[acerboo]

you dont buy a 335d because its better on fuel but for what it is and the way it drives/performs. it is not a diesel version of the 335i. ive driven both and i would go for the D everytime

[JJD]

Sounds like you have discounted the 335i and your short list is now the 330 or 335d? With this in mind and if economy is important I say go for a manual 330d, they do everything anyone needs in a road car very well indeed.

[dopper99]

Just out of interest, how would you describe the power delivery of a 335i petrol? Is it linear is does it pick up all of a sudden? I've never been in one.

I've driven a 335d and that seemed very linear to me, unlike to 330d.

[Matrez]

Originally Posted by Kerr

You seem to be making assumptions for in 5 years time.

A high mileage 335i seems to cost similar money to a 335d at the moment. There is a bigger price difference at lower mileage which doesn't back up your theory.

Not that many high mileage examples of both so what happens if one proves it can or can't handle big miles in a few years time?

What happens if diesel ends up 30p a litre more expensive than petrol in 5 years time?

There is more 535d kicking about with high miles. There is 8 year old cars for under 6k

If you say petrol cars will soon become popular once again because of price and fuel price, these 2 factors will be lost with time as everything popular raises in price. It goes round in circles. The tax and fuel consumption of a diesel car will never be taken away and thats the main difference - and massive torque

Just a quick comparison of E46 models with similar spec etc :
10 year old 330i = 3k pounds
10 year old 330d = 5k pounds

Of course petrol is of a more enthusiast car especially big engined ones but why there is a M550d coming into sale ? Diesel can be also

[Kerr]

A 335i develops maximum torque from 1300rpm. The car pulls from 1000rpm then at 4500rpm the power comes on strong.

You wouldn't know it was turbocharged.

Very smooth.

[Matrez]

Originally Posted by JJD

Sounds like you have discounted the 335i and your short list is now the 330 or 335d? With this in mind and if economy is important I say go for a manual 330d, they do everything anyone needs in a road car very well indeed.

As I said I would love to have 335i or M3 as I am true BMW enthusiast but family comes first so suppose diesel again, but 330d/335d are not that bad, a lot better than 320d so will be very happy to swap

[Kerr]

Originally Posted by Matrez

If you say petrol cars will soon become popular once again because of price and fuel price, these 2 factors will be lost with time as everything popular raises in price. It goes round in circles. The tax and fuel consumption of a diesel car will never be taken away and thats the main difference - and massive torque

Just a quick comparison of E46 models with similar spec etc :
10 year old 330i = 3k pounds
10 year old 330d = 5k pounds

Of course petrol is of a more enthusiast car especially big engined ones but why there is a M550d coming into sale ? Diesel can be also

The 330i is pretty unloved these days.

Diesel drivers need petrol drivers to increase or diesel will get too expensive.

Didn't think the UK was getting the big M diesel?

[dopper99]

Still dont think I could live without the lack of torque against my 330d .

I see they do a 335is but was only destined for US, CA. Quite a handy 322 bhp, 332 lb·ft and 0-60 in 5.0 s. Nice. Shame it didnt come here.

[Kerr]

Torque isn't everything.

Torque makes you feel fast. Power makes sure you are.

Torque makes the car feel faster than it is.

[Matrez]

Originally Posted by Matrez

I wrote an email yesturday to the seller of the 330d and today he responded :



,,Good Morning Matthew,

Thanks for the e-mail, I'll answer your questions in the order you have asked;

1) The car has never been in an accident, you are welcome to do a HPI check.

2) The car has not been remapped, it has the standard bhp output of 231bhp and torque output of 369 lbs/ft (from autotrader).

I have contemplated a remap but to be honest I couldn't justify it when I enjoy the car so much already.

3) Reason for sale is a work opportunity abroad which I can't turn down. Otherwise I would love to keep the car.

4) The mechanics of the car are as standard. The car has a full service history, part BMW and part BMW specialists.

I priced the car at 11,500 and recently reduced this to 11,300 as you are probably aware. I feel with the brand new tyres all round, 11month MOT, the equipment on the car, and the overall condition the asking price is justified. Also the 19" wheels were put on by the previous owner rather than the standard 19" M Sport wheels. These are genuine CSL alloy wheels which you may or may not be aware are worth a lot of money on their own :-)

I am however open to a sensible offer on the asking price. If you would like to make me an offer and/or view the car, you and your family are welcome to do so.

To summarise, I searched for a long time before buying this stunning example and will be sad to see it go, but the car is worth more than just sitting on the drive while I am away.

If you would like to contact my mobile to discuss anything it is: 07834 268034

Many thanks

Nick''



He seems to be a very genuine person, dont you think ?
What else could I ask him on the email or phone ?
Where is the best place to check the car online ?
What should I look at in 330d when viewing it ?

Help much appreciated !

What do you guys think... ?

[Dave_3]

Originally Posted by Kerr

Torque isn't everything.

Torque makes you feel fast. Power makes sure you are.

Torque makes the car feel faster than it is.

I'd rather have a car that "feels" fast than one that doesn't.

Just let it go. Different strokes for different folks. You're happy with your car, we're happy your happy with your car.

I have something else for those raw petrol fixes.

D.

[ss134]

Originally Posted by Matrez

What do you guys think... ?

The only way to be sure is to run a HPI check and then go and see the car.If you want more piece of mind then you car arrange for a comprehensive vehicle inspection by someone like AA or take a mechanic friend along when you view the car.

[Matrez]

Originally Posted by ss134

The only way to be sure is to run a HPI check and then go and see the car.If you want more piece of mind then you car arrange for a comprehensive vehicle inspection by someone like AA or take a mechanic friend along when you view the car.

Could you please propose some good site for HPI check ?
Yes I will bring my friend mechanic with me, I informed the seller on email and he said not a problem

Is this any good :
http://www.theaa.com/car-data-checks/index.html

Thanks a lot !

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by Kerr

Torque isn't everything.

Torque makes you feel fast. Power makes sure you are.

Torque makes the car feel faster than it is.

Yes I agree 100%. Torque doesnt make a car fast.

Originally Posted by Dave_3

I'd rather have a car that "feels" fast than one that doesn't.
...

But I also agree with this. I'm satisfied that my car "feels fast" but still does well over 40 to the gallon. Even my mate with a Z4M praises my car as it "seems" fast - I still tell him its "just an illusion" - its only the torque.

[ss134]

I would say that the AA car data check you posted a link to is a good bet.

[acerboo]

335d doesnt just feel fast it is! some time ago BMW car magazine put an e92 335i against an e90 335d around a track and the diesel won it was the torque out of the corners which gave it the edge so perhaps its the petrol that feels faster than it is?

[pjs]

the 335i sounds far better than a 335d.

[willhollin]

Originally Posted by pjs

the 335i sounds far better than a 335d.

That's assuming the 335i hasn't broken down.

[acerboo]

:QUOTE=willhollin;12044876]That's assuming the 335i hasn't broken down. [/QUOTE]

[Kerr]

Originally Posted by acerboo

335d doesnt just feel fast it is! some time ago BMW car magazine put an e92 335i against an e90 335d around a track and the diesel won it was the torque out of the corners which gave it the edge so perhaps its the petrol that feels faster than it is?

Torque makes a car harder to drive fast. It is torque that breaks traction.

[Kerr]

Originally Posted by willhollin

That's assuming the 335i hasn't broken down.

Yeah yeah.

I've read more 335d problems than 335i lately.

Each car has its issues.

[Barlows]

Originally Posted by willhollin

That's assuming the 335i hasn't broken down.

I remember seeing a 335d one time...

It was in my rear view mirror