Buying time

matt_320d · 07-01-2018, 10:21 AM

OK, so,
I've been in a 330d X drive msport plus for 3 and a half years. I own it outright.
Now done 70k...

Which of the following should I go for?
Need to maintain high practicality levels as a family car...while trying to keep things "interesting"

1) 435d GC - this just seems the "logical" step. A bit of a performance nudge, a little bit more practicality with the hatch back (the boot on the 330d has been an major annoyance to me at times) -

2) 640d GC - seems kinda crazy, but have you SEEN the discounts? Anyone want to make the case for a 6 series over a 4 or vice versa? Other than size, how is the 6 actually different to the 4?

3) something else: Jaguar XE? Alfa Romeo? Maserati Ghibli??? Mercedes C class? Audi?

Incidentally, here's what I've learned from over 3 years in my current car:

1) 19" wheels are liability and I hate them. The car is much MUCH better on 18" on British (ie crap) roads.
2) The saloon boot is annoyingly impractical
3) Surround view parking is flipping brilliant
4)ditto for intelligent lights
5) the 330d is very very quick enormously practical and yet...and yet...ack...somehow just not *quite* as exciting as I would hope.

NotGotABimmer23 · 07-01-2018, 10:43 AM

Id get a 440i GC, with mppsk obviously. If you do want a diesel the other brands have nothing that competes with the 30d engine, let alone the 35d.

TouringPleb · 07-01-2018, 10:50 AM

I love my 440i GC, looks just that little bit more special than the saloon.

As for the others you've mentioned, only one I can comment on is the XE. My mate has the S version with the supercharged 3 litre petrol engine. Lovely to drive and fast but my god is the build quality poor. He bought it as a low mileage used car and it squeaks and rattles like you wouldn't believe. Been back at the dealers for some of these noises and had top mounts replaced, door cards, you name it and it still squeaks and rattles.

Jeff123 · 07-01-2018, 11:02 AM

The 4 series will start to look dated when the new model is launched. Used values will suffer IMO. Have a change of marque and maybe revisit BMW in a few years time when the new model had settled in with regard to prices.

eleven11 · 07-01-2018, 11:16 AM

F31 - BMW or Alpina. Wait for the newer generation, if you can wait.

matt_320d · 07-01-2018, 11:24 AM

With regards change of marque - how do people find that from the point of view of trade in of your current car etc?

I own my 330d outright, but strongly suspecting I might finally be tempted to the whole PCP thing this time around..

KCH1984 · 07-02-2018, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_320d

With regards change of marque - how do people find that from the point of view of trade in of your current car etc?

I own my 330d outright, but strongly suspecting I might finally be tempted to the whole PCP thing this time around..

As myself and others have done on here, try tootle to begin with. You'll likely get a better offer than trade price anyway, and depending on your own car it might even be a BMW dealer who bids for it.

No obligation and it's free!

Isow · 07-02-2018, 02:47 AM

630d GT. PCH costs last week were about £336 a month inc VAT.

BMdriver · 07-02-2018, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_320d

OK, so,
I've been in a 330d X drive msport plus for 3 and a half years. I own it outright.
Now done 70k...

Which of the following should I go for?
Need to maintain high practicality levels as a family car...while trying to keep things "interesting"

1) 435d GC - this just seems the "logical" step. A bit of a performance nudge, a little bit more practicality with the hatch back (the boot on the 330d has been an major annoyance to me at times) -

2) 640d GC - seems kinda crazy, but have you SEEN the discounts? Anyone want to make the case for a 6 series over a 4 or vice versa? Other than size, how is the 6 actually different to the 4?

3) something else: Jaguar XE? Alfa Romeo? Maserati Ghibli??? Mercedes C class? Audi?

Incidentally, here's what I've learned from over 3 years in my current car:

1) 19" wheels are liability and I hate them. The car is much MUCH better on 18" on British (ie crap) roads.
2) The saloon boot is annoyingly impractical
3) Surround view parking is flipping brilliant
4)ditto for intelligent lights
5) the 330d is very very quick enormously practical and yet...and yet...ack...somehow just not *quite* as exciting as I would hope.

I am thinking of changing my 320 d, however due to the current anti diesel campaign I am fearful of buying another diesel outright myself and being left with a white elephant in 6 years time when I come to sell it.

Plus I don't really want the decreased mpg of an equivalent petrol engine.

Are you not concerned yourself about this?

DarrenL_007 · 07-02-2018, 04:50 AM

I would take a 440i GC for an extended test drive (2 days) as even though the 435d may give you a little performance nudge it won't be significantly different.

My 440i is a massive breath of fresh air as it is extremely quiet and refined and makes all the noises you would expect from a premium vehicle.

My wife took my 440i this weekend and managed to to return 35mpg on a combination of country roads and motorways. I generally drive so I can hear the nice exhaust note so I rarely achieve anything above 25mpg.

Nobby Clark · 07-02-2018, 05:21 AM

If you are over 50 I'm sure a 6 series or Jag etc. will be right up your alley ;-)

Otherwise, I'd wait until the new 4GC is out. 2 years to save and buy it new.
Your car is costing nothing, not exactly old. Personally, I'd bored getting another car which is essentially the same.

PS - to avoid the diesel worry (not that there is anything to worry about), PCP is your friend.

goodbyalfa · 07-02-2018, 06:13 AM

440 GC all day. Love mine, 1 month old...
Rabid fast.. As suggested above, take one out for a day test drive. You will not want to give it back.

Oh and with the adaptive suspenders, the 19" wheels ride so much better than with my previous 330d on m sport. Positively cosseted!

goodbyalfa · 07-02-2018, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goodbyalfa

440 GC all day. Love mine, 1 month old...
Rabid fast.. As suggested above, take one out for a day test drive. You will not want to give it back.

Oh and with the adaptive suspenders, the 19" wheels ride so much better than with my previous 330d on m sport. Positively cosseted!

Oh, and did I mention the noise...

x-m4n · 07-02-2018, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMdriver

I am thinking of changing my 320 d, however due to the current anti diesel campaign I am fearful of buying another diesel outright myself and being left with a white elephant in 6 years time when I come to sell it.

Plus I don't really want the decreased mpg of an equivalent petrol engine.

Are you not concerned yourself about this?

I know what you mean and I am worried a bit as people think all diesels are the same - my 320d (Euro 6) is now 5years old but only done 26K miles so far... own it outright and for now decided to keep it going until the diesel prices go crazy high or something like that...

I take a train to work and we use the car very little these days, switching to Petrol might not be a bad idea for us when the time comes.... something hybrid would be cool.

matt_320d · 07-02-2018, 06:25 AM

It's funny, I have adaptive Dampers on my 330d. I do quite a lot of B-road driving on my daily commute.

I broke two 19in wheels in the first year of ownership. Changed to 18"s, no problems since and the whole car just feels so much more refined. Less road noise, smoother.

One of the annoyances going forward is that I want everything in the M-sport plus pack EXCEPT those bloody 19" wheels...but I bet I wouldn't be able to get them to do a deal of everything minus the 19" wheels.

TiredGeek · 07-03-2018, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_320d

One of the annoyances going forward is that I want everything in the M-sport plus pack EXCEPT those bloody 19" wheels...but I bet I wouldn't be able to get them to do a deal of everything minus the 19" wheels.

No, but you can bang the brand new 19" on eBay and get enough for them to buy new 18"

Wills2 · 07-03-2018, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_320d

5) the 330d is very very quick enormously practical and yet...and yet...ack...somehow just not *quite* as exciting as I would hope.

If you want an exciting car you'll have to pony up for an M/AMG or Porsche a stock 3er xdrive is never going to exciting.

stefan4 · 07-03-2018, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wills2

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_320d

5) the 330d is very very quick enormously practical and yet...and yet...ack...somehow just not *quite* as exciting as I would hope.

If you want an exciting car you'll have to pony up for an M/AMG or Porsche a stock 3er xdrive is never going to exciting.

this is where I got to.

Wills2 · 07-03-2018, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stefan4

this is where I got to.

