335d if I can get one, or 330d?

Captain Chaos · 09-15-2009, 11:03 AM

Allow me to set the scene:

My car whoring is at an end, and life has become more about work and family. Yes, I know I've just scared all the under-25s...

Work want more miles, wifey wants more kids, everyone wants me to be able to cart more junk about. I have a heavily-modded E46 M3. Square peg, round hole.

Thus, the M3 is going to have to go after a long love affair. Modeed or de-modded, it's off, and I'll probably end up somewhere around the 20k-plus-a-bit mark as a budget to get a replacement.

Having had a 530d, I'm aware of the ability of the oil burners, so temptation is pushing me back to one of those as a first option. Whilst I fight the ineffable daddy-dilemma of 'E90 v E91', is there anything major between the 330d and 335d that's a gotcha?

I've had a poke around a 335d, and I have to admit to having a small trouser arousal

, but I was surprised (not sure why) to see that it only got around 35mpg. Reading up I can see a few people have mentioned the same - does the 330d fare significantly better (enough to make it a viable option) or is it too close to matter? I really want the performance, but at the same time if the 330 will chuck out 40mpg then it's got to be considered.. Anything else I've missed along those lines?

Also, are there known faults with either that would cause Mrs Chaos to have to share her weekly piggy-bank raids on my wallet with a dealer/indy? Financially I'd be looking at the low end of the 335s and lower end of the 330s, so mileage may be a consideration when looking at possible repairs/failures.

I have to confess, I'm used to doing the telling not the asking, so I may have missed something that I should have asked. Feel free to share your experiences, please, I'd like to make a well-informed decision if I can.

Thanks

- Paul - · 09-15-2009, 11:13 AM

Auto (335d) - Manual (330d)

Captain Chaos · 09-15-2009, 11:14 AM

Interesting answer. Do please expand.

Em135eye · 09-15-2009, 11:16 AM

Captain - similar dilemma for me except I was trading "up" rather than down!

I had a similar budget (around £20k) and having seen 335d prices dip nicely, we decided to hang on a bit until our previous car starting breaking down. It didn't but a few niggles got annoying. By then of course prices were back on the up!

So I gave up on the 335d (not many Tourings around anyway) and after a quick peek at the 335i, and a look at the A$ 3.0TDi avant (less space, power, heavier, cr4p dealers, etc!) I started a proper 330d hunt. Found a couple that looked right and was close to buying one when I did a last minute check on AT. To my utter shock and delight there was a low miler (16k) 335d Touring in very rare SE spec (needed for my very steep drive, a bit more comfort and for stealth), with nice colour leather AND a sunroof for a rather amazing price. Assumed it was an error, called, was convinced, paid a deposit, spent a week half excited, half bricking it that it was some kind of scam (from Sytner Leicester who I do actually trust), demanded to see HPI checks, service records and everything else then had it delivered by the sales guy who took away our previous car (ahem Astra Estate 1.9CDTi 150) and paid good money for it.

The result? A superb car that ticks all the boxes, is specced almost exactly how I'd want one (down to the built in sunblinds for the rear windows) and goes like stink.

I'm getting low to mid 30s to the gallon but driving it hard. I get to 40 if I waft but TBH I don't actually care.

Mine's got 11 months warranty (3 months BMW, the rest is from Approved Used), was fully prepared (it's unbelievably mint), has been Supagarded and honestly looks new - even the engine bay is spotless.

So try BMW Approved Used for piece of mind and haggle hard - BMW are paying dealers on numbers almost more than profit so there are some genuine bargains around.

Things to look out for? Intercooler pipe (red pipe about 2" in diameter behind the radiator - hard to find!) covered in oil - needs replacing but it's a warranty job, excessive inner tyre wear and if it's an M Sport, cracked alloys.

330d has the possible advantage (to some) of a manual box but they are VERY hard to find. The auto on the 335d is exceptionally good and it has paddles so you can almost drive it manually. 335d is usefully quicker.

Good luck!!

PhilL · 09-15-2009, 11:21 AM

If you want a proper manual, then it will be the 330d for you my friend as the 335d only comes with an autobox (with flappy paddles)

What's your budget/mileage etc? Surprised by your comments on the 335d 'only' getting around 35 mpg considering the performance! Mine is getting about 36mpg in mixed driving conditions which I don't think is too bad considering I don't think I hang about too much.

The LCI 330d is impressive in terms of mpg

erformance but I'm guessing you are looking at an older model.

