[teaston]

Well coming from a E90 163bhp 320d to the F30 320d is a big leap in performance, refinement & fuel efficiency!

For the price difference a month for a 330d on lease I could get xenons, 19's, HK, tints and heated seats on a 320d. To miss out on all those extra's just for more power, which can't really be used on the public roads very often didn't seem logical to me.

And if the 320d isn't quite quick enough then put a tuning box on it for around £80 and get 212bhp and 437nm!

But yes, if money is no object then of course get the 330d, or the 335d, or wait for the M3!

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by teaston

For the price difference a month for a 330d on lease I could get xenons, 19's, HK, tints and heated seats on a 320d. To miss out on all those extra's just for more power, which can't really be used on the public roads very often didn't seem logical to me

I used all the 330D F31 M Sport had and it got to the point were it was not enough!! to me anyway, the 320 To me is week on power.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by teaston

For the price difference a month for a 330d on lease I could get xenons, 19's, HK, tints and heated seats on a 320d. To miss out on all those extra's just for more power, which can't really be used on the public roads very often didn't seem logical to me.

The power is used every day!!! A (non-car enthusiast) friend asked me what the point of getting a 335d was when his A4 can go the same speed on the motorway... I agreed that it was quite true, but that I can get from 30-70, or 60-90, in about half the time was the real benefit. On the busy roads we have, the ability to resume the max cruising speed (you are comfortable with) can make all the difference in making progress on the motorways without overly risking ones license. And on A-roads, it can sometimes double the number of overtaking opportunities.

I agree though that if it means missing out on whatever extras you really want then its a tough decision. I copped out and orderedjust whatever I wanted and to hell with the cost!

[languidmandala]

I have a 320d and xdrive. EVERYONE hates me.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

I used all the 330D F31 M Sport had and it got to the point were it was not enough!! to me anyway, the 320 To me is week on power.

Where are these roads you drive?! Most of the roads i drive have too much traffic, speed cameras or are too tight and twisty to use more power than a 320d the vast majority of the time!

Originally Posted by Tengocity

I agree though that if it means missing out on whatever extras you really want then its a tough decision. I copped out and orderedjust whatever I wanted and to hell with the cost!

I am working towards this, maybe next car in 4 years time! This is my first ever brand new car i've ordered so more than happy with that prospect alone!

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by teaston

Where are these roads you drive?! Most of the roads i drive have too much traffic, speed cameras or are too tight and twisty to use more power than a 320d the vast majority of the time!



I am working towards this, maybe next car in 4 years time! This is my first ever brand new car i've ordered so more than happy with that prospect alone!

Your in NORWICH not on the A11 with those Plot hiding up lay-bys.
I keep to the limits there. I am not far from you though.

[teaston]

Yep, bloody speed cameras are a nightmare!

I'm on 9 points, and thats driving a 163bhp 320d! The temptation to speed in the 330d must be huge! This also factored into my decision tbh!

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by teaston

Yep, bloody speed cameras are a nightmare!

I'm on 9 points, and thats driving a 163bhp 320d! The temptation to speed in the 330d must be huge! This also factored into my decision tbh!

You could invest in a GPS Rider, they are not too expensive and have free updates and tell you were all the Cameras are. NOt Plot hiding up lay-by's though.
My licence is free of points at the moment (fingers crossed) so keeping an eye out all the time.

[gatsojon]

What is it we always say...? Engine first, then the car

So, for the avoidance of doubt, a 330 is my vote

[teaston]

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

You could invest in a GPS Rider, they are not too expensive and have free updates and tell you were all the Cameras are. NOt Plot hiding up lay-by's though.
My licence is free of points at the moment (fingers crossed) so keeping an eye out all the time.

All 3 times was from hiding up layby's! 1 of them not even a layby, but the entrance to a small car dealers on a remote rural 40mph limit road! Right at the end of a straight bit of road that's the only chance for miles to overtake, bastards!

Originally Posted by gatsojon

What is it we always say...? Engine first, then the car

So, for the avoidance of doubt, a 330 is my vote

But for some the 320d is the better engine! Better fuel economy and lighter so better handling etc.

