[mcoops]

Like a few of you, I've been following the various threads on the M340i as well as keeping tabs on discount levels. I'd not seen the new 3 series in the flesh, so decided to pop into my nearest dealer on Sunday. I hadn't arranged any test drives, but it was still quite a useful visit.


There was a G20 320d MSport in the showroom, plus an M340i saloon and a G21 330d parked outside. They all looked nicer in the metal than I'd given them credit for. I was not blown away by the interior of the G20. I've read a lot of reviews saying it was night and day vs. the F30, but I didn't think so. Design & materials perhaps look nicer, but don't necessarily feel much better, especially lower down. And I'd have to agree with some of the comments I've seen about the seats being firmer than last gen. Perhaps not in issue in real world driving, but certainly noticeable.


I then had a good nosey around a couple of 5 series. Naturally these are going to be a nicer place to sit, but I think I'd assumed the G20 would close the gap a little. But it still felt like a big step up.


The other model that impressed me unexpectedly, again just from the family PoV of the cabin and loadspace, was the X4. The new model looks less dumpy from the outside. Interior is pretty classy, and it actually solves the thing I don't like about the X3 - the waistline is higher, and I felt more cocooned.


So I duly specced up an X4 M40i and a 540i Touring on Carwow. Initial quotes on the X4 are poor. But I have instantly got 5 quotes over 20% on the 540i, including one at 27%. I know it's an older model, but I thought that was pretty good straight off the bat, and has given me food for thought.


I had pretty much sold myself on the M340i, and of course a 540i is a different proposition in terms of the drive and perhaps a bit of a sense of theatre. On the other hand, they are both family wagons, and the idea of getting more car for the same or less money is making me think. I'll end up test driving both, I'm sure. But I thought a 27% discount without trying was worth posting up in any case!

[JustChris]

Decent discount that I agree. LCI die any month now I think probably why but who cares, good deal

[isleaiw1]

To echo what Chris says, LCI due very soon so some very good deals should be around. I am maybe biased but I think the 5 is just such a great place to sit, so refined and well finished. I guess the question is whether it is your main car or just a car for you in the main.

If the former, go 5. If mainly just you and Mrs Coops car does the family stuff, M340i.

Mind its not a massive stretch from a well specced 540i to an M5....

[MashinBenzin]

Good deal and worth biting on I think, after a further haggle and a test drive. Looks, parking and threading a b-road aside, I suspect the 5 does most things better.

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by MashinBenzin

Good deal and worth biting on I think, after a further haggle and a test drive. Looks, parking and threading a b-road aside, I suspect the 5 does most things better.

How very dare you... it hasnt got the nostrils of the new 3, and it doesnt look like an Audi at the back....

With 360 cameras its pretty easy to park.... but it is quite big on narrow country roads...

Mind, on all those points may I draw your attention to your own vehicle

[330XDave]

Originally Posted by MashinBenzin

Good deal and worth biting on I think, after a further haggle and a test drive. Looks, parking and threading a b-road aside, I suspect the 5 does most things better.

5 front end mashed with the 3 rear end would be spot on.

[Sasquartch]

I've gone from a 2012 (ie pre LCI) 328i to an almost new 520i

The 5 series is much more refined and overall am very pleased with it even though I've taken a step down in terms of power

The 5 series is a big car though and feels so much bulkier to park than the 328i

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

How very dare you... it hasnt got the nostrils of the new 3, and it doesnt look like an Audi at the back....

With 360 cameras its pretty easy to park.... but it is quite big on narrow country roads...

Mind, on all those points may I draw your attention to your own vehicle

fair

There is a M5 in my office car park with blacked out rear lights. Do they all look like that, is it a CP thing or is it a mod?

The back of the new 3 has grown on me now that I see a lot of them around.

As for my own car, do you have any pics of it to share, I've forgotten what it looks like

On the parking - big SUVs have a couple of advantages when parking over a big saloon, the view and the fact that you can get out by only opening the door a little. Doesn't help the poor sod next to you of course, or risk to your paintwork.

[JNW1]

I'd spotted the excellent discounts on the 540i and it did make me wonder about looking at a G31 in preference to a G21 M340i. However, for me the 5-series is simply bigger than I want/need and having sat in one (a G31 520d) at a dealers I didn't like the overall cabin layout as much (although I would take its conventional dials over the G21's digital set-up any day of the week!). I didn't really detect a significant difference in the quality of the G31 interior over the G21 either but we'll have to agree to differ on that!

If you do lots of miles the 5-series with the comfort seats may have an advantage although personally I found the seats in the M340i very comfortable (albeit in fairness the test drive was relatively short). I'd also rate the G21 a significant step forward over the F31 in terms of refinement (especially reduced road noise) but whether it's as good as a 540i in that respect I don't know as I haven't driven the larger car.

