Am I fool to consider changing my 330d for a newer 320d?

Falmouthboy · 06-12-2012, 07:04 AM

OK, the 330d is just about to turn '3' and I have been thinking about a change to a newer one. Don't get me wrong, I love the car and it has behaved well. I don't want to buy new and the prices of some of the last of the E91s are very good at the moment. Our 330d is only an SE but with an outstanding spec. It's just done 30k miles. Clearly I have the cost of an MOT soon, but apart from that its got good rubber and is a year from its next service. If I keep it I will extend the warranty for £39 per month (if I were to do this, I would go with £100 excess and include Emergency).

Our dealer has a very nice 320d M Sport Edition with a great spec. Nice colour and everything (but no sun roof which I would miss). On the + side it looks stunning in white with dark 18" wheels. Sep 2011 with 6k miles.

http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/bmwauc/de...2-distance_ASC

Being that bit longer than the E91, we will have problems getting the new 3 in the garage so I will not be holding out for one. I haven't discussed numbers yet with the dealer, but I am tempted. Am I being foolish? Cost to run isn't a big issue, but clearly a 320d Man will give us a bit over a 330d Auto.

Statler · 06-12-2012, 07:35 AM

My 320d is returning around the 42mpg mark over 2 years. Mostly town and short country runs. Ignore the 58.7mpg, you'll struggle to get this day to day, 45 is more likely on this newer engine.

It's really your call, I've never driven the 330d, but I love my 320d. If the money is right and you're happy with the deal then I can't see why you wouldn't. It's a beautiful car.

davyk31 · 06-12-2012, 07:39 AM

I reckon you would be foolish, the 320d is still a great car but way off the mark in terms of refinement compared to the 6 pots. Much less power as well, you will gain in mpg if thats important to you. Would a similar aged 330d be out of budget or drop back a further 6 months to keep the costs down on a 330d.

BanziBarn · 06-12-2012, 08:00 AM

Don't let the excitement of a new car cloud your judgement! If you change you'll ultimately be losing money (depreciation will be far more than the £39 per month warranty) for a slower version of the same car!

Keep the 330!

My 330d has just turned 3 and it's the first car that I've had that I'm not keen to change - it does everything I want, it's great all rounder.

creepy coupe · 06-12-2012, 08:01 AM

I wouldn't change an E9# for another, given the new touring is just around the corner.

Sir_Pigley · 06-12-2012, 08:12 AM

My neighbour has a car exactly like the one you are considering. It looks great, but he has not been happy with the nervousness of the car on runflats and was convinced that there was a fault with the car.

As a result he drove my 330d and immediately commented on how much more refined and powerful it felt, even at low cornering speeds. This was also very obvious to me when I drove it.

I test drove a Merc C250CDi as well recently and I have come away with the conclusion that the smoothness and grunt of the BMW 6 cyl diesel engine is what makes my car so good on a day to day basis.

I can understand the attraction of the newer E91, since it is a nice looking car, but I think it would be a disappointment after the 330d.

My 330d cars have been very reliable up to the 70k miles that I have run them, so I am not that attracted to change for a newer car (yet).

My next car will be a 530d or 635d, so deffo not a 4cyl car!!

coopersim · 06-12-2012, 08:21 AM

I'll just add the bits that you lose on the 4 cylinder models:

Brake function on the cruise control
Dynamic Stability Control Plus comprising; Brake Drying, Brake Fade Compensation, Brake pre-tensioning, Hill-start assistant, Soft-stop - amazing what a difference this makes, and I always moan to my wife in her 320d how awful her brakes are!

There's other bits that you lose on the 4 pot version as well, I'm sure someone will be able to advise.

kaishang · 06-12-2012, 09:29 AM

So you are thinking of replacing a 6-cylinder BMW with a slightly newer 4-cylinder, minus the sunroof which you like?

Bbbbbbzzzzzzzztttttttt!

dopper99 · 06-12-2012, 10:06 AM

As said, keep the 330d. Its your choice at the end of the day - but is a slightly backward step in terms of spec and performance, as said above.
Save up and get a newer 330d, if you really want to change your car.

rich1068 · 06-12-2012, 10:21 AM

Swap with me for a few weeks. See which one of us wants to swap back first

Falmouthboy · 06-12-2012, 11:54 AM

Thanks guys,

Common sense has prevailed. I will keep one eye on the BMW used site and if I see a top spec 2011 330/5 I may go for it. As said, the new 3 is a little too big so a 'last off the line, E91 does still appeal.

kaishang · 06-12-2012, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falmouthboy

Thanks guys,

Common sense has prevailed. I will keep one eye on the BMW used site and if I see a top spec 2011 330/5 I may go for it. As said, the new 3 is a little too big so a 'last off the line, E91 does still appeal.

