What to buy? :/

[Hugo_za]

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=62922

Buy this

+1 on this. That color combo is something special. If I were in the market I would definitely look at this one.

 

[Ratslaaf]

I would get the 120i with the lowest kilometers that fits inside the budget. The 130i is nice, but will eat more fuel and tyres than the 120i.

A diesel is a different animal altogether. It requires an adjustment in driving style, since all the grunt is at low revs. There is also the trade off between lower fuel consumption and higher service costs, but perhaps the diesel owners can give a definitive answer.

I've only ever had Petrol cars, the 320d is my first ever diesel. I didn't need to adjust my driving style (it being an Auto helps I guess). But that diesel kick is something else, believe you me. And if you want that kick to last for longer you can do software on it as well, as I have done.

As far as service costs, yes I would do more oil changes than a Petrol. But even on a petrol you should do this anyway. I don't have plugs to change every second service though.

 

[Maljan]

Here is a 2009 118i (E87) 5dr for sale at R155 000.

http://www.autotrader.co.za/used-ca...81844949ae72c50149f0a4a1f86d48/dealer/2001133

Slightly over budget and it is a 118i I know, but it is advertised by a dealer and should therefore still have a bit of MP left.

 

[Zound]

Up here in Gauteng, I think Diesel is king. There simply isn't enough air for the smaller displacement petrol engines to work efficiently.

 

[Gizmo]

^ I agree, if it were the F30 320i then it would be a whole different kettle of fish...Turbochargers compensate for the altitude, plain and simple. Small NA motors don't stand a chance...

 

[OppositeLockMT]

+1 ^

Experienced this first hand against an A3 1.8T.

 

[Zound]

I almost got taken to the cleaners by a little Audi A1 1.4TFSI. Forced induction is the only way...

 

[herco]

After reading up a little and keeping in mind my adjusted "responsible" life style, I narrowed my options down to the following:

1. 320D
2. 120i

In that order. My pops has a auto E46 320D, with over 300k on the clock, and that car is very enjoyable to drive. Especially when driving longer distances. The auto box makes it awesome to drive in traffic as well...

Regarding the performance of these cars, anything I move to in my price class, I will be giving up on performance. I am currently driving a Opel Astra TS, this thing moves like a race horse. The only car that would compensate for that a little is the 130, but I do not think it is the right choice for me at the moment.

The main reason for my shift is comfort, reliability and something that is a little more 'long term'.

 

[///Moose]

I would add a 330d on to that list

 

[RAArmstrong]

Go 330D...

The BMW 3.0D is a masterpiece... Open road economy is fantastic and they're pretty decent in town as well... Oh and they have the power if, well more likely when you want the power...

Go drive a 330D and come back and tell us you don't want it :rollsmile:

 

[OppositeLockMT]

Again: http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=62922

 

[herco]

I will drive a 330d then.

Is the maintenance not more than on a 320d?

On another note, does anyone know how to get financing for a private sale?

 

[RAArmstrong]

Maintenance will be a little more, but probably not too much... Its not like you're replacing plugs or anything... But it holds more oil (2l more I think) filters may be a little more but I don't think by that much tbh...

 

[that_guy_Ettiene]

For financing you can try FNB online for Person to Person financing...

A 330d would be awesome

 

[herco]

I'm at standard bank, but will finance with whoever's willing to facilitate the deal. Will contact a few banks tomorrow and see if I can go view that 330D you gents are bugging me with.