[Expatmarais]

Please guys i need your advice. I'm about to change jobs and have to give back my F10 535d. I loved this car and only had it 8 months during which time i racked up 32000 km. The new job is a good career move but I'm sorry to say their company car policy is not as generous as my previous employer. I get €35k worth of car (after dealer discounts) compared to the previous €75k that my F10 cost. So as I can't bear having another Audi after swapping to my 5 last year, I want to try and stay with the brand. The 3 is my natural choice as a mini 5 series and all the latest electronics and safety. In my price range I can just about run to an F30 318d with some careful optioning. Or a 120d in M sport guise - same pack I had on F10 and really appreciated.
Power drop from 300bhp to 143 sounds enormous and scary but I recently had a loaner and it didn't seem too bad reasonably gutsy up to 70mph.

What would you guys do? 318d or keep a modicom of power by taking smaller 1 series with 184bhp on tap?

[kiforrest]

318d. The car has a better ride/handling compromise than the 1 series. The 1 series will also be tiny after the F10

[PrinceBarin]

Hey. I guess it really depends what you value in your cars and what it's going to be used for. There is a gaping chasm of difference between the 1 series and the 5 series IMO. Not least of all the size. So if you're the kind of person that is used to chucking a couple of suitcases and a set of golf clubs in the boot, the 1 series might not be for you!

For me, the 1 series is fun and a good runaround, so if I was younger with no wife & kids I might seriously consider it. However, it's not a practical family car IMO because it's just not big enough. I also would not want to do too much highway mileage in it either because, again, it's a bit too cramped. You don't, mention whether you'll be doing much mileage in your new job but, if you are, I would take the F30.

The F30 is going to feel much more familiar to you as a 5 series driver. But, if you just want something fast and don't carry much luggage, take the 1 series!

Also, this thread might interest you: http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=11836178

[cstavaru]

1-series is too ugly to consider. Go with the 3-series. Chip it in secret to get more power )

[Expatmarais]

Thanks for the prompt replies. Its been 10 years or so since I drove a car as small as the 1 so as per your comments I am worried about the size. Just the two of us but many motorway miles so needs to be a comfortable cruiser above all. The F10 was such a star on that front and great companion these last weeks when I have been covering 1-2k km per week across French and German motorways. ( I had 250kmh on the speedo on a number of occasions)

Has anyone driven the f30 318d as my loaner was previous shape. Any views on performance?

[Expatmarais]

Originally Posted by cstavaru

1-series is too ugly to consider. Go with the 3-series. Chip it in secret to get more power )

I'm liking the idea of chipping. What can the 143bhp be chipped to?

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by Expatmarais

I'm liking the idea of chipping. What can the 143bhp be chipped to?

For the current 143bhp engine, a tuning company in the UK will simply remap it to produce approx 200hp - outrunning 320d's! No drop in economy apparently, often an improvement infact!!

BHP Before: 143
BHP After: 195
NM Torque Before: 320
NM Torque After: 365

However this is on the E90. It is the same engine so they should be able to apply it to the F30 too but if you're interested, whiz more-BHP.com an email and they are always more than obliging in their response.

Apologies, but just thought I'd take some figures for the 535d:
BHP Before: 299
BHP After: 350
NM Torque Before: 600
NM Torque After: 720

Phwoarr!!

[Ryan9095]

I was seriously considering a 1-series coupe vs the new generation 3-series so hopefully I can provide you with some insight.

The 1-series is an incredible driver-oriented car. I'm a single young guy so I wasn't worried about the cramped cabin and minor trunk. However, I felt that the quality of the materials used in the 1-series were not up to par with my current 2009 3-series coupe. I felt like everything seemed cheap and the dash looked squished. I was worried that the 1 series would feel like a downgrade.

I ended up picking the new generation 3 series (F30) for a few reasons. The new styling, in my opinion, is incredible. The exterior and interior are stunning. It has all the best BMW has to offer technologically and the fuel economy is out of this world!

Since you are coming from a 5 series I would opt for a Luxury Line; it's what you are used to. With the right color combination you can make a 3 series look very "high end" and you won't be regretting the change. Good luck!

[clarence]

If u read the reviews on the F20 1er it seems a VW Golf is better all round.
I would stick with a F30 318d, or if possible, stretch to a 320d & maybe give up on some options.

[xit2050]

Originally Posted by Expatmarais

I'm liking the idea of chipping. What can the 143bhp be chipped to?

Be aware that this is highly illegal in France.

[J1n]

If you're looking at the power drop between a e90 335 then you could consider the 328. 0-100 times are pretty decent and the 250 Hp I found to be just nice. If I'm not mistaken the old 335 is close to 5.8.

I know we all have a budget so I guess what's important in your case?? It's sounding like performance is something you take more seriously so either the 135 or 328 is a good option depending on price diff.

[BruceOmega]

Originally Posted by kiforrest

318d. The car has a better ride/handling compromise than the 1 series. The 1 series will also be tiny after the F10

Not sure how your 1 series compares to the 1 series available here in the states, but your comment on the ride / handling comparison caught my attention.

I am curious how a US version F30 335i sport line compares to a new US version 135i in terms of ride / handling / compromise between the two. I've driven the F30 335i with the M adaptive suspension, and even with the suspension set to sport mode the ride quality is good as is the handling. Have not driven a 1 series yet.

I am thinking of replacing my 5 series with one of these two. Part of the reason is new car bug but the other is I would like a smaller, more agile vehicle.

Thanks
Bruce

[Expatmarais]

Originally Posted by J1n

If you're looking at the power drop between a e90 335 then you could consider the 328. 0-100 times are pretty decent and the 250 Hp I found to be just nice. If I'm not mistaken the old 335 is close to 5.8.

I know we all have a budget so I guess what's important in your case?? It's sounding like performance is something you take more seriously so either the 135 or 328 is a good option depending on price diff.

j1n, sadly budget is more important in this case as my employer is footing the bill. BUT and it's a big and optimistic BUT, if I can add some cash I'll be staying diesel and going for a 184bhp 3er. 328 petrol is just not viable given petrol prices here in France - they have dropped since 2 weeks ago but my local garage was at euro 2.02 per liter. Not 100% sure if my maths is right but that's around $10.30 per gallon someone will correct me I'm sure.
1 Litre is 0.264 gallons.
3.8 liters in a gallon
3.8 x 2.02 euros per Litre
Exchange rate of 1.35 euro to dollar
Am i right? It's just enormous.....

@ everyone else - Your comments on the 1er were most valuable and it's now off the shopping list.

[eezzee]

The 1 series available in the US is the 1st generation-based coupe/ cabrio rather than the recently released f20 hatchback.

The f20 interior quality is much improved and has also grown in all dimensions, most crucially rear legroom and boot space. Also the 1 series is a hatchback so makes up for its smaller footprint through greater versatility over the saloon f30. However in all dimensions the interior is smaller than the f30.

From your description of usage, power seems more important than space, in which case 180hp in a lighter car is better than 143. However the 3 series has better handling and balance and has been universally praised, especially in 320d guise.

Best thing is to try both and decide accordingly.

[The English Guy]

Dosen't the company pick up the fuel bill as well ?

Could go 328i then

[J1n]

I think if it's a lease through company the petrol cost will be added to the total running cost of the vehicle. But in all seriousness the 135 won't sound viable as well is petrol cost is a factor. 320d is it then