X1 or BMW 3 Series 2.0TD 318d SE 5dr

[55NF]

I'm taking an X1 out this week. Still not 100% sure about it, looks wise tbh.  If a puschair fits easily in the boot then it'll be ok otherwise I'm thinking BMW 3 Series 2.0TD 318d SE 5dr

The 3 Series Tourer can be specced up quite nicely.  Options that are MUST have's are 19" wheels & Sun protection glass.  Looks like this.    Anyone running one of these? 

[Don Coffey]

I've had a couple of the 318ds out as courtesy cars lately and tbh I'm not impressed.  Having had a 520d for a couple of years, the 3 series is disappointing, and I feel expensive when compared to the 5.  That said the 5 drops like a stone on the resale front, but with the likes of leather, heated seats, and USB as standard it is as close to decent value for money I've seen from BMW.

Maybe too big a car or what you want.  Have you seen the 3 series GT, that seems well specced and should have a decent boot.  However, I've not seen one up close.

Don 

[55NF]

Don - I'm pushing it size wise with a 3 Series for the wife by coming from a 1 Series.      The new 5, as nice as it is, is way too big... and too expensive for what I want.  The GT is a weird looking car imo & I can't warm to it's looks.  The 3s & 5s always drop like a stone value wise as they're run of the mill fleet cars I suppose & they're available on tap.

There's some good deals on the 3 SE's at present & the new one looks ok.    I should be looking at a new car  in a practical sense, but I can't ... it has to look good also ::)  The SE has some decent standard options too.

Can't do anything until we've driven bot the X1 & 3 Tourer.

[quote="Don Coffey"]
I've had a couple of the 318ds out as courtesy cars lately and tbh I'm not impressed.  Having had a 520d for a couple of years, the 3 series is disappointing, and I feel expensive when compared to the 5.  That said the 5 drops like a stone on the resale front, but with the likes of leather, heated seats, and USB as standard it is as close to decent value for money I've seen from BMW.

Maybe too big a car or what you want.  Have you seen the 3 series GT, that seems well specced and should have a decent boot.  However, I've not seen one up close.

Don
[/quote]

[Don Coffey]

I know where you're coming from and do agree that the 3 has the looks. It's always a difficult time pinning down the car for you and what makes buying such good fun. Looking forward to seeing the eventual winner.

Don

[huck]

[quote="55NF"]
I'm taking an X1 out this week. Still not 100% sure about it, looks wise tbh.  If a puschair fits easily in the boot then it'll be ok otherwise I'm thinking BMW 3 Series 2.0TD 318d SE 5dr

The 3 Series Tourer can be specced up quite nicely.  Options that are MUST have's are 19" wheels & Sun protection glass.  Looks like this.    Anyone running one of these? 


[/quote]

Not a huge fan of the X1 but don't hate it either. You've mentioned what sort of spec you're looking at in the 3er but what about the X1? Arguably way more important than the 3er in terms of spec/look balance. That is, the MSport X1, in the right colour, don't look half bad at all. Non MSport are massively 'meh' IMHO.


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Huck (iPhone mode!)

[sramsay]

I usually go for the MSport models but found it a bit plain on the X1 and we preferred the xLine.  Couldn't convince the wife to upgrade the wheels though!

The hard steering wheel isn't so much of an issue now they've made the low speed steering lighter.

Couple of pics:

[huck]

That X1 doesn't look all that bad. I'd consider that over a 3, as a second car.


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Huck (iPhone mode!)

[55NF]

Agree , this one posted looks good.  Others I saw today . SE model etc didn't .    It just isn't for me.... the 3 Tourer will be a second car.  The boot on the X1 is surprisngly small & no bigger than the 1 Series which you can't fit a puschair in, well our puschair anyway. 

[sramsay]

Agree, boot isn't that great for the size of the car. We took the boot liner out her  old E90 when she picked it up and the boot depth is where it is significantly short.

Our buggy days are pretty much over so it wasn't a big concern!

[AW8]

Looks wise I prefer the current F30/F31 3 series over the X1 - I think your mention of wife moving from a 1 series has to be considered too & in terms of what she is likely to fee happy with.

3 series or X1 Xdrive (4WD ) would be a serious consideration if buying new  : 320i/320d Xdrive arguably adequate for most................though I see you seem to focus on good performers in terms of efficent dynamics, mpg & emissions.

Good luck working out all the spec/trim choices ES SE Sport MSport, Sport Modern Luxury. I confess to finding these choices a little confusing......I do wonder what percentage of private customers have a firm understanding as to what they are buying into.............A cynic might feel that providing so much choice can overwhelm a customer to the extent they could be over sold.