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billy2shots



Member Since: 23 Oct 2024
Location: England
Posts: 17

United Kingdom 
Cross shopping Defender vs BMW M3T
First off, we are all aware these are different types of vehicle and there are better BMW products to compare but please hear me out.

I've got a deal agreed for an M3 Touring (17% discount after almost 2 weeks of negotiations with dozens of dealers from Southern England to Inverness in Scotland)

But.... I've revisited the Defender which I almost bought 3 months ago. I need to decide asap before my order gets locked in at the factory.

Visited JLR yesterday and the excitement was there straight away as it was previously (Mrs and kids love the Defender).


Why do these two fit my criteria?

-Building my ideal spec both cars after discount cost the same.
- want a practical family car
- Rightly or wrongly I want something with a bit of 'look back as you walk away ' factor.
- Both held in decent light by driving industry and car fans (this point really isn't that important)


I will not be going up any mountains or taking part in track days. Country shows where the kids show miniature donkeys s few times a year and if course our ever worsening roads.

The reality is, I'm paralyzed by analysis to be honest and am seeking any feedback there is on offer.

I know I am asking on a Defender forum but reading around it seems most members here are realistic and are not blinded by the brand.

So, any input?
Has anyone changed from a more performance family car to a Defender or gone the other way?

Deals are harder to get on the Defender, 4.9% is the best so far. Better deals out there?


Spec would be
Pangea
X-Dynamic HSE
D350
As many black bits as you can shake a stick at
HUD
Clear view
Deployable towbar

£87k before discount
Post #1049657 24th Oct 2024 2:51pm
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pjm-84



Member Since: 12 Apr 2021
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 658

United Kingdom 
Had a similar situation. P400 110 or an X545e. Both on the drive. Kept the BMW and don't regret it. Not supposed to be a reliable as the Defender but ours has not had one issue in 2.5years.

In reference to the M3 Touring - a car I've looked at as a possible replacement for my XC70. One last hurrah. However you typically lose more money on the BMW.

How about the best of both worlds. V8 Defender 110? Good second hand buy at the moment
Post #1049672 24th Oct 2024 4:28pm
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billy2shots



Member Since: 23 Oct 2024
Location: England
Posts: 17

United Kingdom 
I would love a V8, well the thought of one. I know after the first month I would be fed up with fueling it and regret the choice.
Post #1049676 24th Oct 2024 5:44pm
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BrickBox



Member Since: 05 Oct 2021
Location: Wales
Posts: 800

Wales 2008 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Zermatt Silver
I can’t imagine the M3 will be much better? 2008 2.4 110 Utility Station Wagon XS.
Post #1049680 24th Oct 2024 6:03pm
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Crazymind



Member Since: 11 Jun 2024
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 123

United Kingdom 
I don’t see the defender V8 to be more thirsty than the M3. In the 20mpg for both, probably 15/16mpg in town the defender 18/19 the M3.
Dynamic wise no need to say the M3 will be always better.
The defender is a large heavy barge and Doesn’t like to be thrown around.
Needless to say it’s no sports car…
The 3 Litre petrol on the defender is ok so is the 3 litre diesel. None of them will get you scream wow!
I have found peace myself with buying a new defender and second hand V8 sports car.
I like my driving and unfortunately the defender doesn’t really deliver. Not a surprise. It’s a superbe cruiser, great off road, great for loading and pulling trailers.
The M3 touring ( drove it for 200 miles) is sharp, unexpected sharp. The driving pleasure is closer to a 911 than a bmw M!
Given the choice I would only consider the defender if off road capability is needed, and it would have to be the V8.
Post #1049681 24th Oct 2024 6:05pm
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Zed



Member Since: 07 Oct 2017
Location: In the woods
Posts: 3245

United Kingdom 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Santorini Black
Possibly a bit above your budget but the best family car I have ever driven is the Porsche Taycan Cross, that would be my choice. Absolutely no question about it. Forget any misgivings about EV’s, it’s amazing. I urge you to take a test drive.
However between a D350 and an M3 touring I would go with the BM all day long. Apart from being lovely to drive and also very useful it does something very few new cars do, it feels special every time you start it up. WARNING.
This post may contain sarcasm.
Post #1049683 24th Oct 2024 6:34pm
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billy2shots



Member Since: 23 Oct 2024
Location: England
Posts: 17

United Kingdom 
To cover a few points.

Im not considering the V8. It would be a D350.

M3T can easily get 26mpg (non motorway, non dual carriageway) 9 miles drive to work (tested by me).

I currently have an Ioniq5 EV. I also have my own business so have considered the Taycan cross and sport Turismo.

Spoiled by choice....
Post #1049686 24th Oct 2024 6:44pm
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Crazymind



Member Since: 11 Jun 2024
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 123

United Kingdom 
Smiles per gallon I d say M3 Smile my d300 does 28/30 mpg…
Taycan CT great car. It’s massive though. Bigger than the defender and wider. With a fraction of the space inside and boot. And it’s a dead horse. Depreciation is killer.
M3 will not depreciate much. Defender not bad at holding value.
Post #1049688 24th Oct 2024 6:51pm
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H1Tad



Member Since: 20 Jul 2024
Location: Maine
Posts: 109

United States 
Aren't y'all crawling with speed cameras over there? If I had an M3 (which, I never will, because I don't fit in tiny German sports sedans) then I'd be budgeting quite a bit for speeding tickets.

I think it all boils down to whether you want excitement or practicality in a vehicle. As much as a Defender can be called "practical" the M3 is even less so. The M3 really outshines the big D on driving dynamics and thats about it. Earlier in September, we just took an 36 hour (round trip) road trip in the Defender and it was a very nice place to be for hours on end.

Mind you that I think my 21 year old diesel tank is the epitome of automotive experiences so I am perhaps not the most objective in this regard. 2022 Defender 110 SE P400 Tasman Blue Expedition and Cold weather package
2003 Hummer H1 P400 Firehouse Red
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Post #1049693 24th Oct 2024 7:05pm
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billy2shots



Member Since: 23 Oct 2024
Location: England
Posts: 17

United Kingdom 
I was just saying today, driving an M3 would almost guarantee points on license and fines for speeding.

It seems unfair to call the M3T a one trick pony but if I don't use it's main party truck, I might as well just by a lower powered 3 series touring.

I officially cancelled the M3 today (madness with a 17% discount) but I don't think I would have been happy long term.

My current car is fine. 2.5 years old, it's in fine condition as I've had it from new. It does the family thing fine. It really is fine.

But fine is a bit meh

I've done the two car things as well. My lad and I worked on an MX5 and had it as a fun weekend car. Don't really want an extra vehicle already got mine, wife's, business car so that's more than enough for servicing, taxing, mot'ing, insuring.
Post #1049694 24th Oct 2024 7:15pm
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Moo



Member Since: 01 Oct 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 1330

Ukraine 
Get a VW T-Cross. As far as my wife is concerned, it's all the car anyone needs! Laughing Eiger Grey MY23 D250 SE with bits. Known as Noddy.
Post #1049729 25th Oct 2024 9:21am
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DSC-off



Member Since: 16 Oct 2014
Location: North East
Posts: 1392

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Aintree Green
If there's nothing between the 2 cars, I'd be asking "which is going to be easier to own?"

Which manufacturer/ dealer is going to keep you on the road when/if a problem occurs?
Who is going to be able to source any parts required?
Who will accept responsibility and fix it quickly?
Who will take take months and give you the run around?

I've no experience with BMW regarding these matters.

In short, who can you rely on?
Any issue that drags on longer than it should will rapidly negate any perceived small advantage of either car.
Life's too short to give yourself unnecessary grief.
Post #1049730 25th Oct 2024 9:33am
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jst



Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 7981

 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey
I have always found the decision for which one vehicle to have very hard to make when the criteria for use is spread across such a wide range of usage criteria.

You have to prioritise your usages and determine what's essential and what's nice to have.

For me essential:
Family space
Towing ability

Nice to have:
comfort
Speed

I can't help with your dilemma as I could never solve my own with one vehicle! I resorted to two over the years

Defender and gsxrs
Defender and chimera 5.0
Defender and TT
Defender and RR Cheers

James
110 2012 XS Utility
130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper
90 2010 Hardtop
90 M57 1988 Hardtop
Post #1049740 25th Oct 2024 10:49am
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Stacey007



Member Since: 25 Sep 2015
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 3743

United Kingdom 
Sensible head on....


2 year old Porsche Taycan Cross sport has to be a great buy at £55k to 60K its half price... Its high on my list at the moment..... Private plate looks like £100k plus car, However...


I am lucky to have the choice of a few different cars in a variety of performances.. The quick ones I would not want as a daily... I end up driving them quickly and its a matter of time with all the cameras / unmarked police etc that the fun would stop. Also the ride, generally the sporty cars ride harder.. lower profile big wheels, lowered etc. Our roads are just too bad. Great for the odd sunny day I want to feel some pops and bangs etc but not a daily.


I'm sure the M3 Touring would be a great car I'm just not sure where you can sensibly enjoy the performance. It would almost annoy you. Especially if with the family in they don't want to he hanging on round roundabouts etc. Also and a big one depending what you do as a family the boots are small. I manage to fill a Range Rover boot when on holidays and even with a roof box Smile

The Defender 90% of the time will do all what the M3 does and more, it will be more relaxing to drive, you / family get a better view of the road. Its nice and big (safe), carries load of stuff. In the right spec / wheels can look quite nice.


Sure there are loads of other options though. Myself I'm struggling on the new price compared to a couple of years old? The Defender I specked up not that long ago was the P400 hybrid (as I have solar and 20 miles local round would all be free...) it was close to £100K I just think that's too much...


Probably why I have kept what we have an not made a change yet. They all do their own things very well and I like having the choice. Its a nice position to be in Thumbs Up
Post #1049742 25th Oct 2024 11:18am
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Linds Hanson



Member Since: 16 Jan 2021
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 484

United Kingdom 
M3 without question, the Defender market will literally be flooded soon and values will suffer.
Post #1049744 25th Oct 2024 11:33am
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