[pjay501]

Hi everyone,

I'm going to be purchasing my first BMW - a 330d, but I need some help on choices please.

I don't like how high the xDrive sits - so will stay away from this if possible. I'll be fitting ACS springs regardless as I like the lowered look. Also want 19" alloys - so will likely buy these at some point if they don't come with them - probably used or after-market. I'll only be covering about 10k miles a year max. 10-15 min drive x2 a day on 40mph roads, dual carriageways most other times - and the odd long drive every 3 months. I know, short drives aren't great for this car - but I really want a straight 6 and I hear the 328i isn't a great driving experience - and I do want a good driving experience!

I want to keep the car for 5 years and I want to minimize the cost of ownership in that time period. Bearing in mind that I have up to £20k to spend, what would be my best option out of the below?

These are all from a dealership which is close by to me (Hertfordshire) - but if you have alternatives, then please feel free to suggest them.

https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/bmw/330d/WN14UXS
https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/bmw/330d/DV64OTZ
https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/bmw/330d/VO15ONS
https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/bmw/330d/FH16UHD
https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/bmw/330d/SP65FGM
https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/bmw/330d/FH16UHD

Thanks.

[2CRO4TV]

Originally Posted by pjay501

Hi everyone,

I'm going to be purchasing my first BMW - a 330d, but I need some help on choices please.

I don't like how high the xDrive sits - so will stay away from this if possible. I'll be fitting ACS springs regardless as I like the lowered look. Also want 19" alloys - so will likely buy these at some point if they don't come with them - probably used or after-market. I'll only be covering about 10k miles a year max. 10-15 min drive x2 a day on 40mph roads, dual carriageways most other times - and the odd long drive every 3 months. I know, short drives aren't great for this car - but I really want a straight 6 and I hear the 328i isn't a great driving experience - and I do want a good driving experience!

I want to keep the car for 5 years and I want to minimize the cost of ownership in that time period. Bearing in mind that I have up to £20k to spend, what would be my best option out of the below?

These are all from a dealership which is close by to me (Hertfordshire) - but if you have alternatives, then please feel free to suggest them.

https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/bmw/330d/WN14UXS
https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/bmw/330d/DV64OTZ
https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/bmw/330d/VO15ONS
https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/bmw/330d/FH16UHD
https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/bmw/330d/SP65FGM
https://www.cargiant.co.uk/car/bmw/330d/FH16UHD

Thanks.

Have you actually driven a 328i?
Had one for 3 years with no issues and lots of fun.

[pjay501]

Originally Posted by 2CRO4TV

Have you actually driven a 328i?
Had one for 3 years with no issues and lots of fun.

I haven't test driven one actually. There aren't many available looking on autotrader (11 available up to 60k miles with my nearest one being about 30 miles away) vs. lots lots more 330ds - which is another reason why I haven't opted for the 328i.

I certainly wouldn't rule it out if recommended, it's just they seem to be much sparser than the 330d!

[2CRO4TV]

Originally Posted by pjay501

I haven't test driven one actually. There aren't many available looking on autotrader (11 available up to 60k miles with my nearest one being about 30 miles away) vs. lots lots more 330ds - which is another reason why I haven't opted for the 328i.

I certainly wouldn't rule it out if recommended, it's just they seem to be much sparser than the 330d!

https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/result/?b...PORT_PLUS_PACK

A few on the bmw auc site