I know of the timing chain lottery on these Bmw engines, I also know that it is a diesel and the engines character is so different than the FN2 which I absolutely adore, BUT:
I've recently had a change in circumstances where I now do 20 miles commuting to work each day, (400 or so a month) plus another 600 personal miles floating around to friends and outside of work. This takes me to 1000. On top of this I now have once a fortnight a 300 mile motorway round trip. Total monthly mileage is around 1600 now give or take.
It's not even about the fuel economy, although the FN2 is averaging mid to high 20s which is costing a fair bit, as opposed to mid 40s which I'm led to believe the 123 will do over similar journeys. Pretty much half the fuel. But here's the main problem i have. Find a good road and the FN2 is amazing fun, on a track I have no doubt it would be not the fastest thing but one of the most fun, but for 90% of my driving its compromised as I'm either in 30 limits, stop start traffic or motorway traffic. It's bumpy, it's crashy, the turning circle is crap, it likes a drink, the visibility is crap out the rear. On the motorway it gets draining and droney at 5500+ revs in 6th with the cruise xontrol. I just worry that for that 10% of the time I will really miss the vtec, the chick ability, the amazing gearbox, the sound of that engine! I really do adore the car and look after it like a baby, always allowing it to warm up, regularly cleaning it, avoiding potholes etc. It's a great source of entertainment for 10% of the time, but for 90% it's just a big compromise and in my opinion not suited to daily usage, which defeats the whole point of having a hatch!
I adore the look of the 123d M Sport coupes. They remind me of the old 3 series and from reviews they handle well but should be a good compromise of motorway car, commuter and fun car all in one. Two cars isn't an option unfortunately.
Am i crazy for having these thoughts ?has anyone had both and can compare or tell me what they're like to live with?
I'm seeing 123ds with EGR delete, DPF delete and a remap showing a reliable 260bhp....
I've recently had a change in circumstances where I now do 20 miles commuting to work each day, (400 or so a month) plus another 600 personal miles floating around to friends and outside of work. This takes me to 1000. On top of this I now have once a fortnight a 300 mile motorway round trip. Total monthly mileage is around 1600 now give or take.
It's not even about the fuel economy, although the FN2 is averaging mid to high 20s which is costing a fair bit, as opposed to mid 40s which I'm led to believe the 123 will do over similar journeys. Pretty much half the fuel. But here's the main problem i have. Find a good road and the FN2 is amazing fun, on a track I have no doubt it would be not the fastest thing but one of the most fun, but for 90% of my driving its compromised as I'm either in 30 limits, stop start traffic or motorway traffic. It's bumpy, it's crashy, the turning circle is crap, it likes a drink, the visibility is crap out the rear. On the motorway it gets draining and droney at 5500+ revs in 6th with the cruise xontrol. I just worry that for that 10% of the time I will really miss the vtec, the chick ability, the amazing gearbox, the sound of that engine! I really do adore the car and look after it like a baby, always allowing it to warm up, regularly cleaning it, avoiding potholes etc. It's a great source of entertainment for 10% of the time, but for 90% it's just a big compromise and in my opinion not suited to daily usage, which defeats the whole point of having a hatch!
I adore the look of the 123d M Sport coupes. They remind me of the old 3 series and from reviews they handle well but should be a good compromise of motorway car, commuter and fun car all in one. Two cars isn't an option unfortunately.
Am i crazy for having these thoughts ?has anyone had both and can compare or tell me what they're like to live with?
I'm seeing 123ds with EGR delete, DPF delete and a remap showing a reliable 260bhp....
