[Closed] Cars again - BMW 3 series , would I kick myself for not getting an estate?!

The estate is better looking in my opinion. I would always go for an estate.

I had an 08 estate, the rear window opens independently from the boot hatch. With bikes on a tow-bar rack this is the most splendid feature and for that alone it's worth it.

they look better too, they really do, and you get a wiper for the back.

they look better too, they really do, and you get a wiper for the back.

This for me too.

Oh but I've seen an m sport saloon in Estoril blue - tis lovely!

.. And I can't afford an estate in the same spec / lovely colour 🙁

I've got an F30. I went for the estate so I could get bikes inside it for long trips.

I works well as a load hauler. Handling is good & the 2.0d engine goes really pulls well.

How about a 3 series gt which is as big as a 5 series? Or slightly more practical than the saloon and better looking is a 5dr 4 series.

Blurty - any issues with it all?

Cheers_drive - I'm not so keen on the 3 series GT , it doesn't look quite right imo. The 4 series Gran Coupe (5 door) is lovely but currently waaay beyond my budget (looking at 2/3 yr old cars)

Thanks to saloon style and RWD there's not much room for bikes in the back of the 3 series. You can go for racks etc but roof bars* exceptionally annoying at speed and you'll spend the entire journey wondering if they're about to fall off.

Get the estate.

* I see you can now get a bike holder that suckers onto the roof. Given that even the industrial suckers we use at work at ££££ each occasionally let go for no reason whatsoever, I'd be even more paranoid about these!

Yep, 3-series Estate better looking to me as well...

mate just got a 5 series saloon as his work would pay the extra for the estate. nice car (ignore the fact it's been back to BMW the last 2 weeks) but he does struggle to get more than 1 bike in the back.

Estate, always estate

Boot is bigger and more convenient for bulky stuff.
Good for bike stuff.
Can open the hatch and sit in it when its raining.
Great for 'parking' the kids with the window hatch open when you're in the middle of doing something
Hatch also great for really loading up with shopping and other things as you're putting it down into a good space (drawers always fit more than cupboards)
Easier to get buggies and stuff in.
Easier for kids toys
Plus if you get a dog...

My 3 series coupe had to go when the kids game, great car but the kids hated it and it was a PITA to get them in and out of the back 🙁

I would say get the estate as they are more practical for kids and bikes and I am also in the camp that they are better looking cars than the saloons. Personally now I am an Audi convert over BMW but that's another discussion.

I've almost always had hatchbacks at least (Citroens, Peugeots, Golf, Saabs) -- and last car we bought was an estate (not BMW mind). I swithered over a saloon / hatch equivalent, nearly bought it, but so glad went for the estate in the end -- so much more practical for stuff. Default family car format..

another one for the estate - is part of the reason for chucking in my old 5 saloon (for a new 5 touring though). Wonderful bit's of kit and, as said the glass hatch is brilliant. Plus you'll get the folding seats which you never get in a saloon..

The F30 is a big car. My three teenaged kids find it a bit tight width-ways across the back seats, length is good though (I think BMW used the floor pan from the old E60).

I used to have an E60 estate, and the F30 is a much nicer car to drive.

No problems at all so far with the F30, had it for nearly 2 years.

+ you get roof rails with an estate. Get a cheap set of Thule square bars and you can have a bike roof rack for £200

Had a saloon for a few months with the non drop down rear seat. Totally bobbins at getting bikes in. Could manage my road bike with both wheels off. Mountain bike, fagedaboutit. Would have been a roof bar, rack solution. Do have some BMW 1/3 series compatible feet and bars surplus now as driving STW car of choice 😆

We've got an F31 330d. Best (BMW) car we've ever had and i've had a Z4 Coupe / M3 Coupe and an X5. Handles brilliantly, masses of power and practical equivalent of the saloon. As stated above, tailgate window opening when bike rake on towbar is a superb feature.

We also had an older E91 320i. The new F31 equivalent is miles better.

I also think the estate is far better looking than the saloon.

+1 for the estate... My 335d F31 touring is great with the bikes. If your going for brand new tick the option for the electric folding towbar, pair this with a thule towbar mounted rack and you have yourself a really comfortable bike hauling vehicle.... Can't fault mine.

