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Thanks all,
Long story how I got to the BM.
Extremely unhappy with Mercedes (apart from the shape - I still think that the S205 is probably the best looking tourer out there), I decided to switch brands. But to which marque?
I drove a 320d about 3 years ago and didn't feel the love. So BM was out. A few chaps in work have Audi and I've not heard a single good word said. So who was I going to choose ?
I decided to go against the grain. And get a Volvo ! I was 99% ready to click that order button, when I had a 3 day demonstrator. Oh my God! Hated everything about the car. Just couldn't get on with it. It was the D5 V60 - so about 215 BHP, but it just didnt have "the xfactor".
Damn - who am I going to pick now. I then had the pleasure of a fully loaded 530d Touring demonstrator for 5 days (which I kindly put on about 1k miles ;o) ).
I cried as I had to hand the keys back. I reckon the 530d was quite possibly the BEST car I have EVER driven (and I've been a few £80k+ cars). The 3.0d engine. The 8sp auto box. The seats. I was in love. The wife could see I was getting itchy to totally switch brands and size of car (remember, I'm in a S204 at the moment, and was looking at a Volvo V60! So the 530d was a total about change).
After handing the car back (and then getting a Merc E350 demonstrator for a few days) I had kinda forgotton the 530d as a package, but still remembered the engine and the gearbox.
Checked the prices for a 530d and it was a little more than I wanted to spend. So I've taken a plunge. I've ordered the 330d without a) even having DRIVEN the new 3 series, b) not being particularly impressed with the 320d from 3 years ago and c) not even having seen a 330d Touring in the flesh.
Me? Gambler ?
Luckily, I only keep the car for 2 years and then I get to change again. So if the car really is THAT bad (can a car, circal £40k really be classed as 'BAD'??), I get to pick something else.
Would've gone for the 335, but its not out yet it seems. All well, that what Sept 2014 will bring.
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