I say this as someone who is about to get a boring car, but the ying is a lot more money in your pocket, it's swings and roundabouts.

McBeemer · 07-03-2018, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_320d

It's funny, I have adaptive Dampers on my 330d. I do quite a lot of B-road driving on my daily commute.

I broke two 19in wheels in the first year of ownership. Changed to 18"s, no problems since and the whole car just feels so much more refined. Less road noise, smoother.

One of the annoyances going forward is that I want everything in the M-sport plus pack EXCEPT those bloody 19" wheels...but I bet I wouldn't be able to get them to do a deal of everything minus the 19" wheels.

I did exactly as you are suggesting (everything M-Sport plus, except the 19" wheels) when I ordered my 335d touring. I spec'ed the 18" 398 Orbit wheels, which are the only wheels to come with MPSS non run flats as standard. Got a great deal too.
They are great & do give a nice supple ride compared with the run flat 19's.
After six months though, I bought a set of 19" 704M wheels complete with run flats, for an absolute steal and have fitted winters to my 18" wheels.

The 19's are actually not too bad and I'm really enjoying them on the car. I do really try and avoid potholes though!

dopper99 · 07-03-2018, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wills2

I say this as someone who is about to get a boring car, but the ying is a lot more money in your pocket, it's swings and roundabouts.

M3 going then Wills2 ?

Ss66 · 07-04-2018, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wills2

If you want an exciting car you'll have to pony up for an M/AMG or Porsche a stock 3er xdrive is never going to exciting.

This.

