[BanziBarn]

Hi everyone

First post so go easy on me!

I need some advice please to help me make my mind up on what to go for.

I've seen a lot of posts comparing 330d and 335d, but not any comparing the new 330d engine with the 335d.

On paper, the performance between the two seems very close (0.1 second to 60?). So close in fact that to me, it doesn't seem worth taking the hit in economy in a 335.

I have another concerns in the 335d too. That is, that with the 330d having a new engine it can't be long before they update the 335d too. I've read things on the net sugesting that there will be a 300+ bhp 335d before long. I wouldn't want to get a nearly new car only for it to become out of date really soon after.

Also, although I'd happily have an auto, I would prefer a manual so that means a 330d obviously.

So, to me, the 330d looks like the one to go for, but if you tell me that despite what it says on paper the 335d is still significantly quicker then I'd still consider one becuase performance is really important to me.

I'm test driving a 330d 245bhp manual (really rare on the used market) at the weekend but I've been surprised at how difficult it is to get a drive in a 3L diesel 3 series. My local garage have had my details for months and not managed to get me behind the wheel of one.

One other thing, I've read that the new 330D engine sounds like a 1960s Ferarri on full chat, is that really right?!

Thanks guys

BanziBarn.

[SiKkBaSs]

Remap a 335D and you'll be fine.

[dxb335d]

The book figured on the new 330d are close to 60. 335d is quicker thAn book figures. Also 0-100mph the 335d is quite a bit quicker. I would test drive the 335d also. They are a good 45-50hp more as standard. Stock 335d 0-100mph in 13secs.

[JLR1969]

If you are really bothered about MPG then a 330D manual otherwise a 335D as you will never be satisfied knowing that the 335D is quicker and you are missing out.

You soon get bored and used to what you have and the 335D is awesome, never been in one but hoping to at the UK8 meet.

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by JLR1969

If you are really bothered about MPG then a 330D manual otherwise a 335D as you will never be satisfied knowing that the 335D is quicker and you are missing out.

You soon get bored and used to what you have and the 335D is awesome, never been in one but hoping to at the UK8 meet.

Ill take ya for a spin Although it does not seem that we will go past 30mph judging on the pics ive seen of the roads.

[JLR1969]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Ill take ya for a spin Although it does not seem that we will go past 30mph judging on the pics ive seen of the roads.

My first 335D experience in the DXB, might as well start at the top.

[BanziBarn]

Thanks for your replies.

Has anyone here heard about a new 335d based on the Aluminium engine?

[Dave_3]

There have already been announcements about the updates the 335D will get. Mainly with the inclusion of a variable vane turbo to the smaller of the two turbos. The existing 335D has an aluminium block (only the earlier 535Ds had the iron block).

This new turbo setup is reported to give far greater low down torque and throttle response.

As it is hardly lacking at present, it will be some engine (hopefully appearing in the LCI Coupe along with next gen RFTs). The recently updated 330D seems to be a cracker. Giving very little at all away to the 335D while gaining some useful improvements to fuel economy.

Best would be to get a drive of both and see what you think. 1/4 miles and 0-60 are meaningless compared to part throttle response, fat low down torque curves and improved fuel economy.

D.

[Skid]

+1

[Em135eye]

Anyone else seen stuff about the 40d engine? The 7 series has it (or will have soon) and hoping it will trickle down to the 3 series. Not actually much more power or torque (it's still the twin turbo six pot) but it still sounds good.

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by BanziBarn

One other thing, I've read that the new 330D engine sounds like a 1960s Ferarri on full chat, is that really right?!

Was that a joke? I do hope it was!

[Nickleback]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

Was that a joke? I do hope it was!

+1 - someone been telling porky's

[BanziBarn]

Its a stretch I'll give you!! I'll find out for myself on Saturday.

But, if it really does sound like a 1960s Ferrari I'm buying it on the spot!

"There’s plenty of torque at any engine speed, it spins smoothly to 5000rpm and it sounds fabulous as it does so, growling and whining like a 1960s Ferrari V12. Well, almost. This is certainly just about the most sonorous diesel engine around."


http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/...ontent-block=1

[Nickleback]

Well mine dont sound like a Rari

[BanziBarn]

Well, I've been for the drive, and there were defo not Ferrari Noises! It did sound good though.

