[Sparky68]

Originally Posted by Mwp4me

Good point Dan. 10 years ago I suddenly found myself doing 35,000 - 40,000 miles a year for work and I revered to diesel. If that happens again it will be a 320d or a 325d for sure. Must say the 335d I test drove was utter perfection but with my mileage could not recover the fuel cost against the purchase cost.

I do about 20,000 a year but, the 335 will still be cheaper than the Focus ST i had before it. Be nice if work paid for my fuel but, there is no chance of that!

[Rob318]

Originally Posted by Sparky68

Who said it wasnt good enough?

That was not a reference to this thread or you specifically, more of a general flavour that people give to this forum

[Sparky68]

Originally Posted by Rob318

That was not a reference to this thread or you specifically, more of a general flavour that people give to this forum

Ahh yes ok, as you can see from my sig, i ran a 318i back in 1988 so deffo no hang up from me on that score. End of the day i would choose a 318i over the equivalent Ford or Vauxhall every day. You dont get the build quality from any other company in my opinion.

[chedixon]

I came from an R32 too, bought a 320d, the running costs are night and day but I'll always have a place in my heart for the R, could have done with a little more power but the noise and power delivery made it a special car

[Rob318]

Originally Posted by Sparky68

The cost of the car itself has nothing to do with the running costs. I can get 28mpg out of it if i drive steady, servicing is on a par with a 318i if you know who to take it to. Yup road tax is more but you dont buy it if you cant afford to run it. I could have bought a 318i, M3 or whatever, i chose a car that i like, can easily afford to run and enjoy. I really dont see what the issue is.

If you are saying the 318i is a better car because it is cheaper to run then you are deluded.

Of course I'm not saying that a 318i is better than a 335i, that would be quite frankly ridiculous.

But you now seem unable to accept that my car suits my needs and started to try to convince me that your car could equally meet my needs.

My original remark was in relation to the inevitable 'your type r is no 335i in terms of performance' comments

[shrink]

I love my 325 but after even an e46 330i I do find myself wanting more,mostly at the bottom end. The 325 e90 takes quite a bit of winding up to get the best out of it. That said, it's very very far from a slow car. Not sure I could live with any less though!

[Sparky68]

Originally Posted by Rob318

Of course I'm not saying that a 318i is better than a 335i, that would be quite frankly ridiculous.

But you now seem unable to accept that my car suits my needs and started to try to convince me that your car could equally meet my needs.

My original remark was in relation to the inevitable 'your type r is no 335i in terms of performance' comments

Trust me, im not trying to convince you of anything. Ive stated from my 1st post in here that for everyday use the 318/320 are more than capable.

I would have one if i didnt do 20,000 miles a year. I like my comfort and speed. One i could get from a 320, the other, not.

[DarkAnt335i]

IMO No it's not to slow... In the same way a 335 is not to fast. Just depends on your personal justification and needs/wants.

When I drive the 18d we have it never feels to slow for the roads and is fun in its own way BUT i do have to rethink-alter the way I drive... I actually feel less safe.

[Rob318]

Originally Posted by Sparky68

Trust me, im not trying to convince you of anything. Ive stated from my 1st post in here that for everyday use the 318/320 are more than capable.

I would have one if i didnt do 20,000 miles a year. I like my comfort and speed. One i could get from a 320, the other, not.

It's each to their own in priorities, there was nothing personally intended to you bud or particularly this thread - just venting some general feelings about the banter on this forum, it's so focused one way a lot of the time.

Might just be that it's only the enthusiasts that are on here and they buy the higher spec models Which is fine, but I see that attitude prevailing over any more constructive comments at times (again not related to this thread specifically)

Another example is For me, I don't get the serious modding thing. I can get on board with a big set of wheels (and I did black grilles) but when folk spend thousands on it, why not spend the cash on a better car? Again just a personal opinion, I'd buy a 335i rathe than spend the equivalent difference in price on mods or the 318i......

[Sparky68]

Very valid point. Some people just like tinkering. I know from experience that you never get back from it what you put in. I spent thousands on the Focus and it sold for no more than a standard car. I also understand about the "comments" but, you get that on all forums be it BMW,Audi or Ford.

