330d LCI questions

texasjohn · 09-06-2011, 02:15 PM

Has anyone driven a new 330d with and without servotronic? Could I live without servotronic or is it a 'must have'?

Is the manual gearbox on the 330d ok, ie not too notchy or clutch heavy?

Also, maybe an obvious question but what is MSport on 18s like compared with an SE on 17s?

Will I sacrifice lots of handling in exchange for a comfortable ride? Is the SE really wallowy?

The spec I am thinking of is:

Individual Audio
USB, BT

(If it's an M Sport), or;

Pan Roof
Harmon Kardon (cant have individual audio without speccing leather)
Multispoke 17s
USB, BT
Sport Seats
Sport steering wheel
Xenons (maybe)

(If it's an SE).

Yes it is an odd spec (no nav, cloth and manual) but company car so no concern about eventual residuals.

Sir_Pigley · 09-06-2011, 03:09 PM

I have had two 330d (pre-LCI) with manual boxes and I much prefer them to any auto.

dopper99 · 09-06-2011, 04:17 PM

I got a new 330d LCI last week. Read my thread and it might answer a few of your questions.
I know nothing about servotronic so cant comment about that.
The gearchange is much better than my old 330d and so is the clutch. With regards to the ride... the M Sport is perfectly fine on standard 18s and a much more compliant ride than the old 330d.
I've not been in a SE so cant comment on that.
The only problem is you will have a job finding a second hand one with a manual 'box.

BanziBarn · 09-06-2011, 04:40 PM

I found the manual a bit awkward, not sure why.

chris_s1 · 09-06-2011, 04:47 PM

Seems like madness to me to pay for individual audio and USB connection and not have iDrive to contol it. iDrive makes the whole system so much better to use.

kaishang · 09-08-2011, 03:47 PM

I think you need to test drive an SE 17 inch and an M-Sport 18 inch.

It's really personal preference and they are quite different.

09-06-2011, 02:15 PM	#1
texasjohn Lieutenant 42 Rep 492 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Hampshire iTrader: (0)	330d LCI questions Has anyone driven a new 330d with and without servotronic? Could I live without servotronic or is it a 'must have'? Is the manual gearbox on the 330d ok, ie not too notchy or clutch heavy? Also, maybe an obvious question but what is MSport on 18s like compared with an SE on 17s? Will I sacrifice lots of handling in exchange for a comfortable ride? Is the SE really wallowy? The spec I am thinking of is: Individual Audio USB, BT (If it's an M Sport), or; Pan Roof Harmon Kardon (cant have individual audio without speccing leather) Multispoke 17s USB, BT Sport Seats Sport steering wheel Xenons (maybe) (If it's an SE). Yes it is an odd spec (no nav, cloth and manual) but company car so no concern about eventual residuals. Attached Images __________________ F10 M5 CP. Previous: F31 340i, E90 335i SE, E87 130i, F10 550i, E92 335i, E61 550i, E90 335iM, E87 130i, E87 118d, Z4M, Z4 3.0i SMG, E46 330D, Z3M, Z3 3.0i, Z3 3.0i (USDM) Last edited by texasjohn; 09-06-2011 at 02:20 PM..
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09-06-2011, 03:09 PM	#2
Sir_Pigley Captain 32 Rep 848 Posts Drives: 640d GC / 420i XDrive Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Banbury iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 420i XDrive [0.00] 2015 BMW 640d Gran ... [0.00]	I have had two 330d (pre-LCI) with manual boxes and I much prefer them to any auto.
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09-06-2011, 04:17 PM	#3
dopper99 Lieutenant General 3531 Rep 11,292 Posts Drives: Golf R Mk8 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (1)	I got a new 330d LCI last week. Read my thread and it might answer a few of your questions. I know nothing about servotronic so cant comment about that. The gearchange is much better than my old 330d and so is the clutch. With regards to the ride... the M Sport is perfectly fine on standard 18s and a much more compliant ride than the old 330d. I've not been in a SE so cant comment on that. The only problem is you will have a job finding a second hand one with a manual 'box.
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09-06-2011, 04:40 PM	#4
BanziBarn Lieutenant Colonel 106 Rep 1,800 Posts Drives: BMW 330D E90 LCI Msport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: London iTrader: (0)	I found the manual a bit awkward, not sure why. __________________ Black 330d E90 LCI M Sport Saloon Auto. Privacy Glass, Cream Leather, 6FL, I-Drive/Nav/Bluetooth, Alpine hifi upgrade.
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09-06-2011, 04:47 PM	#5
chris_s1 Major 36 Rep 1,113 Posts Drives: M235i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 E92 335d [8.66]	Seems like madness to me to pay for individual audio and USB connection and not have iDrive to contol it. iDrive makes the whole system so much better to use.
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09-08-2011, 03:47 PM	#6
kaishang Colonel 54 Rep 2,197 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 330d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: London iTrader: (0)	I think you need to test drive an SE 17 inch and an M-Sport 18 inch. It's really personal preference and they are quite different.
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