[ryanwarriors9]

So my dilemma I have sold my f30 335d due to needing something more bigger and practical 2 dogs, camping trips, will be starting family in next couple years and bought a bigger house.

My next car I need to keep for at least 4/5 years

My budget up to 18k options I’ve narrowed it down to are f31 or f25

I was dead set on the f31 but after checking out some f25 35d I’m undecided now and quite tempted for something a little bigger for the boot space etc

What’s people’s opiniona and any reviews on the f25?

Thanks
Ryan

[330XDave]

X3's are lovely but you won't get a lot for 18k (or you will but it will be older and have higher mileage than a similar spec F31). Saying that, you generally get back back what you put in at the end as they hold their value very well though I suspect if you are keeping it for 4-5 years there probably wouldn't be that much differance.

[ryanwarriors9]

Originally Posted by 330XDave

X3's are lovely but you won't get a lot for 18k (or you will but it will be older and have higher mileage than a similar spec F31). Saying that, you generally get back back what you put in at the end as they hold their value very well though I suspect if you are keeping it for 4-5 years there probably wouldn't be that much differance.

I have been looking at 70-100k miles on the x3 2011-2013ish

Is there anything to look out for on them or they pretty good cars just like the f30/f31 as long as they have good history etc

[pdk42]

Drive them. X3 is an SUV and it shows every time you drive it. The f31 is a much better driving experience imho.

[330XDave]

They're good cars, just remember in 5 years time it'll be 10-12 years old with well over 100k miles on, it will start costing you money by then.

I had exactly the same 2 choices, same budget and have the intention of keeping it for 4-5 years too. Looked at X3's but was looking at a 6 year old car, in which I couldn't really find anything appealing, ended up with a good spec F31 2015 330d with 70k on that I paid £16.9k for. After 6 months I'm still over the moon with the car and it is plenty fast enough for me. I'd I've got nowhere near in an X3.

Also bear in mind that a F31 330d will feel as quick as an X3 35d.

[ryanwarriors9]

Originally Posted by pdk42

Drive them. X3 is an SUV and it shows every time you drive it. The f31 is a much better driving experience imho.

Yehh I get that with the drive I'm not expecting miracles from an x3 hehe just a big boot space and something more practical for my needs

I would opt for the 35d engine just for the extra bit of power for the heavy lump

Cheers
Ryan

[ryanwarriors9]

Originally Posted by 330XDave

They're good cars, just remember in 5 years time it'll be 10-12 years old with well over 100k miles on, it will start costing you money by then.

I had exactly the same 2 choices, same budget and have the intention of keeping it for 4-5 years too. Looked at X3's but was looking at a 6 year old car, in which I couldn't really find anything appealing, ended up with a good spec F31 2015 330d with 70k on that I paid £16.9k for. After 6 months I'm still over the moon with the car and it is plenty fast enough for me. I'd I've got nowhere near in an X3.

Also bear in mind that a F31 330d will feel as quick as an X3 35d.

Hmmm interesting

Did you go for xdrive in the 330d or get RWD?

I have seen some nice f31 330d to be fair I have only been towing with the idea of the x3 as they are a bit bigger and may make more sense for a dog cage in the back without losing too much boot space

Again I would only go for the 35d in the x3 for the extra power to compromise the weight of them

I am in no immediate rush as I have a car to put me on until I find something

[E60525d]

Originally Posted by ryanwarriors9

So my dilemma I have sold my f30 335d due to needing something more bigger and practical 2 dogs, camping trips, will be starting family in next couple years and bought a bigger house.

My next car I need to keep for at least 4/5 years

My budget up to 18k options I’ve narrowed it down to are f31 or f25

I was dead set on the f31 but after checking out some f25 35d I’m undecided now and quite tempted for something a little bigger for the boot space etc

What’s people’s opiniona and any reviews on the f25?

Thanks
Ryan

We were in the same position last year, deciding between a F31 and F25. Went for the F25 in the end and very pleased with it. A few points worth noting which others have touched on;

- Obviously the F31 will handle better. As the car was for my wife this was not really important to us. What was important was the extra practicality and versatility of the F25.

- We found the interior quality much better than the F31. The F25 looks and feels closer to a 5 series whereas the F30 looks and feels closer to a 1 series!

- As previously mentioned, F25’s are more expensive. You will get a newer F31 for the same budget.

- The F25 we found in the end was very high spec and as a bonus it was from a BMW dealer so came with warranty. We were not expecting to find one from BMW AUC.

Our’s has got; M sport, VDC, sport auto, variable steering, pro media, adaptive lights, folding mirrors, heated seats, 360 surround camera,

[330XDave]

xDrive, would have happily gone RWD it's just that this car happened to have xDrive. Yes it dilutes the driving experience a little but I still enjoy driving it and there's no denying it's advantage at this time of year. It also takes off from standstill like a rocket in any weather.

