I opted out of my company car scheme last year. Consequently, I spent a very long time trawling the market, looking to replace the company car that was about to be returned (A MB C-Class Estate).
My life style was still the same so was looking for a car I could do 'cruising' higher mileages in for work whilst providing me lots of luggage space for 'activity' holidays few times a year.
I looked at the following (in alpha order): Alfa Romeo 156 2.4JTD Sportwagon Audi A4 1.8TDi Estate BMW 318 1.8i SE Touring MB C220 Classic Estate MG
ZT-T+ Saab 9-3 2.0i Estate Volvo V70 2.4 SE Estate (ex-demonstrator)
All of these cars are very competant. My main buying criteria were Drive, Equipment/Options, and Cost of ownership over 3 years - with a max £24k budget. As I was going to be taking out a personal loan (repaid by my car allowance payments), I was very interested in how much it would cost me to own the car for three years taking into account the purchase cost, running cost and importantly the residual value (it's depreciated value after 3 years).
The Saab was quickly dropped as it's initial purchase cost was too high compared to it's final market value. The Alfa was the most fun drive. Talk about doggy-doo off a shovel. It went like stink - and a diesel too). However, considering its level of depreciation (worth around 6k at 3 yrs old) and the questionable reliability (still!), this was also dropped. I love the look of the MG, especially in the Blue. But the equipment levels offer little chance to vary, economy is v poor (again a quick car!) and residuals were very low indeed. Note that both the Alfa and the MG dealers offered the greatest discounts, slashing 3k off list with no quibbling at all. The MB I was expecting a lot from after the comfortable wut wholly wallowy experience in my previous car. Unfortunately, the hype wasn't met and the new MB was still a refined but generally lack-luster drive that lacked rear leg room. And since by this time I had already driven most of the others, it had the thrill factor of a cabbage. The Audi was good, Very good. Fantastic diesel at an affordable price, wonderful precise and engaging drive, good equipment. However, I dropped it on the minor points of poor back seat, a dash that I really disliked and no option for integral child seats. The BM and Volvo were the last two left in. The Volvo as an ex-dem was a 27k+ car with almost every x-pack offered at £21500. I put a deposit on this as my head ruled my heart, the car was sensible, fantastically equiped and too good to miss. Then I checked the tax rules and suddenly this yr onwards all business miles attract the same tax relief regardless of engine size. Suddenly, the 2.4l Volvo was going to cost me £1k more to run per yr than the 1995cc (40+ MPG) BMW. I got back my deposit and bought the BMW. (Note that 318 is now 1995cc, 320 is 2.1 or 2.2! Bizarre!)
But why the BMW? Yes it is a compromise (hence the title) in that it offers less luggage space than the Volvo, Audi, MB and MG. That said, it is arguably the most beautiful of the above list, it has superb reliability, the drive is precise and engaging (if not the quickest with this engine) and the ride as refined as the MB. Equipment options were pretty good (SE is a must I think - resell of non-SE difficult) and the residuals of 3 yr old Beamers now suggests my car will still be worth 10-12k in 3 yrs. So what do you get for 23-ish k pounds? (I managed a 3% discount on list, extras at full price though). Mine looks identical to the picture above. I opted for a half leather interior in beige with a light wood trim. It is beautiful. Climate control, Cruise control, On-steering wheel audio controls, more airbags that at a WI meeting, powerful audio, almost best in class security, and a few nicities such as separate rear windscreen opening, rear arm rest/picnic/drinks unit, very thought-out courtesy and interior lighting, under-floor boot storage, and ker/car programmable personalisation. Oh yes, 60k/3 yr warranty is one of the better warranties.
The options I added were metallic paint, Auto rain/lights sensors, Half leather, front drinks holders.
OK, so the dealer dropped a couple of clangers - rang me just before delivery to ask for more money as BMW now charging extra for something (p*** off), and failed to deliver on promise that he could retro-fit a rear seat with integral child seats (suddenly, factory can only supply grey or black, beige now not an option). So slight bitter taste left but the car itself has been spot on.
Now done 16k miles in first 9 months - hassle free. First service next week.
I hate the macho, dont-give-a-monkees about anyone else image of BMW drivers, but in the Touring I think this is less apparent (and I do try to be courteous!).
So, I would strongly recommend the BMW if you are happy with a smaller than average estate but want first class quality car, that's great to drive and will be worth more than most when you come to sell it.
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BMW 3 Series - Saloon - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Automatic - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 140, 143 mph - 163, 177 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: ES, SE, Sport, M Sport
BMW 3 Series - Saloon - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Automatic, 6 Speed Manual - 2993 cc - Max Speed: 155 mph - 245 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: M Sport, Sport, SE
BMW 3 Series - Saloon - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Automatic - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 137 mph - 150, 170 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: ES, SE, Sport, M Sport
BMW 1 Series - Hatchback - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Automatic, 6 Speed Manual - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 127 mph - 122 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: M Sport, Sport, SE, ES
I owned the 318 a couple of years ago. I had so much trouble with mine. The power steering kept going and I had big trouble with the central locking.
auntyrottie 11.01.2005 03:00
mmmhh.. can just picture me in one of these! lol.. nice review!
pizz 04.07.2003 01:34
I've always wanted a BM and nearly got one but opted for a megane (so very similar i hear you say lol) if you ever sell, let me know! lol. good op with lots of useful info. martine
The Co-Operative Motor Group Nissan Ilkeston approved BMW 3 Series Saloon 318I SE 4dr ... more
manual in Silver.The car has covered 74,094 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 38.20.Additional Info: Insurance Group 13. Emission Count 180g/Km...
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covered 80,017 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 38.20.Additional Info: Insurance Group 13. Emission Count 180g/Km, What Green Car Rating o...
BMW approved BMW 3 Series Saloon 318I ES 4dr manual in Steel Grey.The car has covered ... more
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Advantages: Power, economy, style, reliability, boot size and access. Disadvantages: Slightly difficult to handle in the wet, slightly cramped in the rear seats.
the_kidda 08.08.2000 ·
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Review of BMW 318i
Advantages: Power, economy, style, reliability, boot size and access. Disadvantages: Slightly difficult to handle in the wet, slightly cramped in the rear seats.
the_kidda 08.08.2000 ·
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Review of BMW 318i
Advantages: Amazing control/handling of car and begs to be upgraded (is well worth it) Disadvantages: Need to upgrade a lot of different things, so have money saved/ready
YEODIE 02.10.2007 (10.10.2007)
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Review of BMW318is Coupé
Jan 8th, 2003
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