Ive got a 2014 3 Estate, so does that make it an F30 or F31??

Anyhow the latest ones are much bigger in the back seat area than the previous version so one thing to consider.

Saloon as standard doesnt come with foldable rear seats.

A road bike fits in the back of my estate with both wheels on.

Drives really well, in fact I am always pinching myself that I am in a pretty large estate and not a small sports car. Mine does bonkers good mpg, never less than 50 mpg unless your ragging it, and then never below 40 mpg. Get 65+ mpg at 80mph on the motorway.

Cons - Well none. Apart from it is a very low car. Like the coupe you sit in it, not perched up on a seat, so fastening kids in can be hard work.

We used to have a Seat Altea XL. Much more pratical as a family car than any BM 3 series. ie Seats high up so can lift kids in and out easily. Blinds built in to the doors, tables in the back etc etc.

If the car is just for while you have young kids I wouldnt be looking at a 3 series

RRR - as you know despite being a few years further ahead on the kids front I'm in a similar position.

Forgetting the marque for a minute, the added convienience of being able to chuck bike & "stuff" in and estate, plus the extra space for those weekends away with the kids is invaluable and I haven't regretted the move to an estate for a minute.

Now that we have two kids that are developing conflicting (from a same time different hobby) journey issues its real easy to have two cars where dirty boots, rugby kit blah de blah doesn't cause an issue with space or intrude in my shiny leather cockpit space.

Do it.

But but but bikes aside (as they can go on a rack)... How often do you really NEED an estate?

If I could afford the estate in the same spec it wouldn't be so much of an issue. I just really love the colour of this m sport saloon. Damn heart vs head type stuff!

You have a child and still ask if you need an estate?

Wait until you can afford the touring in EB.

How often do you really NEED an estate?

I can sling my bike, my kids bike, camping kit etc and shoot off to a ride / race in the back in minutes with virtually zero fuel penalty, compared to pissing about with racks, kids seats etc the night before. Maybe your happy with 30mins - 1 hr prep to shoot off biking, but I just get frustrated with it.

I've had one for 8 months, it's brilliant. So much more comfortable place to sit compared to the S4 I had before and more useful shaped boot space too. It gets used as a van most weekends - racing - and also as a tourer when we go on holiday. I don't understand why anyone buys a saloon TBH... Oh and the 335d is utterly ballistic on a windy road in sport mode and blue is hands down the best colour 😉

335d is utterly ballistic

I was just googling the Lease of one - 5.2 secs to 60mph and 53mpg 😯

Do the rear seats fold down on the saloon? That Estoril blue is a lovely colour.

We have a 320i F30, and it's a great car. Seats don't fold down though, so bike duties go to my hatchback co. car.

I used to have an E90 that I drove everywhere with roof bars on. It was pretty grim on the motorway, plus I was concerned that it drew attention to the house and the possibility of expensive bikes therein.

I normally drive a 320 touring, but have a 320 saloon for a few weeks.
Although my touring is only an ED, and the saloon is a bells and whistles M sport, I still want my estate back!

Definitely the estate, better looking and more practical. Our 330d is great - have kept it for 9 years - but with the arrival of our 2nd sprog we're finding it a bit small whenever we go away anywhere. Plus, a 2nd rear-facing car seat leaves me pushed for leg room in the driver's seat.

+1 on the folding tow bar if you can find one with it fitted or buy new. Very neat system, but costs a fortune to retrofit.

320 if you're boring, 330 if you're poor, 335 if you're a bit richer

don't forget to remap them properly

why is estate/non estate even a question? You're on a biking forum!

Well it's not the engine that's up for debate as common sense says a 320d.

I've no chance of an estate in that lovely blue - about 4k over budget 🙁

Currently it's a silver 320d Sport Touring Vs Estoril blue M Sport saloon

I know I shouldn't really be asking about saloon vs estate on a bike forum!

Non foldy seats on the saloon I'm looking at , which is rather annoying as my coupe has them and has had two mtb's stuffed in it!

OP that's a nice car, no doubt about it. The 320d is plenty quick enough for most of us.

