Hi Guys, I had to join this forum to give you my 2 pence worth!
I have just ordered one of the last D3 Saloons Allocated for this year.
Heres how it went, I opted out of the company car scheme and wanted something cool, unique, special, economical and fast (ish) Tall order you might say. I was going to order a 320D Msport Coupe and managed to get 10% off a new one. But while on holiday, I rememebred an article in Evo about the D3 that I had read over a year ago, and how much they raved about the car.
So I got back and made it my mission to find a year old low mileage example and save some cash in the process. To my amazement, the cheapest second hand car was a 15k miler for about £1500 cheaper than a new one!
So I rang all the sytner dealers to get a deal, expecting at least 5%, I was shocked, and was politely told to Fur Cough!!
Aplina do not discount at all, and it has really helped resale values on D3s - It is arguably the lowest depreciating car you can buy today. Hence IMHO a far better by then any standard BMW.
Another key point is that the D3 averages 50MPG, a 325D (3.0D) averages around 40MPG and the 330D slightly less.
RE: Price increase, Price was £26995 at launch, went up to £27750. The new price is £28350 but they have upped the spec:
BMW Professional Audio
Rear Parking Sensors
All of which were not on the first generation cars.
Mine is being delivered end of Oct, brought from Sytner Canary Wharf, Their service is excellent!
The D3 will be changing at the end of 2008 where they will be adding 'Dynamic Efficients' - some new technology.
On another note, My friend has a DMS chipped 335D Coupe with around 340BHP. Dont get me wrong, the car was fast before, but now Holy Moly Batman!! Its so fast its mental, Mate reckons 60 in low 5s! and still returning 30-35MPG on combined cycle
Seems like diesels are the future!