discussion When you have to compromise (need advice)

[GerhardL]

Hi Everyone,

So I currently drive a 2012 125i M sport (F20). This is my second bmw and the previous was a 118i. Both on the "cheaper" end of things as you can see, but the 125 is a big step up and aside from being a heavy drinker I absolutely love this car. It's black and has the "oyster" leather which I think is gorgeous.

Anyway, towards the end of this year I want to trade it in. As much as I want to, I need to limit what I spend. My problem is that this means I have to compromise somewhere... either I can upgrade slightly on performance (then I would get a 2015-2017 135/140, or perhaps a 330d), or I can upgrade on tech and comfort by getting a brand new or demo car... but then I can probably only afford a 118 or maybe a 318.

I am sure most people here care more about the engine than the rest of it... but I am all about the overall experience, and I would LOVE having some of the newer fixings, like Apple Car Play, Harman speakers, etc... I'm a technie and an audiophile.

So I need advice on a few items...

1] 1 series or 3 series (I've only ever had hatches and love them... but perhaps it's time for something more "mature")?
2] How much will I miss my 125 if I get a newer 118 or 120?
2] Should I rather get a 2017 car with better performance than I have now, and compromise on the "newness"...?


If I could, I would buy a brand new 128ti or 330d - but just can't get myself to spend that kind of money

 

[TBP88]

When these things arise I always think it's best for you to (1) layout your own affordability range, and (2) start working out what is more important.

Everyone is different, but I'd struggle to sell my car and step into something dramatically slower (and a new 318 will be a *lot* slower than your car). But take them for a ride and see, maybe you find the 318 sufficient?

 

[GerhardL]

When these things arise I always think it's best for you to (1) layout your own affordability range, and (2) start working out what is more important.

Everyone is different, but I'd struggle to sell my car and step into something dramatically slower (and a new 318 will be a *lot* slower than your car). But take them for a ride and see, maybe you find the 318 sufficient?

Thanks, I probably will be a little sad to take a big step down on performance. My hope is that a newer car doesn't "feel" as comparatively sluggish as it looks on paper... I will test drive some and see, although I never really feel comfortable to push a car hard when test driving it.

Perhaps I need to find something in-between then, like a 2018/2019 320, and a diesel this time which at least has more torque.

 

[Morribiscuit]

3 series HK sound > 1 series HK sound.
More speakers, more tweeters, better output - if you are an 'audiophile'.
But if you want the carplay etc, you will need a newer [more expensive] model. Or retrofit.
Also consider an 'older' 140 for example - I wouldn't be keen on getting one out of plan. Worth thinking about.

 

[GerhardL]

3 series HK sound > 1 series HK sound.
More speakers, more tweeters, better output - if you are an 'audiophile'.
But if you want the carplay etc, you will need a newer [more expensive] model. Or retrofit.
Also consider an 'older' 140 for example - I wouldn't be keen on getting one out of plan. Worth thinking about.

any idea which models carplay can be retrofitted to and more or less what it will cost?

I'd also prefer getting a car still in plan, which is a big part of the reason I want to buy new(er)

 

[Morribiscuit]

any idea which models carplay can be retrofitted to and more or less what it will cost?

I'd also prefer getting a car still in plan, which is a big part of the reason I want to buy new(er)

I am not 100% sure, but on the models you are looking at I'm sure it is possible.

It is not cheap to do from what I have read. I can't say I've looked into it much. Check the forum, I remember this being asked before.

I'd maybe say try find a 2 year old car that still has 3 years of plan and has already taken a depreciation knock? If that's an option

 

[MR_Y]

I am sure most people here care more about the engine than the rest of it... but I am all about the overall experience, and I would LOVE having some of the newer fixings, like Apple Car Play, Harman speakers, etc... I'm a technie and an audiophile.

Then consider changing brands, if you want to stay in budget and have some maintenance plan to work with.
A fully specced Volvo V40 T5, with all the tech bells and whistles and Harman Kardon 15 speaker sound, TFT screens and Polestar Optimisation pushing close to 200kw can be had on the used market for significantly less than a Bavarian machine of similar age and less power.
When you next upgrade (noting that you can extend the Volvo plan to 8 years/160,000km), you can consider a newer Bavarian machine.
Depreciation on the Volvo will not be bad, if you buy one that has gone over its first few years of its depreciation hump. My V60CC was R650k+ when new. I bought it as a 3 year old for half of that value and its current resale value is only R60k down from what I paid 2 years ago.
Something to consider.

 

[TurboLlew]

I don't think you will get as much use out of carplay/AA as you think... but yes it can be retrofitted to many of the cars. The systems in these cars are more licensing agreement than what you might actually expect from these brands. As mentioned above, the same system on a higher end car might not be branded HK. Audiophile and the sound systems in these cars can't be mentioned in the same sentence but they are not bad.