Buttons · 09-15-2009, 11:46 AM

just my 2pence worth but is the difference between 35mpg and 40mpg really gonna make that much difference on your wallet?
surely 5mpg difference would take quite a while to be make a big enough dent for it to be a concern?

Maybe i'm wrong............

335d all the way, oh hang on..... i bought a 330d recently

Personaly, i love the 335d's but couldn't find the one so bought a 330d as a stop gap cos they are easier to come by (as i specifacly wanted auto).

my 330d has been remapped and to be honest, i think it holds it own against most things (except remapped 335d's

).
I love the auto boxes but thats cos i do a lot of miles.

probably haven't helped at all with this post but i enjoyed typing it, i log on every day but usually just read so it makes a change

Nickleback · 09-15-2009, 12:31 PM

335D all the way, even re-mapped & booted you still can get 33-36 mpg

especially after your E46 M3

Captain Chaos · 09-15-2009, 01:05 PM

Super feedback, thanks chaps.

Phil - I surprised myself by thinking 'only' 35mpg (especially after being used to the impressive sight of 20-something on a good day in the M

), but I guess I started wondering what you could get out of the new lumps. BMW and VAG are pulling some mightily big numbers out of diesels these days, so I guess it's a compliment to them that I thought that!

Basically my budget is going to be 20/21ish, maybe 22 if I get a good price on the M3. Cash is real tight though (same boat as most ppl I guess) so I have to be sensible and disciplined. I'm not scared of mileage, mind, so that's one way to skin the cat, it'll be a little high if I stick this job out anyway so may as well start that way..

I have to confess to being one of the manual box fanboys. I'm not averse to a bit of paddle action, but I've always had fast cars with stick shifts and they tend to be cheaper if/when trouble comes to town. That said, grey hair and kids tend to slow you down a wee bit, and the temptation of an 'easy' option which I can still use paddles to stoke up if I'm out on my own is gradually taking over.

Great info on the dealer network above, too. I'd almost discounted them despite saving about 4k on the M3 when I bought it 4 years ago (and they shipped it down from Leeds for free - another hidden benefit of the dealer network), just presumed that these days they'd be offering stupid numbers on trade-ins and chasing sticker price on the forecourt. I'll definitely check them out, see what I can find.

Caught a lovely black E91 335d with lemon leather earlier at a trade outlet. High miles but looked mint - but was sold before I got to it, bah. It's got me properly in the mood to go fishing though...!!

Keep coming with the info, it's much appreciated and all good knowledge.

Hotcoupe · 09-15-2009, 01:22 PM

If MPG is a factor coupled with an urge for a manual, it's got to be a 330D with a remap, easily as good, if not better (map dependant) as a standard 335D.

A mapped 330D is an awesome bit of kit, I had one (E46 Auto) and drove Ant's manual (Speed Religion) one, and it was fantastic!

Em135eye · 09-15-2009, 01:23 PM

£21.8k for mine (but hard to calculate as it was really the "price to change - they gave me over the odds for my last car) for a 56 reg BMW Used Approved 16k mile 335d SE Touring (see sig below) , fully prepped and Supagarded - so you might be able to find similar.

I've had it checked over by my local dealer just to make sure - everything is 100% fine.

lolololol · 09-15-2009, 01:24 PM

I can only get 35mpg if I use motorways in my 335d, I typically get 25-27mpg and I dont really hair it about (well not everywhere) !

Em135eye · 09-15-2009, 01:26 PM

Blimey Omar! Not managed to get it quite that low! 29mpg is my absolute worst run and that was utterly caning it on country roads.

Buttons · 09-15-2009, 01:41 PM

thats quite a bit lower than i thought they'd be....

my 330d (remapped) is averaging 39.2.
Dont get me wrong, i dont "drive it like i stole it" (love that phrase!) but i certainly dont drive like Miss Daisy (yeh, pretty stereo-typical that phrase but it works wonders!)

MattOz · 09-15-2009, 01:57 PM

I'd choose a 330d over a 335d purely based on a gearbox choice. For me, it would have to ba a manual. I've had a 535d and it's not that economical, which if we're all honest is the main reason for purchasing a diesel in the first place.

Thinking mans choice is 330d manual. Mine returned 42mpg all day long and almost 50 mpg on motorway runs.

Matt

Nickleback · 09-15-2009, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattOz

I'd choose a 330d over a 335d purely based on a gearbox choice. For me, it would have to ba a manual. I've had a 535d and it's not that economical, which if we're all honest is the main reason for purchasing a diesel in the first place.

