[goodbyalfa]

Whilst I agree with the general opinion, that petrol is the way to go, the 430d would be a fine choice if your options are limited. It's a massive step up from the 420d in all regards. Refined for a diesel and plenty powerful. I loved my 330d.

[225]

https://www.cars2buy.co.uk/new-cars/...8;fCarID=54697

plus 1.9% Apr

Obviously don't know how op is paying for the car but if it's cash then that would pretty much cover a 3 yr pcp I'd say. I know not everyone wants to use finance but taking into account it will come with new everything, tyres etc and have a 3 yr warranty.

[markymark34]

A 430d is not a weekend car really. They are great cars! I've had that engine in a car 5 times but they aren't fun. 440i all day or 435i. Golf R. Leon cupra M140i. Got to be a petrol for weekend fun.

[2CRO4TV]

OP get a 30i/28i best car for your budget and mileage.

I've had mine 3 years and had no issues whatsoever. There are a lot of people on here that say the 35i/40i is more refined but in my opinion that's not true. Yeah they are more powerful but in real life driving there's not much difference between them. I actually find the 4 pots handle better because of the lighter engine.

Plus if you can get the MPE do it as the stock exhaust note sounds too much like a diesel imho.

Good luck with the purchase.

[goodbyalfa]

Originally Posted by 2CRO4TV

OP get a 30i/28i best car for your budget and mileage.

I've had mine 3 years and had no issues whatsoever. There are a lot of people on here that say the 35i/40i is more refined but in my opinion that's not true. Yeah they are more powerful but in real life driving there's not much difference between them. I actually find the 4 pots handle better because of the lighter engine.

Plus if you can get the MPE do it as the stock exhaust note sounds too much like a diesel imho.

Good luck with the purchase.

Agree with the sound aspect of this. The 4 pot sounds kak.

[stefan4]

I would definitely be looking at an m235i/40i. I'm personally not a huge fan of the golf r but that's just me, it just doesn't tickle my pickle.

I would also be very tempted to look at the Renault sport stable, the chavs are too busy with focus st's.

If you fancy looking at older cars the there are some lovely lotus elises around.

I certainly wouldn't be buying a diesel for a car that isn't used for commuting.

[Sheepy]

Originally Posted by skipraider

Yeah for a low mileage weekend car, I'd be going for petrol, maybe something like this?

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1506100

This car looks fantastic if still available. Are you in a rush to buy? Took me around 9 months to find the right car, in that time my budget went up so 440’s we’re coming into my price range & in the end the car I bought was under budget giving me a few £££ left over to buy the missing M performance parts I wanted.

[SammT]

Originally Posted by dopper99

I'd be wary buying from Big Motoring World based from what I've read. For example:

https://big-motoring-world.pissedcon...om/review.html

and this thread has been running for years on e90post on them:

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showt...275155&page=63

Went to a BMW centre and the guy there to be wary of them, thought he was just saying that to get me to go to him, think I might have to avoid them now though!

[Hooded]

Originally Posted by 2CRO4TV

OP get a 30i/28i best car for your budget and mileage.

I've had mine 3 years and had no issues whatsoever. There are a lot of people on here that say the 35i/40i is more refined but in my opinion that's not true. Yeah they are more powerful but in real life driving there's not much difference between them. I actually find the 4 pots handle better because of the lighter engine.

Plus if you can get the MPE do it as the stock exhaust note sounds too much like a diesel imho.

Good luck with the purchase.

Some good points there^ about the 330i/328i, ..and have a read of this..
https://www.motortrend.com/news/tota...mw-335i-21501/

I remember watching a video test of the 328i v 335i done on a track where the 335i couldn't lose the 328i due to the handling being better on the 328i.

There are question marks over the reliability of the engine in the 328i though, there's a lot more catastrophic failures that can be found searching the forums compared to the 6 pots.

[SammT]

Originally Posted by Hooded

Some good points there^ about the 330i/328i, ..and have a read of this..
https://www.motortrend.com/news/tota...mw-335i-21501/

I remember watching a video test of the 328i v 335i done on a track where the 335i couldn't lose the 328i due to the handling being better on the 328i.

There are question marks over the reliability of the engine in the 328i though, there's a lot more catastrophic failures that can be found searching the forums compared to the 6 pots.

Yeah I think after this post I'm going to be looking to get an M235i! To me the front of the 3 series looks ugly which immediately puts me off

[Hooded]

Originally Posted by SammT

Yeah I think after this post I'm going to be looking to get an M235i! To me the front of the 3 series looks ugly which immediately puts me off

M235i is a great choice

[NISFAN]

Originally Posted by SammT

Yeah I think after this post I'm going to be looking to get an M235i! To me the front of the 3 series looks ugly which immediately puts me off

As an occasional/ low mileage use car, the 235i would be a much better option than a 430d. I smile when I fire up my 2 series petrol. I definitely don't when the 330d fires up, however much I praise the 30d as a fantastic all-rounder.

