[KevlarMouth]

Hi All,

So I'm new to the site. I've been lurking in the background for years but finally decided to join properly and get your views.

Have recently sold my Rang Rover Vogue Autobiography, and currently in a quandary of what to buy??? The Range was nice but I was always waiting for something to go wrong based on horror stories I'd heard. So I'm back and thinking of returning to my old favourite.

Just to give some context. I love my BMW's and frankly I've come to the conclusion I'm a Beemer head through and through. I've been to Audi dealerships, and I know the performance is good, but I just don't like them as much inside. The same for Merc's, plus the Mercs tend to be a bit too shouty when revved for performance versions.

In 2015 I bought a 2011 520D Manual (great car but as it was a manual). It was all I could afford but I was hooked. However, after having to change the DMF I decided only Auto's in future. I went from this to a Black 2013 X5 F15 30D M Sport (5 seater) in about 2017. I had that for a few years and loved it. Last year I bought a newer one Dark Grey 2017 X5 F15 40D M Sport (7 seater).

This was the X5 I'd always wanted. However, after 4 months I just wanted something different. (Don't ask me why !!!!)
That's when I jumped to the Range Rover. Lovely car but just too much money wrapped up in a car. Plus it was a 4.4 V8 and cost me £200 to fill up.
I don't do big mileage (5-6k a year). So I like my cars looking pristine. This thing was still costing me £2,400 a year in diesel.

So that's gone and here I am. I've just bought the wife a 19 plate Countryman and it's fantastic. I love it, but I want something nice for me.
Now I've always had to buy big cars as the family car owner. As the wife now has the countryman I'm finally in position to get what I want, not what is necessary.

Currently I'm looking at 2-3 year old cars.

I've looked at and driven the 530D (G30 & G31). It seems a great car and I love the size. I took one for a test drive from Vines near me. Sadly this one was a bit shabby looking.

Then the M340i has caught my eye.
That thing looks great (and I'm taking it for a test drive this week), but just a bit worried it's too small. The prices seem wildly different based on Laser lights and comfort packs and just not sure if another £2-£3k is worth the extra accessories (for a second hand car).

I also notice the main dealer near me has a lot of 2-3 year old cars with 2 owners. This is what worries me. Do these people know something I don't?

Why would a 2-3 year old car already have 2 owners, but only 9k miles on the clock?

Then there is the M340D to consider.

I'd really appreciate peoples insight and (sensible) thoughts ??????

[330Stevie]

The 2-3 owners could be pre reg+. If it’s on AUC then you should be relatively well protected. The current G20 isn’t exactly small, but it’s all relative to what you are used to. I was looking at 540xi amongst various others cars to replace my 330d before setting on an M340i. The car is a great all rounder.
Ultimately get some test drives booked and see what suits. The B58 lump in the M340 is pretty bloody special tho! I don’t have lasers so can’t say I miss them, but I do have tech pack as heads-up display is great and HK sound system whilst not the best premium car hifi is significantly better than stock.
Good luck

[Seaford]

The G20 is limited in the rear for passenger leg room and boot space (both no more than just about adequate in my view) compared to what you have been used to. Great for a driver and front seat passenger.

[dstor]

I'll be picking up my new m340d touring later today so give me a few days and I'll be able to offer some feedback! Coming from a 2019 530e G30 and before that a F31 330i.

[KevlarMouth]

Originally Posted by dstor

I'll be picking up my new m340d touring later today so give me a few days and I'll be able to offer some feedback! Coming from a 2019 530e G30 and before that a F31 330i.

Thanks bud. Definitely interested to know more.

[KevlarMouth]

Originally Posted by Seaford

The G20 is limited in the rear for passenger leg room and boot space (both no more than just about adequate in my view) compared to what you have been used to. Great for a driver and front seat passenger.

Thanks. Yeah we have the Clubman and I'm impressed by space on that. As you say not as big as I'm used to but the wife now has the Tip run car

[KevlarMouth]

Originally Posted by 330Stevie

The 2-3 owners could be pre reg+. If it’s on AUC then you should be relatively well protected. The current G20 isn’t exactly small, but it’s all relative to what you are used to. I was looking at 540xi amongst various others cars to replace my 330d before setting on an M340i. The car is a great all rounder.
Ultimately get some test drives booked and see what suits. The B58 lump in the M340 is pretty bloody special tho! I don’t have lasers so can’t say I miss them, but I do have tech pack as heads-up display is great and HK sound system whilst not the best premium car hifi is significantly better than stock.
Good luck

Thanks bud. Yeah When I heard it start I couldn't ignore it and had to get a drive to see. What kind of MPG is realistic?

[KevlarMouth]

Presently looking at these 2. I appreciate one has a slightly better package (looks like Carbon pack and comfort pack) but it also has 2 owners and the lower priced just 1 owner.

Seems a big jump for similar aged cars with similar mileage to me



https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-det...ceDeposit=true

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-det...ceDeposit=true

[KevlarMouth]

I'm actually leaning to the cheaper one for looks but I know its personal. I just wish they had a Sunroof.