Kryton57
335d is utterly ballistic
5.2 secs to 60mph and 53mpg

Not at the same time mind! I dashed cross country to South Wales yesterday to sort out a customer, and my 335d did 28mpg. (i'm not telling you the speeds involved though.........) 😉

OP, if you can't afford and F series car, get the last of the E91's. That way your budget goes a lot further!

Downsides F31 -> E91 are:

Not as quiet to drive (NVH better in F)
Not quite as good fuel economy (8spd auto is excellent in this respect)
Not quite as roomy inside (F series is a significantly bigger car)
The E91 interior, although well made, is dull to look at (but well spec'd in higher end models)

Upsides of the E91 are:

Handles much better, with Hydraulic PAS on the 335s
More compact, so easier to drive day to day, park etc
I think i prefer the way the LCi E91s look to the later cars

Either way, i don't think you'd be disappointed with an E91 335 😉

I have always had hatchbacks and bought my first saloon in Dec (New 330d) wish I got an estate!

But I can still get two bikes in bags with pedals off in the boot with the back seats down. So not too bad.

Next time I will be getting an estate with retractable tow hook.

BTW, here's my 335 looking all dirty and moody with my c456:

[img][URL= http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q137/max_torque_2006/OnOne_c456/dirtycar_dirtybike_zps33b93728.jp g" target="_blank">http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q137/max_torque_2006/OnOne_c456/dirtycar_dirtybike_zps33b93728.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL][/img]

😉

I've got an F31 330D xdrive. 5.5 sec 0-60 and 45 mpg possible in the real world, but not at the same time. Like everyone above says the estate looks better than the saloon and is more practical.

I disagree that the E91 steering is better than the F31. I've driven both and the steering in the two wheel drive F31 is just as good although the xdrive does remove some of the response.

Oh and whatever engine you go for in an F30 or F31 get the automatic option. The 8 speed auto is a thing of beauty and will give you better fuel economy than the manual with no loss of performance.

This is very useful. I've grown to really like my 159 but the modern german auto's in high spec are much better at "being looked after" in. I have a work colleague with a 520d that just "connects" with him (well, his iphone) as he sits in it, beautifully automated comfy cruiser IMO.

In two years, I face a decision to continue with older cars for putting bikes in and get a 2nd hand RS4/6, or lease a 335d Estate. Although, Alfa's 159 replacement is due out in 2017 so I'll have a look at that first.

As previously mentioned folding seats are an option on the saloon. When I was buying nearly new a few years ago nothing in the dealer network saloon wise had folding seats. I guess that most people who would need them just buy the touring anyway.

Anyhows, the touring is so much more practical, especially with young kids and the assorted paraphernalia that you end up shifting around every time you go anywhere longer than a few hours. It's a no brainer for me.

How often do you really NEED an estate?

You very rarely need an estate. However it will make your life ever so slightly better every single day.

The tourer is handy for bikes :

[img] ?oh=be145e6361fb5f07ef46ef5ca1bb33b5&oe=5597E05D[/img]

but as said earlier, not really a proper estate and quite small.

The 5 Tourer is a good size for bikes and kids :

[img] [/img]

Estate loaded up for a week away - 2 adults and 2 kids plus food, toys and kit in car. Dog (big black lab) and double buggy plus kit in boot. 2 bikes on boot. Double trailer plus lots more kit in roof box

[URL= http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s189/ben_p1/D59EDE57-EA9D-4B62-8831-3A9FA969472E.jp g" target="_blank">http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s189/ben_p1/D59EDE57-EA9D-4B62-8831-3A9FA969472E.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

PS - This is an E61 5 series

Well the lack of foldy seats in this particular lovely looking saloon has put me right off. I'd have to buy rails and a bike rack before I could contemplate getting my mtb anywhere.

I'm familiar with the E90 bimmers as have an e92 coupe currently - it seems a bit daft getting the same "old" model as my "new" car (will also depreciate quicker)

Hmm

[img] [/img]

Soooo... Picked it up yesterday. It's only a 320d (184 bhp and 60mpg is a good compromise) and it's the "old" style but I can't complain.. M sport with all the gubbins. . I must thanks the STW masses for helping me realise a saloon is daft. 😀

Nice 😀

Looks great that.