[SammT]

Originally Posted by NISFAN

As an occasional/ low mileage use car, the 235i would be a much better option than a 430d. I smile when I fire up my 2 series petrol. I definitely don't when the 330d fires up, however much I praise the 30d as a fantastic all-rounder.

Yeah if I'm going to drive just for pleasure I definitely want something that'll put a smile on my face after a long day driving a van around!

Originally Posted by Hooded

M235i is a great choice

Yeah thanks! Definitely a beautiful looking car and now I'm just binge watching videos on them!

[Jeff123]

The 3 litre diesels take around 15 minutes to reach operating temperature. Once there they feel absolutely unbreakable. The more you drive, the better they feel. Great cruiser and MPG. Great torque from low speeds so good to drive around town. The problem is short trips. The MPG suffers and probably is similar to a petrol engine until warm.

[Hartside]

A mate of mine is selling his 14 plate M235i and it’s a cracker if you’re interested, full BMW service history. He lives in Northumberland.

[Jamese93]

Originally Posted by Hooded

Won't disagree with any of that^
(... although I don't think it necessarily needs to be as often as every couple of weeks)

To add .. I would also change the oil every 12 months even if you have only done 4K miles and run it on premium fuel that has cleaning additives included such as V-power to help offset the low mileage use a bit.

Originally Posted by EssexD

Not everyone is a chav

Agreed.

Why on hell's name would drive a four banger 420 repmobile when you can have a 430d? If the six cylinder 30d is within your budget and the petrols are not then go for the 6 cylinder. A 428i is alright but again a four banger, hit the high revs and hear it sound like a piston will come through the bonnet.

Yes a 440 is a great idea but stick within your budget considering your mileage, enjoy your car but don't break the bank for it.

Whatever you do enjoy it!

[stefan4]

Originally Posted by SammT

Yeah I think after this post I'm going to be looking to get an M235i! To me the front of the 3 series looks ugly which immediately puts me off

definitely the way to go!

[ali0709]

Hi. New to these Forums. Was just wondering if you still had the car?
Im in a very split decision between a 420d and 430d. As a car I know the 430d is miles better but I commute alot to work and need something which is fuel efficient - would regret getting a 3.0L to then find out im spending ALOT (like £100-200) more on fuel. I do around 800-1000 miles a month on 50%Motorway 50%daily shopping etc and was wondering what I would be spending on fuel per month (in £) on average for both the 420 and 430d? Any help would be much appreciated!

[ali0709]

Originally Posted by goodbyalfa

Whilst I agree with the general opinion, that petrol is the way to go, the 430d would be a fine choice if your options are limited. It's a massive step up from the 420d in all regards. Refined for a diesel and plenty powerful. I loved my 330d.

Hi. New to these Forums. Was just wondering if you still had the car?
Im in a very split decision between a 420d and 430d. As a car I know the 430d is miles better but I commute alot to work and need something which is fuel efficient - would regret getting a 3.0L to then find out im spending ALOT (like £100-200) more on fuel. I do around 600 miles a month on 50%Motorway 50%daily shopping etc and was wondering what I would be spending on fuel per month on average for both the 420 and 430d? Any help would be much appreciated!

[devil84]

I find the 430d very economical. I also have the mppk kit and I can get 50mpg on a long run (60 miles or more)

If only 15 miles on motorway and 2 miles a roads I get 42mpg going to work

[Hooded]

Originally Posted by ali0709

Hi. New to these Forums. Was just wondering if you still had the car?
Im in a very split decision between a 420d and 430d. As a car I know the 430d is miles better but I commute alot to work and need something which is fuel efficient - would regret getting a 3.0L to then find out im spending ALOT (like £100-200) more on fuel. I do around 600 miles a month on 50%Motorway 50%daily shopping etc and was wondering what I would be spending on fuel per month on average for both the 420 and 430d? Any help would be much appreciated!

I wouldn't expect the 30d to cost you more than £30 per month more on fuel per month than the 20d with that kind of mileage.

[ali0709]

Originally Posted by Hooded

I wouldn't expect the 30d to cost you more than £30 per month more on fuel per month than the 20d with that kind of mileage.

Honestly? I was thinking like at least £50 more... a week! (As i say, ive never had a nice car, let alone a 3.0L BMW so wouldnt know at all) And would that be even if I was just driving around town etc?