[330Stevie]

Originally Posted by KevlarMouth

Thanks bud. Yeah When I heard it start I couldn't ignore it and had to get a drive to see. What kind of MPG is realistic?

On a run driving steady 40s is very much possible. Around town you’ll be in the twenties albeit high 20s if you don’t hoon it. I averaged out at 32.8mpg in 8k with average speed in that time of 31.9mph

[KevlarMouth]

Great to know cheers

[Seaford]

Originally Posted by KevlarMouth

Presently looking at these 2. I appreciate one has a slightly better package (looks like Carbon pack and comfort pack) but it also has 2 owners and the lower priced just 1 owner.

Seems a big jump for similar aged cars with similar mileage to me



https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-det...ceDeposit=true

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-det...ceDeposit=true

It’s a personal thing but having had it on my last 330 and current 8400 I wouldn’t buy one without Driver Assist - the radar controlled cruise is brilliant, particularly on motorways and in stop/start traffic (often the same thing on M25)

[dstor]

Originally Posted by KevlarMouth

Thanks bud. Definitely interested to know more.

So, only done 70 odd miles today and taking it really easy, but first impressions are really very good indeed. Effortless torque, and really smooth power delivery. It's quieter and a more comfortable ride than the 530e in my opinion and of course handles much better from the limited time I've had in it. The ride comfort is a surprising upgrade albeit on comfort adaptive and the 530e was on passive m sport suspension with 19" wheels…… average Mpg over the 70 miles on a brand new engine was c. 45mpg on A roads.

[a.summers86]

Originally Posted by KevlarMouth

Presently looking at these 2. I appreciate one has a slightly better package (looks like Carbon pack and comfort pack) but it also has 2 owners and the lower priced just 1 owner.

Seems a big jump for similar aged cars with similar mileage to me



https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-det...ceDeposit=true

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-det...ceDeposit=true

Tech pack would be a must have for me. The HUD and speaker upgrade are worth the option alone in my opinion.

Just having a 2minute look online there’s a fair few better spec for similar money.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-det...02206237077839

[Talisman77]

On the LLs, choosing them sort of comes down to your use case. If you're in the middle of a city with ample street lighting you'd probably see no benefit (assuming no frequent drives out) but along some of the country roads out here it's a godsend to have the extra throw from the lasers. HBA is a plus too.

There's also a minor aesthetic benefit (imo, subjective) as to me non-LLs almost look like tears forming under the "eyes" (headlights) or something!

[Seaford]

Originally Posted by a.summers86

Tech pack would be a must have for me. The HUD and speaker upgrade are worth the option alone in my opinion.

Just having a 2minute look online there’s a fair few better spec for similar money.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-det...02206237077839

+1 on HUD - even my good lady who usually has zero interest in car stuff has said she wouldn’t be without it


Just a thought for the original poster…..at that budget you needn’t add too much to get a two year old 840………I haven’t regretted for a moment it…..

[KevlarMouth]

Originally Posted by dstor

So, only done 70 odd miles today and taking it really easy, but first impressions are really very good indeed. Effortless torque, and really smooth power delivery. It's quieter and a more comfortable ride than the 530e in my opinion and of course handles much better from the limited time I've had in it. The ride comfort is a surprising upgrade albeit on comfort adaptive and the 530e was on passive m sport suspension with 19" wheels…… average Mpg over the 70 miles on a brand new engine was c. 45mpg on A roads.

Impressive!!!

I'm actually leaning to the M340i now. I only do 5k miles a year. I'm hearing such good things about the B58 engine. Test drive is this afternoon so will wait and see.

[KevlarMouth]

Originally Posted by a.summers86

Tech pack would be a must have for me. The HUD and speaker upgrade are worth the option alone in my opinion.

Just having a 2minute look online there’s a fair few better spec for similar money.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-det...02206237077839

Thanks. I've found a 21 plate with only 396 miles on the clock in Bournemouth as well. It's got both Comfort and visibilty pack and comes in at just under £43k

[330Stevie]

Originally Posted by KevlarMouth

Thanks. I've found a 21 plate with only 396 miles on the clock in Bournemouth as well. It's got both Comfort and visibilty pack and comes in at just under £43k

For me it’s the tech pack that is the default…

Comfort access is still a weakness imo

[Talisman77]

Originally Posted by 330Stevie

For me it’s the tech pack that is the default…

Comfort access is still a weakness imo

Likewise. Been spoiled with this one having been fully loaded - not sure what I'd get rid of if I really had to!

[ScottC25]

I went from a fully loaded M340i that I bought from dealer stock to an M440i that I specced myself.

Not a fan of HUD myself, and when I was ordering, there was no wireless charging, so paid for the HK as a standalone, and got a sunroof instead. Haven't regretted it at all, and haven't missed the HUD at all over the last 6 months.

[danorman777]

Whereas I love the HUD. I have it in 2 BMWs and find it very useful and natural. Great for speed limits and driving assistant bits.