BMWLand

I still find it hard to believe we picked up the 535i “9-years ago this week” from Bowker’s in Preston. Car is now over 10-years old and just over 63,200 miles.



It is the longest I’ve ever owned a car. The next longest was my Ford Cortina MK2 GT, back in 1972 – 1980. Says something, when you look around and can’t find a car worth replacing it with. Was the same for the Cortina, until the right Dolomite Sprint came along, which triggered the switch.

I have looked around, but nothing really grabs me, yet. I tried the G30 a while back, which didn’t give a big enough improvement (at the time) to make it worthwhile. I’ve thought smaller, the F40 135i has been the wild card. I tried a 1-series M-sport, (118i) to get a feel for the size and comfort, but the car wasn’t ‘our’ sort of car. Recently had a G20 3-series and again not there, for grabbing my attention. Moving forward is still very open ended, particularly in this current climate for uncertain...

Well, I have verbally confirmed my order today for a G80 M3.

My F10 is approaching 7 years old and its deal is up in 8 months. I love the car, the best I have ever had and it has thoroughly upset me to think it will be going around March next year but the equity is very good and I got around 10% off the G80. If I keep the F10 beyond next year I am fearful of the big bills that could wait. I know I am in for at least £3500 next year for a big service, front brakes and warranty renewal as well as the road fund on top so approaching probably £4k.

Have gone for dravit grey which is the same as a car I had for a day and fiona red interior and standard seats as I hated the buckets, also laser lights, the spec is good as standard so I don't need any more.

I know I will regret and miss not having the F10 but times move on, I am genuinely gutted.

Not sure how I feel at the moment. I actually feel like I have been unfaithful - to a car, I need to get a bloomin grip!!!!!

So 3 years has come around already and the car recently passed its first MOT with no drama while it was in for brake fluid change and an end of warranty check. The second service – an oil service and vehicle check – took place a few months ago at around 38,000 miles.

With my 3 previous 5-ers, the 3 year milestone would normally see the car at about 65,000 miles but of course the pandemic has changed all that. I’ve been working from home since March 2020, so my weekly 450+ miles of largely motorway commuting plus additional business travel is no more. Over the last year mileage has been about 8,000, which, when permitted, has been some trips to Hampshire and Dorset to visit family and friends and to Cornwall for some short breaks. Most of my mileage is to my partner’s in Shropshire, a good hour away. So the G30 is now mainly an A-road car rather than a motorway one. It rarely does short trips as I tend to use the MX-5 for those, so I reckon the DPF...