Car purchase suggestion. 120d vs 320d

[FILV]

examples:

MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto for sale in Sandton - ID: 27664432

Used 2019 MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto For Sale - R 329 000 - ID: 27664432

www.autotrader.co.za

MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto for sale in Milnerton - ID: 27821859

Used 2017 MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto For Sale - R 339 995 - ID: 27821859

www.autotrader.co.za

MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto for sale in Sandton - ID: 27838917

Used 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto For Sale - R 339 950 - ID: 27838917

www.autotrader.co.za

MINI Countryman Cooper D Countryman for sale in Pretoria - ID: 27598167

Used 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper D Countryman For Sale - R 319 900 - ID: 27598167

www.autotrader.co.za

MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto for sale in Centurion - ID: 27834120

Used 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto For Sale - R 329 000 - ID: 27834120

www.autotrader.co.za

MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto for sale in Centurion - ID: 27755952

Used 2017 MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto For Sale - R 294 900 - ID: 27755952

www.autotrader.co.za

 

[Infrared69]

examples:

MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto for sale in Sandton - ID: 27664432

Used 2019 MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto For Sale - R 329 000 - ID: 27664432

www.autotrader.co.za

MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto for sale in Milnerton - ID: 27821859

Used 2017 MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto For Sale - R 339 995 - ID: 27821859

www.autotrader.co.za

MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto for sale in Sandton - ID: 27838917

Used 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto For Sale - R 339 950 - ID: 27838917

www.autotrader.co.za

MINI Countryman Cooper D Countryman for sale in Pretoria - ID: 27598167

Used 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper D Countryman For Sale - R 319 900 - ID: 27598167

www.autotrader.co.za

MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto for sale in Centurion - ID: 27834120

Used 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto For Sale - R 329 000 - ID: 27834120

www.autotrader.co.za

MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto for sale in Centurion - ID: 27755952

Used 2017 MINI Countryman Cooper S Countryman Auto For Sale - R 294 900 - ID: 27755952

www.autotrader.co.za

As nice as they are, mini is just not my style. At this point, there are 3 cars which I'm considering.

BMW 3 Series 320d Edition M Sport Shadow Auto for sale in Kempton Park - ID: 27776907

Used 2017 BMW 3 Series 320d Edition M Sport Shadow Auto For Sale - R 339 000 - ID: 27776907

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 1 Series 120d 5-Door M Sport Auto for sale in Vanderbijlpark - ID: 27844599

Used 2018 BMW 1 Series 120d 5-Door M Sport Auto For Sale - R 349 900 - ID: 27844599

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW X1 sDrive20d M Sport Auto for sale in Centurion - ID: 27716375

Used 2016 BMW X1 sDrive20d M Sport Auto For Sale - R 339 900 - ID: 27716375

www.autotrader.co.za

Though I'm not sure what to go for. Seeing the condition of the roads in SA, X1 makes more sense but that 120d has great mileage and looks clean. And that 320d is just that, clean great looking and performing car but that 139k mileage for that price is putting me off a bit. It's so difficult to make a decision.

 

[modocrat]

The 120d looks good except for that bonnet gap.. Almost as wide as Mia Khalifa's....... smile.

 

[Infrared69]

The 120d looks good except for that bonnet gap.. Almost as wide as Mia Khalifa's....... smile.

Are they not all like that?

 

[Demontec]

Are they not all like that?

Most definitely not normal, this is what it should look like

 

[Infrared69]

Most definitely not normal, this is what it should look like View attachment 26676

Thank you for pointing that out.

 

[Mytfine]

Are they not all like that?

Might just be the angle of the photo .

 

[Infrared69]

Assuming that there's something wrong with the 120D. I'm now left with two choices the X1 or the 320D. I received the VIN number for X1. Can I just call BMW and ask them for the history on the vehicle? And is it worth it at that price? Or should I go for the 320D? The mileage is lower on the X1 compared to the 320. Both of them have full BMW service history.

 

[FILV]

You cant call Bmw anymore and ask for vehccile info unless you own the vehcile, but the dealer can.
The dealer can call any Bmw and ask for the spec sheet, and service history and ask to email it to you.

This is a tough choice, both are great in their own ways.

The 3 series is a low well handling rear wheel drive sedan. It has the ZF gearbox which is slightly better and will a tad more economical due to less weight. But it has 45 and 35 profile tires. Keep this in mind. Also the low ride height , especially of the front bumper.