Should have got a blue one 😉

Same colour as my 318d Exclusive Edition.

Those wheels you have are a real pain to keep clean though, have a set on my wife's 325d M Sport Convertible. I can't get a brush long enough to reach through on the rear and if you resort to trying to get you hands through it hurts!

What colour interior?

Those wheels you have are a real pain to keep clean though, have a set on my wife's 325d M Sport Convertible. I can't get a brush long enough to reach through on the rear and if you resort to trying to get you hands through it hurts!

[url= http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/ez-detail-brush/prod_480.html ]EZ Detail Brush[/url]

[img] [/img]

Yup estate a good choice. Well done.

I've an E91 325i (which makes me a pauper apparently) and it's forever carting sports kit around.

Just back from a surf with five boards on and regularly put bike(s) on top too.

Absolutely love it.

Well the interior .. I think this is the reason I got a cracking deal on the car. It's saddle brown leather , apparently a £1500 option but not to everyone's taste certainly!

Can I not jet wash my wheels or is that as harmful for cars as it is bikes?!

Kryton - tis blue!

I can't get a brush long enough to reach through on the rear and if you resort to trying to get you hands through it hurts!

[url= http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wheel-Woolies-Piece-Cleaning-Kit/dp/B00FQKOI7A ]Wheel Woolies[/url]

These will get in there.

Blue? Ok. Well anyway it's very nice. Enjoy!

The pic doesn't really show it well but it's a very light silvery blue. And ta, already thinking about remaps despite the fact it already has a flip load of torque 😀

Dads got the saloon and the boot is utterly useless.

Be careful with the remaps. I investigated the same for my car (not a BM) and this may not be true for yours, but in general if you put more power through a system - especially a shite load of torque through a gearbox it wasn't deigned to handle - you could end up with greater wear and tear and a bigger maintenance bill.

Unless there's an issue with the car don't bother, just enjoy it as is.

True Kryton. Thing is there's a BMW performance upgrade that can be done by a dealer, fully warranted etc!

I'm not sure I could justify £1k cost for 20BHP and half a second off the 0-60 time though!

Bluefin is a good option. Its a handheld device that installs a map on the ecu. Can be reverted back to standard and vice versa whenever you want. By all accounts its a generic map, so probably not as aggressive as a bespoke one.

With regards to remaps I'm sure if I would bother again.

I had my wife's 147 Q2 done several years ago and it turned it into a real animal. It was done properly and set up on a rolling road and didn't affect the fuel consumption but being a twitchy Alfa it always felt as though it was trying to kill you when you used the power!

My 318d is obviously down on power compared to your 320d but I just enjoy the £30 road tax and low fuel consumption. It will sit all day at 80mph plus so do I really need anything more? I do have the luxury of having the convertible for fun though.

Saddle Brown....I quite like it!

Why would you want to remap it? Isn't 140 mph quick enough for you already, and then of course there is the extra insurance cost. There has not been 1 situation where I haven't found my 320d quick enough.

Ok it has a second or two of flat spot before the turbo starts to spool up but any diesel has that.

I can see that if it's fully loaded ie 4 adults, boot full and stuff on the roof then it would suffer, but at that point a remap wouldn't work, you just need more engine capacity.

You're probably right , I don't need a remap as such more I just like the idea of a bit more powerrrrrr.

Having said that; the car's in-gear acceleration is really very impressive for a 2L and it feels quicker than it's supposed 7.5 secs to 60 (fairly meaningless i know)!

Yep the saddle brown interior takes some getting used to but tbh I got a bargain and I think it's because quite a few people might be put off by it.

I cant think of any reason to have a saloon. I suppose when Brian from wealth management parks his X6 too close, you can still put your golf clubs in the boot? 😉

Oh you know Brian?

I've had a 3 series saloon and made the assumption that the rear seats would fold down to give more room.

Mistake.

Make sure if you do go for the saloon, the car is fitted with the *optional* fold down rear seats!!

^ yep my coupe had foldy down seats but like you say a lot of saloons don't. I ended up getting an estate in the end anyway (see pic up there ^^)