BMW 3 Series Touring - which flavour?
Discussion
Hi all, after a near-miss with a deer last week in the runaround little Fiat Panda, I’ve decided the time is right to grow up a bit and part ways with my Cayman in favour of a sensible car.
Always loved estates and like the idea of having more metal around me. The 3 series - to me - looks great (especially in touring shape) and seems to tick most boxes. However, I’m a bit uncertain on what model / engine is right for me. And if I’m even overlooking other, potentially better cars. Relevant info and requirements are:
- ULEZ friendly. Moving back to London next year. Street parking will also mean nothing bigger than a 3 series ideally.
- relatively efficient (45mpg+ on motorways).
- the Panda will stay for quick city trips so this will mainly be used for 1hr+ drives on motorways.
- tend to do a couple of road trips a year so something competent on lots of motorway + tighter country lanes.
- around 8k a year.
- Nice place to be interior wise.
- Priority is a nice feeling, quality car but of course anything that makes the driving experience more enjoyable is appealing.
- £13k cash budget
Natural inclination is to an F31 320d but have been warned of timing chain issues. A petrol would allow me to open up the search a bit (Euro 5). What model would be your recommendation?
Am I missing anything? Is a Merc C class / Audi A4 a better bet? Octavia VRS was also on my list but not sure it’ll feel as nice inside.
Any thoughts much appreciated.
Always loved estates and like the idea of having more metal around me. The 3 series - to me - looks great (especially in touring shape) and seems to tick most boxes. However, I’m a bit uncertain on what model / engine is right for me. And if I’m even overlooking other, potentially better cars. Relevant info and requirements are:
- ULEZ friendly. Moving back to London next year. Street parking will also mean nothing bigger than a 3 series ideally.
- relatively efficient (45mpg+ on motorways).
- the Panda will stay for quick city trips so this will mainly be used for 1hr+ drives on motorways.
- tend to do a couple of road trips a year so something competent on lots of motorway + tighter country lanes.
- around 8k a year.
- Nice place to be interior wise.
- Priority is a nice feeling, quality car but of course anything that makes the driving experience more enjoyable is appealing.
- £13k cash budget
Natural inclination is to an F31 320d but have been warned of timing chain issues. A petrol would allow me to open up the search a bit (Euro 5). What model would be your recommendation?
Am I missing anything? Is a Merc C class / Audi A4 a better bet? Octavia VRS was also on my list but not sure it’ll feel as nice inside.
Any thoughts much appreciated.
Edited by FieldAtlanta on Saturday 21st October 08:31
Edited by FieldAtlanta on Saturday 21st October 08:47
The 3 series touring is a good choice, although you might also consider a V60.
I'd avoid diesel for a town car. My 320i has averaged 41mpg over the last 2.5 years (I bought it new) which I think is pretty extraordinary, especially as I drive pretty hard.
It's fashionable here to deride the turbo 4 cylinder cars in favour of the (very nice) 6 cyl options, but for a daily or second car I think they're hard to beat.
I'd avoid diesel for a town car. My 320i has averaged 41mpg over the last 2.5 years (I bought it new) which I think is pretty extraordinary, especially as I drive pretty hard.
It's fashionable here to deride the turbo 4 cylinder cars in favour of the (very nice) 6 cyl options, but for a daily or second car I think they're hard to beat.
The V60 is an excellent car but not very engaging. Would opt for a manual as the auto is sluggish.
No personal experience on the 3 series, a colleague of mine just handed back a 2018 320 which found to be a bit cheap and boring on the inside (coming from an Audis and BM) he is now going back to a C class
No personal experience on the 3 series, a colleague of mine just handed back a 2018 320 which found to be a bit cheap and boring on the inside (coming from an Audis and BM) he is now going back to a C class
CharlesdeGaulle said:
The 3 series touring is a good choice, although you might also consider a V60.
I'd avoid diesel for a town car. My 320i has averaged 41mpg over the last 2.5 years (I bought it new) which I think is pretty extraordinary, especially as I drive pretty hard.
It's fashionable here to deride the turbo 4 cylinder cars in favour of the (very nice) 6 cyl options, but for a daily or second car I think they're hard to beat.
I don’t think fashion comes into it. It depends on driving style and how much you like working an engine versus more low-down torque. The difference between 4 v 6 pot beemers is more obvious in the diesels though. I'd avoid diesel for a town car. My 320i has averaged 41mpg over the last 2.5 years (I bought it new) which I think is pretty extraordinary, especially as I drive pretty hard.
