Fun but decent MPG?
Discussion
The BMWs are a good call. They don't quite have the characteristics of the GT86 (in terms of CofG, setup, weight etc), but they're probably the closest you'll get with good mpg. They don't dance around on the limit like a sports car, but they're beautifully neutral and you can certainly play. If they're the latest model range they'll need to be M Sport, and even for the E90 (which was nice and neutral in standard SE guise, which is what I have), you'd probably prefer the M Sport.
One variation you may wish to consider is going for a smaller engine BMW. Firstly, the models you quoted are automatics only, which is quite a big shift from the GT86 mentality (a step I'd never make for example!! Yes, the latest BMW slush box is very good, but it's still a slush box - yuk), secondly they're also almost impossible to find on small wheels and tyres, which is another shift away from the GT86 experience. Finally, they weigh quite a lot (see table below)
If I was in your shoes I'd be looking at a 123d M Sport, or a 325d/320d M Sport if you fancy something with more interior space.
Weights for the current BMW 3 series diesel range (source: BMW UK website)
I'm struggling to think of anything else that'll get comfortably over 40mpg with rear drive and a low CofG...
One variation you may wish to consider is going for a smaller engine BMW. Firstly, the models you quoted are automatics only, which is quite a big shift from the GT86 mentality (a step I'd never make for example!! Yes, the latest BMW slush box is very good, but it's still a slush box - yuk), secondly they're also almost impossible to find on small wheels and tyres, which is another shift away from the GT86 experience. Finally, they weigh quite a lot (see table below)
If I was in your shoes I'd be looking at a 123d M Sport, or a 325d/320d M Sport if you fancy something with more interior space.
Weights for the current BMW 3 series diesel range (source: BMW UK website)
| Model | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|
| 320d Saloon | 1505 |
| 320d Touring | 1585 |
| 325d Saloon | 1550 |
| 325d Touring | 1615 |
| 330d Saloon | 1615 |
| 330d Touring | 1685 |
I'm struggling to think of anything else that'll get comfortably over 40mpg with rear drive and a low CofG...
Deerfoot said:
JackE said:
Looking for other suggestions 
Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo?You`ve not mentioned if you`re restricted by age etc but there`s a 40,000 car on Autotrader for £13,900 that looks OK. I`d certainly consider one before a 123d.
. It's quite a long way from the lightweight fluidity of the GT86, but most people would prefer it over a 123d I'd have thought, yes. I've not tried one, but have read plenty of reviews. I've driven an M3 and I'd say a base spec 1 or 3 series is closer to a GT86 than an M3 is, but I preferred the M3.Deerfoot said:
JackE said:
Looking for other suggestions
Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo?You`ve not mentioned if you`re restricted by age etc but there`s a 40,000 car on Autotrader for £13,900 that looks OK. I`d certainly consider one before a 123d.
My insurance is fairly cheap
I've got a 325d Coupe, 195bhp/300lb ft and 45mpg long term average commuting on A roads, 50mpg achievable on motorways.
It would feel quicker to drive because of torque difference and delivery. I had an FN2 before which was similar performance to the GT86, the 325d feels quicker 90% of the time even though it actually isn't.
It would feel quicker to drive because of torque difference and delivery. I had an FN2 before which was similar performance to the GT86, the 325d feels quicker 90% of the time even though it actually isn't.
[quote=Liggle]I've got a 325d Coupe, 195bhp/300lb ft and 45mpg long term average commuting on A roads, 50mpg achievable on motorways.
It would feel quicker to drive because of torque difference and delivery. I had an FN2 before which was similar performance to the GT86, the 325d feels quicker 90% of the time even though it actually isn't. [/quote
Yes I know what you mean, I've driven a 325d and had similar feeling, but I want something that's noticibly quicker, like an E350.
What are the Alpina running at? About 215?
It would feel quicker to drive because of torque difference and delivery. I had an FN2 before which was similar performance to the GT86, the 325d feels quicker 90% of the time even though it actually isn't. [/quote
Yes I know what you mean, I've driven a 325d and had similar feeling, but I want something that's noticibly quicker, like an E350.
What are the Alpina running at? About 215?
cerb4.5lee said:
It's like piloting a boat, for cruising it probably hits the spot though...fun never in a million years.
Thought as much, it's massive car!Might have to test drive an Alpina and a 335/330d, would like something over 240BHP or so really.
Any other ideas? Need to get a list sorted out so I can sort test drives out ;D
JackE said:
cerb4.5lee said:
It's like piloting a boat, for cruising it probably hits the spot though...fun never in a million years.
Thought as much, it's massive car!Might have to test drive an Alpina and a 335/330d, would like something over 240BHP or so really.
Any other ideas? Need to get a list sorted out so I can sort test drives out ;D
Yet it feels heavy and very rarely raises a smile but it's a cracking cruiser much like I imagine the E350 to be.
The current D3 bi turbo could be a good option though, it uses the same engine as the 640d but offers roughly 350bhp/500 torque in a much lighter car and similar mpg too.
