[new2E90]

Hello

I'm new to this forum and have found it very useful in evaluating various options for my new E90, which I am going to order under my company car scheme.

My budget is limited and therefore, I'm trying to find a balance between style and performance. Please share your experiences and views help me deciding the right balance. The options I'm considering are:

Option A:
318i M Sport Auto
Le Mans blue
Dakota leather - lemon
Xenon
High beam assistant
Rain sensor & auto lights
Exterior mirror pack
17" 194 alloys

Option B:
318i M Sport Auto
Le Mans blue
'Blue shadow cloth'
Xenon
High beam assistant
Rain sensor & auto lights
Exterior mirror pack
17" 194 alloys

Option C (slightly over budget)
320d SE Auto
Monaco blue
Fluid cloth - beige
Xenon
High beam assistant
Rain sensor & auto lights
3 spoke sports steering
Front sports seats
Anthracite headlining
Sports suspension setting
Burr walnut wood trim
16" 156 alloys

Thanks

[matlough]

Not sure on which option, but have a look at Broadspeed.com. I've just ordered a 335i Saloon giving me about a £3500 saving!

[Z4 Beemer]

Option D: leather sports seats, 17" wheels and xenons... and some of the options you have already selected.

[mjh93sa]

My advice would be to get downa dealer and test drive the 318i and the 320d. The performance difference could be enough to change your mind on it's own.

[Z4 Beemer]

Originally Posted by mjh93sa

My advice would be to get downa dealer and test drive the 318i and the 320d. The performance difference could be enough to change your mind on it's own.

you recommend the D ?

[Rochester BMW]

Option 'A' looks like the best one to me.

I picked up my E90 335i M Sport last friday (£6000) discount from Cooper Tunbridge Wells (very good dealership)

Id say definatly have the xenons, this is my first car with them and they are 10 times better than 'normal' headlights. (auto lights come with xenons)

Highbeam assistant is also very very good, its cheap, and it works perfectly, well worth it just for the 'gadget' principle.

hope this helps.....

[new2E90]

I agree 320d is much better than 318i in terms of performance, but my budget won't allow me to equip it with leather seats and 17" alloys.

I do around 300 miles/week on an average and 320d is relatively economical. Please advise if leather seats and 17" alloys worth more than the powerful engine.

[Rochester BMW]

find something on your boss, and blackmail him for the bigger engine and the options you want!

its the only answer!

[Z4 Beemer]

Originally Posted by new2E90

Please advise if leather seats and 17" alloys worth more than the powerful engine.

For me, personally, I would go for the leather sports seats and 17's (actually 18's) before the more powerful engine, but each to their own! You do say you do a lot of miles, so maybe the engine is more important for you.

[mjh93sa]

Originally Posted by Z4 Beemer

you recommend the D ?

I'd go for the D personally, but I recognise that some people really don't like diesel and want to stick to petrol, so I'd always suggest testing both. Even if it is a company car you have to live with your choice for years, so it's worth a bit of messing around up front to make sure you get things right.

With the auto box I would also have thought that the greater torque of the diesel would be even more of an advantage.

Definately go for the Xenons, but beyond that it's a question of your required toy coefficient.

[Z4 Beemer]

I thought long and hard about going for diesel this time around, as I know BMW make good diesel engines and on paper everything about the 3.0d is better that the equivalent petrol, but just couldn't do it! My mileage isn't particularly high on a per year basis, so doubt financially it would work out better. As for the auto option, I can't imagine living with an auto on a daily basis...

[NathanJT]

That was my dilemma. I'd already driven the 3.0D and loved it. Ok it hasn't got the snarl of the petrol and that heady land of high revs but, my god the thing pulls like a freight train!!!

As for auto? no frickin chance!

[bob mushroom]

I found the 320d was a far better ride than the 318, to me the 318 felt underpowered. With the mileage you are doing and the type of roads though performance may not be needed and then the looks become important. 17" Wheels I feel are a must and the M Sport interior is nice and exclusive and not cold in winter!

But then look at my thread I'm having a dilemna on the options myself!

Good Luck and enjoy those ponderous moments

[NFS]

Originally Posted by new2E90

I agree 320d is much better than 318i in terms of performance, but my budget won't allow me to equip it with leather seats and 17" alloys.

I do around 300 miles/week on an average and 320d is relatively economical. Please advise if leather seats and 17" alloys worth more than the powerful engine.

Drop the auto and get a 320d Sport.

It's by far the quicker and more dynamic car. If you get the sport you have alcantara which means you don't need to pay for leather and you also get the 17inch rims in the package (amongst other things).

[new2E90]

Originally Posted by needforspeed

Drop the auto and get a 320d Sport.

It's by far the quicker and more dynamic car. If you get the sport you have alcantara which means you don't need to pay for leather and you also get the 17inch rims in the package (amongst other things).

needforspeed, this sounds reasonable, as I have been told that the manual 320d is tax friendly as well. I think I will miss auto transmission...

[mjh93sa]

Our sales director changed from a Merc 'E' slushmatic to an E60 manual a while back.

Biggest problem was "it keeps going quiet when I stop"

[NFS]

Originally Posted by new2E90

needforspeed, this sounds reasonable, as I have been told that the manual 320d is tax friendly as well. I think I will miss auto transmission...

Why will you miss it ?

I sold my 530d because I found the auto box made the driving experience less engaging.

I think an auto is acceptable when a car has an indecent amount of torque (eg 335d). In a car like that the auto is probably quicker than a manual.

A 320d is quick ... but you can use a manual box to get the best of it.

Changing gear is really easy anyway isn't it?

[new2E90]

I’m convinced…

changing gear is as easy as convincing me for manual

I have finally decided for 320d M Sport manual with alcantara, xenons, high beam assistant, rain sensor, and exterior mirror pack.

I really appreciate all the suggestions.

[NFS]

Originally Posted by new2E90

I’m convinced…

changing gear is as easy as convincing me for manual

I have finally decided for 320d M Sport manual with alcantara, xenons, high beam assistant, rain sensor, and exterior mirror pack.

I really appreciate all the suggestions.

Perfect .. you are going to love it

[booforty]

Originally Posted by new2E90

I’m convinced…

changing gear is as easy as convincing me for manual

I have finally decided for 320d M Sport manual with alcantara, xenons, high beam assistant, rain sensor, and exterior mirror pack.

I really appreciate all the suggestions.

Good choice bud. Let me know when you want some mods doing - blacklines, short shifter, air freshner, furry dice etc...

[mjh93sa]

Originally Posted by new2E90

I’m convinced…

changing gear is as easy as convincing me for manual

I have finally decided for 320d M Sport manual with alcantara, xenons, high beam assistant, rain sensor, and exterior mirror pack.

I really appreciate all the suggestions.

Nice spec. Now comes the hard part... waiting!

[nomis]

Originally Posted by new2E90

I agree 320d is much better than 318i in terms of performance, but my budget won't allow me to equip it with leather seats and 17" alloys.

I do around 300 miles/week on an average and 320d is relatively economical. Please advise if leather seats and 17" alloys worth more than the powerful engine.

Good decision - bigger engine, more equipment....