Howsit all!
Hope everyone is good 👌
So brief story to intro, I have never been a BMW fan. I was influenced by my father who has driven Mercedes since '92 so naturally I always liked Mercedes. I always thought BMW was over-rated and never paid attention to them. Can confirm I was obviously stupid
. Not sure why or what caused it, but about 6 months ago a took a long look at a F30 320i M-sport in Estoril blue, and something just clicked like 'BMW's are stunning'!
Since then, as most people with ADHD will know, I have been hyper focused and done a masters degree of research into the brand and models (specifically on this forum) and I realised it doesn't have to just be that, I have adult money and can make my own decisions, so I want to start the searching purpose for what I would like. With that in mind, would love some advice/guidance from you guys as you have a wealth of knowledge to tap into. If you are kind enough, please let me know what you think?
In terms of spec, to me the below seems like non-negotiables? The optional extras I am not entirely sure of, as I struggled to decode what all was available etc. Also not sure what packs added what (i.e. some M-sports feature blue line trim on the interior dash, while others don't)
BMW bug has bitten HARD)
Appreciate any guidance and very sorry for the long write up
Hope everyone is good 👌
So brief story to intro, I have never been a BMW fan. I was influenced by my father who has driven Mercedes since '92 so naturally I always liked Mercedes. I always thought BMW was over-rated and never paid attention to them. Can confirm I was obviously stupid
. Not sure why or what caused it, but about 6 months ago a took a long look at a F30 320i M-sport in Estoril blue, and something just clicked like 'BMW's are stunning'! Since then, as most people with ADHD will know, I have been hyper focused and done a masters degree of research into the brand and models (specifically on this forum) and I realised it doesn't have to just be that, I have adult money and can make my own decisions, so I want to start the searching purpose for what I would like. With that in mind, would love some advice/guidance from you guys as you have a wealth of knowledge to tap into. If you are kind enough, please let me know what you think?
- F30 320i (B48 motor, I know to avoid N20)
- I know a lot of you suggest the 320d, but I've been in a diesel for the last 7 years and REALLY want a petrol 😅 for correct noise purposes.
- Possibly a 20% chance, I decide to move up a mid-life crisis choice and look at a convertible 220i or 420i (or equivalent)
In terms of spec, to me the below seems like non-negotiables? The optional extras I am not entirely sure of, as I struggled to decode what all was available etc. Also not sure what packs added what (i.e. some M-sports feature blue line trim on the interior dash, while others don't)
- M-sport pack
- Auto (very aware of how good the ZF boxes are, with good maintenance of course)
- HK audio
- sunroof (if not convertible)
- DP and full exhaust (or whatever you recommend, I do just enjoy a good exhaust note over standard)
- BMC replacement air filter (unless the OEM filter is good enough?)
- Mapping only if needed to account for the DP and exhaust
- Few extra things that you all know (carbon fibre goodies, gloss black badges etc)
- Suspension setup, but I doubt it as not to mess around with the M-sport suspension setup which seems great already
- What mileage is too high? I have seen some examples around 100k to 110k and then those that are 180k+
- My biggest concern is maintenance costs. This was a luxury German vehicle to begin with, and not sure I am comfortable with needing to spend R20k every 6 months if that is what is required, would rather cut the dream short and admire from a distance unfortunately.
BMW bug has bitten HARD)Appreciate any guidance
and very sorry for the long write up
