Nothing wrong with diesels. They sound a little like a tractor ... but they go just fine. And they are way better in terms of acceleration than they used to be. I've had diesels in DUB, LIS ... and, I think LHR, where I got a BMW 520 diesel -- drove like a dream! Given the cost of petrol in the UK, diesel is cheaper too! If you're not used to driving a manual (stick shift) I can imagine it might be somewhat disconcerting. Better luck next time!