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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
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Unlimited wishes vs Limited resources
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01-30-2007, 04:44 AM | #1 |
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Unlimited wishes vs Limited resources
Hello
I'm new to this forum and have found it very useful in evaluating various options for my new E90, which I am going to order under my company car scheme. My budget is limited and therefore, I'm trying to find a balance between style and performance. Please share your experiences and views help me deciding the right balance. The options I'm considering are: Option A: 318i M Sport Auto Le Mans blue Dakota leather - lemon Xenon High beam assistant Rain sensor & auto lights Exterior mirror pack 17" 194 alloys Option B: 318i M Sport Auto Le Mans blue 'Blue shadow cloth' Xenon High beam assistant Rain sensor & auto lights Exterior mirror pack 17" 194 alloys Option C (slightly over budget) 320d SE Auto Monaco blue Fluid cloth - beige Xenon High beam assistant Rain sensor & auto lights 3 spoke sports steering Front sports seats Anthracite headlining Sports suspension setting Burr walnut wood trim 16" 156 alloys Thanks |
01-30-2007, 05:42 AM | #3 |
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Option D: leather sports seats, 17" wheels and xenons... and some of the options you have already selected.
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01-30-2007, 05:43 AM | #4 |
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My advice would be to get downa dealer and test drive the 318i and the 320d. The performance difference could be enough to change your mind on it's own.
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01-30-2007, 05:44 AM | #5 |
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you recommend the D ?
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01-30-2007, 05:47 AM | #6 |
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Option 'A' looks like the best one to me.
I picked up my E90 335i M Sport last friday (£6000) discount from Cooper Tunbridge Wells (very good dealership) Id say definatly have the xenons, this is my first car with them and they are 10 times better than 'normal' headlights. (auto lights come with xenons) Highbeam assistant is also very very good, its cheap, and it works perfectly, well worth it just for the 'gadget' principle. hope this helps..... |
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01-30-2007, 06:07 AM | #7 |
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I agree 320d is much better than 318i in terms of performance, but my budget won't allow me to equip it with leather seats and 17" alloys.
I do around 300 miles/week on an average and 320d is relatively economical. Please advise if leather seats and 17" alloys worth more than the powerful engine. |
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01-30-2007, 06:23 AM | #9 |
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For me, personally, I would go for the leather sports seats and 17's (actually 18's) before the more powerful engine, but each to their own! You do say you do a lot of miles, so maybe the engine is more important for you.
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01-30-2007, 06:32 AM | #10 |
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I'd go for the D personally, but I recognise that some people really don't like diesel and want to stick to petrol, so I'd always suggest testing both. Even if it is a company car you have to live with your choice for years, so it's worth a bit of messing around up front to make sure you get things right.
With the auto box I would also have thought that the greater torque of the diesel would be even more of an advantage. Definately go for the Xenons, but beyond that it's a question of your required toy coefficient.
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01-30-2007, 07:35 AM | #11 |
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I thought long and hard about going for diesel this time around, as I know BMW make good diesel engines and on paper everything about the 3.0d is better that the equivalent petrol, but just couldn't do it! My mileage isn't particularly high on a per year basis, so doubt financially it would work out better. As for the auto option, I can't imagine living with an auto on a daily basis...
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01-30-2007, 08:02 AM | #12 |
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That was my dilemma. I'd already driven the 3.0D and loved it. Ok it hasn't got the snarl of the petrol and that heady land of high revs but, my god the thing pulls like a freight train!!!
As for auto? no frickin chance!
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01-30-2007, 11:47 AM | #13 |
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I found the 320d was a far better ride than the 318, to me the 318 felt underpowered. With the mileage you are doing and the type of roads though performance may not be needed and then the looks become important. 17" Wheels I feel are a must and the M Sport interior is nice and exclusive and not cold in winter!
But then look at my thread I'm having a dilemna on the options myself! Good Luck and enjoy those ponderous moments |
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01-30-2007, 12:53 PM | #14 | |
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It's by far the quicker and more dynamic car. If you get the sport you have alcantara which means you don't need to pay for leather and you also get the 17inch rims in the package (amongst other things). |
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01-30-2007, 02:42 PM | #15 | |
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needforspeed, this sounds reasonable, as I have been told that the manual 320d is tax friendly as well. I think I will miss auto transmission... |
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01-30-2007, 03:11 PM | #16 |
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Our sales director changed from a Merc 'E' slushmatic to an E60 manual a while back.
Biggest problem was "it keeps going quiet when I stop"
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01-30-2007, 03:18 PM | #17 | |
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I sold my 530d because I found the auto box made the driving experience less engaging. I think an auto is acceptable when a car has an indecent amount of torque (eg 335d). In a car like that the auto is probably quicker than a manual. A 320d is quick ... but you can use a manual box to get the best of it. Changing gear is really easy anyway isn't it? |
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01-30-2007, 03:37 PM | #18 |
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I’m convinced…
changing gear is as easy as convincing me for manual I have finally decided for 320d M Sport manual with alcantara, xenons, high beam assistant, rain sensor, and exterior mirror pack. I really appreciate all the suggestions. |
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01-30-2007, 03:38 PM | #19 |
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Perfect .. you are going to love it
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01-30-2007, 04:04 PM | #20 |
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Good choice bud. Let me know when you want some mods doing - blacklines, short shifter, air freshner, furry dice etc...
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01-30-2007, 04:52 PM | #21 |
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Nice spec. Now comes the hard part... waiting!
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01-31-2007, 01:07 AM | #22 | |
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