New BMW 3 Series M20 problem

[Peter99]

Well, it’s the new kid on the block. The new BMW 3 Series.
My current 3 Series is the 320D M-Sport Estorial Blue F30, unfortunately now coming up to 7 years old which is about as long as I have ever owned a car.
Had a look at the new one in the Showroom and as all new cars do, it looks pretty good.
Like to go for it unfortunately I do have a few problems.
The first being the current has run perfect in near 7 years except one of the two horns failed under warranty. It has an excellent fuel consumption. If I keep out of Sport Mode: 60-65 mpg at 70plus mph. There is no doubt a nice car but dose not assist in its replacement.
The second problem is the Road Tax payable to HM Government. The current is £30.00per annum. yes £30.00 pa and has been for 7 years. The new car wil rise to £450.00 pa due to the cars sale price which as I want to the same specifications as the old will bring to more than £40,000.00 at the till. The higher Tax is the Governments crumbs to the have-nots to show they are bleeding the rich.
The higher Road Tax in itself is no problem but an argument for other members of the family.
The third and biggest problem I have is that I will be 88 years of age this year and am having considerable opposition from family to call it a day and to make my current car my last car.
So, a return to the Dealership to finalise the details looks a bit distant. The problem is that if I do visit I would of course want a test drive which am sure would clinch the deal.
Ever since my twenties I have always felt there is nothing much better in life, material wise, than to order a new car, the feeling of anticipation during the wait and then the drive off from the Dealership! Unbeatable!
A similar feeling in fact when walking out of an AD with a new Rolex!
So, if no new car it will have to be a new Rolex but which one?
What a delight the anticipation of choice but the waiting time might be too long for me, unless I go grey!
The photo is from the BMW handout and is of the model I would like in Portimeo Blue.

[enjoythemusic]

Wonderful story and as a watch and car guy i love the fun too. Maybe get an engine software mod by BM3 or Dinan to give your 3 series a bit more oomph. :)

[BNA/LION]

You only Live Once! Go test drive a new M3, M5 and M6. Feel the difference and then look into performance upgrades, engine tuning and buy a new watch to go with your updated ride!

https://www.dinancars.com/

[timedate]

i like your attitude, sensible old school type, weighing it all up,

for what its worth, a customer of mine was 92 and had sold his business and had just bought a brand new jag,

to me the question isnt really an age dillemma,

its that i believe your current car is a better car than a modern up to date one, i dont think cars in general are better today than even 7 years ago.

Having said that, it will be warrantied for 3 years,

its up to you, its your money.

[Fencer]

In your situation - get the best car you can. M5 and M6 are way too large and heavy, my choice would be M4, but with two doors it is a bit harder on more mature folks, so M3 would be ideal, if you want to stay with that brand.

[mjr24]

Absolutely pointless to buy M cars now with BMW (and I've owned two M6's so I like them). I have an M550i right now and it's much faster than anything I've ever had and faster than 99.9% of the cars out there.

BMW purposely underrates their engines. BMW says the M550i is 0-60 in 3.9 seconds with 456HP and 480 lbs of torque. However, it's been independently tested and dyno'ed by several big companies (Dinan specifically) and those said the stock M550i really tested at 539HP and about 589 torque.

Point? Point is get a non-M car (having owned actual M cars, I don't consider the M550i a REAL M car), save the $35k, and get a new watch.

At your age, lease it....

[Illirep]

Can not go wrong with a 3 series!


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[GB-man]

I say get exactly what you want! You’ve earned it

[Maxtor]

Loved reading your post. Do what makes you happy!

[Fencer]

Originally Posted by Illirep

Can not go wrong with a 3 series!


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Yeah, except there is huge difference between the regular 3-ser and the M.

The regular are just way too soft. So get the M, but not a 5 or 6 series whale of M, only the M3.

PLUS... without a doubt you need the manual transmission! :)

[movefast]

Do what makes you happy. Enjoy life.

Owned 2 F30's. They are great cars and I love the new design

[timepieceluvr]

Get the car and the watch!


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[Rogdogg]

It's a beautiful car. I was a launch event for it a few weeks ago.
Went in thinking I'd like the Black or Blue car but came out pining for the mineral white with Mocha interior. I surprised even myself.
Go get it! Drive it home and ask for forgiveness rather than permission
While your old car has served you very well this new model is a whole other level above it in every way. Except maybe car tax!.

[Illirep]

White / mocha is lovely combo.

I have a 2018 340 m sport with 6 speed. Custom ordered in Alpine white over cognac leather with the black wood grain trim.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I say get exactly what you want! You’ve earned it

Well reasoned

[alphasports]

If you can afford it, get it for sure ;)

[Peter99]

Many thanks my friends for all you kind comments and thoughts and am very pleased to say that I have placed an order for a new BMW G20 330i M-Sport as per the image of my original post.
How is this now possible?
I have mainly to thank our Mayor of London who in his wisdom has decided that all who live or drive within the South Circular Road and whose car omissions are above a certain figure will have to pay £11.50 per day to take effect about 2 years from now.
I live a few miles outside the South Circular Road and as my current 320D omissions are above I would have to pay which in effect would restrict my driving anywhere North of where I live.
So, all have relented and have now placed the order and delivery will be in June.
I had a test drive of the 330i and was quite impressed, compared with my 7 year old car, with its quietness, handling, brakes and throttle response and most interestingly an electronically controlled locking differential.
Fantastic news and thanks for all your support.
The downside is a new Rolex will have to be put on hold for the time being!