[Superspeed]

I need an everyday car with a usable back seat and reasonable luggage room. Both my alternatives satisfy this demand:

So should I buy
- a brand new fully equipped 2012 F20 120d or
- a second hand medium equipped 2011 F10 520d
given the price is equal?

My initial plan was a new 120d. But with all the options I want in a new car it is close to the price of a one year old 520d with a reasonable amount of options. I want the 8AT no matter which car.

Main differences (except for the size) that count are:
F10:
- higher quality of interior (although ok in the F20)
- probably better resale value of the already one year old F10
- a sleek and beautiful design
F20:
- more handy in urban traffic and parking spots
- a lot more sporty in the 184 hp d-version
- lower running costs and better mileage

I was so determined to buy a 2012 120d M-sport when it's available in march, but now I am not sure any more….

[KN| BMW]

I will get the F10 instead of the F20. Bigger and luxury look.

[Pangloss]

The space is equal?

[Superspeed]

Originally Posted by Pangloss

The space is equal?

Sufficient in both!

[Superspeed]

Originally Posted by atlanta2004m3

on a 1 year old 5er vs a new 1er albeit with the same engine? That's messed up, and tough to believe.....seems like a very strange cross-shopping exercise to me.

.....price is not equal but close. Let's say a 1 y.o. 5er is 10% more expensive and with half the options compared to the 1er. Same 184 hp diesel.
The idea was buying the F20 M-sport, but after I checked the ads for second hand 5ers my mind can't rest

[kyleb350]

...Plus the initial depreciation would have already happened on the 1 year old 5er

[335 oClock]

5 no doubt

[Q4P]

F10 man without a doubt. Neither of these cars will be sporty with that engine so at least get something that looks great, is very comfortable and has a lot of room.

[Wolf]

F20 more practical in the city. 1 boat is enough you have the 6 for luxury... hope it gets fixed soon.

[Superspeed]

Originally Posted by Wolf

F20 more practical in the city. 1 boat is enough you have the 6 for luxury... hope it gets fixed soon.

My basic need of space and flexibility is satisfied in both cars, so the core question seems to be:
- More prestige, luxury and value for money -
- or more more agility and easyness in urban traffic.
An odd choice actually..... I'll take the decision during Christmas!

Yep, the F12 should be ready in a couple of weeks

[elias]

If your needs is for a DD then I would get the F20 but if its more for travel and other needs then go for the F10. Do you know what the difference in mpg is on both the vehicles? I know you said the F20 was better on petro but how much is the difference between the two that may help you in your selection process.

[stressdoc]

Why not consider the new F30?

[Wolf]

Originally Posted by Superspeed

My basic need of space and flexibility is satisfied in both cars, so the core question seems to be:
- More prestige, luxury and value for money -
- or more more agility and easyness in urban traffic.
An odd choice actually..... I'll take the decision during Christmas!

Yep, the F12 should be ready in a couple of weeks

I just noticed your signature... I changed my mind, get the F10. I mean you already have 2 urban cars, the mini and the smart. Unless you are going to sell one of them or that you don't mind having 3 small cars, get the F20. But if you plan to keep them, the F10 will be a great luxury and an urban addition to your collection.

why don't you consider an X1?

[Superspeed]

Thanx for your response guys!

Originally Posted by elias

If your needs is for a DD then I would get the F20 but if its more for travel and other needs then go for the F10. Do you know what the difference in mpg is on both the vehicles? I know you said the F20 was better on petro but how much is the difference between the two that may help you in your selection process.

This car is for daily driving, so fuel consumption is important to a certain extent. However the most important step towards high mileage is bying a diesel. Here are the figures:

120d, 184 hp, 8AT:
0-100km/h (0-62mph): 7,3s, Vmax: 228km/h (142mph)
Official Euromix: 4,5l/100km = 52mpg (US gallons)
Realistic figures 10% higher: 5,0l/100km = 47mpg

520d, 184 hp, 8AT:
0-100km/h (0-62mph): 8,1s, Vmax: 225km/h (140mph)
Official Euromix: 4,8l/100km = 49 mpg (US gallons)
Realistic figures 10% higher: 5,3l/100km = 44mpg

Both cars are quite efficient and surprisingly equal, so consumption will not be a decision maker. Probably the consumption in the heavy 5-series will be somewhat higher in real life.

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Why not consider the new F30?

Could be, but the F30 will most likely exceed the budget I have decided.
Besides i like the clear differences - prestige, space and luxury vs agilty and compact size. The 5-series will have to be 1-2 years old to compete in price with a new 1-series.

Originally Posted by Wolf

I just noticed your signature... I changed my mind, get the F10. I mean you already have 2 urban cars, the mini and the smart. Unless you are going to sell one of them or that you don't mind having 3 small cars, get the F20. But if you plan to keep them, the F10 will be a great luxury and an urban addition to your collection.

why don't you consider an X1?

I will sell the Smart, that is how this started. A similar car crash to what I experienced with the 6-er would have been fatal in the Smart.
The X1? I have considered it, but I think it looks a bit cheap for a premium car.

So far 6 votes in favor of F10 and 1 in favor of F20..... I had hoped for more support on the 1-series! This is gonna be tough

[remmib]

I don't see the need for a big car like the F10 when you already got the F12. So to me the F20 makes more sense when you need a second car for daily city driving.

BTW, saw my first F13 today in real life at my dealership here in Norway, looked amazing.
Was a black on black 640d with m-sport and the 20" 373M wheels, and loaded with options., over 1.6 mill NOK.

[Superspeed]

Originally Posted by remmib

I don't see the need for a big car like the F10 when you already got the F12. So to me the F20 makes more sense when you need a second car for daily city driving.

BTW, saw my first F13 today in real life at my dealership here in Norway, looked amazing.
Was a black on black 640d with m-sport and the 20" 373M wheels, and loaded with options., over 1.6 mill NOK.

You have a good point there.....

Yea, the F13 ia a beauty as well. But to me a convertible is two cars in one: Closed - a grand tourer for those long journeys. Open - like a sports boat to enjoy when the Allmighty blesses us Scandinavians with sun and nice weather