BYRON
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Registered: 1st Jun 04
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I am going through the motions of changing my existing company car, and had the opportunity to take the all new 3 Series MSport for a few days.
Initial choice was for an Audi A4 4dr Saloon 2.0 Tdi 143 Black edition (with HDD Navigation) as it has a very good level of specfication and stereo (30k miles per year - want my entertainment!) , but extended lead times rule it out.
Second choice was a Mercedes C200cdi 4dr Saloon AMG Sport, although I want the panoramic roof and the factory is out of stock - so again, a big lead time.
My current car is an E90 318d MSport 143bhp (13% Company car tax), and although I didnt want to replace it for the newer version - after having this one, I must say I am impressed with the car so far.
Not wanting to be fooled by the bells and whistles of the demo as my own car wouldnt have all the optional extras this one has, and it has plenty;
- 19" M light alloy wheels Star-spoke style
- Sport automatic transmission
- Model designation deletion
- High-gloss Black interior trim finisher
- Electric Glass Sunroof
- Sun protection glass
- Ext. mirrors - folding. auto dimming
- Split-folding rear seats
- Seat heating. front
- Park Distance Control (PDC). front and rear
- Loudspeaker system - harman/kardon surround
- Media package - BMW Professional Multimedia
- Visibility package
Decisions, decisions! Excuse the poor picture quality - iPhone...
[Edited on 11-09-2012 by BYRON]
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Whittie
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Registered: 11th Aug 06
Location: North Wales Drives: BMW, Corsa & Fiat
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Lovely motor, there's just something missing with it imo.
I'd go for the Merc and wait that bit longer.
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Tom
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Registered: 3rd Apr 02
Location: Wirral, Merseyside
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Agreed, I'm sure they'll probably grow on me too but as it stands I'd much prefer the Merc (or the Audi actually).
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BYRON
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Registered: 1st Jun 04
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The Mercedes engine technology is more agricultural and lumpy imo. The exterior styling is really nice, especially with the upgraded 7 spoke alloy wheels, but cannot get overly comfortable with the interior. No soft touch plastic and poor seats - even in the sport.
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Colin
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Registered: 4th Apr 02
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Looks nice however I still prefer my E90 look wise.
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BYRON
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Registered: 1st Jun 04
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quote:
Originally posted by Colin
Looks nice however I still prefer my E90 look wise.
TBH - I did after comparing mine alongside the Modern, Luxury and Sport spec on the F30, although side by side against the MSport, I think the E90 is miles behind now.
I may have the opportunity to get an Audi A6 Sline + Nav which I am looking into now - If I can find the right car, I think that will be my choice.
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Fad
Member
Registered: 1st Feb 01
Location: Dartford Kent Drives: 330cd
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Interior looks so much better than the e90.
The thing is as you know very well being in industry you know what you like. I know mercs have come a long way in terms of driving dynamics but IMO no one comes close to BMW in the drivability stakes. This is especially important when you are confined to hum drum/fleet motoring. The new gen engines dont sound like diesels at all!
Have they sorted the ride out with this model as M Sports are always so firm!
Depends on what you want I guess
[Edited on 11-09-2012 by Fad]
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Tomnova16
Premium Member
Registered: 21st Jan 06
Location: Gerrards Cross Drives: Porsche 911
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i like that, wonder what the coupe will look like, and the ///M3 
bonnet looks different with a straight edge at the front
http://www.lemass.co.uk/ for all your automotive/bodyshop needs
Located in Chalfont st Peter
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Tomnova16
Premium Member
Registered: 21st Jan 06
Location: Gerrards Cross Drives: Porsche 911
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mercs are shit unless pre 1981
http://www.lemass.co.uk/ for all your automotive/bodyshop needs
Located in Chalfont st Peter
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BYRON
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Registered: 1st Jun 04
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quote:
Originally posted by Tomnova16
mercs are shit unless pre 1981
Too true Fad, although I have had to have a mutual opinion for my previous job role so try to take emotion out of things and base values on facts and previous market intelligence/experience.
You are right - nothing drives as well as the BMW...