[r654321]

Similar choices earlier in the year too. Ended up with a 335d F31 with HUD and very happy just so many more of these about so you can pick an choose.

[r654321]

Just to add, there wasn't much on the price difference on the 335 vs the 330.

I assume Mpg is obviously going to be slightly worse but nothing to write home about and tax is off the top of my head 195 vs 160?? or there about so again not a difference that the missus will grumble about.

The shock was on the 4 cars I looked seriously at insurance was cheaper on both the 335's!

[ryanwarriors9]

Originally Posted by r654321

Just to add, there wasn't much on the price difference on the 335 vs the 330.

I assume Mpg is obviously going to be slightly worse but nothing to write home about and tax is off the top of my head 195 vs 160?? or there about so again not a difference that the missus will grumble about.

The shock was on the 4 cars I looked seriously at insurance was cheaper on both the 335's!

I am very much leaning towards the f31 330d or 335d

The bigger feel of the x3 just appealed to me and maybe bit more practical.

After speaking to a mate at bmw he's said the f31 boot space is bigger just the x3 is higher

[sensible]

Originally Posted by ryanwarriors9

I am very much leaning towards the f31 330d or 335d

The bigger feel of the x3 just appealed to me and maybe bit more practical.

After speaking to a mate at bmw he's said the f31 boot space is bigger just the x3 is higher

....and you can get much more for your money with the F31.

[999rigger]

What about a 5 series touring? There are some good ones for £18000 on autotrader.

[ryanwarriors9]

Originally Posted by 999rigger

What about a 5 series touring? There are some good ones for £18000 on autotrader.

I have had a look at them too to be fair

Iv seen a really nice 335i but don't know if the fuel bill will be too much doing 40/50 miles a day

[Watsey]

In terms of engines they should last forever if serviced well. My 30d F31 is now at 83K miles and has been running a DMS remap for the past 50K. It was on the dyno last week and has 'lost' 1bhp in 2 years - atmospheric changes can make a bigger difference, so it's basically in rude health.

The F31 is a very practical all-rounder and not a bad steer. I've had mine loaded to the roof with seats flat for camping trips (plus my wife's Sorento - we take a LOT of gear ) - you can get a decent amount of stuff in them.

With the rear seats up the boot space is OK - not vast, but acceptable. If you had a couple of dogs in the boot then you'd need to also consider a roof box.

[ryanwarriors9]

Originally Posted by Watsey

In terms of engines they should last forever if serviced well. My 30d F31 is now at 83K miles and has been running a DMS remap for the past 50K. It was on the dyno last week and has 'lost' 1bhp in 2 years - atmospheric changes can make a bigger difference, so it's basically in rude health.

The F31 is a very practical all-rounder and not a bad steer. I've had mine loaded to the roof with seats flat for camping trips (plus my wife's Sorento - we take a LOT of gear ) - you can get a decent amount of stuff in them.

With the rear seats up the boot space is OK - not vast, but acceptable. If you had a couple of dogs in the boot then you'd need to also consider a roof box.

Thanks for that sounds like what I would be doing 😂

I have a couple of working cocker spaniels so only small/medium dogs I would get a crate made up for hopefully half the boot space

I am really leaning towards the f31 to be fair after having an f30 335d for over a year I do like them a lot and Iv been running it with a map from RS tuning too

[Hanchurch]

F31 335d here, I've had it over two years and use it exactly how you intend to, I think it is pritty close to perfect.

[ViRUS_RiP]

^ Haha packed the crap out of that haven't you!

Was in a similar dilemma to OP few months ago. Boot space was important to us, 2 small kids and need all their bits for weekend journeys. After looking into space, performance, aesthetics, mods etc the F31 35D hit the spot. Few months down the line, don't regret anything - perfect car so far!

[ryanwarriors9]

Originally Posted by Hanchurch

F31 335d here, I've had it over two years and use it exactly how you intend to, I think it is pritty close to perfect.

Well this will pretty much sum me up so looks like it's confirmed I'll be going to f31 🤣

Just need to find a well specced nice one now and see if I can get my self a 335d

[ryanwarriors9]

Originally Posted by ViRUS_RiP

^ Haha packed the crap out of that haven't you!

Was in a similar dilemma to OP few months ago. Boot space was important to us, 2 small kids and need all their bits for weekend journeys. After looking into space, performance, aesthetics, mods etc the F31 35D hit the spot. Few months down the line, don't regret anything - perfect car so far!

Seems to be the most popular solution and people are dealing very well so no brainier will be F31

[ViRUS_RiP]

Originally Posted by ryanwarriors9

Just need to find a well specced nice one now and see if I can get my self a 335d

That's the fun part yet most annoying lol... anxious to get one but needs to be well spec'd.

For me, I found it hard to find a white 335d tourer with pro nav and HUD, literally only came across 3 during my 2 month search. 2/3 were in budget, 1st one sold before I could go up to Birmingham and see it, 2nd I put a refundable deposit on the day it was advertised.