The X1 i front wheel drive, so the front wheels will be doing all work putting down that torque plus the steering. If you are into a little mountain road thrashing it will be an under steer kin of drive at the limit. It will be sporty for its category of car, but not as planted ad the 320D. The Harman kardon sound is worth considering if you are into your music Also the 45 profile is slightly better everyday than the 320D.
It has the adjustable rear bench that can slide forward or back based on whetehr youw ant more boot space, or more legroom for passengers, which is nice.

i would go test drive them or similar cars to ge t a feel for them and what type of car you want to own and drive you want every day.

 

[Salt]

I'd go the 320d option. I had one...bought it on 90k km and drove it to almost 180k km. You can check my tread on that one. It was a fantastic car! Very decent sized boot, enough space at the back, enough power and great fuel economy especially on a long trip - I got 1100km on a tank. Check for the extended display option and at least HiFi sound...HK of you cn find. M Sport is great...especially for the steering wheel.

I have an F20 140 now and I can tell you the rear is cramped and I see space in the back is something you'd like.

 

[Infrared69]

I'd go the 320d option. I had one...bought it on 90k km and drove it to almost 180k km. You can check my tread on that one. It was a fantastic car! Very decent sized boot, enough space at the back, enough power and great fuel economy especially on a long trip - I got 1100km on a tank. Check for the extended display option and at least HiFi sound...HK of you cn find. M Sport is great...especially for the steering wheel.

I have an F20 140 now and I can tell you the rear is cramped and I see space in the back is something you'd like.

Yeah rear space is something which I'm looking for. Coming from a Polo Vivo GT, I don't want to deal with cramped up passengers.

 

[Infrared69]

You cant call Bmw anymore and ask for vehccile info unless you own the vehcile, but the dealer can.
The dealer can call any Bmw and ask for the spec sheet, and service history and ask to email it to you.

This is a tough choice, both are great in their own ways.

The 3 series is a low well handling rear wheel drive sedan. It has the ZF gearbox which is slightly better and will a tad more economical due to less weight. But it has 45 and 35 profile tires. Keep this in mind. Also the low ride height , especially of the front bumper.

The X1 i front wheel drive, so the front wheels will be doing all work putting down that torque plus the steering. If you are into a little mountain road thrashing it will be an under steer kin of drive at the limit. It will be sporty for its category of car, but not as planted ad the 320D. The Harman kardon sound is worth considering if you are into your music Also the 45 profile is slightly better everyday than the 320D.
It has the adjustable rear bench that can slide forward or back based on whetehr youw ant more boot space, or more legroom for passengers, which is nice.

i would go test drive them or similar cars to ge t a feel for them and what type of car you want to own and drive you want every day.

I was thinking of getting tyre and rim cover but not sure if it's worth it as most policies don't cover normal wear and tear only accidental.

I do love taking trips to Kruger and Drakensberg like areas so in terms of that the X1 would be the more practical option between the 2 but for the rest of the year I work in Joburg and most of the driving is in and around the city. But I guess even for that the X1 is the more practical choice. Not sure how the 320 would handle gravel roads in Kruger. The Polo was alright on the gravel roads but the roads are not so bad in the first place. It was also on RFs with 17 inch wheels. It handled both places relatively ok but I did wish at some points that I had a car with more ground clearance.

The only thing that's putting me off the 320d is the mileage and the price for that mileage, though the dealership did inform that I can get a 2 year extended warranty for R10000 from innovation group. Not sure if that's worth it. Is it possible to get some sort of extended warranty straight from BMW for either car?

 

[tamgoem]

As nice as they are, mini is just not my style. At this point, there are 3 cars which I'm considering.

BMW 3 Series 320d Edition M Sport Shadow Auto for sale in Kempton Park - ID: 27776907

Used 2017 BMW 3 Series 320d Edition M Sport Shadow Auto For Sale - R 339 000 - ID: 27776907

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 1 Series 120d 5-Door M Sport Auto for sale in Vanderbijlpark - ID: 27844599

Used 2018 BMW 1 Series 120d 5-Door M Sport Auto For Sale - R 349 900 - ID: 27844599

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW X1 sDrive20d M Sport Auto for sale in Centurion - ID: 27716375

Used 2016 BMW X1 sDrive20d M Sport Auto For Sale - R 339 900 - ID: 27716375

www.autotrader.co.za

Though I'm not sure what to go for. Seeing the condition of the roads in SA, X1 makes more sense but that 120d has great mileage and looks clean. And that 320d is just that, clean great looking and performing car but that 139k mileage for that price is putting me off a bit. It's so difficult to make a decision.

I am just getting "must be a BMW because i need to show off" vibes.

The X1 and the Mini are the same car, the Mini is the better resolved product. Listen to those who have stopped driving Polo's 20 years ago unless we end up with a Rental Polo.

