M135i Replacment - £20-25k.

Soldato
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Hi guys,

My M135i lease runs out in a few weeks. I've been looking at a replacement but nothing seems to tickle my fancy.

I really like the M135i, it's fast, practical when needs be, makes a nice sound and was new when I got it so has a modern feel.

It was my first new car. Before it I've had a Leon Curpa which I bought because it was really cheap and I needed a car. A Boxster S that was nice because it was fast but uncomfortable and unpractical in every other way. And a SAAB 9-3 Aero that I actually really liked.

I'm looking for the following-

As fast as the M135i, straight line speed is more important than being "fun"
Modern, 2-5 years old
Warrantyable if possible
Reasonably practical

Don't care about fuel at all as I only do about 10k per year.

I use the car for work so it needs to look modern and smart without looking too flash or bling, this is one of the things I really like about my M135i... to most people it just looks like a 1 series.

Currently top of the list as a replacement is an M135i, so inspire me to do something more interesting.

Budget £20-25k.
 
Man of Honour
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18month-2 year old 330i?

There is no such thing - the 330i was discontinued in 2010 and only recently came back in late 2015 as a 4 cylinder turbo in the F30 facelift.

There are therefore no 18 month-2 year old 330i's, you'd have to have a 4 cylinder 328i instead.
 
Soldato
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[TW]Fox;29142122 said:
There is no such thing - the 330i was discontinued in 2010 and only recently came back in late 2015 as a 4 cylinder turbo in the F30 facelift.

There are therefore no 18 month-2 year old 330i's, you'd have to have a 4 cylinder 328i instead.

Out of interest with £25k to spend what would you buy from the BMW range?
 
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Last edited:
Man of Honour
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Lol was gonna say the same.

I found one fairly recently actually. Lovely shade of bloody gold though.

I've given up, they are all like that. Every single one - and there are hardly any anyway - has some sort of gotcha, be it a stupid colour, or a bizarre spec (I went to see one which had soft close doors, professional stereo, electric memory seats and.... no navigation!).

Also I test drove one and found it slow after the power delivery of the 530d :(
 
Caporegime
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[TW]Fox;29142201 said:
I've given up, they are all like that. Every single one - and there are hardly any anyway - has some sort of gotcha, be it a stupid colour, or a bizarre spec (I went to see one which had soft close doors, professional stereo, electric memory seats and.... no navigation!).

Also I test drove one and found it slow after the power delivery of the 530d :(

535i?
 
Man of Honour
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Had my eye out for a year. In all that time just one suitable car - priced at a crazy £25k for a 5 year old 5 Series.

There are two on there now - one's got a manual box and both of them have crap business nav :(
 
Caporegime
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[TW]Fox;29142268 said:
Had my eye out for a year. In all that time just one suitable car - priced at a crazy £25k for a 5 year old 5 Series.

There are two on there now - one's got a manual box and both of them have crap business nav :(

Yup, just had a browse on autotrader myself. I suppose I'm fairly fortunate in that I can survive with the 3 series interior...
 
Soldato
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[TW]Fox;29142162 said:
If I wasn't an irrational F10 fanboy?

An F30 335i. I keep trying to love that interior but can't, but if you like the M135i you can quite easily do an F30 335i. They are great value.

http://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/3-Series/...90695-605459585-3497113.aspx?srcmdc=se_na_re_

Shame about the crapnav but that sort of thing.

Better spec here..

http://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/3-Series/...90695-605505806-3497210.aspx?srcmdc=se_na_re_

I have considered the 335i over an M135i, I just can't really see what benefit it offers. It's slightly down on power and less practical, am I missing something it adds to the party?
 
Man of Honour
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I have considered the 335i over an M135i, I just can't really see what benefit it offers. It's slightly down on power and less practical, am I missing something it adds to the party?

Yea, it's not a 1 Series?

Thats a pretty big benefit right there :p
 
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The size counts for a lot - it's more refined and it's longer wheelbase means it rides better, etc.

Perhaps I'm just biased as I really don't like hatchbacks.
 
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