Trip Over to the Darkside

markwiggy

markwiggy

Third Gear
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No sure about my sanity but I am thinking of moving over to the darkside, BMW. Not only BMW but a BMW diesel. Been a bot bored with S3 for a while now after 3 yrs and really feel like a change,straw that broke the camels back was driving to Devon and back last week and sitting doing 50mph most of the way sitting in roadworks surrounded by cameras, did get 35mpg though.
Anyway been looking at a white 123D M-sport 5 door, bi Turbo with 204bhp. Great little car, was rather impressed, great engine that revs like a petrol, 50mpg, nice cabin, all the M sport bits and rear wheel drive.Obviously not as quick as the S3 but it was a little flier for a 4 cylinder derv. I have been looking for a new car for a while now but have not been inspired by anything, this may well fit the bill.

So my mint, unmolested, totally original S3 may be up for sale soon ??? so watch this space.

Am I going mad ??? answers on a postcard please.

Mark
 
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I don't think you're mad for going for a BMW. There are a lot of Audi fan boys on here that hate anything that isn't Audi and wouldn't consider a BMW because of what the dials look like. I find it quite funny.

Not a fan of the 1 Series though - I found the interior quite cramped, and the ride just unpleasant. The 3 Series though, that I do get.
 
V6Pete said:
Not a fan of the 1 Series though - I found the interior quite cramped, and the ride just unpleasant. The 3 Series though, that I do get.
Click to expand...

I know what you mean about the size but i didn't find it too bad. I have to admit i was never really a fan as i hated the looks but it has grown on me. I have looked at the 3 series and just hate the interior,dashboard etc, and also I need a hatchback .

Mark
 
V6Pete said:
I don't think you're mad for going for a BMW. There are a lot of Audi fan boys on here that hate anything that isn't Audi and wouldn't consider a BMW because of what the dials look like. I find it quite funny.

Not a fan of the 1 Series though - I found the interior quite cramped, and the ride just unpleasant. The 3 Series though, that I do get.
Click to expand...

I don't like BMWs because of the styling, interiors, although the engines and build quality are superb.
 
markwiggy said:
I know what you mean about the size but i didn't find it too bad. I have to admit i was never really a fan as i hated the looks but it has grown on me. I have looked at the 3 series and just hate the interior,dashboard etc, and also I need a hatchback .

Mark
Click to expand...

Didn't think the 1 series and 3 series interiors were that much different..Both pretty well made but boring if I'm being honest, I do like BMW's though so no faulting you there. However I would find the 'drop' from an S3 to a 123d abit too much. Why don't you consider a 335 or 335d 3 series saloon if your after space whilst aslo getting an amazing engine.
 
I really don't see how if your bored with your S3 your actually gonna get any more excitement buying a 1 series hatch! But it's your choice! Good luck! :icon_thumright:
 
I don't think the OP is going to the Darkside at all. Naturally this being an audi forum there'll be some negative reactions BUT i'm going to do exactly the same thing this year - go from S3 (8L) to 1 series (looking at the 130i).

I think it depends on your definition of excitement / fun but the 1 series is a far more engaging drive than anything in the A3 range (stands back and prepares to get slated). May not be faster but a better drive. The 1 series is an acquired tast, but in 123d M sport / 130i M sport guise looks the part IMHO - with the 8P S3 really looking boring in comparison (takes 1 further step back).

Blinkers off guys - and i've been an audi owner for 6 years now.
 
tku said:
Didn't think the 1 series and 3 series interiors were that much different..Both pretty well made but boring if I'm being honest, I do like BMW's though so no faulting you there. However I would find the 'drop' from an S3 to a 123d abit too much. Why don't you consider a 335 or 335d 3 series saloon if your after space whilst aslo getting an amazing engine.
Click to expand...

The drop maybe is a bit much, but I have thought of that,but it is difficult to replace the S3 wih anything that offers anything similar. I have looked at the 3 series and really do not like the interior and I would have to buy a Touring to accomadate the mountain bikes, also i do not like the interior on the 3 series, the 1 series is much nicer inside in my opinion.

Mark
 
N8 said:
I don't like BMWs because of the styling, interiors, although the engines and build quality are superb.
Click to expand...


I agree with you in many ways, not 100% sure about the styling but the BMW diesel engines are the business and this is maybe why i am considering changing from Audi.