The new 3 is only an itsy-bitsy bit bigger

And it's so nice inside.

phil200tdi · 06-12-2012, 01:36 PM

Spend Â£2k and give your car a little refresh.

Nice 19" alloys, slight ride drop, full detail, window tints and a remap will make a world of difference to how you feel about the car.

dxb335d · 06-12-2012, 01:39 PM

+1

225_AB · 06-12-2012, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaishang

So you are thinking of replacing a 6-cylinder BMW with a slightly newer 4-cylinder, minus the sunroof which you like?

Bbbbbbzzzzzzzztttttttt!

Wot he said

rich1068 · 06-12-2012, 02:44 PM

Bugger. Fancied that 330d

SO8 · 06-12-2012, 04:01 PM

Having had a 320d and then a 330d I would not want to go back unless you forced me ! I only get about 4mpg less from the 330d but it is hugely quicker - 2 secs to 60 for 4mpg is a no brainer IMO

m1bjr · 06-12-2012, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

I wouldn't change an E9# for another, given the new touring is just around the corner.

+1
Why get another old model.
The new 3er is superb, try it.

That 'last off the line' mentality is financial suicide.
Why not keep what you have and give me a few grand

Vansflyer · 06-13-2012, 02:57 AM

I just saved 16k on a E91, 6 month old 3500 mile 330d Msport against list price... That's a lot of car for £28k..
BMW had a few left when I got mine, all loaded with pro navi etc... A bit of a no brainer against the new one.

ALPANDY · 06-13-2012, 01:52 PM

I personally wouldn't consider it for one second. I have owned both well one was an Alpina D3 which is basically a punchier 320d and I now own a 330d and don't know how you could compare the two. Have you driven a 320d? They don't sound as nice as a 6 potter either.

