Old model 30d or new model 20d

[///M Individual]

Hi guys

So I've just wondered since there's been alot of wanted threads for F series 30d's recently and the prices of these vehicles seem to be much higher than they are worth/buyers are prepared to pay due to the demand and scarcity.

Yes there is a huge difference between the power of a 20d and 30d but when paying marginally less for a F series 30d than you can have a G series 20d with possibly lower mileage, more plan left, newer tech and interior/exterior styling (F30 to G20 3series/F25 to G01 X3) would you still get the older 30d and why?

Personally I've only experienced a 30d in the E70 X5 and it was great. But my 20d and even the G01 X3 20d that I drive often has more than enough grunt for its purpose. So I would take the newer model 20d I guess.

Keen to hear your thoughts even if not in the market. Just a discussion thread.

 

[Kyle]

I think it depends on what you want from a car...

The 30d will have more potential in the way of power, and that 6 cyl is just so smooth. Apart from the engine, most 30d examples will have a better spec (it's quite difficult to find a 320d with a decent spec IMO). If you look at the F30 330d examples available online, there are none that can be classed as. "poverty spec".

Others would prefer a newer car and I understand why, having said that I haven't seen many G20s in the 400k region though?

 

[///M Individual]

I think it depends on what you want from a car...

The 30d will have more potential in the way of power, and that 6 cyl is just so smooth. Apart from the engine, most 30d examples will have a better spec (it's quite difficult to find a 30d with a decent spec IMO). If you look at the F30 330d examples available online, there are none that can be classed as. "poverty spec".

Others would prefer a newer car and I understand why, having said that I haven't seen many G20s in the 400k region though?

None in the 400k region bud but F30 LCi 330d's are closer to the 500k mark while a G20 320d that's 2 years younger with half the mileage can be had for around 580k from a search on the classifieds.

Similarly saw the ad for an F25 LCi 30d for sale at R549k while a G01 20d can be had for R629k.

Yes you are right about spec on the 30d's which is a big factor and it does depend on what's more important to the buyer. I suppose for alot it will be hard to forego the 30d power for a newer model 20d, especially if you are accustomed to 30d already.

 

[Kyle]

None in the 400k region bud but F30 LCi 330d's are closer to the 500k mark while a G20 320d that's 2 years younger with half the mileage can be had for around 580k from a search on the classifieds.

Similarly saw the ad for an F25 LCi 30d for sale at R549k while a G01 20d can be had for R629k.

Yes you are right about spec on the 30d's which is a big factor and it does depend on what's more important to the buyer. I suppose for alot it will be hard to forego the 30d power for a newer model 20d, especially if you are accustomed to 30d already.

I hear you...

Also depends on whether you're financing them or buying cash... R100k - R200k is a slightly easier pill to swallow if you're paying it off in instalments.

 

[Riaad]

So something I have noticed, is that newer cars in general ...are better specced (not referring to std options)

if you look at e90s for example, its not that easy to find msports with basic options like xenon lights, let alone finding one with nav.

F30s are seemingly alot better, here I find that 330ds are often better specced than 320ds (I have maybe seen like five 320ds with msport, pro nav, sports auto and HK, etc)

in the g-series ...almost all of them have pro nav (starting to think this might be a standard option ? ) and HK plus the other bits like leds, sunroof etc...I suppose most of these models are sold on GFV and finance, hence why they are better specced ?

Back to the original question, @Kyle has summed it up well, to add further, I would think one of the main reasons to buy the newer model is Motorplan and having the latest tech.

 

[Salt]

If you wana buy with the idea to mod - F30 330d, otherwise def the G20 320d - mplan cover plus way more modern inside. I drive an F30 and its nice inside to me - but can't argue the new model is much more modern.

 

[MR_Y]

The only issue I have with the F30 is that it's not as premium feeling as the G20. If I was using a car mainly for driving in heavy daily traffic, then I would lean towards the G20, because it feels like a nicer place to be cocooned in.

Now, the question of used 320d (G) vs used 330d (F). At the price point you are looking at, I would rather choose a used 330i (G). That would have the best of both worlds for me - premium feel and strong performance. Fuel consumption may not be as great as the diesels though, but may not be a real issue depending on your mileage.

 

[Morribiscuit]

Cool post - definitely an interesting one.

1. Used car market has gone to absolute **** in the last 9 or so months. Prices are SO far above retail that you need additional cover just to be insured for the purchase price of the car when financing. In reality, an F30 & G20 should not even be a comparison. The price difference between the two should be a fair bit apart that a G series is a whole new budget bracket. Unfortunately new car prices are also so high and so this doesn't seem to drive down the previous gen too much. Look at the G series Ms. Over R2M. Used M3/4 aren't driven down much as there is such a big gap in prices. I personally think this scenario is the only reason this is even a comparison right now.
It does seem there will be a 'market reset' at some point. However, it seems this might be to readjust [increase] used car values to reduce the risk finance houses take on.