Thinking mans choice is 330d manual. Mine returned 42mpg all day long and almost 50 mpg on motorway runs.

Matt

Easy decision then, if it's manual you need then a 330D re-mapped if not & auto's Ok then a 335d re-mapped subject to budget ?

Captain Chaos · 09-15-2009, 03:57 PM

Yeah the box issue was why I first started looking at 330s, but I must say the flappy box is growing on me as a viable option.

Looking at fuel consumption sounds a little tight when you compare 35mpg to 40mpg (especially when you're coming from 20), but that's 15%, and I'm looking at £250-300 fuel bills realistically - so 15% is pretty much a decent meal out for me and the bird (as long as the missus doesn't find out

- I jest...

).

God that last paragraph makes me sound like a tight old grey duffer...

All good info though. Had a look on BMW network tonight and there's little out there to stir my cockles bar maybe one saloon that's a fair price - but also a touch out of my reach. May give them a call and go through the motions to see if they want to be silly or sensible, by way of a warm-up.

Decided that really I'd let fate decide E90 or E91 for me. The latter would mean I'd never have to worry about push chairs and luggage (the other half struggles to segregate 'packing for a weekend' and 'moving house'), but the saloon would mean a slightly lighter feel to the car and a wee bit closer to the nippy little 320si I had up until spring - and therefore a less dramatic de-M3 moment for me to survive..!

zltm089 · 09-15-2009, 04:05 PM

after having an m3.....just go for the 335D....

Jinxy · 09-15-2009, 04:11 PM

I've had my 335D E90 for about 6 weeks now and am average around 36-38 MPG. On a decent run on the motorway using the cruise control set at about 75 I've had 44 MPG on my commute.

- Paul - · 09-15-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by - Paul -

Auto (335d) - Manual (330d)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Chaos

Interesting answer. Do please expand.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

If MPG is a factor coupled with an urge for a manual, it's got to be a 330D with a remap, easily as good, if not better (map dependant) as a standard 335D.

A mapped 330D is an awesome bit of kit, I had one (E46 Auto) and drove Ant's manual (Speed Religion) one, and it was fantastic!

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattOz

I'd choose a 330d over a 335d purely based on a gearbox choice. For me, it would have to ba a manual. I've had a 535d and it's not that economical, which if we're all honest is the main reason for purchasing a diesel in the first place.

Thinking mans choice is 330d manual. Mine returned 42mpg all day long and almost 50 mpg on motorway runs.

Matt

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickleback

Easy decision then, if it's manual you need then a 330D re-mapped if not & auto's Ok then a 335d re-mapped subject to budget ?

pjs · 09-15-2009, 04:20 PM

£14k buys my 330d, 87k up.
Save yourseld £6k!

Dave_3 · 09-15-2009, 04:29 PM

If you are not too concerned with a manual, bear in mind that the 335D has the newer and better (quicker changes, quicker direct lock-up etc.) ZF Auto compared to the earlier 330Ds. It is nice and direct, no real feel of a torque converter buffering the revs.

All that torque suits an Auto.

D.

Captain Chaos · 09-15-2009, 04:49 PM

That's precisely where the thinking is on the flappies, Dave, otherwise Paul's quote-a-thon (

) would be pretty much my train of thought.

The numbers on the 330d there are ones I'd consider TBH, esp as black/lemon is my favourite spec atm, were it not for the fact that I'd need to offload the M on a private sale - unless you're in the market for something a little more raucous than the derv?!

Not quite the gentle giant that the 335 you were looking at is, mind.

Frustrating, cos I used to have plenty of flex to buy and then sell after, but kids kinda put a crimp in your bank account...bless em.

Gotta get a couple bits on the E46 sorted this weekend, can't sell it unless it's 'right', then it'll be the de-mod and the lonnnnnnng wait driving it standard while I look to shift it - I so hate that bit.

