Advice: Changing from 530d - what to get???

Boots2006

So, we've an 03 E39 530d, & are thinking of changing for something with a smaller body (its a bit tricky getting into the [very tight] car space in the mrs's new job). Ideally looking for something as good to drive as what we have, leather, 4-door, RWD/4WD, budget up to 10k plus our own. Any suggestions on what to get???

Was looking at various 3-series, but went to test drive one today, and was really unimpressed. It was a 318 mSport, and we'd have to put a good few grand to our own to get:
- not as nice a cabin
- a smaller boot & less interior space
- less power, feels way slower to drive
- no low end power at all, need to keep the revs at 3k-6k
- less mpg
- all in a car that feels lighter & less solid than the 530d
On the plus side, it cornered really well, although with the lack of power, I never felt I was getting near the limits of what the car could do.

So, what to look at next - 320d / 325i / 330d?
Given the way the market is at the moment, I'm thinking of going for another 530d with parking sensors ...
link to the one were selling

ronnie3585

Simple - Audi A4!

copacetic

Boots2006 wrote: »

So, we've an 03 E39 530d, & are thinking of changing for something with a smaller body (its a bit tricky getting into the [very tight] car space in the mrs's new job). Ideally looking for something as good to drive as what we have, leather, 4-door, RWD/4WD, budget up to 10k plus our own. Any suggestions on what to get???

Was looking at various 3-series, but went to test drive one today, and was really unimpressed. It was a 318 mSport, and we'd have to put a good few grand to our own to get:
- not as nice a cabin
- a smaller boot & less interior space
- less power, feels way slower to drive
- no low end power at all, need to keep the revs at 3k-6k
- less mpg
- all in a car that feels lighter & less solid than the 530d
On the plus side, it cornered really well, although with the lack of power, I never felt I was getting near the limits of what the car could do.

So, what to look at next - 320d / 325i / 330d?
Given the way the market is at the moment, I'm thinking of going for another 530d with parking sensors ...
link to the one were selling

don't think you can complain about a smaller boot and interior as you are looking for a smaller car. can hardly expect a similar sized boot and interior in a smaller car.

Since you want rwd or 4wd you really have to go for another bmw, lexus or merc.

Eoin

Having changed from an e46 to an e39 myself, I really notice the difference - the e39 is a far nicer place to be.

If the parking is the only problem then I would spend my time looking at getting OEM or nice aftermarket PDC sensors fitted. I am sure there is some way they can be fitted.

Bandara

http://cgi.ebay.ie/bmw-330ci-m-sport_W0QQitemZ190258857550QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20081013?IMSfp=TL081013123001r122#ebayphotohosting

Bargain, goes like a train and has an incredible spec. (no its not me selling it, but if I was in the market I'd snap his hand off)

joeperry

Hammertime wrote: »

http://cgi.ebay.ie/bmw-330ci-m-sport_W0QQitemZ190258857550QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20081013?IMSfp=TL081013123001r122#ebayphotohosting

Bargain, goes like a train and has an incredible spec. (no its not me selling it, but if I was in the market I'd snap his hand off)

That 3er has dodgy written all over it,its been for sale a good while too.

To the OP just get some parking sensors,i have an e39 too and I still havent been in a better car thats made me want to change and mines 10 years old.

bazz26

In fairness you went from a 530d down to a 318i which lets face it is an average car. You are bound to be disappointed. As others have pointed out when you downsize you are actually going to notice a difference in size otherwise it wouldn't be known as downsizing.

Minimun you should be looking at a 320d but if you were happy with the running costs of the 530d but not the size of the car then consider a 330d:

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/3-Series/330-D/1219364/

Thinking outside the box:
Alfa Romeo 159:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Alfa-Romeo/159/Sportivo-150bhp/1050880/

Boots2006

True, I should've expected a smaller car, pretty obvious really

I was surprised by the trim and general interior though. Might try a high spec 330d, see if thats any better - presumably the resale on them is hammered too due to the engine size ...

Might look into the Alfa thing, I recall a great trip up the Swiss alps in a hired 156 2.4 JTD ti a few years back ... not many of them about though (I looked when I got home...)

gyppo

What about a Volvo s60 D5?

TommyT

Get an E60 530d

galwaytt

is it just me, or does anyone comprehend why you'd publish pics of your car covered in ****e ? Like, is that supposed to attract people ?

And the 996 and RR in the background, ditto...........I don't get it.

FWIW the car looks good in the 'clean' photo, probably the day after it was VRT'd !! - but manual, and no leather.....crumbs - knock 4k off for that, I would.....

Eoin

It is an alcantara interior which may not be leather, but I can assure you is very comfortable. I know of people who have swapped their leather out in favour of it in fact.

I also don't think that a manual would be a deal breaker in the coupe.

dodzy

galwaytt wrote: »

is it just me, or does anyone comprehend why you'd publish pics of your car covered in ****e ? Like, is that supposed to attract people ?

+1.

Better off with just the header pic. The remainder do the advert zero favours.

Anan1

OP - The E90 really needs a decent engine, automatic, and a good sprinkling of options - try a well-specified 320d/330d SE auto.