It's fashionable here to deride the turbo 4 cylinder cars in favour of the (very nice) 6 cyl options, but for a daily or second car I think they're hard to beat.
Alpina. Get any Alpina. They elevate what is already considered the best family car (3 touring) into something better. And the rarity of them gives you a warm special feeling. Will sit on a motorway doing a ton all day long! Round town lots of low down torque means keeping ahead of traffic without going half way round the rev counter, super relaxed.
Jdnatureboy said:
Alpina. Get any Alpina. They elevate what is already considered the best family car (3 touring) into something better. And the rarity of them gives you a warm special feeling. Will sit on a motorway doing a ton all day long! Round town lots of low down torque means keeping ahead of traffic without going half way round the rev counter, super relaxed.
A nice one for 13k?CharlesdeGaulle said:
Jdnatureboy said:
Alpina. Get any Alpina. They elevate what is already considered the best family car (3 touring) into something better. And the rarity of them gives you a warm special feeling. Will sit on a motorway doing a ton all day long! Round town lots of low down torque means keeping ahead of traffic without going half way round the rev counter, super relaxed.
A nice one for 13k?
You’re not going to get a D3 Touring for less than £25k.
You'll get a nice Mazda6 for your budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308281...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309192...
3 Series wise I'd look for the best 328i you can find:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309212...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310183...
1.8T Passat:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310042...
ST-2
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309071...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308281...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309192...
3 Series wise I'd look for the best 328i you can find:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309212...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310183...
1.8T Passat:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310042...
ST-2
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309071...
My pick would be a 330d, although the choice for ULEZ compliant cars at 13k is slim.
328i’s are smooth and powerful.
320d’s are decent but nothing special.
I would value equipment much more over engines at this budget. You should be looking at a Euro 6 car, for futureproofing.
At the very minimum, it should have LED headlights, the halogen ones are awful. Other desirable options include the extended black panel display, Pro Navigation, extended bluetooth, folding mirrors, heated and electric seats.
Harman/Kardon stereo is also a must have, I skimped out on this option and I regretted not buying a car with it equipped immensely. The standard system really is shocking, it was worse than the VW Polo I had before it.
At the end of the day, if you can get a bigger car, you are MUCH better off with an F10 5 series. You get loads more kit, and the 3 series really does not have a great boot for an estate car. It’s also far more refined , if you are impressed with a 3 series (its already very refined) then you will be blown away by the 5. Really a great second hand buy.
Here’s one for your budget, a 530d:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310203...
The 6cyl 5 is leagues ahead of the 4cyl 3, and that’s coming from a 4cylinder 3 series owner. There’s not a huge difference in economy, but a huge difference in refinement. It’s also ULEZ compliant.
328i’s are smooth and powerful.
320d’s are decent but nothing special.
I would value equipment much more over engines at this budget. You should be looking at a Euro 6 car, for futureproofing.
At the very minimum, it should have LED headlights, the halogen ones are awful. Other desirable options include the extended black panel display, Pro Navigation, extended bluetooth, folding mirrors, heated and electric seats.
Harman/Kardon stereo is also a must have, I skimped out on this option and I regretted not buying a car with it equipped immensely. The standard system really is shocking, it was worse than the VW Polo I had before it.
At the end of the day, if you can get a bigger car, you are MUCH better off with an F10 5 series. You get loads more kit, and the 3 series really does not have a great boot for an estate car. It’s also far more refined , if you are impressed with a 3 series (its already very refined) then you will be blown away by the 5. Really a great second hand buy.
Here’s one for your budget, a 530d:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310203...
The 6cyl 5 is leagues ahead of the 4cyl 3, and that’s coming from a 4cylinder 3 series owner. There’s not a huge difference in economy, but a huge difference in refinement. It’s also ULEZ compliant.
F31 320d post 2015, we have the msport version.
Harmon Kardon system, heated seats blah blah.
Timing chain issues were on the earlier engines pre 2015 the Euro 5 version of F31
Does the job for our 2 children family.
Capable and relatively quick.
Does 45mpg with whopping top box on long runs, 3k miles over 5 weeks to the South of France.
I live inside ULEZ (by 150m!) we also have a Panda which does most daily stuff.
We’re looking at 5 series but tbh the 3 still is good for us.
Harmon Kardon system, heated seats blah blah.
Timing chain issues were on the earlier engines pre 2015 the Euro 5 version of F31
Does the job for our 2 children family.
Capable and relatively quick.
Does 45mpg with whopping top box on long runs, 3k miles over 5 weeks to the South of France.
