120d M sport v 325d se choice

[planman]

Just been for a test drive in a 120d and found it a really good drive. Can probably get a new one with a few options through my company. However before I left the salesmen showed me a nearly new 325d se with leather. Now I do not need a car as big as a 3 series but the thought of that 6cyl engine is really temting, particularly as it will still do over 40mpg. Snag is we are talking approx £150 car tax a month v £230 which is a big jump - its about 950 quid over a year. So what do you think? is the six cycl engine worth paying for. Has anyone got a 325d...?

[mwy1964]

Those numbers make me grateful I can take a car allowance...

[timwatsham]

Haven't driven either, but from what I've read on here, the 1 series is winning many friends with those who own/have owned them - the hard ride and lack of room gets wearing apparently...

Haven't heard of a 325D - sure you don't mean a 320d? Which is suppossed to be a great package?

[Dino D]

I'm not so sure about the 'over 40mpg' claim from a 6cyl derv. My MD's 335d gives 32 and his 535d gave about the same. They both were driven mainly motorway and a spirited fashion.

I'm sure loads of people will be on here soon saying they get better milage BUT that obviously depends heavily on the driving style.

I'd say you really need to drive both and se which one grabs you.

[taffyracer]

I've had a 120d as a courtesy car quite a few times and the thing that really annoys me about the 1 series is the design of the interior, feels really bland and cheap although it's bloody expensive, its a good engine and it drives well but i'd say pay the extra and get the 3

[planman]

timwatsham said:

Haven't heard of a 325D - sure you don't mean a 320d? Which is suppossed to be a great package?

Is quite a new engine i think. Its actually a 3 litre looking at this:

www.whatcar.co.uk/car-review-performance.aspx?RT=710&ED=50176&U=0

[PJR]

I don't find the interior especially 'cheap' But its not BMW's best either, granted. Personally speaking I still find it better than say, a Golf, and you don't see people complain about the interiors of those too much. On top of that, its a damn site better to drive than a Golf too.

Im not sure i'd go for a 1 series in sport trim though. The ride is firm as it is, but perfectly bearable in standard form. Larger wheels and firmer springs on top of those run flat tyres is going to get tiring fast I think you'll find.

I think the 2.0 derv lump is a great engine, if you don't mind the taxi like noise at idle. But it goes well and even with an auto box, it isnt hard to get over 40mpg from, and even 50mpg on occasion. It just doesn't quite have the charm of BMW's famed 6 pot engines..

P,