It seems strange to me that they don't put 123d engine in the 3 series, looks to be a cracking engine.

BMW don't, but Alpina do: BMW ALPINA - D3 BITURBO

214 hp, 152 mph, 6.9 s 0-60, 52.3 mpg combined & 143 g/KM - seems a pretty convincing combination, it's just the £29,950 price tag that's off putting.

It seems strange to me that they don't put 123d engine in the 3 series, looks to be a cracking engine.

I know, it's a bit strange. Especially as it would do well among fleet and business users. I have a feeling its coming online though, perhaps at some point next year. I didn't hear anything definite though.

A mate has recently bought a 120d M Sport remapped to around 200 horses.

Having owned various tweaked VAG PD diesels, he says the power & torque smoother & more refined in the Beemer but still feels quicker than anything he's owned.

He did say it gets a bit lairy in the rain & snow - RWD+wide runflats+torquey diesel= FUN!!!

Sounds nice The latest revision of the 120d is a decent proposition too - 177bhp and 258 lb/ft. So should go well with a remap! Do like the idea of a twin turbo diesel setup though.

There'd be no way I'd use runflats if I had one. Some T1-Rs and a space saver in the boot for me

Steve

I have runflats on the Mini at the moment (they came with Cooper S Spokes I bought).

They are just too hard.

As soon as they are down to about 2mm, I am changing to something like the Vredestein Ultrac's.

i love the 1 series coupe.

For me, the 123d also ticks the reasonable running cost box too. And there's some tempting examples available at the moment (for both the 123 and 130).

Steve

If you want a test drive let me know;)

It seems strange to me that they don't put 123d engine in the 3 series, looks to be a cracking engine.

My Dealer thought it was going into the 3 series, but it’s output is almost identical to the 325D (that’s a 3 litre too!). The 123D is also a tad lighter at the front than the 130, so turn in is a bit sharper. Currently I am swapping back and froth between a 120 bhp FIAT diesel (variable turbo) and my 123D, I can’t believe how good the engine is in comparison. It pulls hard from just above idle and not only is there minimal lag, but you can’t feel the step as the second turbo comes in. It’s a stunning engine in a decent car imho. I think it has to be my favourite car of all time (that I have owned) and I loved my X1/9, Abarth 130TC and 2x Scoobies to bits. A great all round car, if not the fastest or most economical, it’s not even the most comfortable, but it does everything either well or superbly. Now if I can afford a 2nd hand 330D in a couple of years, or even the X1 with the 123D engine………….