[SelSol]

Originally Posted by Frobius

Bwahahaha!

But yeah, I'd get the 330d. I had a 320d before and I was ALWAYS kicking myself that I ddn't wait until I found the right 330d. Now I'm commited to a 330d but am wondering if I should wait for a good 335d!!

We-ell technically a 330 is second fiddle to a 335d....

[Frobius]

FFS, at this rate I'll have a new M5 ordered by Christmas!

[Jules6]

Yes it is a very difficult choice when the 330d is soooo good.
However, when you are crawling home in that trafic jam on a wet and windy dark winters night, that engine is going to make little difference and you'll wish you had all the toys, xenons and creature comforts.
Plus not only will you be paying more monthly but the running costs including insurance will be a lot higher.
You also need to consider what kind of driving you'll be doing. If you have decent open roads then the 330d is a no brainer. If you are doing shorter journeys and on more congested roads then you won't be getting the mpg that some people quote as the bigger diesels don't like the shorter trips (dpf regen anyone?).

A really tough choice but good luck!

[SO8]

Originally Posted by Jules6

Yes it is a very difficult choice when the 330d is soooo good.
However, when you are crawling home in that trafic jam on a wet and windy dark winters night, that engine is going to make little difference and you'll wish you had all the toys, xenons and creature comforts.
Plus not only will you be paying more monthly but the running costs including insurance will be a lot higher.
You also need to consider what kind of driving you'll be doing. If you have decent open roads then the 330d is a no brainer. If you are doing shorter journeys and on more congested roads then you won't be getting the mpg that some people quote as the bigger diesels don't like the shorter trips (dpf regen anyone?).

A really tough choice but good luck!

FWIW ....

Regarding the economy - I had a 320d (177) and now drive a 330d LCI (245).

On my commute I get 36mpg in the 330d where I got 38mpg in the 320d ... a 7 mile journey with traffic.

[rich1068]

Why not a 325d while you can?

[Jules6]

Originally Posted by rich1068

Why not a 325d while you can?

That was where I ended up as it was a fair compromise.
I didn't have any worries about making a compromise because my previous car, an E46 M3 wasn't a compromise and I actually found it frustrating that for the majority of the time I couldn't use it because of traffic, road conditions or fear of getting nicked at warp drive!
I would have had the toys whatever model I chose though.

[Bungle009]

The 325d is a 3.0, is much closer in character to a 330d than a 320d, is mappable to 290 bhp, and you culd still plunder the options list. Whats not to like ?

[Falmouthboy]

Originally Posted by Bungle009

The 325d is a 3.0, is much closer in character to a 330d than a 320d, is mappable to 290 bhp, and you culd still plunder the options list. Whats not to like ?

+1

Whilst I would say 330d, if out and out performance isn't a priority, the 325d will give you the smooth performance of a 6 cyl and extra power, but the saving will cover your Xenons (I would go for the visibilty pack for not much more) and a bit more.

The running cost of a 330d is not that much more than a 320d.

[Subzero2003]

Originally Posted by Falmouthboy

+1

Whilst I would say 330d, if out and out performance isn't a priority, the 325d will give you the smooth performance of a 6 cyl and extra power, but the saving will cover your Xenons (I would go for the visibilty pack for not much more) and a bit more.

The running cost of a 330d is not that much more than a 320d.

This.

[chedixon]

I went for a 320d after much deliberating, initially I was a little disappointed but after a month I'm starting to learn how to get the most out of the engine and am pretty pleased, I'm getting 42mpg out of brand new engine which is encouraging and in the last week it feels like it's loosened up quite a bit.
I went for the toys option as I spend a great deal of time in traffic and I'm happy, sure more power would be great but the insurance, fuel and tax costs are pretty damn good for a prestige motor. It still handles very well so plenty of fun to be had in corners, needs to be damp to generally get the back end out which is a little frustrating but
luckily I've a motorbike for high speed thrills so I just jump on that when I feel the need to have some fun

[SelSol]

Originally Posted by Diseasel

And the 335D is second fiddle to the M3

Where does it stop?

They do a Diesel M3? SWEET!

I'd kinda like to see a proper diesel performance version actually.

[Frobius]

Just wait for the M535d then!

To answer diseasel's question:

I'm going for an E91 but it'll be an aproved used car as I don't have the funds to buy brand new. I've got about £16-17k to spend and think I should be able to get an 08 plated black E91 330d with black leather, bluetooth, hopefully pro nav and xenons. When one comes up that is!

I guess the other option would be to find a private or other garage sale one and put an aftermarket warranty on it.

I'd love an E92, my mum has one and I love the thing, but we're expecting our first born in Jan so we've decided that the touring is going to be the most practical. Shame as it's also the most expensive from what I can tell!

[Martin 335d]

It looks like you are doing EXACTLY what i did this time last year, going from a 118d to a 330d Tourer, as your other half is expecting, congratulations by the way

We currently have an E91 335d (our 2nd one) and the tourer is an excellent choice for a family car, but as you have found out the tourers hold their money better than the rest of the E9x range.

[Sir_Pigley]

Originally Posted by Frobius

I guess the other option would be to find a private or other garage sale one and put an aftermarket warranty on it.

Find one privately and put a BMW Insured Warranty on it.

[SelSol]

As an aside, I think the markets dropping for the 3 litre diesels, so I suspect that you could possibly pick up a relative bargain. I know 335d (and even moreso the i) aren't exactly selling like hotcakes at the minute.

[Frobius]

Originally Posted by jdcampbell

Find one privately and put a BMW Insured Warranty on it.

Aye, ths is what I'd end up doing if I went private sale. Not sure about cost though!? Mind you, the extra cost of going to the dealer would prob be offset by the cost of warranty and the cheaper purchase price privately. Anyone know how much BMW comprehensive warranties cost? Are they worth it? I've heard some horror stories about insured warranties..

The only thing that would put me off, is that if I buy as an AUC then I know it's in good nick, roadworthy etc etc. If I buy private, I'm relying on my own judgement plus an insured warranty..

As for the 335d, Sol, I thought about it, but I think the MPG figures are a wee bit too low. The 330d seems to havethe edge, obviously at the cost of a it of power. Coming from a 118d / E46 320Cd, I think the 330 should be ok, especially with a remap!

OP: Sorry for the !!

[SelSol]

Originally Posted by Frobius

As for the 335d, Sol, I thought about it, but I think the MPG figures are a wee bit too low. The 330d seems to havethe edge, obviously at the cost of a it of power.

To be fair, because you can only get the 35 with a slushybox, there's quite a difference between that and a manual 330D on economy.

[Frobius]

Ah of course... chalk another one up for the 30!!

/goes off to BMW.com to find one...