Mark
 
I too am planing to join the bmw clan so some bits for sale include,
-50mm H&R cup springs only (adjustable rears),
09 rear sportback led lights & kufatec harnesses,
BMC C.D.A induction box,
Forge quick shifter,
s3 pedals (manual),
original 06 s3 alloys ,
i am sure there are some other bits lying around PM me if anyones interested.,
Bits are off a 2006 tdi 140 SB
 
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I came from a e92, had a 320d and a 330i. The 2.0d was very good, lots of pulling power and could get 620 miles to a tank. If your going for new, get the idrive, the new one is fantastic.


Forge quick shifter,
Click to expand...

Will this fit my s3?
 
I had a 530 diesel and loved it. Didnt like the auto box but the engine was brilliant, loads of poke and sounded great. The main issue was the rear wheel drive, mine was very skittish over the bad English roads and was drive bound in the snow!!! Other than the auto and drive lol, was a great car, interior on the 5 series is ace too.
Good luck with your 1 series, the engine you mention is excellent.
 
I believe it fits ALL vag 6 speed boxes

waring192 said:
I came from a e92, had a 320d and a 330i. The 2.0d was very good, lots of pulling power and could get 620 miles to a tank. If your going for new, get the idrive, the new one is fantastic.




Will this fit my s3?
Click to expand...
 
I could see me in a 335i and will probably try one when it comes to changing cars , but not a 1 series in its current guise.
I just cant get one with the styling, it feels very ordinary in the front, and cramped in the back. For me thats enough to offset the upside of having a decent range of engines and some of the benefits that come with RWD. Im not a derv fan neither regardless of what car its in.

I have absolutely no issues with changing to BMW or any other marque for that matter, but from the current crop of premium stuff I prefer AUDI styling across the most of the range.
Styling wise, the current E92 3series and 1series is my least fave BMW line up for years.

I would love BMW to radically restyle the 1 series so I could put in on a `future car` list.

Good luck

Paul
 
Thanks for all your comments folks.

I am still unsure what to do, do I really want a diesel ???? has the 1 series grown on me or have I just got used to it.

I will ponder the issue over the next week or two

Mark
 
It is strange, Once you start looking to change cars the choice if you want quality and power and a hatch back is limited. you also want some thing as good as what you have ideally so your not going backwards.Unfortunatly these days big engine = big car. the only hope for all of us is if you are small enough to fit in a 911 :) or if your from Newcastle...A Caymen :)
 
paddy said:
It is strange, Once you start looking to change cars the choice if you want quality and power and a hatch back is limited. you also want some thing as good as what you have ideally so your not going backwards.Unfortunatly these days big engine = big car. the only hope for all of us is if you are small enough to fit in a 911 :) or if your from Newcastle...A Caymen :)
Click to expand...

Some one mention Cayman?
 
paddy said:
It is strange, Once you start looking to change cars the choice if you want quality and power and a hatch back is limited. you also want some thing as good as what you have ideally so your not going backwards.Unfortunatly these days big engine = big car. the only hope for all of us is if you are small enough to fit in a 911 :) or if your from Newcastle...A Caymen :)
Click to expand...

Your right Paddy, choice is very limited hence me looking at a 1 series, would love a Porsche, have looked at Cayman's and 911's a few times but nowhere to put the mountain bikes.

Suppose I could sell the bikes and let middle age spread take it's course.

Mark
 
markwiggy said:
Your right Paddy, choice is very limited hence me looking at a 1 series, would love a Porsche, have looked at Cayman's and 911's a few times but nowhere to put the mountain bikes.

Suppose I could sell the bikes and let middle age spread take it's course.

Mark
Click to expand...

I think the answer is that the reason we all brought A3's/S3's in the first place still stands..which i suppose is unsurprising but i agree you do sometimes need a change. What about a 350Z and a bike rack ?...and a petrol tanker to follow you about....
I do get the diesel thing though. I did 340 miles yesterday Dorking/Cromer/Dorking and got 31mpg ave...(nearly £70)... when you cruising at 90mph and a 2ltr diesel VW Towrag flys past doing 45mpg you do wonder...I was even over taken by a minute smart car...because he didnt like his licence as much as i do :) Quick cars are fun but lets face it a 123D will break every law in the book with a 1/4 of its power,
 
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markwiggy said:
Hi Staz, no mate it's not, as it came out of the box. I have thought about a re map but decided against it.

Mark
Click to expand...

