Coming back to BMW....maybe....

[novio]

Howdy all,

Its been 6 years since I sold my e36 328i.
Been driving an A3 since and now its time to get a new runner.

My budget will be around 200k. This unfortunately eliminates the f10 520d which I drool for, but 320d f30 seems to be within the price range.

There seem to be quite a few 2lt tdi 2013 A4's out there with some motor plan still in place. But I would prefer the BMW from the same year and any motor plan if possible.

What I would like to find out from members here is honest opinions of the 2 cars if you have had experience with them. What are the pros and cons for each. How are they long term with regards to reliability etc...

My knowledge is limited, but from what I understand, the 320d with auto gearbox is more efficient than the manual....and best in class.
I also hear that the Audi auto gearboxes are unreliable. Anyone know if this is true?

I'm looking at diesel, in auto just because I do 120km per day, mostly on the highway.
How do the petrol version compare?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[Jeremy.d]

I cant compare the two, but that 8-speed auto box in the bimmer is very good. And if you want more punch its really easy to flash the box settings.

 

[KPM3_30]

I remember your e36 328i, my brother bought it from Durban. That car was proper strong and that rev ran past the redline!

Honestly, if you find a good 320d, you won't go wrong. The 8 speed automatic box in the F30 is a marvel and coupled with the diesel engine, miles of (frugal) smiles. :thumbs:

 

[novio]

I cant compare the two, but that 8-speed auto box in the bimmer is very good. And if you want more punch its really easy to flash the box settings.

Nice.

Could you tell me what servicing costs?
Regular and major....roughly?

---

I remember your e36 328i, my brother bought it from Durban. That car was proper strong and that rev ran past the redline!

Honestly, if you find a good 320d, you won't go wrong. The 8 speed automatic box in the F30 is a marvel and coupled with the diesel engine, miles of (frugal) smiles. :thumbs:

Probably the car I loved the most. That e36 was sick:smilebounce:

Thanks for the info:thumbs:

 

[ChefDJ]

The F30 320d 8-spd auto is basically a pinnacle of motoring right now.

More than enough power, economy is excellent and very soft to drive. Brilliant daily.

 

[Jeremy.d]

I cant compare the two, but that 8-speed auto box in the bimmer is very good. And if you want more punch its really easy to flash the box settings.

Nice.

Could you tell me what servicing costs?
Regular and major....roughly?

---

Havent got a clue, sorry. I've only driven one of my friends 320d's thats how I know.

 

[MikeR]

R200 for an F30 ? I dont think so mate unless its a very high miller, Good luck with your find :thumbs:

 

[novio]

R200 for an F30 ? I dont think so mate unless its a very high miller, Good luck with your find :thumbs:

I could stretch it to 220k

Does the 1 series have the same gearbox?

 

[Schalk94]

R200 for an F30 ? I dont think so mate unless its a very high miller, Good luck with your find :thumbs:

I could stretch it to 220k

Does the 1 series have the same gearbox?

The 1 series has the same auto box and motor

 

[RAArmstrong]

For like 200k... Rather get a good clean E90 than a poked out F30... IMHO.

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

The 200k F30s will be high mileage cars indeed.. I ran my F30 320d close to motorplan KMs expired. No real complaints about the car.

Solid daily, I got around 7-8l/100km in Sandton traffic daily commute IIRC. Open road that drops significantly! But yes make sure of the car you look at in that price range.

BTW what is wrong with the Audi? Never sell a working paid off car :fencelook:

 

[MikeR]

mgwaiting: dude - look around - I landed this baby last week - 120d 2011 - 29000kms on the clock - the car is pristine - I flew down to BMW Paarl and drove her back to JHB - what a fantastic ride, and she still has Motorplan until march next year. and wait for it R205K and they paid my flights down and put on brand new tires....so a deal can be found if you are patient

 

[rsgordini]

mgwaiting: dude - look around - I landed this baby last week - 120d 2011 - 29000kms on the clock - the car is pristine - I flew down to BMW Paarl and drove her back to JHB - what a fantastic ride, and she still has Motorplan until march next year. and wait for it R205K and they paid my flights down and put on brand new tires....so a deal can be found if you are patient

That mileage is unbelievable... really...less than 5000km per year?

Car looks good though..

 

[Dirtydeedsman]

My budget will be around 200k. This unfortunately eliminates the f10 520d which I drool for, but 320d f30 seems to be within the price range.

There seem to be quite a few 2lt tdi 2013 A4's out there with some motor plan still in place. But I would prefer the BMW from the same year and any motor plan if possible.

I was sitting in the same position but I couldn't afford the F10 and after test driving a few F30s 320Ds there was just something missing... I can't explain it never having owned a BMW but there was something in the AUDIs that was not in the BMWs. The ones I got for around that price were not well specceed and had some seriously high milage if they had nice toys.

Please don't shoot me :fencelook:

Ended up in a A3 sedan for R230k and the dealership extended the motor plan after some serious negotiations with 40kkm for free and then some goodies. Got a 2.0TDI with Stronic gearbox at 94xxx km and it is just happiness. If you can't get a nice F30 then look around the B8 and B8,5 they are some serious cars with acceptable milage and good toys and leather.

Check out McCarthy.

 

[SanM]

That A3 sedan is a really good looking car. Always turns my head on the road.

As for the OP's query, my wife had an A3 1.6 tdi in auto. Was really impressed with it. Soft, comfortable ride and very stable on the road. Seating position was excellent. Just a very refined experience. Power was more than ample. Fuel economy? 4-5l in daily mixed driving! Went down to low 3's on longer distances. Sold it after 2 years but just because the mileage was reaching 100k (commuted around 150km daily). Would've never sold it otherwise. Never gave us any issues.

 

[novio]

The 200k F30s will be high mileage cars indeed.. I ran my F30 320d close to motorplan KMs expired. No real complaints about the car.

Solid daily, I got around 7-8l/100km in Sandton traffic daily commute IIRC. Open road that drops significantly! But yes make sure of the car you look at in that price range.

BTW what is wrong with the Audi? Never sell a working paid off car :fencelook:

Yeah, I hear you. Nothing wrong with her apart from a fuel filter that needs changing. Shes been a great runner for the last 6 years and averages 6.2/100km on mixed driving.

Primary reason for selling is the mileage. I bought her at 108k, and now shes on 260k. Secondary reason is how much I miss my e36.
Its difficult to explain, but spending 3 hours on the road per day really makes the driving experience very important, and that's what I find Audi lacks in the long run. I hope returning to a newer 3 series will aid that.

And of course there are the more obvious reasons like better safety, fuel efficiency, newer tech etc...