I know it's not a Skoda but I'm hankering to change my Fabia vRS Estate for something bigger.

 

Bound to be some on here that know a bit about them?

 

going to see it tomorrow.

 

http://www.stratstone.com/VehicleSearch/Used/bmw-used-car-YC56LWS.html?qs=False&type=1

Nice looking car, my uncle has one, he thinks it's wonderful. He's barely spent a penny on it apart from the usual tyres, services etc.

It's got most of the important options listed which is always important on a BMW as they can be a bit sparsely equipped otherwise!

 

I had a 120i prior to getting the Octy and it was awesome on the twisty bits although the ride on 18" wheels and runflat tyres can be very harsh at times (by that I mean most of the time).

 

The other thing that used to wind me up is the stupid servicing regime that BMW employ. Designed to cut down on the amount of time spent in the workshop, it tells you what needs servicing and when - what this actually means is that they are always at the dealer as the oil change service needs doing at a different time to the front brakes, which are different to the back brakes, which are different to the main service, which is different to whatever else they can separate from a normal servicing routine. All regularly checked by the onboard computer which flashes up lights & buzzers should one of them go overdue Aaaaaggggghhhhh! 

 

The cars themselves are great to drive though. 

Thought about a 335D?

350bhp 500ftlb torque...

Just thinking....

:-)

335d is 280bhp standard..

 

Be wary about the MSport version if you value ride comfort. I can't speak for the 3 series, but my 123d MSport is like granite! Means its brilliant on the twisties and is fine on the motorway, but around town it will knock the wind out of you.

 

However, this is my first BMW and i have to say it will not be my last, just brilliant cars.

Sorry remapped !

I've just went from VAG to a 320d e90 BMW

Quality is quite simply mountains apart!

I don't have the msport version but i think it adds to the comfort! Awesome cars!

Id be wary of a 330l though unless running costs aren't an issue for you

The 320d bluefin's (switchable remap) to 200ish bhp so worth a thought

330i is going to be loads cheaper to buy than a 330d or 335d. Might even be cheaper in the long run to go for the petrol.

 

I'd check out some of the real world mpg calculators and do your sums.

I guess it depends on how many miles you do. When i had an E46 330i a while back i got mid 20s round the doors and mid 30s on a run.

 

One things is for certain. The 6 cyl petrol should be pretty bomb proof compared to the diesel. No fuel pumps, turbos and  DPFs to worry about and the DMF is probably less likely to go too.

 

Oh and the petrol will sound lovely too.

Looks the part but the ad says 'Auto' and picture looks like its a manual?

Looks the part but the ad says 'Auto' and picture looks like its a manual?

 

+1 to that man. Definitely a manual. Probably just a typo but make sure the price isn't set for an auto.

 

I'd prefer the manual myself. Rarer in bigger engined germans too.

I only do 9k a year so derv isn't really an option due to dpf issues etc. petrol cost prob same as my fabia vrs as I won't have to use vpower all the time so should even out.

Compared to the fabia with the official lowering springs it was a lot more smooth and quiet.

I wanted the manual too, they'd done the ad wrong.

Choices, choices!

I had a 56 plate 335i estate in red. Best car ever. I'd imagine the 330i will be top rate tax for that year, as it misses the 2005 cut off, so £470 pa. I swapped the run flats out for a set of normal tyres (BF Goodrich - Michelin owned, but cheap and good) and it transformed the ride quality. I too wanted a manual box, but ended up with an auto with flappy paddles as most of the larger engined beemers are specced by pensioners so theres not much choice manual-wise. Im glad I got the auto in the end. it could change gear a lot quicker than I ever could, and there were only a handful of occasions in 3 years when I found myself in the wrong gear. A bit of a worry then, when a seal failed in the auto box and began leaking oil at an almost imperceptible rate. This is a common feature of the early ZF boxes BMW used before 2008. I was quoted about £2000 to fix it at a dealer. A local well respected independant quoted £450, so me and the beemer parted company.

In short, I would say go for it. The car felt solid and handled impeccably, and transformed my view on BMW for ever. (currently looking to bag an E46 M3 just for fun)

I got offered twice for a swap of a 330i for my vRS.
Me thinks people are struggling to sell them because no one wants a big heavy thirsty beamer. just a warning.

I didn't get offered a swap but a beemer owner was admiring my VRS. I think a lot of people regret the saloon. It's not very practical. That bloke said he was having to use his wife's fiesta to go places with the kids because teh pram wouldn't fit in the beemer boot.

 

£460 is a lot of tax though, and likely to go up.

Bought it and got it home now!

 

Tax is £280 per year BTW.

 

An awesome car that handles fantastically! Now I've had a direct comparison between the 2 on the same day/roads I simply cannot believe how bad the fabia took corners/bends (even with official lowering springs as well). Obviously its hardly a fair comparison but it's really quiet, composed, a fair bit quicker and sounds so much better than a 4pot turbo etc.

 

I've always been sceptical about BMW's and 'drivers cars' etc but I think I'm a convert! It's truly awesome!

 

Wouldn't pay £35k for a new one mind!