2. Newer has to be more modern. I also think G20 is a bigger car entirely. More spacious, more modern. If you are comparing these things, then the G does definitely seem the winner.

3. Performance & 'mod-ability'. G20 20d uses the B47 motor. Not a new motor and goes up to a '170kw variant'. N57 [F30] on the other hand goes up to the N57s tri-turbo variant [M50d] that is a 280kw variant stock. This motor has definitely proven itself and I'd feel confident on giving an N57 more power than i would a B47. ****Would love to get others views on the B47 and maybe its really great as well?!

I have not driven a G20 and so I cannot give a fair comparison. But the N57 is pretty dam good. There are also private deals now and again.

If you are after newer and don't plan to try humble M4s with a turbo-diesel, G20 maybe a good choice?

 

[Kyle]

I feel like nobody on this thread has actually looked at the prices of G20s that are in a condition we would consider buying...

 

[Morribiscuit]

I feel like nobody on this thread has actually looked at the prices of G20s that are in a condition we would consider buying...

Yes in general the G20 is definitely more pricey but there is currently a G20 20d & F30 30d advertised on AT for exactly the same price and so the comparative discussion can stand?

 

[Kyle]

Yes in general the G20 is definitely more pricey but there is currently a G20 20d & F30 30d advertised on AT for exactly the same price and so the comparative discussion can stand?

I get you and agree in part..

Where I beg to differ is that you can't take one example of each subject and compare them (at least in the car sales market)... Remember there are also far cheaper F30s available, likely for a reason however the same can be said for cheaper G20s. If you look at average pricing that we as informed Fanatics would consider reasonable then the G20 examples are on average R200k more expensive.

Also important to note is that G20s are actually selling for these prices, whereas the ludicrously expensive F30s seems to be gathering dust on showroom floors, which brings me to my next point... It's more a question of how dealers justify their pricing really.

 

[Morribiscuit]

I get you and agree in part..

Where I beg to differ is that you can't take one example of each subject and compare them (at least in the car sales market)... Remember there are also far cheaper F30s available, likely for a reason however the same can be said for cheaper G20s. If you look at average pricing that we as informed Fanatics would consider reasonable then the G20 examples are on average R200k more expensive.

Also important to note is that G20s are actually selling for these prices, whereas the ludicrously expensive F30s seems to be gathering dust on showroom floors, which brings me to my next point... It's more a question of how dealers justify their pricing really.

Spot on agree with that.

I found the G20 20d vs f30 30d [more from a car and engine perspective] very interesting.

But I 100% agree that the prices of F30s at dealerships are totally off at the moment. As are most in demand cars. Go look at Golf Rs as a really good example. Retail on a 2019 is just under R570k. You find these for around the R700k mark - and they sell at this price!

 

[///M Individual]

I get you and agree in part..

Where I beg to differ is that you can't take one example of each subject and compare them (at least in the car sales market)... Remember there are also far cheaper F30s available, likely for a reason however the same can be said for cheaper G20s. If you look at average pricing that we as informed Fanatics would consider reasonable then the G20 examples are on average R200k more expensive.

Also important to note is that G20s are actually selling for these prices, whereas the ludicrously expensive F30s seems to be gathering dust on showroom floors, which brings me to my next point... It's more a question of how dealers justify their pricing really.

I based this thread on those ludicrously priced 30d's bud. Basically if in a position, would you overpay for a clean/low mileage 30d (those 500k F30's and 550k F25) or rather put in more and pay a normal price for a clean/low mileage G series 20d?

Few decent looking G20 BMW Approved Used cars for 599k:

BMW 3 Series 320d M Sport for sale in Sandton - ID: 25813115

Used 2019 BMW 3 Series 320d M Sport For Sale - R 599 000 - ID: 25813115

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 3 Series 320d M Sport Launch Edition for sale in Somerset West - ID: 25989902

Used 2019 BMW 3 Series 320d M Sport Launch Edition For Sale - R 569 000 - ID: 25989902

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 3 Series 320d M Sport Launch Edition for sale in Bloemfontein - ID: 25867234

Used 2019 BMW 3 Series 320d M Sport Launch Edition For Sale - R 599 900 - ID: 25867234

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 3 Series 320d M Sport Launch Edition for sale in Vereeniging - ID: 25868917

Used 2019 BMW 3 Series 320d M Sport Launch Edition For Sale - R 599 900 - ID: 25868917

www.autotrader.co.za