[ALPANDY]

I have been on the lookout for a 325d msport saloon or touring. Initially my criteria included i-drive/media pack and I wanted an LCI model, dark exterior, light interior and auto a must and of course low miles.

Now most of the vehicles I have looked at are around the 25k mark but I saw
this which isn't LCI and doesn't have media pack etc however the price is attractive and the colour combo is exactly what I am after. The media pack isn't a major issue as the car is garaged for the majority of the week and my wife only uses it here and there to go shopping and taking our son swimming etc. So should I do without the gadgets and get the car I can easily afford or hold out for an LCI?

[mv57]

Sounds like you are giving way on both fronts. Gadget and LCi. Plus cream interior with kids and cloreane?

[Baby Dave]

Don't go for the first one you see. Find one with the toys and go and make the dealer a cheeky offer. It's Xmas they are quiet you might come up trumps

[IanS100]

In my experience if you 'settle' for a lower spec than you realy want you will always regret it - bite the bullet & wait for the car you really want to turn up!

[xenon]

Originally Posted by mv57

Sounds like you are giving way on both fronts. Gadget and LCi. Plus cream interior with kids and cloreane?

Kids and what??

[davyk31]

I think the kids will dry themselves when coming out of the pool so the "cloreane" won't be an issue !!!

[ALPANDY]

So is it fair to say, you lot don't rate that 325d? What I meant to say was that satnav is surplus to requirements as the missus only uses the car locally and if we do go a little bit further out I have a tomtom so no big deal there. I really wanted a car with the usb interface, which I mistakenly thought was part of the media pack but it actually turns out very few cars actually have this so I might aswell retrofit something like I have in my Alpina or perhaps a double din jobbie.
For me the must haves were light interior and auto gearbox which it has both of plus its a 6 potter which is a bonus.

[Falmouthboy]

The 'elephant in the room' is why diesel? The use you describe simply isn't suited to a diesel unless the shops and swimming pool are a fair distance from home. Also, provided your wife can find the shops and swimming pool unaided you can probably manage without the media.

[ALPANDY]

Originally Posted by Falmouthboy

The 'elephant in the room' is why diesel? The use you describe simply isn't suited to a diesel unless the shops and swimming pool are a fair distance from home. Also, provided your wife can find the shops and swimming pool unaided you can probably manage without the media.

I knew this would come up and I am to some extent inclined to agree. The D3 I drive at the moment is the first diesel I have ever owned and the fact of the matter is that it easily does 40-45mpg just knocking around. My mother owns a 325i e93 and it doesn't even come close. It does sound a world better though.
The point you make about the media is exactly what I am saying.

[chris_s1]

If you can live with the age and looks of the pre-LCI model then don't let the lack of media pack put you off. The iDrive system in pre-LCI is not that great anyway.
The updated iDrive in the LCI model is a massive improvement so if you are getting an LCI model its more of a 'must-have' item.

Personally I would hold out for an LCI model, even if that meant waiting until they fall into your budget.

The 325d is a fantastic car and remaps VERY well. I had a 325i for a while and it was so much poorer there was no comparison. But then it is a fair bit cheaper, so a fair comparison is really 325d vs 330i if you are comparing diesel to petrol models.

[edowen]

Originally Posted by Falmouthboy

The 'elephant in the room' is why diesel? The use you describe simply isn't suited to a diesel unless the shops and swimming pool are a fair distance from home.

This. What is the budget? Hold out for LCI media Prof - it is SO much more than Nav and vital for resale in my humble opinion.

How about this. Sub £24k before haggling.

Auto, Leather, Media, 6 Cyl, low miles. LCI. M Sport. USB Interface!



Auto transmission M Sport leather with paddle shift
Automatic Gearbox
Leather interior
Loudspeaker system - BMW Business
Media Package - BMW Professional
Metallic paint
Seat heating. front
Sun protection glass
USB audio interface

http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/bmwauc/de...x12-price_DESC

[Falmouthboy]

Originally Posted by ALPANDY

I knew this would come up and I am to some extent inclined to agree. The D3 I drive at the moment is the first diesel I have ever owned and the fact of the matter is that it easily does 40-45mpg just knocking around. My mother owns a 325i e93 and it doesn't even come close. It does sound a world better though.
The point you make about the media is exactly what I am saying.

Fine, but consider how this may impact on a DPF unless you get an early car without one if you don't take it for a decent run once in a while. Also, the saving for like for like age wise will pay for a lot of fuel and so there won't be much if any saving.

