What do you think of the new 3 Series BMW?
I would welcome your advice as I want to replace my BMW 525d SE auto touring (E61), which I purchased new in 2005, with a smaller estate or hatchback, either diesel or petrol. Having had 10 BMWs on the run and used to rear wheel drive, the new 3 Series excites me although it has grown in length from the previous model. Common sense says 320 diesel but the 330d is more powerful and smoother with six cylinders, but with greater depreciation. I cover around 10,000 miles per year in the car, also enjoying my MG RV8 and Mazda MX-5 on sunshine days, but will the particulate filter raise its ugly head with this mileage? My spec would include auto, leather, Satnav, cruise control, small wheels and DAB radio.
Asked on 9 March 2013 by HB, via email
Answered by
Honest John
I would stick with BMW. If not an F10 5-Series, then an F30 3-Series (3-Series have grown a lot bigger). I'm currently in an F30 320dED and it is the best car I have ever run - very probably the best car in the (real) world. I have not had any DPF problems. It regenerated properly after four relatively short runs from cold in sub-zero temperatures. But the car does do a lot of long distance work.
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