some rough calculations, it would cost me £2500 a year in my S compared to £1100 in a 123d just in fuel. Add in to that tax disc, service and running costs it really adds up, hence the change to a diesel. Thats the logic behind a 123d for me, it's RWD,fast, but capable of sensible fuel economy. I'm even considering an auto as well It's only a short step to string backed leather driving gloves and some Werthers Originals.

 

I reckon def try an auto, the new boxes are very good and a manual is a pain in stop start

 

Stop being a pussy and get a 135. 120d? No.

 

Its a fair point, i do that in my M but i do wfh a lot lately

 

I'd love the 135i but then I'd be getting the same mpg as the S. I've found a nice 123d on Autotrader that I'll go and have a look at. I was wondering about the auto box, are they ok?

 

I get better MPG out of the M135i than the S2000
~35 mpg even the way I drive (some sort of witch craft under that bonnet!)

 

A don't think the 3 series is that big actually little cramped for 4 adults.

I love my m sport 335d at stage 2, 38 Mpg of combo of countryside roads and A roads, 373 bhp and 560 lb ft, comfortable and handles well for a diesel quicker than a e46 m3 and a standard 135/335i in a straight line however not as involving but exhaust note ain't bed for a diesel.

You'll pick up a e92 325d for cheap now since f30 series is out, a 1 series is just too small for me.

 

I've just been reading about catastrophic timing chain failures on 2.0 litre diesel engines from 2007 - 2011 caused by a problem with the TCT! It seems that BMW are refusing to acknowledge a manufacturing problem and are only covering some of the repair costs. Sounds familiar.

 

Yeah I've heard about it to being in the bmw circles.

Get a 325, ie smaller tutbod 6 cylinder.

 

I just think the 3 series is too big for what I want, not too many 125is on Autotrader either. I hate the faff of looking for a new car.