Changing E39 for 9-3

[NSFW]

I'm considering changign my current E39 (528i Sport) for a 2003ish vintage 9-3 1.9TD/2.2TD.

I have done a bit of reading about and it appears that the 1.9 is the engine to go for (More refined, economical less troublesome?) but i'm not going to rule out the 2.2 unless it should be avoided like the plague, apart from the obvious size difference in the cars. I'm changing for economical puropses and I don't need a 5 series sized car.

I like the look and the interior design of the 9-3 over the 9-5, and I really don't need something that big anymore.

But - What are the pitfalls/Benefits over the 2 different engines?

I do about 20 miles per day (daily) and trips out with the kids and the odd spin to Goodwood but I just prefer the drive of a diesel over a petrol car.

[philmots]

You'd be best with the petrol 2.0T Aero.. The diesel 1.9 is full of issues that are well documented.

I don't see how you could prefer the drive of a diesel for any other reason that turbocharged torque! The 2.0T has plenty of that! and a lot more revs to play with too.

as well as being on a timing chain, quieter etc etc

[NSFW]

This I never knew... It is basically the torque I'm after, and the economy. But. Guess coming from a 2.8 BMW it's got to be more economical. Having not been a brand I'm familiar with I'm a little green when it comes to SAAB. I have seen a nice 54 plate Aero but just don't want the insurance to cripple me when get done with court for my speeding issue. That's another reason I have been looking at the TiD's.

[philmots]

If it's torque you're after you need a mapped 2.8T, mine makes 390lbft!!

I see your point re insurance, got to be worth quotes and a drive of the petrol, though.

[NSFW]

I have looked at the Petrols and Diesels and they are both within budget anyway but I guess the Vector is the ne to go for over the Linear?

[Seeker UK]

NSFW said:

I have looked at the Petrols and Diesels and they are both within budget anyway but I guess the Vector is the ne to go for over the Linear?

If you're going for a diesel, you want a Vector Sport - it's a slightly nicer spec and you want the 16V 1.9TiD 150bhp.

If you're going for a petrol, forget everything except the 2.0T Aero, top spec, top performance and not much more expensive than a vector sport. The 2.8T is quicker, usually better specced, but you will pay for the privilege at the pumps.