Worth thinking about for sure and I am a big fan of the 330d/335d too.
JackE said:
Not bad at all that, will try to find a decent example.
Like the look of E350, seen a nice white one. Not sure what it drives like though
The 2015 E220 I had drove unbelievably well for a poverty spec Mercedes. Turn in, balance, feedback, and steering all great. Just way too soft and undertyred, which may or may not be be solved by the sport model on big wheels. Far better steering than comparable BMWs, and the 220 engine was better, too - goes incredibly well. Very loud engine however, and I don't care for the interiors nearly as much as the latest Munich stuff.Like the look of E350, seen a nice white one. Not sure what it drives like though
That said the latest 1-series can be good fun, just a shame about the awful steering and lack of much feedback.
Jag XF is, only once you push past the Jag waftiness and typical diesel understeer, in possession of a very good chassis. Outside chance, maybe?
A5 is grippy and pleasant to be in. Maybe that's what you want?
RobM77 said:
The BMWs are a good call. They don't quite have the characteristics of the GT86 (in terms of CofG, setup, weight etc), but they're probably the closest you'll get with good mpg. They don't dance around on the limit like a sports car, but they're beautifully neutral and you can certainly play. If they're the latest model range they'll need to be M Sport, and even for the E90 (which was nice and neutral in standard SE guise, which is what I have), you'd probably prefer the M Sport.
One variation you may wish to consider is going for a smaller engine BMW. Firstly, the models you quoted are automatics only, which is quite a big shift from the GT86 mentality (a step I'd never make for example!! Yes, the latest BMW slush box is very good, but it's still a slush box - yuk), secondly they're also almost impossible to find on small wheels and tyres, which is another shift away from the GT86 experience. Finally, they weigh quite a lot (see table below)
If I was in your shoes I'd be looking at a 123d M Sport, or a 325d/320d M Sport if you fancy something with more interior space.
Weights for the current BMW 3 series diesel range (source: BMW UK website)
I'm struggling to think of anything else that'll get comfortably over 40mpg with rear drive and a low CofG...
They 335d is auto only, but you can have a manual 330d.One variation you may wish to consider is going for a smaller engine BMW. Firstly, the models you quoted are automatics only, which is quite a big shift from the GT86 mentality (a step I'd never make for example!! Yes, the latest BMW slush box is very good, but it's still a slush box - yuk), secondly they're also almost impossible to find on small wheels and tyres, which is another shift away from the GT86 experience. Finally, they weigh quite a lot (see table below)
If I was in your shoes I'd be looking at a 123d M Sport, or a 325d/320d M Sport if you fancy something with more interior space.
Weights for the current BMW 3 series diesel range (source: BMW UK website)
| Model | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|
| 320d Saloon | 1505 |
| 320d Touring | 1585 |
| 325d Saloon | 1550 |
| 325d Touring | 1615 |
| 330d Saloon | 1615 |
| 330d Touring | 1685 |
I'm struggling to think of anything else that'll get comfortably over 40mpg with rear drive and a low CofG...
Really pulling towards the Alpina D3 Bi Turbo, only ever had naturally aspirated cars before so having a twin turbo will be nice...211BHP is a bit on the slow side but the handling is apparently super, and the feel.
I'll look at test driving one shortly.
The trouble will be finding a decent example for 15k!
I'll look at test driving one shortly.
The trouble will be finding a decent example for 15k!
Edited by JackE on Tuesday 20th September 01:42
JackE said:
Really pulling towards the Alpina D3 Bi Turbo, only ever had naturally aspirated cars before so having a twin turbo will be nice...211BHP is a bit on the slow side but the handling is apparently super, and the feel.
I'll look at test driving one shortly.
The trouble will be finding a decent example for 15k!
Yes, i dont believe that it is faster than gt86 because of weight and worse aero. And handling and feel is way behind too. Other than that, nice car.I'll look at test driving one shortly.
The trouble will be finding a decent example for 15k!
Edited by JackE on Tuesday 20th September 01:42
But don't fool yourself, it may get little bit better mpg than gt86 but it is way more expensive car to run. Our four-pot diesel e91 has been more expensive to run than our n/a Toyota Supra in the last 3 years. And GT86 is cheaper ro keep than 24 years old Supra.
So think twice your move. And then go and test drive Alfa Romeo 159 2.4 jdm diesel with 200hp
Nah, £15k is a healthy budget for a good one, just be patient and keep your eye on the Alpina Register website as the very best cars tend to go up for sale on there first or at least be known on there.
The only thing I'd say is if you are mainly going to be schlepping up and down the motorway in it then it will be totally wasted and you'd be better off with a 330 instead. They really, really do come alive on a good road though in a way that a 330d just doesn't.
The only thing I'd say is if you are mainly going to be schlepping up and down the motorway in it then it will be totally wasted and you'd be better off with a 330 instead. They really, really do come alive on a good road though in a way that a 330d just doesn't.
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