I would not buy a new 1 series.... I tend to agree with @MR_Y in terms of casting the net wider when it comes to your shopping expedition. You might not have to compromise as much.

 

[husaindindar]

B58 > carplay.....



mic drop.

 

[MR_Y]

Then consider changing brands, if you want to stay in budget and have some maintenance plan to work with.
A fully specced Volvo V40 T5, with all the tech bells and whistles and Harman Kardon 15 speaker sound, TFT screens and Polestar Optimisation pushing close to 200kw can be had on the used market for significantly less than a Bavarian machine of similar age and less power.
When you next upgrade (noting that you can extend the Volvo plan to 8 years/160,000km), you can consider a newer Bavarian machine.
Depreciation on the Volvo will not be bad, if you buy one that has gone over its first few years of its depreciation hump. My V60CC was R650k+ when new. I bought it as a 3 year old for half of that value and its current resale value is only R60k down from what I paid 2 years ago.
Something to consider.

Cheaper than a new shape 118i and will properly scare an F30 340i (and also less likely to be hijacked and lower insurance premiums too!)

Volvo S60 Polestar for sale in Boksburg - ID: 26038198

Used 2019 Volvo S60 Polestar For Sale - R 555 900 - ID: 26038198

www.autotrader.co.za

Or, if you are more sensible, but still want to eat 120d/320d for breakfast, and save a few hundred K...:

Volvo V40 D4 Inscription for sale in Sandton - ID: 25946424

Used 2017 Volvo V40 D4 Inscription For Sale - R 329 900 - ID: 25946424

www.autotrader.co.za

 

[PsyCLown]

Bit of a thread necro but if you are an audiophile, then I wouldn't even waste my time with the upgraded stock sound systems.

If you are sticking to BMW and within the F series, get a MOST to SPDIF converter so you can get a nice clean, full range signal, pop that into a DSP of your choice (Mosconi, Helix, MiniDSP), then to some aftermarket amps and some better speakers - stock location works but depending on how far you want to go perhaps get some custom pods made.
Go find a BMW being stripped for spares to pull the A pillar sills and door cards from so you can keep yours in original condition. Have the fabricator make the pods on the "scrapped" parts and when you sell, you can simply put the original parts back and remove the wiring and its back to stock without having needed to cut into any wires etc.
You can go for an aftermarket android headunit as well if you want, but I feel the Apple Carplay / Android Auto isn't as great as it may seem.

I think you will struggle going form a 125i to a 118i, a 118i is slow compared to even a 320d.

A 330d isn't quite as fast as a 135i / 140i but will be lighter on fuel and offer more power over your 125i.
Perhaps a happy compromise between power and economy (cost savings)?

As nice as the newer G series are, I do not feel it is worth loosing out on power to gain those extra few features and a newer looking interior. Most of the time when you are driving, your eyes are on the road and not admiring the leather, dash layout etc. etc.

 

[trevor_e36m]

I'd say the most bang for the buck would a well-specced f30 335/340. A later model with nbt evo , you will get the power , and all the tech you need, including HK sound.

 

[///M Individual]

H

Hi Everyone,

So I currently drive a 2012 125i M sport (F20). This is my second bmw and the previous was a 118i. Both on the "cheaper" end of things as you can see, but the 125 is a big step up and aside from being a heavy drinker I absolutely love this car. It's black and has the "oyster" leather which I think is gorgeous.

Anyway, towards the end of this year I want to trade it in. As much as I want to, I need to limit what I spend. My problem is that this means I have to compromise somewhere... either I can upgrade slightly on performance (then I would get a 2015-2017 135/140, or perhaps a 330d), or I can upgrade on tech and comfort by getting a brand new or demo car... but then I can probably only afford a 118 or maybe a 318.

I am sure most people here care more about the engine than the rest of it... but I am all about the overall experience, and I would LOVE having some of the newer fixings, like Apple Car Play, Harman speakers, etc... I'm a technie and an audiophile.

So I need advice on a few items...

1] 1 series or 3 series (I've only ever had hatches and love them... but perhaps it's time for something more "mature")?
2] How much will I miss my 125 if I get a newer 118 or 120?
2] Should I rather get a 2017 car with better performance than I have now, and compromise on the "newness"...?


If I could, I would buy a brand new 128ti or 330d - but just can't get myself to spend that kind of money

Hi bud

My opinion:

1. 3 series would be better all round

2. You will miss your 125i alot if you change to the newer 118i or 120i

3. Yes you should compromise on the newness and get the 2017 car with better performance.

If it must be a BMW you need an F30 330d if fuel consumption is a factor. Will be lighter than your 125i and more powerful. If not consider an F30 340i which is alot more powerful and thirstier.

Also agree with the others to check other brands. You may find something within budget that ticks all boxes.