120d or 320d

[Sonn]

I have, near certainly, lost to the dark side. I'm acquiring a tractor. And sticking some paper under the mattress for that pesky turbo. I'm sold on the fuel economy and power/value relationship of the 2litre d. The ride goes without saying.

Since I'm quite new to beemer worship, at least the more ritualistic practicing thereof, I thought I'd seek the counsel of the Sith. I wasn't sure whether this would be best received in the 1ers or 3ers section (bias and all that). So it's in neither.

I'm fairly torn between the E90 320d (looking at a 2006 m sport one) and the E87 120d (also mid 2000s). It seems to my researcher's eye (google) that they are in the same price range.

My question is this - if I'm not planning on lugging around children (or any backseat passengers) or a significant amount of luggage, is the 120d perhaps the better option?

I want an auto that's a great drive and I'm thinking the vastness of the 3 may be wasted on my needs. I do however adore the 3s looks, especially with the M sport pack (nice mags).

I am a bit biased myself - have thrashed a 120d with great joy but never touched a 3 before. I loved the 120d's grippiness and the low, fighter jet cockpit flying position.

My intuition says there's more to a 120d vs 320d debate than rear legroom but I thought I'd start there. I will mostly be carting myself around between Stellenbosch and CT/SSW. Very occasionally a 350km East trip.

I'm in this for medium term - 2-3 years.

TLDR:

Mid 2000's E87 120d or E90 320d.

Any insight from former or current owners and fans (or haters) is hugely appreciated in this time of bmw coming of age.

 

[Smartiesman]

320d hands down.

 

[andre320D]

Easy.... 320D:=):

 

[JENICH]

320d hands down.

What he said:thumbs:

 

[Mrcloc]

320d hands down.

What he said:thumbs:

+1

What made me buy a BMW was driving a 120d 130kw. Tried hard to find a suitable one, and while trying, drove a 320d 115kW. Mind blown! The 120d's are fast, but the refinement of the 3 is so much better IMO.

While you're at it, look at a 520d if you can (and definitely M sport!). Those are amazing to drive!

 

[Dippies]

320d all the way

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

320d :thumbs:

 

[ClassicB]

I have had both. Both 2006 models with similar mileage.

Traded the 120d on the 320d, as the 120d was a bit too small for me. The E87 with 3-4 adults is tight.

120d felt more "fun" to drive as the body was lighter and boost was addictive. It was also easier to maneuver in traffic. Only downside was space.

320d a bit more bulky, but more comfortable space wise.

120d- I averaged 6.9l/100km
320d- I average 6.6l/100km

Both good cars, but for my needs the 320d ticks all the boxes. Hope this helps.

 

[Boytjie]

I have the 320d and the wife 120d.

The 320d is by far the better car. I am really disappointed at 120d.

 

[tman]

I was in a similar position a few months back...

I opted for the 3 series, because in my research and experience the 3 series is more refined, and better equipped than the 1.

 

[Redshert]

I used to have a 2010 120d, had her for a fun 3 years, awesome car, awesome economy and many smiles... until I drove the 3 series, the car is much more comfortable, solid in the corners and so much more room all round. I loved my 120d, but the 3series I have now is just far better, I can't comment on the 320d as I skipped that and went for the greater darker sister, but what I can say is the 320d will be better all round opposed to the 120d.

 

[phantom]

I used to have a 2010 120d, had her for a fun 3 years, awesome car, awesome economy and many smiles... until I drove the 3 series, the car is much more comfortable, solid in the corners and so much more room all round. I loved my 120d, but the 3series I have now is just far better, I can't comment on the 320d as I skipped that and went for the greater darker sister, but what I can say is the 320d will be better all round opposed to the 120d.

3 Series is a notch up on the 1 series :thumbs:

 

[Nastaliq]

Dude,

The space is the problem in a 1 series, the ride is awesome. My wife owns a 118i. Consumption is shit cause its not a diesel, but its fun to drive.

Even if you are not lugging adults and baggage around, space is a problem. A go at pick n pay and you will see that the boot is really to small. a months groceries, long life milk and some veggies and the boots full.

I drive a 320d, and the kick is awesome, space is decent, and the boot will accommodate your groceries.

Unbiased, buy a 3 series.
with Bias, buy my 320d

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=49432