Where to go next - F56 Mini JCW to a diesel?
Discussion
Hey all,
I’ve been daily driving my F56 MINI JCW auto for almost two years now, and while it’s been a great car, I think it’s time to move on. It’s getting up there in mileage, and with some changes to my work situation, I’d like something with better fuel economy to help cut costs, plus a bit more space and comfort.
I’ve been looking at a BMW 420d Gran Coupé (F36) in Luxury spec, mainly because they look smart, ride well, and seem like a solid all-rounder. Running costs also seem reasonable, with £35 road tax, good MPG, and a reliable ZF 8-speed auto. I’d be aiming for something well-specced and a bit more individual, not just a standard black-on-black M Sport that everyone seems to go for.
A few questions for those who’ve owned or driven them:
- What are they like to live with daily? Any major common issues to watch out for?
- How comfortable is the ride in Luxury spec vs M Sport? I want something that isn’t too harsh but still handles well.
- Real-world MPG? I do a fair bit of motorway mileage, so hoping for 50+ MPG realistically.
- What else should I consider for around £10K? I’d like something efficient, stylish, and well-specced, but not completely dull.
Would love to hear from anyone who’s run a 420d GC, or has suggestions for something that might fit the bill. Cheers!
I’ve been daily driving my F56 MINI JCW auto for almost two years now, and while it’s been a great car, I think it’s time to move on. It’s getting up there in mileage, and with some changes to my work situation, I’d like something with better fuel economy to help cut costs, plus a bit more space and comfort.
I’ve been looking at a BMW 420d Gran Coupé (F36) in Luxury spec, mainly because they look smart, ride well, and seem like a solid all-rounder. Running costs also seem reasonable, with £35 road tax, good MPG, and a reliable ZF 8-speed auto. I’d be aiming for something well-specced and a bit more individual, not just a standard black-on-black M Sport that everyone seems to go for.
A few questions for those who’ve owned or driven them:
- What are they like to live with daily? Any major common issues to watch out for?
- How comfortable is the ride in Luxury spec vs M Sport? I want something that isn’t too harsh but still handles well.
- Real-world MPG? I do a fair bit of motorway mileage, so hoping for 50+ MPG realistically.
- What else should I consider for around £10K? I’d like something efficient, stylish, and well-specced, but not completely dull.
Would love to hear from anyone who’s run a 420d GC, or has suggestions for something that might fit the bill. Cheers!
77 said:
Hey all,
I’ve been daily driving my F56 MINI JCW auto for almost two years now, and while it’s been a great car, I think it’s time to move on. It’s getting up there in mileage, and with some changes to my work situation, I’d like something with better fuel economy to help cut costs, plus a bit more space and comfort.
I’ve been looking at a BMW 420d Gran Coupé (F36) in Luxury spec, mainly because they look smart, ride well, and seem like a solid all-rounder. Running costs also seem reasonable, with £35 road tax, good MPG, and a reliable ZF 8-speed auto. I’d be aiming for something well-specced and a bit more individual, not just a standard black-on-black M Sport that everyone seems to go for.
A few questions for those who’ve owned or driven them:
- What are they like to live with daily? Any major common issues to watch out for?
- How comfortable is the ride in Luxury spec vs M Sport? I want something that isn’t too harsh but still handles well.
- Real-world MPG? I do a fair bit of motorway mileage, so hoping for 50+ MPG realistically.
- What else should I consider for around £10K? I’d like something efficient, stylish, and well-specced, but not completely dull.
Would love to hear from anyone who’s run a 420d GC, or has suggestions for something that might fit the bill. Cheers!
If you want high mpg & a nice place to spend time then I'd suggest going for the 520d GT the interior NVH etc are all a clear step up from the 420GC & you'll be in a nice place to while away the miles:I’ve been daily driving my F56 MINI JCW auto for almost two years now, and while it’s been a great car, I think it’s time to move on. It’s getting up there in mileage, and with some changes to my work situation, I’d like something with better fuel economy to help cut costs, plus a bit more space and comfort.
I’ve been looking at a BMW 420d Gran Coupé (F36) in Luxury spec, mainly because they look smart, ride well, and seem like a solid all-rounder. Running costs also seem reasonable, with £35 road tax, good MPG, and a reliable ZF 8-speed auto. I’d be aiming for something well-specced and a bit more individual, not just a standard black-on-black M Sport that everyone seems to go for.
A few questions for those who’ve owned or driven them:
- What are they like to live with daily? Any major common issues to watch out for?
- How comfortable is the ride in Luxury spec vs M Sport? I want something that isn’t too harsh but still handles well.
- Real-world MPG? I do a fair bit of motorway mileage, so hoping for 50+ MPG realistically.
- What else should I consider for around £10K? I’d like something efficient, stylish, and well-specced, but not completely dull.
Would love to hear from anyone who’s run a 420d GC, or has suggestions for something that might fit the bill. Cheers!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503089...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411055...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410275...
CLS 250d:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305067...
These type of cars aren't what you'd call an engaginging steer but they are good & can be hustled at a good lick.
Other options
Q30 Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502078...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501057...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502229...
Q70 Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503079...
Mondeo Vignale:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412287...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503059...
508 GT Line:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502038...
Insignia:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502269...
Ghibli but you won't be in the 50mpg arena:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502139...
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Monday 17th March 19:07
Swapped out my 420d GC last year and would say it’s an easy car to live with but maybe a bit dull , mine was X drive so sat a bit higher and didn’t qualify for the cheap VED , good on fuel wouldn’t be adverse to another one but probably the 430d.
I’ve looked at a few Mondeo Vignale examples and can’t get over the cabin doesn’t seem any more premium that the entry level , maybe the seats but that’s it.
I’ve looked at a few Mondeo Vignale examples and can’t get over the cabin doesn’t seem any more premium that the entry level , maybe the seats but that’s it.
I did a similar switch 2 years ago - Megane RS to 435d Gran Coupe.
I'd strongly advise against it, you soon forget the fuel savings and miss the experience of a fun car and a petrol engine.
The 435d is stonkingly fast as well so it's not the performance I miss.
Could you not get a newer, more frugal hot hatch? A Mk8 Fiesta ST or another Mini would be where I'd be looking.
I'd strongly advise against it, you soon forget the fuel savings and miss the experience of a fun car and a petrol engine.
The 435d is stonkingly fast as well so it's not the performance I miss.
Could you not get a newer, more frugal hot hatch? A Mk8 Fiesta ST or another Mini would be where I'd be looking.
resolve10 said:
I did a similar switch 2 years ago - Megane RS to 435d Gran Coupe.
I'd strongly advise against it, you soon forget the fuel savings and miss the experience of a fun car and a petrol engine.
The 435d is stonkingly fast as well so it's not the performance I miss.
Could you not get a newer, more frugal hot hatch? A Mk8 Fiesta ST or another Mini would be where I'd be looking.
Not the same of course, but I remember swapping my E53 X5 4.8iS for an E61 520d Touring, and I pretty much instantly regretted it. I'd strongly advise against it, you soon forget the fuel savings and miss the experience of a fun car and a petrol engine.
The 435d is stonkingly fast as well so it's not the performance I miss.
Could you not get a newer, more frugal hot hatch? A Mk8 Fiesta ST or another Mini would be where I'd be looking.
I really like diesels don't get me wrong(well 6 cylinder ones anyway), but boy did I miss that V8 petrol though for sure.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff