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Tue 18 Jun 2019 08:58

BMW 320i or 320d - xdrive or winters. - veloceman

I know the diesel debate has been well and truly covered several times over but.....
I am looking at buying 3 series. Will be last of the older shape so 18/68 reg.
320i and 320d are all around £20k. The 320d has always been the one to have due to superior torque and economy, but of course we have Diesel Gate.
Also not sure whether to go for drive which seem are around £1500 more and economy is affected or should I just put winter tyres on?
Other option I have is 420 grand coupe as it is a full hatch rather than saloon, but sits a bit lower I think.
Any one have any thoughts or experiences of the above I would appreciate your comments.

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Tue 18 Jun 2019 09:53

BMW 320i or 320d - xdrive or winters. - Falkirk Bairn

Mileage? Big difference between 6K per year & 26K

4 series is lower - if you have older passengers getting in is easy - getting out can be issue.

I find my son's 320d xdrive to be really nice (passenger only) but cramped for me - 70+ with stiff joints. Other son had a 320 M sport touring - the estate was a boon over the previous saloon 330.

Xdrive or winters - best is xdrive+winters - Where you live makes a big difference. A few winters back another son's 520d was in the garage for 3 weeks - he cadged a lift to work as the 5 series could not get out / stay on the road (Aberdeenshire)

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Tue 18 Jun 2019 11:07

BMW 320i or 320d - xdrive or winters. - veloceman

Mileage average 12k ish. Don’t seem to hear much re usual dpf probs with BMW?
I live in flat East Yorkshire. Though do visit relatives over the pennies occasionally.
Don’t really want weather anxiety in the winter.
There a chap on here who runs a 3series touring just on winters I think.
The touring is more of a looker for me also.

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Tue 18 Jun 2019 11:14

BMW 320i or 320d - xdrive or winters. - SLO76

If you live in a town or city and don’t see much in the way of snow or mud covered roads then the more efficient and cheaper 2wd will be fine. The diesel is the better car if you do high miles but the later turbocharged 2.0 petrol is good on fuel too and has plenty of power. It’s down to the mileage you do, both are excellent cars to drive.

Buy only with a full BMW history and you’re better with an approved used example from a main dealer. Buy only if you’re willing to shell out for main dealer servicing too as these engines are rather notorious for timing chain issues which are often linked to use of the wrong oil by non-dealer servicing.

The auto is nice but most cars I can find are M Sport equipped which means rock hard suspension so drive it over local rough roads before committing. An SE is softer and the Touring best for resale.

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Tue 18 Jun 2019 12:26

BMW 320i or 320d - xdrive or winters. - veloceman

I prefer the smoothness of the petrol and not too fussed about ultimate performance. Though diesel seems more popular in the touring.
Quite happy with m sport as I like a firm ride though there is also a sport model too with I think is more of a trim spec so will look at that. Seats a bit flat in the SE.
Thanks for your input.

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Tue 18 Jun 2019 13:08

BMW 320i or 320d - xdrive or winters. - daveyjp

The only BMW I have ever driven was a 320 GT xdrive.

Slightly larger than the 3 series and it needed it as 3 is very cramped in the rear seats.

2.0 engine was adequate, manual box was terrible. I found the general ergonomics very poor.

I have overtaken an xdrive BMW on summer tyres merrily spinning its wheels and not getting far in heavy snow on a modest incline. A 2wd with winter tyres would have done a better job.

If you go xdrive you need to understand tyre management to ensure even wear and reduce potential transfer box damage It may mean swapping between axles every year and it will probably mean replacing all four tyres at a time, rather than in pairs.

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Tue 18 Jun 2019 13:21

BMW 320i or 320d - xdrive or winters. - veloceman

Thanks for that.
Not too fussed about rear leg room as rarely carry more than one passenger.
Good point about the tyres, Forgot about that. Had a Quattro a few years ago now - same scenario.

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Wed 3 Jul 2019 19:27

BMW 320i or 320d - xdrive or winters. - veloceman

Just an update.

After years of Alfa’s have decided time for a change.
After test driving a 420i Grand Coupe and 320i Msport I have decided on the 320i.
Hatch on the 420 would have been handy but the 320 is lighter a bit quicker and more economical. Also 320i is auto 420 was manual. Couldn’t get an auto in my budget.
After 300 mile trip to Northampton trip showed 42.5 mpg. Haven’t filled up to calculate accurately yet.

Even with Msport trim and run flats ride is surprisingly comfortable.
Anyone interested don’t believe all you hear. It is that good.

Not quite as interesting as my previous Alfa’s but even I concede they are not perfect, I can live with that. The dealers however are a different story and certainly don’t deserve any more of my hard earned

Thanks all for your advice.

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