However, given the superior discounts available I reckon the net price on a well specced 540i will be very little different from a well specced M340i; therefore, as you've suggested, I think the answer is to drive both and see which you prefer!

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by MashinBenzin

fair

There is a M5 in my office car park with blacked out rear lights. Do they all look like that, is it a CP thing or is it a mod?

The back of the new 3 has grown on me now that I see a lot of them around.

As for my own car, do you have any pics of it to share, I've forgotten what it looks like

On the parking - big SUVs have a couple of advantages when parking over a big saloon, the view and the fact that you can get out by only opening the door a little. Doesn't help the poor sod next to you of course, or risk to your paintwork.

I think the rear lights are darkened but not blacked out - to be fair, I dont see the back very often!

You do need to either get them to fix it or get it rejected and get that £82k PHEV Defender on order....

I do miss the easy access and exit of my SQ5 - but much else....

[Wills2]

I found the surfaces in the G20 quite sharp edged and firm, in terms of the doorcards, arm rests, seats etc....the G30 just seems more rounded and softer inside to me.

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

I think the rear lights are darkened but not blacked out - to be fair, I dont see the back very often!

You do need to either get them to fix it or get it rejected and get that £82k PHEV Defender on order....

I do miss the easy access and exit of my SQ5 - but much else....

I won't pollute the thread any further, as I know Marc will just get tempted to order a Disco but yes rejection on the cards and will update the other thread in due course.

[Bibbles]

Originally Posted by mcoops

I had pretty much sold myself on the M340i, and of course a 540i is a different proposition in terms of the drive and perhaps a bit of a sense of theatre. On the other hand, they are both family wagons, and the idea of getting more car for the same or less money is making me think. I'll end up test driving both, I'm sure. But I thought a 27% discount without trying was worth posting up in any case!

Sounds like a good deal, I don't think you'd regret having a G31 over a G21 unless you spent 90% of your time on narrow B roads. It's more refined, it's got more room than you should ever need and with the 360 cameras and sensors it's no trouble to park. It does need the MPPSK fitted to make it a little more raucous when you feel like it though.

Let me know if you want to see one in the flesh as we're both in herts.

[mcoops]

Originally Posted by MashinBenzin

As for my own car, do you have any pics of it to share, I've forgotten what it looks like

If you walk long enough in any direction away from your car, you'll eventually get to a point where it stops blocking out the sun and you'll be able to see objects again

[mcoops]

Originally Posted by Bibbles

Let me know if you want to see one in the flesh as we're both in herts.

Appreciate that, thanks Bibbles. Might take you up on that if it gets serious!

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by mcoops

If you walk long enough in any direction away from your car, you'll eventually get to a point where it stops blocking out the sun and you'll be able to see objects again

Is that the problem we have with the sun on this island, too many land rovers blocking it out? We've been incorrectly blaming the jet stream all along!

[mcoops]

Originally Posted by Wills2

I found the surfaces in the G20 quite sharp edged and firm, in terms of the doorcards, arm rests, seats etc....the G30 just seems more rounded and softer inside to me.

Agreed. I actually didn't mind it from a design POV but I do think it draws attention to the quality of materials.

[Bryans69]

Had my 540i for almost a year now, and a great all round family car. It's never going to drive like my old Boxster, but spacious, comfortable and quick when you want it to be.

I also looked at the X3 M40i, which was pretty much the same price, and the 5 came out better in every objective and subjective comparison, given that a) we don't live in a row of Victorian cottages, where parking can be major pain, and being shorter helps (the car, not the driver), and b) I don't plan on driving through any rivers.

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by mcoops

Agreed. I actually didn't mind it from a design POV but I do think it draws attention to the quality of materials.

It's the little things isn't it? Designs can look very similar in pictures but be a world apart through materials and details.

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by Bryans69

Had my 540i for almost a year now, and a great all round family car. It's never going to drive like my old Boxster, but spacious, comfortable and quick when you want it to be.

I also looked at the X3 M40i, which was pretty much the same price, and the 5 came out better in every objective and subjective comparison, given that a) we don't live in a row of Victorian cottages, where parking can be major pain, and being shorter helps (the car, not the driver), and b) I don't plan on driving through any rivers.

Attachment 2228182

That's a lovely looking 5, and the engine is a great one whatever it sits in

[mcoops]

Originally Posted by MashinBenzin

That's a lovely looking 5, and the engine is a great one whatever it sits in

Very nice. Is that Bluestone? I need to know what colour I'm changing to from Carbon Black at the last minute

[Bryans69]

Originally Posted by MashinBenzin

That's a lovely looking 5, and the engine is a great one whatever it sits in

Thanks

Originally Posted by mcoops

Very nice. Is that Bluestone? I need to know what colour I'm changing to from Carbon Black at the last minute

Yes, with standard 19" and sun protect glass