Tom - Been offered a china blue Mercedes 90 Automatic saloon for a grand. Recent respray, wheels refurbished, and brand new Michelines. Quite tempted...
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Nismo
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Registered: 12th Sep 02
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Do not like the straight bonnet, should be like the older models imo.
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j10E W
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Registered: 30th Sep 04
Location: maidstone
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Must say I've not seen any of these on the roads yet been looking forward to seeing one
I think it looks good but a lighter colour is needed to show of the lines of it more
Love the interior also
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Tomnova16
Premium Member
Registered: 21st Jan 06
Location: Gerrards Cross Drives: Porsche 911
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by Nismo
Do not like the straight bonnet, should be like the older models imo.
actually its the same on the Z4, never actually noticed 
http://www.lemass.co.uk/ for all your automotive/bodyshop needs
Located in Chalfont st Peter
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Tomnova16
Premium Member
Registered: 21st Jan 06
Location: Gerrards Cross Drives: Porsche 911
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by BYRON
quote:
Originally posted by Tomnova16
mercs are shit unless pre 1981
Tom - Been offered a china blue Mercedes 90 Automatic saloon for a grand. Recent respray, wheels refurbished, and brand new Michelines. Quite tempted...
pics?
http://www.lemass.co.uk/ for all your automotive/bodyshop needs
Located in Chalfont st Peter
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BYRON
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Registered: 1st Jun 04
User status: Offline
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Will drop you a u2u tomorrow with pics Tom. 1988 - 'E'. 68k from new iirc.
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mwg
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Registered: 19th Feb 04
Location: South Lakes
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Looks nice. Think it looks better than the A4 & C-Class
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XE Col
Premium Member
Registered: 23rd May 10
Location: Rochdale, AKA:Boissy07
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Do you have a certain amount of time before you have to get one? If not id stick the lead time out and get whichever you really want
Beemer looks nice though
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John
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Registered: 30th Jun 03
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Front on this generation is horrible.
Has to be a well specced one but C class looks the business.
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BYRON
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Registered: 1st Jun 04
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by XE Col
Do you have a certain amount of time before you have to get one? If not id stick the lead time out and get whichever you really want
Beemer looks nice though
Flexible to a degree, although ideally - an un-registered stock vehicle from our sister retail network, but if it is a factory order registration by 30th November.
Until my current car, I have never had to committ long term to a car as I changed them so frequently. Although I drive most cars that come through the business, I have had the current car 26 months on what was a 24 month arrangement.
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XE Col
Premium Member
Registered: 23rd May 10
Location: Rochdale, AKA:Boissy07
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Liking the new c classes though, new one at our work few days ago, not want one without the panny roof?
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BYRON
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Registered: 1st Jun 04
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by XE Col
Liking the new c classes though, new one at our work few days ago, not want one without the panny roof?
Wanted a white exterior and the contrast of the pano roof finished the car imo.
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Colin
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Registered: 4th Apr 02
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I'm actually tempted to take the E90 back & get an X5......might be because im sat in the house bored this week i'm not sure but I really want one.
Seen this - http://www.petervardybmw.co.uk/approved-used-bmw/?gclid=CJ_Py6_vrbICFQQLfAodg2oAaA
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BYRON
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Registered: 1st Jun 04
User status: Offline
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quote:
Originally posted by Colin
I'm actually tempted to take the E90 back & get an X5......might be because im sat in the house bored this week i'm not sure but I really want one.
Seen this - http://www.petervardybmw.co.uk/approved-used-bmw/?gclid=CJ_Py6_vrbICFQQLfAodg2oAaA
When/If her Porsche sells we may well end up with an X5. Probably some flexibility in those prices advertised - the black one looks tidy.
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Colin
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Registered: 4th Apr 02
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I like the grey on oyster leather.
Might go for a look. Wonder what trade in i'd get on my 61 5k mile 318i sport plus saloon? Hopefully enough to clear what I own on it.
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John
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Registered: 30th Jun 03
User status: Offline
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Can you just trade in pcp cars same as you can anything else? Being stuck for the term of the contract without paying loads has always worried me.
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