i just ordered a 318d f30... the consumer price would be just shy of $50k. But because it's a company car i managed to get some discounts. When you drive more then 20.000km a year, it's really not a question if you should take diesel or gasoline. MPG is usually 20-30% lower for a diesel, and the diesel prices are still 10-15% lower then gasoline (atleast here in belgium).
It might not be the most sporty engine, but this is in my opinion not because of an engine is gasoline or diesel. I've driven gasoline, LPG and diesel a lot... i find diesel to be the most comfortable, and modern diesels (e.g. my 118d) have enough grunt for a sporty ride.... though i wish the 320d would have been an option
driving sporty doesn't mean you should rev it up as much as possible, having great torque when exiting the corner and a less nervous ride is worth more to me... but that's just my (biased ?) opinion.
If I would be loaded, i'd go for the M550xd... not the M5.
maybe.... one day....