[ALPANDY]

I think I am coming round to the idea of a petrol car now. Oh how I have missed the sound of a 6 cylinder petrol engine and as you say Falmouthboy there seems to be a huge difference in cost. I notice the that bmw claim 37.2mpg combined on a 325 lci petrol. Sounds a little optimistic to me unless there is a major difference between lci and none lci. Like I said my mothers 325 e93 struggles to get mid 20's kicking around.

[chris_s1]

The 2010 LCI 325i I had averaged 28mpg during the time I had it, and that included a few long trips. If you really are considering petrol - make sure you test drive them back to back - I don't think you'll want the i after you've driven the D. Especially if you are after an auto

[ALPANDY]

Originally Posted by chris_s1

The 2010 LCI 325i I had averaged 28mpg during the time I had it, and that included a few long trips. If you really are considering petrol - make sure you test drive them back to back - I don't think you'll want the i after you've driven the D. Especially if you are after an auto

I have driven my mother 325i a couple of times which is auto and I have had a very brief drive in a 325d touring auto. Its very hard to get a feel for a car on a short test drive but the 325d was very smooth. Doesn't sound as good as a petrol though. I have decided to wait until I can find an lci model too. I always seem to end up making comprimises due to my lack of patience.

[ALPANDY]

Not an LCI I know but I very much like the looks of this

[ALPANDY]

Quick update, I went to view the car above today and offered the dealer 22k and finally £22,500 they said they could only come down £850 (car is £24,850) so I was a little disappointed. I told them I would do the deal there and then if they would let it go for £22,500 but alas no joy.

[edowen]

I think getting £2,350 off a used and relatively in demand model is a tall order.

Did it need anything doing, how were the tyres, alloys, next service, what tax did it come with at that price etc. All important factors which can add up to the sort of discount you are looking for.

By which I mean - you could get £2k off, then they add tax, you need a service in 5k miles, and tyres soon after and you will have spent the same. Worth checking.

Also work seeing if you can get 2 years warranty - worth a few quid.

Either way, leave them to sweat a few days and see what happens.

[ALPANDY]

Originally Posted by edowen

I think getting £2,350 off a used and relatively in demand model is a tall order.

Did it need anything doing, how were the tyres, alloys, next service, what tax did it come with at that price etc. All important factors which can add up to the sort of discount you are looking for.

By which I mean - you could get £2k off, then they add tax, you need a service in 5k miles, and tyres soon after and you will have spent the same. Worth checking.

Also work seeing if you can get 2 years warranty - worth a few quid.

Either way, leave them to sweat a few days and see what happens.

This is my intention. Do you think I was asking too much? I wasn't sure myself but thought I would try my luck seeing as its nearly xmas. One more question, do you think the car priced fairly?

[willhollin]

Why not a Coupe?

[ALPANDY]

Originally Posted by willhollin

Why not a Coupe?

Kids. Would love a coupe and tbh they are large enough in the back for 2 kids its getting them out in small car parking spaces with the large doors.

[edowen]

With your low mileage I would be looking at a cheaper (younger) 335i.


£22,975
BMW 335i M Sport Step 2009
23,000 miles.



http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classif...ge/1?logcode=p

BMW 335i M Sport Step 2009
Trade Seller: Williams Group

5 Doors, Automatic, Estate, Petrol, 23,000 miles, Metallic Metallic Blue with Black Leather. Full BMW Service History, BMW Service Pack till 2014, Just Been Serviced, 1 Private Owner, 18" Alloys, Radio, 6 X CD Front Loader, SAT NAV, Bluetooth, Power Folding Mirrors, Climate Control, Auto Lights, Auto Wipers, Cruise control, Paddle Shift, Electric windows, Foglights, Front armrest, Multi function steering wheel, Passenger airbag, Privacy Glass, ABS, Front Centre Armrest, Front and Rear Park Distance Control, Drivers airbag, PAS, Remote central locking, Front head restraints, Isofix child seat anchor points, Aux Connection. Insurance Group:18, Main agent part exchange, This vehicle will be sold with the benefit of a 24 month warranty, subject to usage, charged at an additional 595. Therefore the total invoice price is 23,570. Part exchange considered and 'Anywhere in the UK' delivery service. Debit/credit cards accepted. Low rate internet finance facilities available. For full information pack including several photos, detailed specification and service history records, please call one of our sales team or email sales@williamsgroupltd.co.uk Williams Group 01622 726884 , Please drop us an email at Sales@williamsgroupltd.co.uk, £22,975