[New_m3]

I drive an m3 - do I really need 420hp - no, do I get to my destination faster - I doubt it. However I do enjoy how effortless driving and overtaking is in a large engined car.

The only thing I don't enjoy is my MPG.

[gangzoom]

When I bought my first car I promised myself my next car will be faster and better. It's taken me 7 cars to get into a 335i, next up will be a M car. For me its not about speed/power but an aspiration/goal to work towards

[Mwp4me]

Originally Posted by chedixon

I came from an R32 too, bought a 320d, the running costs are night and day but I'll always have a place in my heart for the R, could have done with a little more power but the noise and power delivery made it a special car

Yes the R is a very special car.

My wallet doesn't miss it as much as me. he! he!

[shrink]

What I will say is that even coming from the 325, I will be looking for my next car to be. Lot lot faster. Candidates are e90 m3, m135i, jaguar XK 5.0

[Mwp4me]

Originally Posted by shrink

What I will say is that even coming from the 325, I will be looking for my next car to be. Lot lot faster. Candidates are e90 m3, m135i, jaguar XK 5.0

Good choices. Has to be the M3 IMHO

[shrink]

It's unlikely to be the m3 as I get bored of cars quick, and that includes the interior. The m3 would look and perform exactly the same as my current car in most normal driving, e.g. Just pootling along. So it wouldn't feel like I had a new car. The others would feel like a proper change

[Mwp4me]

Originally Posted by shrink

It's unlikely to be the m3 as I get bored of cars quick, and that includes the interior. The m3 would look and perform exactly the same as my current car in most normal driving, e.g. Just pootling along. So it wouldn't feel like I had a new car. The others would feel like a proper change

I know where you are coming from. I have had 7 cars in the last 17 months. I've come from VAG world and the BMW does feel like a proper change. When I had 5 mk5 golfs it just did not feel different enough.

[hobo mofo]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

The R32 has massive tranny losses. They are not really regarded as quick are they?

The 320i in my opinion is far from quick at all but is still a nice car.

0-60 in 5.9 seconds. I would say that is a quick car!

[dxb335d]

As quick as a 330d... To 100mph anyhow. The golf quicker to 60 but time same to 100mph.

You need to brutally launch the car to get that out of the R32 also.

[andy9188]

Originally Posted by Rob318

It's each to their own in priorities, there was nothing personally intended to you bud or particularly this thread - just venting some general feelings about the banter on this forum, it's so focused one way a lot of the time.

Might just be that it's only the enthusiasts that are on here and they buy the higher spec models Which is fine, but I see that attitude prevailing over any more constructive comments at times (again not related to this thread specifically)

Another example is For me, I don't get the serious modding thing. I can get on board with a big set of wheels (and I did black grilles) but when folk spend thousands on it, why not spend the cash on a better car? Again just a personal opinion, I'd buy a 335i rathe than spend the equivalent difference in price on mods or the 318i......

Hi rob 318,

Firstly I think as you said on here the majority are serious enthusiasts. I think why people don't seem bothered with the lower models ie mainly four cylinder engines is because they are not seen as a very good platform to start from in respect to a modding point of view.

Secondly if your not into modding the engine or modding the car itself. What do you expect to gain from this forum. The reason a lot of people mod there car is to look a bit different from the next and add a personal touch to it which appeals to them. It's not about buying the next model up if you want a better car. Most modders will start with a fairly powerful car mostly over 200bhp.

Correct me if I'm wrong guys or if anyone feels different

[andy9188]

And how many m3 owners do you see Willy waving on here!!!

[stupot]

I understand 318d and 320d. More than enough power/torque to drive about without feeling underpowered and fantastic fuel economy.

My wife's E92 320d mspt auto was a brilliant balance of power and fuel economy and Ive said on record before that in today's traffic and with today's fuel costs I rate it higher than I rate the M3 all things considered.

But, 318i and 320i, I just don't get it. My Dad has a 320i and its not great. You cannot drive it and not feel that it's underpowered and it is poor on fuel too.