The reason I ask is because I really think it may bring back some love for you after just a remap. Recently I reinstalled my Bluefin after a trip to the dealers and it's transformed the car totally, I've fallen back in love in a big way :jump:
 
audi upgrades
Staz said:
The reason I ask is because I really think it may bring back some love for you after just a remap. Recently I reinstalled my Bluefin after a trip to the dealers and it's transformed the car totally, I've fallen back in love in a big way :jump:
Click to expand...

It's not really just the performance Staz, think i just need a new envirinoment if you understand, a change.

Mark
 
paddy said:
I think the answer is that the reason we all brought A3's/S3's in the first place still stands..which i suppose is unsurprising but i agree you do sometimes need a change. What about a 350Z and a bike rack ?...and a petrol tanker to follow you about....
I do get the diesel thing though. I did 340 miles yesterday Dorking/Cromer/Dorking and got 31mpg ave...(nearly £70)... when you cruising at 90mph and a 2ltr diesel VW Towrag flys past doing 45mpg you do wonder...I was even over taken by a minute smart car...because he didnt like his licence as much as i do :) Quick cars are fun but lets face it a 123D will break every law in the book with a 1/4 of its power,
Click to expand...

Part of the reason I suppose Paddy is the MPG element, when I went to Devon for a short break recently I spent about £180 on fuel, sure a 123d would have cost not much more then half of that. Drove my car like a granny yesterday on a 40 mile motorway journey, 37mpg, so ****** boring though.

Mark
 
audi upgrades
markwiggy said:
It's not really just the performance Staz, think i just need a new envirinoment if you understand, a change.

Mark
Click to expand...

Aha yeah I can understand that mate. Never been in a 1 series so I can't comment from experience but I don't think you're mad if you go for one :)
 
beanoir said:
That in my opinion is one of the main reasons i'd buy a BMW over an Audi..but then I guess RWD is what sorts the men from the boys...or girls ;)
Click to expand...

Lol, cheeky, I coped well considering i'm a girl lol, just hated not being able to get it off the drive in snow. The plants didnt like it much either!! Think mine was more skittish on the bad roads (potholes etc) though due to the runflats, wouldn't really recommend them. Was fun around corners lol But prefer the Audi!!
 
Nothing wrong with BMW mate, not had one myself, but family members have been running them for years with no problems.Good cars!
markwiggy said:
No sure about my sanity but I am thinking of moving over to the darkside, BMW. Not only BMW but a BMW diesel. Been a bot bored with S3 for a while now after 3 yrs and really feel like a change,straw that broke the camels back was driving to Devon and back last week and sitting doing 50mph most of the way sitting in roadworks surrounded by cameras, did get 35mpg though.
Anyway been looking at a white 123D M-sport 5 door, bi Turbo with 204bhp. Great little car, was rather impressed, great engine that revs like a petrol, 50mpg, nice cabin, all the M sport bits and rear wheel drive.Obviously not as quick as the S3 but it was a little flier for a 4 cylinder derv. I have been looking for a new car for a while now but have not been inspired by anything, this may well fit the bill.

So my mint, unmolested, totally original S3 may be up for sale soon ??? so watch this space.

Am I going mad ??? answers on a postcard please.

Mark
Click to expand...
 
I know what you mean about wanting better fuel economy etc , but to be honest I find the diesel's just don't have soul. I am on my 3rd Diesel car at the moment, but cannot wait to get back to the petrol again soon. I am sure after I have run the S3 for a while I will be complaining about the amount of fuel I am chewing thru . There is never an even balance to anything really.
However I think that the S3 is a great balance between, very tunable car, 4 wheel drive, low depreciation, "fairly economical", some what rare compared to a lot of marques.
BMW does not float my boat in any shape or form................ but then it takes different strokes
 
willmac said:
I know what you mean about wanting better fuel economy etc , but to be honest I find the diesel's just don't have soul.
However I think that the S3 is a great balance between, very tunable car, 4 wheel drive, low depreciation, "fairly economical", some what rare compared to a lot of marques.
BMW does not float my boat in any shape or form................ but then it takes different strokes
Click to expand...

I agree with you regards the S3 being a great alrounder but I just need a change i think, I do still wonder if I should just go and buy a new facelift S3.

The main reason I have looked at BMW is because the 123D engine is a great performer and gets great reviews, and I have to say it is fantastic and nothing like any diesel I have driven before. Maybe it even has ''soul'' I have to admit though I also have been left cold by BMW, but I did like the 123D M Sport.

Mark
 
Go for it! Nothing gained....... oops ventured (was watching tv lol) You knew what I meant!
 
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