06-12-2012, 07:04 AM	#1
Falmouthboy Squadron Leader (Ret'd) 25 Rep 627 Posts Drives: E91 330d SE & Mini Coupe JCW Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Cornwall iTrader: (0)	Am I fool to consider changing my 330d for a newer 320d? OK, the 330d is just about to turn '3' and I have been thinking about a change to a newer one. Don't get me wrong, I love the car and it has behaved well. I don't want to buy new and the prices of some of the last of the E91s are very good at the moment. Our 330d is only an SE but with an outstanding spec. It's just done 30k miles. Clearly I have the cost of an MOT soon, but apart from that its got good rubber and is a year from its next service. If I keep it I will extend the warranty for £39 per month (if I were to do this, I would go with £100 excess and include Emergency). Our dealer has a very nice 320d M Sport Edition with a great spec. Nice colour and everything (but no sun roof which I would miss). On the + side it looks stunning in white with dark 18" wheels. Sep 2011 with 6k miles. http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/bmwauc/de...2-distance_ASC Being that bit longer than the E91, we will have problems getting the new 3 in the garage so I will not be holding out for one. I haven't discussed numbers yet with the dealer, but I am tempted. Am I being foolish? Cost to run isn't a big issue, but clearly a 320d Man will give us a bit over a 330d Auto.
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06-12-2012, 07:35 AM	#2
Statler Major Pain in the Arse 11 Rep 347 Posts Drives: E92 320D M Sport Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	My 320d is returning around the 42mpg mark over 2 years. Mostly town and short country runs. Ignore the 58.7mpg, you'll struggle to get this day to day, 45 is more likely on this newer engine. It's really your call, I've never driven the 330d, but I love my 320d. If the money is right and you're happy with the deal then I can't see why you wouldn't. It's a beautiful car.
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06-12-2012, 07:39 AM	#3
davyk31 Major General 1036 Rep 6,944 Posts Drives: Macan GTS :-) & F40 M135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	I reckon you would be foolish, the 320d is still a great car but way off the mark in terms of refinement compared to the 6 pots. Much less power as well, you will gain in mpg if thats important to you. Would a similar aged 330d be out of budget or drop back a further 6 months to keep the costs down on a 330d.
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06-12-2012, 08:00 AM	#4
BanziBarn Lieutenant Colonel 106 Rep 1,800 Posts Drives: BMW 330D E90 LCI Msport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Don't let the excitement of a new car cloud your judgement! If you change you'll ultimately be losing money (depreciation will be far more than the £39 per month warranty) for a slower version of the same car! Keep the 330! My 330d has just turned 3 and it's the first car that I've had that I'm not keen to change - it does everything I want, it's great all rounder. __________________ Black 330d E90 LCI M Sport Saloon Auto. Privacy Glass, Cream Leather, 6FL, I-Drive/Nav/Bluetooth, Alpine hifi upgrade.
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06-12-2012, 08:01 AM	#5
creepy coupe Lieutenant General 1867 Rep 13,043 Posts Drives: BMW M340I G20 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (2) Garage List 2015 BMW 435d [0.00] 2009 335i [0.00]	I wouldn't change an E9# for another, given the new touring is just around the corner.
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06-12-2012, 08:12 AM	#6
Sir_Pigley Captain 32 Rep 847 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]	My neighbour has a car exactly like the one you are considering. It looks great, but he has not been happy with the nervousness of the car on runflats and was convinced that there was a fault with the car. As a result he drove my 330d and immediately commented on how much more refined and powerful it felt, even at low cornering speeds. This was also very obvious to me when I drove it. I test drove a Merc C250CDi as well recently and I have come away with the conclusion that the smoothness and grunt of the BMW 6 cyl diesel engine is what makes my car so good on a day to day basis. I can understand the attraction of the newer E91, since it is a nice looking car, but I think it would be a disappointment after the 330d. My 330d cars have been very reliable up to the 70k miles that I have run them, so I am not that attracted to change for a newer car (yet). My next car will be a 530d or 635d, so deffo not a 4cyl car!!
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06-12-2012, 08:21 AM	#7
coopersim Captain 77 Rep 879 Posts Drives: 420d Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Glos. iTrader: (2)	I'll just add the bits that you lose on the 4 cylinder models: Brake function on the cruise control Dynamic Stability Control Plus comprising; Brake Drying, Brake Fade Compensation, Brake pre-tensioning, Hill-start assistant, Soft-stop - amazing what a difference this makes, and I always moan to my wife in her 320d how awful her brakes are! There's other bits that you lose on the 4 pot version as well, I'm sure someone will be able to advise.
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06-12-2012, 09:29 AM	#8
kaishang Colonel 54 Rep 2,197 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 330d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: London iTrader: (0)	So you are thinking of replacing a 6-cylinder BMW with a slightly newer 4-cylinder, minus the sunroof which you like? Bbbbbbzzzzzzzztttttttt!
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06-12-2012, 10:06 AM	#9
dopper99 Lieutenant General 3528 Rep 11,291 Posts Drives: Golf R Mk8 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (1)	As said, keep the 330d. Its your choice at the end of the day - but is a slightly backward step in terms of spec and performance, as said above. Save up and get a newer 330d, if you really want to change your car.
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06-12-2012, 10:21 AM	#10
rich1068 has left the building 90 Rep 3,359 Posts Drives: F30 330d M Sport Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Swap with me for a few weeks. See which one of us wants to swap back first
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06-12-2012, 11:54 AM	#11
Falmouthboy Squadron Leader (Ret'd) 25 Rep 627 Posts Drives: E91 330d SE & Mini Coupe JCW Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Cornwall iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys, Common sense has prevailed. I will keep one eye on the BMW used site and if I see a top spec 2011 330/5 I may go for it. As said, the new 3 is a little too big so a 'last off the line, E91 does still appeal.
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06-12-2012, 01:36 PM	#13
phil200tdi Colonel 112 Rep 2,621 Posts Drives: 335i M Sport E90 LCI manual Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Aylesbury iTrader: (1)	Spend Â£2k and give your car a little refresh. Nice 19" alloys, slight ride drop, full detail, window tints and a remap will make a world of difference to how you feel about the car. __________________ Car: e91 330d with Viezu map Gone but not forgotten: 2010 Jaguar XFR (Cat-back exhaust, pulley, intake mods and map), Highly Modified E90 335i LCI M Sport Manual (circa 480BHP/500lb ft)
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06-12-2012, 01:39 PM	#14
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 945 Rep 29,345 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	+1 __________________ 997.2 GT3
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06-12-2012, 02:44 PM	#16
rich1068 has left the building 90 Rep 3,359 Posts Drives: F30 330d M Sport Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Bugger. Fancied that 330d
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06-12-2012, 04:01 PM	#17
SO8 Major 241 Rep 1,204 Posts Drives: BMW G42 M240i xdrive Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	Having had a 320d and then a 330d I would not want to go back unless you forced me ! I only get about 4mpg less from the 330d but it is hugely quicker - 2 secs to 60 for 4mpg is a no brainer IMO
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06-13-2012, 02:57 AM	#19
Vansflyer Enlisted Member 3 Rep 38 Posts Drives: E91 330d :-) Join Date: May 2012 Location: In the air sometimes... iTrader: (0)	I just saved 16k on a E91, 6 month old 3500 mile 330d Msport against list price... That's a lot of car for £28k.. BMW had a few left when I got mine, all loaded with pro navi etc... A bit of a no brainer against the new one.
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06-13-2012, 01:52 PM	#20
ALPANDY Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 245 Posts Drives: E90 LCI 330d M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (1)	I personally wouldn't consider it for one second. I have owned both well one was an Alpina D3 which is basically a punchier 320d and I now own a 330d and don't know how you could compare the two. Have you driven a 320d? They don't sound as nice as a 6 potter either.
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