09-15-2009, 11:03 AM	#1
Captain Chaos Lieutenant 6 Rep 473 Posts Drives: cars n stuff Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	335d if I can get one, or 330d? Allow me to set the scene: My car whoring is at an end, and life has become more about work and family. Yes, I know I've just scared all the under-25s... Work want more miles, wifey wants more kids, everyone wants me to be able to cart more junk about. I have a heavily-modded E46 M3. Square peg, round hole. Thus, the M3 is going to have to go after a long love affair. Modeed or de-modded, it's off, and I'll probably end up somewhere around the 20k-plus-a-bit mark as a budget to get a replacement. Having had a 530d, I'm aware of the ability of the oil burners, so temptation is pushing me back to one of those as a first option. Whilst I fight the ineffable daddy-dilemma of 'E90 v E91', is there anything major between the 330d and 335d that's a gotcha? I've had a poke around a 335d, and I have to admit to having a small trouser arousal , but I was surprised (not sure why) to see that it only got around 35mpg. Reading up I can see a few people have mentioned the same - does the 330d fare significantly better (enough to make it a viable option) or is it too close to matter? I really want the performance, but at the same time if the 330 will chuck out 40mpg then it's got to be considered.. Anything else I've missed along those lines? Also, are there known faults with either that would cause Mrs Chaos to have to share her weekly piggy-bank raids on my wallet with a dealer/indy? Financially I'd be looking at the low end of the 335s and lower end of the 330s, so mileage may be a consideration when looking at possible repairs/failures. I have to confess, I'm used to doing the telling not the asking, so I may have missed something that I should have asked. Feel free to share your experiences, please, I'd like to make a well-informed decision if I can. Thanks
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09-15-2009, 11:13 AM	#2
- Paul - Major General 695 Rep 7,308 Posts Drives: see above. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Yorkshire, UK iTrader: (5) Garage List 2005 320D SE [10.00] 2005 645 [9.00]	Auto (335d) - Manual (330d) __________________ My Photos
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09-15-2009, 11:14 AM	#3
Captain Chaos Lieutenant 6 Rep 473 Posts Drives: cars n stuff Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	Interesting answer. Do please expand.
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09-15-2009, 11:16 AM	#4
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Captain - similar dilemma for me except I was trading "up" rather than down! I had a similar budget (around £20k) and having seen 335d prices dip nicely, we decided to hang on a bit until our previous car starting breaking down. It didn't but a few niggles got annoying. By then of course prices were back on the up! So I gave up on the 335d (not many Tourings around anyway) and after a quick peek at the 335i, and a look at the A$ 3.0TDi avant (less space, power, heavier, cr4p dealers, etc!) I started a proper 330d hunt. Found a couple that looked right and was close to buying one when I did a last minute check on AT. To my utter shock and delight there was a low miler (16k) 335d Touring in very rare SE spec (needed for my very steep drive, a bit more comfort and for stealth), with nice colour leather AND a sunroof for a rather amazing price. Assumed it was an error, called, was convinced, paid a deposit, spent a week half excited, half bricking it that it was some kind of scam (from Sytner Leicester who I do actually trust), demanded to see HPI checks, service records and everything else then had it delivered by the sales guy who took away our previous car (ahem Astra Estate 1.9CDTi 150) and paid good money for it. The result? A superb car that ticks all the boxes, is specced almost exactly how I'd want one (down to the built in sunblinds for the rear windows) and goes like stink. I'm getting low to mid 30s to the gallon but driving it hard. I get to 40 if I waft but TBH I don't actually care. Mine's got 11 months warranty (3 months BMW, the rest is from Approved Used), was fully prepared (it's unbelievably mint), has been Supagarded and honestly looks new - even the engine bay is spotless. So try BMW Approved Used for piece of mind and haggle hard - BMW are paying dealers on numbers almost more than profit so there are some genuine bargains around. Things to look out for? Intercooler pipe (red pipe about 2" in diameter behind the radiator - hard to find!) covered in oil - needs replacing but it's a warranty job, excessive inner tyre wear and if it's an M Sport, cracked alloys. 330d has the possible advantage (to some) of a manual box but they are VERY hard to find. The auto on the 335d is exceptionally good and it has paddles so you can almost drive it manually. 335d is usefully quicker. Good luck!!
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09-15-2009, 11:21 AM	#5
PhilL Captain 62 Rep 629 Posts Drives: M2, F15 X5 4.0d Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: The Middle Lands iTrader: (0)	If you want a proper manual, then it will be the 330d for you my friend as the 335d only comes with an autobox (with flappy paddles) What's your budget/mileage etc? Surprised by your comments on the 335d 'only' getting around 35 mpg considering the performance! Mine is getting about 36mpg in mixed driving conditions which I don't think is too bad considering I don't think I hang about too much. The LCI 330d is impressive in terms of mpgerformance but I'm guessing you are looking at an older model.