I live inside ULEZ (by 150m!) we also have a Panda which does most daily stuff.
We’re looking at 5 series but tbh the 3 still is good for us.
Edited by Simes205 on Sunday 22 October 07:44
Edited by Simes205 on Sunday 22 October 07:46
For 8K miles a year I'd just buy a petrol one as I doubt there would be much difference in economy, and petrol 3 Series have been ULEZ compliant for about 20 years!
My first 2 BMWs were 4 cylinder turbo-diesels for business mileage reasons, the 2nd with the N47 engine that can have cam-chain issues. Neither would be ULEZ compliant which could have been an issue now as my sister lives in a London Borough.
Then I replaced it with a couple of petrol straight 6s and realised what I had been missing!
I replaced them both with straight 6 petrols and over time replaced them with two more straight 6 petrols!
If I could ever justify a diesel again I'd want a 6 cylinder.
My first 2 BMWs were 4 cylinder turbo-diesels for business mileage reasons, the 2nd with the N47 engine that can have cam-chain issues. Neither would be ULEZ compliant which could have been an issue now as my sister lives in a London Borough.
Then I replaced it with a couple of petrol straight 6s and realised what I had been missing!
I replaced them both with straight 6 petrols and over time replaced them with two more straight 6 petrols!
If I could ever justify a diesel again I'd want a 6 cylinder.
I’ve owned 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder BMW petrols / diesel’s and they’ve all been great. I regularly drive my sons late 2018 (last of the previous shape models) 320i and it’s performance is absolutely fine.
I wouldn’t however get a 318, as I’ve had these as courtesy cars and there a little sluggish. You’ll be very pleased with a 320i as an overall package.
I wouldn’t however get a 318, as I’ve had these as courtesy cars and there a little sluggish. You’ll be very pleased with a 320i as an overall package.
I'd get a Euro 6 F30/31 330d (post Sept 15) or any 335d which are all Euro 6. The six cylinder diesel is superb and I had no dpf issues in the 2.5 years I had my 330d even when my post-covid usage changed dramatically to local trips.
I had mine mapped, resulting in 331bhp and 500 lb ft. It went like stink and would do 60mpg on a speed limit motorway run.
I had a manual F30 320d company car which was very competent but the six cylinder makes the car feel much more premium and powerful without a huge fuel penalty on the open road. MPG in town is approx 15mpg less on the six cylinder but reduces to 5-10 MPG on the open road.
I had mine mapped, resulting in 331bhp and 500 lb ft. It went like stink and would do 60mpg on a speed limit motorway run.
I had a manual F30 320d company car which was very competent but the six cylinder makes the car feel much more premium and powerful without a huge fuel penalty on the open road. MPG in town is approx 15mpg less on the six cylinder but reduces to 5-10 MPG on the open road.
FieldAtlanta said:
- Nice place to be interior wise.
- Priority is a nice feeling, quality car
Then you want a 5 Series Touring, not a 3 Series Touring.- Priority is a nice feeling, quality car
It does everything the 3 Series does, but better. I think it is a much better car, especially the interior which isn't simply a larger 1 Series interior like the 3 Series.
Thanks for the advice, all!
Have really narrowed the search down to a petrol and anything 320i upwards in terms of engine spec. Really just don’t think I’ll warrant a diesel. Likewise a 5 series - as lovely as they look - are just going to be a bit too large and impractical for me.
With my budget I’m looking at cars with around 60-70k on them. Are these engines in the 2014 > petrol cars generally good with that sort of mileage? Anything specific to the 3 series I should be looking out for aside the usual stuff?
Cars seem pretty thin on the ground (M sport, petrol, touring) so hoping to be as informed as possible for when the right car shows up.
Still open to any other ideas but nothing seems to beat the 3series. A4 just seems a bit saggy and dull in comparison.
Have really narrowed the search down to a petrol and anything 320i upwards in terms of engine spec. Really just don’t think I’ll warrant a diesel. Likewise a 5 series - as lovely as they look - are just going to be a bit too large and impractical for me.
With my budget I’m looking at cars with around 60-70k on them. Are these engines in the 2014 > petrol cars generally good with that sort of mileage? Anything specific to the 3 series I should be looking out for aside the usual stuff?
Cars seem pretty thin on the ground (M sport, petrol, touring) so hoping to be as informed as possible for when the right car shows up.
Still open to any other ideas but nothing seems to beat the 3series. A4 just seems a bit saggy and dull in comparison.
Edited by FieldAtlanta on Saturday 28th October 08:40
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff