[Mr Whippy]

Originally Posted by teaston

There is a good reason to get the 330d, if you want decent suspension without modifying it. If only BMW had fitted M Sport suspension to Xdrives!

I wonder how many would spec Msport suspension and delete SE suspension if there was the option.
It doesn't seem to have stopped BMW selling loads of 335d. I'd argue most BMW buyers are oblivious any way.
I'm glad the default option was a smoother ride. If I want a sporty drive and ride I'd rather add one to my tastes than be given another compromise (oem Msport isn't exactly amazing is it?)

From new isn't it basically £2500 for AWD, an extra bit of standard kit, and another high quality low lag 60bhp?

Used I almost can't even see the difference in prices now.

[Mr Whippy]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Not saying BMW didn't improve the setup with the stronger strut mounts, but it was suspected the key reason was part of the changes to improve the safety ratings for one of the impact tests, the small overlap one if I recall correctly. Then BMW wouldn't say that, as it would not give the right message. "Improved suspension mountings," sounds much better.

Ah that's interesting.

I did wonder about 3 > 5 bolts. Safety concerns does sound plausible as that's a huge change to see.

[Jeff123]

Originally Posted by Mr Whippy

Used I almost can't even see the difference in prices now.

Thats true.

There are loads of 335D's on the market. The vast majority are standard spec and being sold through the car supermarkets. I would image that these are all ex-rental, but some are really low mileages at typically 18 months to 2 years old, so as long as they are in good condition they are good buys IMO. There is still a substantial amount of the warranty left, so plenty of time so sort out any issues.

[Ti Rich]

Having come from a pre lci 330d to a Lci3 435d the suspension is massively improved. Don't know what they have done but it works well now. Much better than my 330d ever was. Not even considering ACS springs.

For reference i did drive a pre lci 335d and that suspension was terrible I agree.

[MrTomB]

There's definitely stigma against the 335D. I personally love the xdrive as it was great this last week in the snow. Yes I could put winter tyres on an S-drive but the x Drive was perfect for my needs. Braking was just as bad but no regrets here.

I tested a 330d and was impressed with the power but the offer I got on the 435d was too good and the power is even better. I ticked the adaptive suspension box and in comfort mode it is not good if you push it but in sports it's pretty good. Could be better but then so could everything.

I have no regrets and when I come to change I will surely feel a 30d will be a step down.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Ti Rich

Having come from a pre lci 330d to a Lci3 435d the suspension is massively improved. Don't know what they have done but it works well now. Much better than my 330d ever was. Not even considering ACS springs.

For reference i did drive a pre lci 335d and that suspension was terrible I agree.

The 4 series Xdrive is 10mm lower than the 3 series Xdrive.

[Ti Rich]

Originally Posted by teaston

The 4 series Xdrive is 10mm lower than the 3 series Xdrive.

Didn't have an Xdrive before. Not sure if the GC is 10mm lower, may be just the coupe?

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Ti Rich

Didn't have an Xdrive before. Not sure if the GC is 10mm lower, may be just the coupe?

Yes it is just the coupe that is lower.

[Mr Whippy]

It's weird as my 335d xd doesn't look that high.
It's clearly high but I think it looks lower than most 4GC I see on here.

Are you sure 4GC are 10mm lower?

Maybe mine isn't original, will post pics soon.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Mr Whippy

It's weird as my 335d xd doesn't look that high.
It's clearly high but I think it looks lower than most 4GC I see on here.

Are you sure 4GC are 10mm lower?

Maybe mine isn't original, will post pics soon.

You'd think from some comments on the forums, the xDrive models are really different in ride height. 10mm difference between an xDrive and M-sport of the same model. Had two 320d saloons side by side in the garage and it is hard at a glance to see the difference, only a finger thickness difference in ride height.

Same is said about 5-series, VDC vs. M-sport rife heights, as if it's massive, but it is only 10mm.

Remember pictures can also be very deceptive.

[leeadam]

ive had both and found the 435d way less lag if any at all? Mine even more fun now as running 395bhp and uprated lower springs, Xdrive amazing in the snow in places my old rear drive would just get stranded.

[RickLS7]

Apparently you can code 'sports automatic' which make the gear changes a lot quicker (especially in comfort mode), I find the gear changes can be frustratingly slow compared to the Porsche PDK box.

Might give that a try when I figure out the 'expert' bit in the Bimmercode app, here's the thread:

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1138452

[Watsey]

Does Bimmercode expert mode include things like selecting M-Performance brakes, i.e. big brakes, settings for front brakes ?

I have previously had this config applied by the dealer and it worked very well with my StopTech BBK (former pedal at top of travel; better feel) but it keeps being erased when software updates are applied i.e. when the steering rack was replaced.

[RickLS7]

There's a whole heap of things in Bimmercode expert mode but they are all in German so haven't done anything in this area yet.

[Watsey]

Originally Posted by RickLS7

There's a whole heap of things in Bimmercode expert mode but they are all in German so haven't done anything in this area yet.

Thanks.

[Dizzle]

Appreciate the write up, good to hear everyones comments, kinda glad I pushed for th 35d. Though from initial ownership and reading up on the subject common faults would be egr valve, cooler and steering rack, dont know if thats specfic to the 35d and not 30d, I can only comment on my short time of ownership.

[Mr Whippy]

I think the steering rack is all F30.

I'm still shocked by the loudness on mine as I turned the wheel with it turned off in the garage yesterday.

To the unaquainted you'd be worried to drive the car 100 feet!

[Berkshire_72]

I've owned

F30 330d SE 2012 (62 reg) for 3 years
F31 335d XDrive M Sport 2013 (63 reg) for 1 year.

F30 330d
A rocketship off the line in the dry, but traction control hampers progress in the wet. Turn TC off and it becomes seriously entertaining to drive. Definitely the most fun you'll ever have in a factory diesel. Nice sound too (although it is artificially augmented through the speakers). I had the SE model and it was debadged. Looked like a 316d sitting at the lights then shocked the poo out of people when they saw how quickly it moved. Dyno'd at 281BHP, way over quoted stock figure. It ATE rear tyres (3 sets done in 3 years) largely due to my driving , thankfully on the 17" wheels they weren't too dear (£80 each). On MSport models with 19" alloys the tyres are £200 each so you might want to think about that. Insurance and road tax surprsingly cheap, amazingly so for a 155mph, 5.8s car - Less than £400pa for 43 yo driver + 38yo spouse, full no claims. Average 42mpg round town even with a heavy right foot. On a motorway run, 60mpg was easily achievable in Eco Pro mode using Cruise control. The only issue I had with it was with the start/stop, which would cause the car to jerk forward on restart. Common problem withe early F30 330ds apparently so look out for it. Easy enough to disable start/stop and car is economical enough without it so no big deal.

Most of all driving the 330d still brought a smile to my face even after 3 years of ownership. I'm told these respond well to remaps but I never felt the need. Fast enough as it is.

I would highly recommend the 330d to anyone who does a high mileage, wants to keep running costs down to a minimum, but still wants an entertaining and involving drive.

F31 335d
Chopped the 330d in for this last year. Fancied an M3, but really wanted the practicality of the touring for mountain biking expeditions, family outings and trips to Ikea. Settled on one of these as a compromise. This one was loaded with options including the amazing adaptive LED headlights, M Brakes, 19" wheels, HK sound system, widescreen nav and pan roof. Massive grip, even in the wet. I've owned several Audis and Subarus and the grippiness of this is every bit as good. Almost impossible to unstick it in the dry, and in normal driving, stays glued to the road in the wet too. Snow doesn't bother it either. Point to point WAY quicker than the 330d. Effortless performance. Easy to drive fast. Much wider power band than the 330d. Pulls from 1500RPM, right up to 5500RPM. Same artificially augmented engine noise inside the cabin, but sounds much nicer than the 330d outside thanks to the pleasant psssst! noises coming from the two wastegates and boost control valves. Initial pickup is similar to the 330d but Midrange acceleration is absolutely demonic.

Wears tyres better (as you would expect) but insurance is almost twice as much as the 330d SE was. Road tax still reasonable though. Average mpg 35-38 mixed driving, on the motorway I can get 50, but struggle to get more.

Xdrive is more than just an add-on. It changes the whole character of the car. The 335d Faster point to point, but not quite as involving to drive. Anyone can drive one of these fast. Noticeably more expensive to run than the 330d, but still way cheaper than a petrol performance car, and laughably cheap for something that does a 4.8s 0-60.

If you want something blisteringly quick, smooth, easy to drive which isn't too hard on your pocket, get one of these. It's no M3, but the endless surge of acceleration you get in the 335d is very addictive!

[Ti Rich]

Good review but 330d does not have the fake noise.

I have had both too (330D and 435D)and agree with the comments apart from the new LCi 435d has a much improved suspension now and handles much better than my 330d ever did. Much less body roll. MPG exactly as you said.