£39K for a 320D??!!

[andrewparker]

Swings and roundabouts though. The BMW over 5 years will cost you next to nothing to run, it will be more practical and comfortable, and it will still be worth something when you come to sell it. They're two totally different cars doing totally different things.

If you haven't topped yourself through boredom or regret at not buying the R  

I have a 2010 320d M Sport. It's actually a very good car, but I'd never be as stupid as to compare it to a Golf R.

[Sunglasses Ron]

I'm sure the 120d that was at shows with every BMW performance item came in at over 50k, saying that BMW performance doesn't count because it's just 

BMWP parts are certainly lush mate, no doubt. Just a shame that BMW price the parts out the market to a certain degree.. 
Would of certainly added more to my 1er if I could of done it without putting my house on the market.. 

[Mk5 GTian]

Swings and roundabouts though. The BMW over 5 years will cost you next to nothing to run, it will be more practical and comfortable, and it will still be worth something when you come to sell it. They're two totally different cars doing totally different things.

If you haven't topped yourself through boredom or regret at not buying the R  

I have a 2010 320d M Sport. It's actually a very good car, but I'd never be as stupid as to compare it to a Golf R.

I was simply making the point that the sort of money BMW is asking for a well specced 320D drags it into well specced Golf R territory on price. Which is frankly, quite ridiculous!

[Edition30]

The Golf R is a totally different car so dont see how they are being compaired.



Audi A4/Passat/C Class etc are similar cars to which the 320D will be pitched against.

[Mk5 GTian]

The Golf R is a totally different car so dont see how they are being compaired.



Audi A4/Passat/C Class etc are similar cars to which the 320D will be pitched against.

The point I'm trying to make (badly it would seem) is that a 2 litre executive diesel rep-mobile shouldn't cost the same sort of money as a highly specced Golf R. I'm not comparing the two vastly different car types, just struggling to see how BMW can justify this sort of price for a (admittedly excellent) 2 litre diesel saloon.

[andrewparker]

But you could take the view that a Caterham R500 (also around £40k) can't be worth the same money because it doesn't have 4 doors, leather seats etc. The cost of a car can't always be based on its performance capabilities...

[tony_danza]

But we've already shown you can spec a VW Passat, a very inferior car to the 320 to £40k+ - the Golf R is mute point, VW are just as good at taking the piss with repmobile pricing.

[Mk5 GTian]

I take your point Andrew, but I've always perceived the sort of budget you'd need for a 320D or equivalent as similar to that required for a Golf GTi or equivalent. It seems to have increased in price disproportionately. Maybe the technological advances required to keep the 3 series so far ahead of the game in terms of economy and performance are a factor?

[andrewparker]

The list prices aren't that different, but as with all German manufacturers, once you delve into options there's no limit to the madness!

Our 320d M Sport Touring had only 4000 miles on it when we bought it and most options, and it cost a little over £26k, which by today's costs looks like value for money!

[Edition30]

The Golf R is a totally different car so dont see how they are being compaired.



Audi A4/Passat/C Class etc are similar cars to which the 320D will be pitched against.

The point I'm trying to make (badly it would seem) is that a 2 litre executive diesel rep-mobile shouldn't cost the same sort of money as a highly specced Golf R. I'm not comparing the two vastly different car types, just struggling to see how BMW can justify this sort of price for a (admittedly excellent) 2 litre diesel saloon.

Fair point, I guess it will all come down to personal choice...I know which i would have 

[Mk5 GTian]

Me too, but then I'm 38 going on 21, and have yet to grow out of hot hatches!