 

[FILV]

I was thinking of getting tyre and rim cover but not sure if it's worth it as most policies don't cover normal wear and tear only accidental.

I do love taking trips to Kruger and Drakensberg like areas so in terms of that the X1 would be the more practical option between the 2 but for the rest of the year I work in Joburg and most of the driving is in and around the city. But I guess even for that the X1 is the more practical choice. Not sure how the 320 would handle gravel roads in Kruger. The Polo was alright on the gravel roads but the roads are not so bad in the first place. It was also on RFs with 17 inch wheels. It handled both places relatively ok but I did wish at some points that I had a car with more ground clearance.

The only thing that's putting me off the 320d is the mileage and the price for that mileage, though the dealership did inform that I can get a 2 year extended warranty for R10000 from innovation group. Not sure if that's worth it. Is it possible to get some sort of extended warranty straight from BMW for either car?

Being you take those two trips a year, i would then consider the X1. Those extra 15mm in ride height and slightly thicker tires make all the difference. Then you can enjoy the scenery more than worrying about the roads, while still looking sporty and still handling well.

Like i said, go test drive both and see which one speaks to you. You will simply know which is the rite one for you.

Bmw Motorplans/warranty needs to be extended while still in plan, so you will have to go aftermarket.

That mileage on a 320D is nothing. If it is serviced correctly it will give many years of trouble free motoring.
if you do go 320D then take it to ZF to asses the gearbox and do the gearbox oil change if the gearbox is still within spec.

Same engine in the X1, bullet proof engine, but he gearbox is an Aisin unit.

 

[modocrat]

If you can up the budget a bit...

BMW 3 Series 320d M Sport auto for sale in Pretoria - ID: 27841241

Used 2017 BMW 3 Series 320d M Sport auto For Sale - R 399 900 - ID: 27841241

www.autotrader.co.za

 

[Infrared69]

I am just getting "must be a BMW because i need to show off" vibes.

The X1 and the Mini are the same car, the Mini is the better resolved product. Listen to those who have stopped driving Polo's 20 years ago unless we end up with a Rental Polo.

Bro if I wanted to show off, I can go and buy a golf GTI or even a polo GTI, trust me people in South Africa will be more impressed with that than a 320D or X1. If I dont like a Mini, I dont like it. You cant force someone to like something. To me, Mini looks like a lady car. Everyone has a preference. I want something that looks decent and has decent power. Show me an alternative and I will consider it. I was considering the t-cross as well but its hard to find the 1.5Tsi variant in that price range. I am a guy in my mid 20s, I want something that looks nice.

 

[Riaad]

Show me an alternative and I will consider it.

What about a F10 520d LCI ? 🙄

far superior than a F30 in terms of space, comfort and spec.

 

[Teezoh]

As nice as they are, mini is just not my style. At this point, there are 3 cars which I'm considering.

BMW 3 Series 320d Edition M Sport Shadow Auto for sale in Kempton Park - ID: 27776907

Used 2017 BMW 3 Series 320d Edition M Sport Shadow Auto For Sale - R 339 000 - ID: 27776907

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 1 Series 120d 5-Door M Sport Auto for sale in Vanderbijlpark - ID: 27844599

Used 2018 BMW 1 Series 120d 5-Door M Sport Auto For Sale - R 349 900 - ID: 27844599

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW X1 sDrive20d M Sport Auto for sale in Centurion - ID: 27716375

Used 2016 BMW X1 sDrive20d M Sport Auto For Sale - R 339 900 - ID: 27716375

www.autotrader.co.za

Though I'm not sure what to go for. Seeing the condition of the roads in SA, X1 makes more sense but that 120d has great mileage and looks clean. And that 320d is just that, clean great looking and performing car but that 139k mileage for that price is putting me off a bit. It's so difficult to make a decision.

Regarding the 120d:

Car is currently in the workshop for brakes to comply with Dekra.
Some images regarding the bonnet gap, according to the team car had no accidents, no reasoning for the misaligned fitment though so...

https://imgur.com/a/cds76YM

 

[Infrared69]

Regarding the 120d:

Car is currently in the workshop for brakes to comply with Dekra.
Some images regarding the bonnet gap, according to the team car had no accidents, no reasoning for the misaligned fitment though so...

https://imgur.com/a/cds76YM

Yeah just got a response from the salesperson I contacted. Probably a good idea to stay away.

 

[Infrared69]

What about a F10 520d LCI ? 🙄

far superior than a F30 in terms of space, comfort and spec.

Hmm. Didn't even consider that, time to whip out Google and go car hunting again. But seriously thank you for suggestion.