07-01-2018, 10:21 AM	#1
matt_320d Captain 102 Rep 618 Posts Drives: 2018 640d GC M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Kent iTrader: (0)	Buying time - help me decide.. OK, so, I've been in a 330d X drive msport plus for 3 and a half years. I own it outright. Now done 70k... Which of the following should I go for? Need to maintain high practicality levels as a family car...while trying to keep things "interesting" 1) 435d GC - this just seems the "logical" step. A bit of a performance nudge, a little bit more practicality with the hatch back (the boot on the 330d has been an major annoyance to me at times) - 2) 640d GC - seems kinda crazy, but have you SEEN the discounts? Anyone want to make the case for a 6 series over a 4 or vice versa? Other than size, how is the 6 actually different to the 4? 3) something else: Jaguar XE? Alfa Romeo? Maserati Ghibli??? Mercedes C class? Audi? Incidentally, here's what I've learned from over 3 years in my current car: 1) 19" wheels are liability and I hate them. The car is much MUCH better on 18" on British (ie crap) roads. 2) The saloon boot is annoyingly impractical 3) Surround view parking is flipping brilliant 4)ditto for intelligent lights 5) the 330d is very very quick enormously practical and yet...and yet...ack...somehow just not quite as exciting as I would hope.
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07-01-2018, 10:43 AM	#2
NotGotABimmer23 Colonel 834 Rep 2,113 Posts Drives: 340i touring - incoming Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Leicestershire UK iTrader: (0)	Id get a 440i GC, with mppsk obviously. If you do want a diesel the other brands have nothing that competes with the 30d engine, let alone the 35d.
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07-01-2018, 10:50 AM	#3
TouringPleb Brigadier General 4372 Rep 4,230 Posts Drives: SRB 440i GC Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Cambs iTrader: (0)	I love my 440i GC, looks just that little bit more special than the saloon. As for the others you've mentioned, only one I can comment on is the XE. My mate has the S version with the supercharged 3 litre petrol engine. Lovely to drive and fast but my god is the build quality poor. He bought it as a low mileage used car and it squeaks and rattles like you wouldn't believe. Been back at the dealers for some of these noises and had top mounts replaced, door cards, you name it and it still squeaks and rattles.
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07-01-2018, 11:02 AM	#4
Jeff123 Jeff 318 Rep 1,451 Posts Drives: 330d M Sport x-drive F30 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Yorkshire iTrader: (0)	The 4 series will start to look dated when the new model is launched. Used values will suffer IMO. Have a change of marque and maybe revisit BMW in a few years time when the new model had settled in with regard to prices.
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07-01-2018, 11:16 AM	#5
eleven11 Major 372 Rep 1,425 Posts Drives: -F85 X5M- Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Derby City iTrader: (0)	F31 - BMW or Alpina. Wait for the newer generation, if you can wait. __________________ 2017 X5M - Current 2017 F31 Wagon - Current 2014 M5 ZCP - Retired 2011 135i Coupe - Retired 2007 335i Sedan - Retired
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07-01-2018, 11:24 AM	#6
matt_320d Captain 102 Rep 618 Posts Drives: 2018 640d GC M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Kent iTrader: (0)	With regards change of marque - how do people find that from the point of view of trade in of your current car etc? I own my 330d outright, but strongly suspecting I might finally be tempted to the whole PCP thing this time around..
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07-02-2018, 02:47 AM	#8
Isow Major 319 Rep 1,030 Posts Drives: G20 330i MSport Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Manchester UK iTrader: (0)	630d GT. PCH costs last week were about £336 a month inc VAT.
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07-02-2018, 04:50 AM	#10
DarrenL_007 Lieutenant 209 Rep 542 Posts Drives: F36 430d xDrive M Sport GC Join Date: May 2015 Location: West Midlands iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 430d xDriv ... [0.00]	I would take a 440i GC for an extended test drive (2 days) as even though the 435d may give you a little performance nudge it won't be significantly different. My 440i is a massive breath of fresh air as it is extremely quiet and refined and makes all the noises you would expect from a premium vehicle. My wife took my 440i this weekend and managed to to return 35mpg on a combination of country roads and motorways. I generally drive so I can hear the nice exhaust note so I rarely achieve anything above 25mpg. __________________ 440i GC M Sport : Arrived 25th May 2018 Mineral Grey / Ivory White Dakota Leather / Reversing Camera / Folding/Auto Dipping Mirrors / Park Assist / Sun Protection Glass / Electric Glass Sunroof / Heated Steering Wheel / Icon Adaptive LED Headlights / 19" 704M Alloys / Digital Cockpit / Head-up Display / Wifi Hotspot / Driving Assistant / Speed Limit Display / Harmon Kardon Loudspeakers / High-Beam Assist / Enhanced Bluetooth - Wireless Charging / Online Entertainment / M Sport Brakes / Comfort Access / Extended Storage
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07-02-2018, 05:21 AM	#11
Nobby Clark Lieutenant Colonel 759 Rep 1,863 Posts Drives: F36 430d xDrive M Sport Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	If you are over 50 I'm sure a 6 series or Jag etc. will be right up your alley ;-) Otherwise, I'd wait until the new 4GC is out. 2 years to save and buy it new. Your car is costing nothing, not exactly old. Personally, I'd bored getting another car which is essentially the same. PS - to avoid the diesel worry (not that there is anything to worry about), PCP is your friend.
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07-02-2018, 06:13 AM	#12
goodbyalfa King of the North (living in the east...) 1056 Rep 2,154 Posts Drives: M340i mineral white Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Suffolk iTrader: (0)	440 GC all day. Love mine, 1 month old... Rabid fast.. As suggested above, take one out for a day test drive. You will not want to give it back. Oh and with the adaptive suspenders, the 19" wheels ride so much better than with my previous 330d on m sport. Positively cosseted! __________________ 2021 M340i in mineral white, options galore Previously 2018 440i GC in MG 2015 330D F30 MSport EBII 2012 Alfa Guilietta 2.0d Veloce 2009 Fiat bravo sport 2000 ST Mondeo
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07-02-2018, 06:25 AM	#15
matt_320d Captain 102 Rep 618 Posts Drives: 2018 640d GC M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Kent iTrader: (0)	It's funny, I have adaptive Dampers on my 330d. I do quite a lot of B-road driving on my daily commute. I broke two 19in wheels in the first year of ownership. Changed to 18"s, no problems since and the whole car just feels so much more refined. Less road noise, smoother. One of the annoyances going forward is that I want everything in the M-sport plus pack EXCEPT those bloody 19" wheels...but I bet I wouldn't be able to get them to do a deal of everything minus the 19" wheels.
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