Should I go petrol or diesel on a new BMW 3 Series?

Hi, I'm considering purchasing a new BMW 3 Series Saloon (no trade-in involved). There appears to be a €5.5k approx price differential between the 316i ES and 318d SE (basic models of both fuel types). I drive approx 25,000km pa. What's your opinion on these two models and what is the rationale for paying €5.5k extra for the basic diesel version even when taking into account the lower cost of diesel fuel etc? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

JAMES RIORDAN (Galway)

Mar 2015 Filed under: petrol vs. diesel

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Expert answer

Hi James,

I'd normally say that at the 20-25k mark you're on the cusp of needing diesel but with that big a price gap between the two I'm minded to say go with petrol. 

The only caveat to that is what kind of mileage you're doing. If that's 25k of endless motorway miles then diesel could still be worth a look as a 318d will easily hit 60mpg on a long run while a 320i will struggle to get above 50mpg.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe