[Ant397]

In real life terms, there is no difference in general day to day driving of a E90 330d to 335d.

You will however notice a difference when you use the last 15% of what the 335d engine can give.

If out and out performance is not paramount to you then there is no need to buy a 335d. You mention that you where originally going to buy a 320d, so it doesn’t seem as to me as you where that bothered with max acceleration, so the extra would be a novelty that isn’t the be all and end all, in which case your choice of 330d is the best one.

You are correct, an E46 330d compared to a E90 330d is night and day. But there are no major engine part differences. BMW have simply just added a refreshed map to make the engine more willing to rev and go so to speak.

The 330d does not suffer any major lag unlike when compared back to back with a 4 cylinder 320d, and as such I feel that the 330d Auto or Manual is probably the best all round E90 in terms of economy, performance, insurance rating and scope for improvement, you would not be disappointed.



ant.

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by Ant397

In real life terms, there is no difference in general day to day driving of a E90 330d to 335d.

You will however notice a difference when you use the last 15% of what the 335d engine can give.

If out and out performance is not paramount to you then there is no need to buy a 335d. You mention that you where originally going to buy a 320d, so it doesn’t seem as to me as you where that bothered with max acceleration, so the extra would be a novelty that isn’t the be all and end all, in which case your choice of 330d is the best one.

You are correct, an E46 330d compared to a E90 330d is night and day. But there are no major engine part differences. BMW have simply just added a refreshed map to make the engine more willing to rev and go so to speak.

The 330d does not suffer any major lag unlike when compared back to back with a 4 cylinder 320d, and as such I feel that the 330d Auto or Manual is probably the best all round E90 in terms of economy, performance, insurance rating and scope for improvement, you would not be disappointed.



ant.

Ant, the E46 and E9X 330D is essentially the same engine. But the Turbo will be different as will injectors and various other components. Not just the Map.

[Ant397]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Ant, the E46 and E9X 330D is essentially the same engine. But the Turbo will be different as will injectors and various other components. Not just the Map.

Go back and read my post, I could go on a waste some time listing the differences, but what is the point? I never said it was just the map.

My statement highlights what I mean. there are no major engine part differences between a e46 330d engine and E90 and you just agreed with me. A Turbo is not a major difference, neither injectors. Essentialy it is the same basic lump, not a massive re-design, emphasising that you dont have to change much to get a big difference.

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by Ant397

Go back and read my post, I could go on a waste some time listing the differences, but what is the point? I never said it was just the map.

My statement highlights what I mean. there are no major engine part differences between a e46 330d engine and E90 and you just agreed with me. A Turbo is not a major difference, neither injectors. Essentialy it is the same basic lump, not a massive re-design, emphasising that you dont have to change much to get a big difference.

Er, turbos, management, injectors, fuel pump, fuel rail, pistons, etc does mean its a very different engine, just because its the same original block and engine design does not mean there the same.

[F31-340i]

PMSL - how has a thread about how good the E9x 330d is turned in an argument about engine differences?

Ant - I think your post sums it up nicely. I conclude that the 330d is somewhat underrated, and people (including me, until yesterday) assumed that it was very much the 335d's poor unloved cousin - but to think that would be to underestimate its abilities considerably.

I think the key revelation for me is that "an E46 330d compared to a E90 330d is night and day" - its not something I've ever picked up on these forums (though perhaps I've not looked in the right places).

[NFS]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Ant, the E46 and E9X 330D is essentially the same engine. But the Turbo will be different as will injectors and various other components. Not just the Map.

Carlos .. the current 330d engine is very different to the one in the e46.

It's made of different materials (lightweight alloy block), it has a different ignition system (piezzo electric)

The 535d was initially based on the earlier 218bhp engine, but the 335d always used a twin turbo version of the newer one.

[m.rk77]

I dont even think that the 330 is biturbo...

[Cafe.Racer]

This thread is like a car crash, I saw the title and knew it was going to be messy, but I still couldn't help having a look

[NFS]

Originally Posted by m.rk77

I dont even think that the 330 is biturbo...

The 335i is biturbo - it has 2 small equally sized turbos. This provides the power of a larger turbo, without lag.

The 335d has sequential turbos. One small, which comes on boost low in the rev range and one large, which comes on higher in the rev range. This allows a larger turbo to be used, without any discernable turbo lag.

The 330d has ONE turbo, but the same engine as the 335d.

[Ant397]

Yup, we always come out of the wood work, trying to show how much we know and end up showing how little it matters!

There is always someone who picks up on a small point in a post that does not encompass the actual answer being given...

Anyway, to further emphasis my point carlos, take any later E46 330d, alter the ECU mapping and it can be made to perform like an E90 330d.

So either way, what I said is still right.

Woo Hoo.

Glad you got my point ///adj hope it helps.

[Ant397]

Just for you carlos, I have enriched my post to give more clarification of my point:

"You are correct, an E46 330d compared to a E90 330d is night and day. But there are no massive engine part differences. BMW have basically just added a refreshed map to make the engine more willing to rev and go so to speak. The way the engine performs better is not directly from any changed parts, but how the ECU uses them, the same result as a remap on any car is designed to do."

Hope you like it.

[mjh93sa]

Well this is one thread that's grown pretty quickly

I can't really comment on the difference between the 330d and the 335d, as I didn't test the 335d before going for the 330d.

For me personally it was all about choosing a level of performance and economy, together with a toy factor that would keep a grin on my face. The 320d is an excellent car, giving plenty of performance on todays roads and excellent economy. However, it is still a four cylinder (albiet a damn good one) and as such is not as smooth and refined as a six. Next up is the 325d with a nice smooth six cylinder engine, smoother, more refined and noticably more drivable at low revs (you aren't waiting for the turbo to spin up). The 330d is then all of this with the same economy and more power, so unless budget is a factor you're more likely to go for the 330d (and I did ).

The 335d is then a step above, in both performance and running costs. To me, for the driving I do the extra cost of the 335d was just not justifiable. In the end it came down to a 330d MSport with toys or a 335d SE with no toys. For me the 330d offered the better balance for my money than that little bit more that the 335d would give.

Don't get me wrong Carlos, the 335d is a good car and quick to boot. But the 330d is enough to put a smile on my face.

330d 0-60 (Me)

335d 0-60 (Carlos before remap)

[Scoot]

I've owned a new 530D and then went up to the 535D. The 535D engine is a lot better in performance and delivery. I wound'nt want to go back.

[Oli]

The 330D will be fas enough for most people, me included, however, when you've driven the 335D there is no turning back. On paper there isnt much difference ie 0-60 etc, in fact just over 0.5 sec quicker - but its not about this with the 335D, mid range punch and the fact there is no turbo lag whatsoever, compared to a 330D - This is where the big difference is between the two, and once the turbo's are spooled up the power and acceleration is relentless - In fact like no other car, bar proper sports cars.

On the downside the 335D is £3250 more than a 330D, and drinks a lot more, I never see my mpg over 30!!!! And looking at used prices at the moment it does seem to hold its money a bit better as well - possibly because there still are not that many out there and BMW's new lower discount policy is holding up prices nicely.

And for those who say there is little difference, you need to try them back to back, and you'll experience exactly how much difference there is. But like I said at the start the 330D will be more than adequate for most .


Just my two pennyworth

[NFS]

Originally Posted by Ant397

Just for you carlos, I have enriched my post to give more clarification of my point:

"You are correct, an E46 330d compared to a E90 330d is night and day. But there are no massive engine part differences. BMW have basically just added a refreshed map to make the engine more willing to rev and go so to speak. The way the engine performs better is not directly from any changed parts, but how the ECU uses them, the same result as a remap on any car is designed to do."

Hope you like it.

I thought there were some significant engine differences.

Mainly ... piezo electric ignition and a more lightweight engine block

Difference between the M57D30 I had in my 530d and the M57TUD30 that was introduced with the e90.

[Gibbo]

Originally Posted by OliH

The 330D will be fas enough for most people, me included, however, when you've driven the 335D there is no turning back. On paper there isnt much difference ie 0-60 etc, in fact just over 0.5 sec quicker - but its not about this with the 335D, mid range punch and the fact there is no turbo lag whatsoever, compared to a 330D - This is where the big difference is between the two, and once the turbo's are spooled up the power and acceleration is relentless - In fact like no other car, bar proper sports cars.

On the downside the 335D is £3250 more than a 330D, and drinks a lot more, I never see my mpg over 30!!!! And looking at used prices at the moment it does seem to hold its money a bit better as well - possibly because there still are not that many out there and BMW's new lower discount policy is holding up prices nicely.

And for those who say there is little difference, you need to try them back to back, and you'll experience exactly how much difference there is. But like I said at the start the 330D will be more than adequate for most .


Just my two pennyworth

I agree with Oli the 330d is plenty for most and the 335d is just a bit more effortless again. The 330d would be fine for me in everyday driving and I would be more than happy with it.

I brought the 335d because once you have added the Auto to the 330d the price differential is about £1500 and hence became a no brainer imo.

Buy a 330d and you will be happy and if you want a manual it seals the deal. But if you crave a 335d buy it as it will cost you more if you go the trade up route later.

[beemerbird]

I agree with OliH and Gibbo basically.

I've never driven a 330d but have 'encountered' one or two, and yes they are quick, but still lack that extra the 335d will give you. Depends what you want out of a car. You were obviously impressed by the drive and performance of the 330d, so have a test drive in a 335d, the sooner the better, whilst the 330d is still fresh in your mind. You may find in your opinion, what is all the fuss about, but then...

Personally, the 335d gives me all I currently want out of a car for my particular budget, even more so post re-map. They are so effortless to drive and smooth. Great all rounder and I just love all that torque. On my test drive, I noticed a big enough difference in performance between the 335d and the E90 330i I had at the time. Bascially all the torque came as somewhat of a surprise.

I'm sure the 330d is also a very good car in many respects, but without test driving the 335d, you'll always be wondering IMO.

[SDRX]

The 330d and 335d engines share many similiarities as discussed above. However, power and torque cannot be considered in isolation and it is worth considering that the 335d has a wider power band. This is simply due to twin turbocharging. The 335d IS quicker, FEELS quicker, in every speed interval and also is turbo induced over a mugh large rev range than the 330d. Its a different driving experience, perhaps too difficult to describe on the forum, drive both (like i have) and it all becomes plainly obvious.

In reality virtually all customers opting for the 330d will be doing so not in the misconceived belief that its power somehow approximates to the 335d. They will be doing so due to financial limitations, or a desire to have more options than if purchasing a 335d.

[ChrisMWard]

I'm not sure about the running costs being higher with a 335d compared to a 330d. Our 335d is returning one or two MPG better than the previous 330d on the same commuting journey, probably because the engine is not working as hard.. Servicing costs are cheaper with the intervals being extended.

Regards

Chris

[SDRX]

I agree, the running cost difference either does not exist, or is so insignificant it would not alter a purchase decision.

[Scoot]

I get nothing less than 34mpg from my DMS 335D too

[big pimp]

i'll add my tuppence worth into things here....

i drive a 330d msport - would love a 335 but purely cos what i know a remapped one will do...

i got my 330d remapped, and it is equally good, if not slightly better than a standard 335d.

/awaits flaming!