Apparently the 330D I drove is the only used Manual face lifted car in the country - I didn't buy it so I think perhaps I might need to accept that I'm probably going to have to get an auto.

I enjoyed the drive. I have to say though that I was expecting it to feel a lot more rapid than it did. I think though it was because the car is so smooth and quiet that it doesn't feel a quick as it is.

I had noticed they had a 56 plate 335d in stock too and I asked if I could drive it as a comparison. The salesman was very reluctant to let me stating that he had another customer waiting, and that the 335d is no quicker under 100mph so there is no point driving it.

When I later mentioned that I would like to exclude the 335i from my short list he had no trouble getting me behind the wheel of one of those. I tested a convertible with the double clutch auto box. It was good, but I wasn't blown away by it, and I think I preferred the 330d, especially when I looked at the economy readout!

I tried again to get a drive in the 335d but the mystery customer that was waiting popped back up so no joy.

From what I've read, none of you on here are going to agree with the statement that a manual 330d will be as fast a 335d are you? I appreciate book 0-60 times are about the same but I've never read anyone saying a 330d feels like an m3 under certain circumstances, where I have on a few occasions about the 335d.

I presume though that not many of you have driven a facelifted 330d manual? For those of you that have driven a old 330d, how much does the autobox effect the performance?

[neo871]

Although I haven't driven anything but my 335d, I do think that a new 330d with an auto box will be slower; not to mention the remapping capabilities of the 335d! oh......and the twin stuff it has: turbos and exhaust pipes There is no doubt that the best option would be to wait for the new 306hp 335d....but I know best that this waiting can be painful, i've waited 8 months to get the LCI!

0-100km/h times according to BMW:

335d: 6 sec
manual 330d: 6.1 sec
auto 330d: 6.2 sec

However, the 330d has a brand new engine that with manual transmission it complies with the EU 6 emissions
standard and it could really be something after a visit at Evolve, just don't expect it to match a remapped 335d....

Sometimes I think that if I had to pick the model again I'd go for the 330xd auto, but only sometimes...

[BanziBarn]

When is the new 335d due out?

[gIzzE]

Originally Posted by BanziBarn

When I later mentioned that I would like to exclude the 335i from my short list he had no trouble getting me behind the wheel of one of those. I tested a convertible with the double clutch auto box. It was good, but I wasn't blown away by it, and I think I preferred the 330d, especially when I looked at the economy readout!

Forget the convertible, it is seriouly over weight which kills the power and the economy, really isn't a good test.

You will get around 26 average from the 335i if you like to drive pretty rapidly, a customer of mine has one he takes it a bit steadier and he sees 31mpg average in his coupe.
The 335d will see about 4-5mpg more in all scenarios.

Don't write off the 330i, for me this is the nest non M 3 series in the line up at the moment, it handles wonderfully, it is beautifully balanced, it sounds incredible, it is as quick as the 335d, having a proper rev range also means taking it in manual guise makes sense alot more than on a derv or the 335i even, , and it is a peach to drive, plus it has the most incredible economy for a 272bhp car.

Over two days I got 498 miles out of the one tankful and it averaged 38mpg which is nearly a 50% increase mpg wise over what I would get in my 335i doing the same journey.
I filled up and reset it for the 8 miles across country back to the dealers and hammered it there so I could see what it would be like just hooning round, it showed 29mpg, which I still think is very, very impressive, my 335i would be at around 18mpg doing that, even our mapped 120d would be sub 30mpg doing the same.

Only problem is finding a 330i, the whole nation has been diesel brainwashed and because of that there are none about, but it is well worth tracking one down and trying it out, they are sublime.

[BanziBarn]

When is the new 335d due out?

[gIzzE]

Don't think anyone knows yet.

I would guess March 2010.

[dxb335d]

The new 245Hp 330d has similare 0-60 book figures. It aint as quick though, especially 60-100mph.

Did you drive new 330d or old one?

335d is 0-100mph 13 secs, the 330d 15.5-16 secs.

[BanziBarn]

I drove the new 330d, with a manual gearbox.