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09-15-2009, 11:46 AM	#6
Buttons Lieutenant 76 Rep 502 Posts Drives: F31 330d Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Stroud, UK iTrader: (0)	just my 2pence worth but is the difference between 35mpg and 40mpg really gonna make that much difference on your wallet? surely 5mpg difference would take quite a while to be make a big enough dent for it to be a concern? Maybe i'm wrong............ 335d all the way, oh hang on..... i bought a 330d recently Personaly, i love the 335d's but couldn't find the one so bought a 330d as a stop gap cos they are easier to come by (as i specifacly wanted auto). my 330d has been remapped and to be honest, i think it holds it own against most things (except remapped 335d's ). I love the auto boxes but thats cos i do a lot of miles. probably haven't helped at all with this post but i enjoyed typing it, i log on every day but usually just read so it makes a change
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09-15-2009, 12:31 PM	#7
Nickleback Private First Class 7 Rep 118 Posts Drives: E92 335D M Sport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Down South iTrader: (0)	335D all the way, even re-mapped & booted you still can get 33-36 mpg especially after your E46 M3 __________________ I am their leader, which way did they go ?
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09-15-2009, 01:05 PM	#8
Captain Chaos Lieutenant 6 Rep 473 Posts Drives: cars n stuff Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	Super feedback, thanks chaps. Phil - I surprised myself by thinking 'only' 35mpg (especially after being used to the impressive sight of 20-something on a good day in the M ), but I guess I started wondering what you could get out of the new lumps. BMW and VAG are pulling some mightily big numbers out of diesels these days, so I guess it's a compliment to them that I thought that! Basically my budget is going to be 20/21ish, maybe 22 if I get a good price on the M3. Cash is real tight though (same boat as most ppl I guess) so I have to be sensible and disciplined. I'm not scared of mileage, mind, so that's one way to skin the cat, it'll be a little high if I stick this job out anyway so may as well start that way.. I have to confess to being one of the manual box fanboys. I'm not averse to a bit of paddle action, but I've always had fast cars with stick shifts and they tend to be cheaper if/when trouble comes to town. That said, grey hair and kids tend to slow you down a wee bit, and the temptation of an 'easy' option which I can still use paddles to stoke up if I'm out on my own is gradually taking over. Great info on the dealer network above, too. I'd almost discounted them despite saving about 4k on the M3 when I bought it 4 years ago (and they shipped it down from Leeds for free - another hidden benefit of the dealer network), just presumed that these days they'd be offering stupid numbers on trade-ins and chasing sticker price on the forecourt. I'll definitely check them out, see what I can find. Caught a lovely black E91 335d with lemon leather earlier at a trade outlet. High miles but looked mint - but was sold before I got to it, bah. It's got me properly in the mood to go fishing though...!! Keep coming with the info, it's much appreciated and all good knowledge.
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09-15-2009, 01:22 PM	#9
Hotcoupe Major General 193 Rep 6,110 Posts Drives: Don't know yet! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (2) Garage List November 2008 335D ... [8.34] 2007 335D [0.00]	If MPG is a factor coupled with an urge for a manual, it's got to be a 330D with a remap, easily as good, if not better (map dependant) as a standard 335D. A mapped 330D is an awesome bit of kit, I had one (E46 Auto) and drove Ant's manual (Speed Religion) one, and it was fantastic! __________________ ================================= Never argue with an idiot on the internet. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
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09-15-2009, 01:23 PM	#10
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	£21.8k for mine (but hard to calculate as it was really the "price to change - they gave me over the odds for my last car) for a 56 reg BMW Used Approved 16k mile 335d SE Touring (see sig below) , fully prepped and Supagarded - so you might be able to find similar. I've had it checked over by my local dealer just to make sure - everything is 100% fine.
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09-15-2009, 01:24 PM	#11
lolololol Colonel 96 Rep 2,204 Posts Drives: M4 F83 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: The world iTrader: (4)	I can only get 35mpg if I use motorways in my 335d, I typically get 25-27mpg and I dont really hair it about (well not everywhere) ! __________________ Engine Mods: VF HEX Stage 2, ER Charge Pipes, VRSF Catless Downpipes, BMS Intakes and PCW Exhaust Mod Running Gear Mods: HRE Flow Form F01, Yellow Stuff pads. Cosmetic: Performance Grill, Lip Spoiler, Splitters, Side Skirt Extensions, Diffuser and BMS Tips
