12th Oct 2022, 05:52

I did manage to do 14 km/L (UK 39 MPG) with the aircon on, but that was driving on open, level roads at 100 km/h. The moment you go uphills or slow down for towns, the economy drops. I'm in NZ, so almost no roads here that are absolutely level. You're right, the diesels have very good performance and economy, but besides the usual modern diesel problems of the DPF or high pressure injectors and pumps, correct me if I'm wrong but the 4-cylinder BMW diesels have their chains located towards the firewall, which makes it very inconvenient to check, and cumbersome to replace. The chain is a weak part of those engines; the N46 petrol and its predecessor the N42, have chains up front, so using the oil cap as access to inspect the chain tension is an advantage.

12th Oct 2022, 21:11

I think they are impressive cars in diesel or petrol form. Petrol is smooth, quiet, reliable, a bit more responsive, and still has reasonable mpg.

Diesel on the other hand... a bit noisy, expensive when they do go wrong, but returns on those negatives with excellent mpg and performance.

When people ask which is best in these cars I am honestly at the point now of saying it doesn't matter - at the age these cars are now, just look for a nice low mileage car that is in good condition, evidence of being looked after, make sure you know a friendly local mechanic that knows these cars (I wouldn't go to BMW but that's just me, nothing against them but I would advise anyone whose car is old enough to be out of warranty to find an independent garage, usually much cheaper for repairs) and anything from the 318 to the M3 just choose what your needs/wants/budget is and go for it :)