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09-15-2009, 01:26 PM	#12
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Blimey Omar! Not managed to get it quite that low! 29mpg is my absolute worst run and that was utterly caning it on country roads.
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09-15-2009, 01:41 PM	#13
Buttons Lieutenant 76 Rep 502 Posts Drives: F31 330d Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Stroud, UK iTrader: (0)	thats quite a bit lower than i thought they'd be.... my 330d (remapped) is averaging 39.2. Dont get me wrong, i dont "drive it like i stole it" (love that phrase!) but i certainly dont drive like Miss Daisy (yeh, pretty stereo-typical that phrase but it works wonders!)
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09-15-2009, 01:57 PM	#14
MattOz Lieutenant Colonel 342 Rep 1,826 Posts Drives: Alpina G21 D3S Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Midlands iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 E90 M3 [0.00]	I'd choose a 330d over a 335d purely based on a gearbox choice. For me, it would have to ba a manual. I've had a 535d and it's not that economical, which if we're all honest is the main reason for purchasing a diesel in the first place. Thinking mans choice is 330d manual. Mine returned 42mpg all day long and almost 50 mpg on motorway runs. Matt
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09-15-2009, 03:57 PM	#16
Captain Chaos Lieutenant 6 Rep 473 Posts Drives: cars n stuff Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	Yeah the box issue was why I first started looking at 330s, but I must say the flappy box is growing on me as a viable option. Looking at fuel consumption sounds a little tight when you compare 35mpg to 40mpg (especially when you're coming from 20), but that's 15%, and I'm looking at £250-300 fuel bills realistically - so 15% is pretty much a decent meal out for me and the bird (as long as the missus doesn't find out - I jest...). God that last paragraph makes me sound like a tight old grey duffer... All good info though. Had a look on BMW network tonight and there's little out there to stir my cockles bar maybe one saloon that's a fair price - but also a touch out of my reach. May give them a call and go through the motions to see if they want to be silly or sensible, by way of a warm-up. Decided that really I'd let fate decide E90 or E91 for me. The latter would mean I'd never have to worry about push chairs and luggage (the other half struggles to segregate 'packing for a weekend' and 'moving house'), but the saloon would mean a slightly lighter feel to the car and a wee bit closer to the nippy little 320si I had up until spring - and therefore a less dramatic de-M3 moment for me to survive..!
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09-15-2009, 04:05 PM	#17
zltm089 Banned 244 Rep 7,690 Posts Drives: 335i SE Coupe Space Grey Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: LONDON iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 335i [10.00]	after having an m3.....just go for the 335D....
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09-15-2009, 04:11 PM	#18
Jinxy Private 27 Rep 62 Posts Drives: X3M Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I've had my 335D E90 for about 6 weeks now and am average around 36-38 MPG. On a decent run on the motorway using the cruise control set at about 75 I've had 44 MPG on my commute.
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09-15-2009, 04:20 PM	#20
pjs Colonel 274 Rep 2,774 Posts Drives: i8 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NORTH iTrader: (1)	£14k buys my 330d, 87k up. Save yourseld £6k! Attached Images
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09-15-2009, 04:29 PM	#21
Dave_3 Brigadier General 652 Rep 3,445 Posts Drives: G22 M440D Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: CH / SCO iTrader: (0) Garage List 1973 Escort RS2000 MK1 [10.00]	If you are not too concerned with a manual, bear in mind that the 335D has the newer and better (quicker changes, quicker direct lock-up etc.) ZF Auto compared to the earlier 330Ds. It is nice and direct, no real feel of a torque converter buffering the revs. All that torque suits an Auto. D. __________________ Escort Mk1 RS2000 (2.1 2x44IDFS, BVH, Kent FR32, 5spd, 180 BHP) : M440D ¦ Previously : F32 435D : F32 430D M Sport sDrive, 335D E92 2006
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09-15-2009, 04:49 PM	#22
Captain Chaos Lieutenant 6 Rep 473 Posts Drives: cars n stuff Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	That's precisely where the thinking is on the flappies, Dave, otherwise Paul's quote-a-thon () would be pretty much my train of thought. The numbers on the 330d there are ones I'd consider TBH, esp as black/lemon is my favourite spec atm, were it not for the fact that I'd need to offload the M on a private sale - unless you're in the market for something a little more raucous than the derv?! Not quite the gentle giant that the 335 you were looking at is, mind. Frustrating, cos I used to have plenty of flex to buy and then sell after, but kids kinda put a crimp in your bank account...bless em. Gotta get a couple bits on the E46 sorted this weekend, can't sell it unless it's 'right', then it'll be the de-mod and the lonnnnnnng wait driving it standard while I look to shift it - I so hate that bit.
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