[martin4271]

For the pure fun factor, then it as to be the 330D! Mine's ordered and arrives in 14 long days time. Arrives at the dealer on Tuesday. Not that i'm getting excited

[F30AM]

Originally Posted by teaston

But for some the 320d is the better engine! Better fuel economy and lighter so better handling etc.

Where ignorance is bliss it's folly to be wise.

Diesel Power:
335d xDrive better than 330d xDrive better than 320d xDrive .......
330d sDrive better than 320d sDrive ........
Is xDrive better than sDrive or vice versa? Depends on what you want from your car.
The overall versitility of xDrive is greater than sDrive.
Therefore, overall, the 335d xDrive is the most potent F30 so far until the new M3 arrives.

[Davo]

Originally Posted by F30AM

The 330d M Sport with its 6 cyl Diesel engine is a far superior car to a 320d M Sport with its rattly 2 litre 4 cyl Diesel Engine. The difference in performance is so addictive, is in another league and more than makes up for the slight difference in real world fuel economy. Its like comparing Diamonds with Coal.

+1

[teaston]

Originally Posted by F30AM

Where ignorance is bliss it's folly to be wise.

I bet the time you save on journeys in a 330d is outweighed by the extra time you spend on the fuel station forecourt filling her up!

[F30AM]

Originally Posted by teaston

I bet the time you save on journeys in a 330d is outweighed by the extra time you spend on the fuel station forecourt filling her up!

Sour grapes ......

[Torque of the Devil]

I went for a basic spec 330d over a high spec 320d, for the same money it was a no brainer. A car for me is more about the engine than whether I can update my Facebook status while driving.

I can use all the power most of the time, its hilarious that people justify getting a 320d on this basis. I had a 420bhp E92 M3 before and could use all the power that had quite often so have no problem exploiting a 330d, its not that powerful

Its a bad enough compromise having to drive a diesel these days due to fuel prices but I refuse to drive a 4 cylinder diesel, it's just too unrefined and un-BWM like

I get an average of nearly 46mpg for my car so am hardly at the pumps all the time compared to my average of 21mpg in the M3

[teaston]

Originally Posted by F30AM

Sour grapes ......

Well maybe a little bit! I would love to have no points on my license and be able to enjoy a 330d, but unfortunately I can't!

But really the 320d is still a quick car, same performance as a E46 facelift 330d, and only half a second slower than a E90 330d, and would kill both of them round the twisty roads!

[Torque of the Devil]

Its not about 0-60 times though is it, its about real world shove and torque when squeezing the throttle, in gear 40-80mph, plus the refinement and the 330d engine at the limit does actually sound quite nice.

As for either killing the other round the twisties that is down to the driver more than a 320d vs 330d debate.

[teaston]

Ah damn it, you guys have put doubt in my mind now! So much so that I've just rung a BMW dealer that has a 63 plate 'nearly new' 330d M Sport for sale, to see what lease deal they can do me on it!
I just hope that if they come up with a mega price that my 14 day cooling off period fee won't be too much!

Regarding the round the twistys, I meant how much better the F30 handles compared to previous models.

[F30AM]

Originally Posted by teaston

Ah damn it, you guys have put doubt in my mind now! So much so that I've just rung a BMW dealer that has a 63 plate 'nearly new' 330d M Sport for sale, to see what lease deal they can do me on it!
I just hope that if they come up with a mega price that my 14 day cooling off period fee won't be too much!

Regarding the round the twistys, I meant how much better the F30 handles compared to previous models.

Go for it big boy.
Berry Chiswick has a used Mineral Grey F31 M Sport (£32k) 18" wheels + Black Leather and a used EBII F30 330d M Sport (£??) 19" Wheels + Black Leather. Both with Pro Nav. Both immaculate.

[msej449]

I'm still running-in my new 330d (below, mineral grey) and am getting an average 48.5mpg staying in 'Comfort' and 'Eco-pro' modes. This is on 50% dual-carriageways and 50% cross-country. I'm quite impressed. I have done some motorway runs and actually, most of the time I used 'Eco-pro' other than, as has been mentioned, getting back up to cruising speed.



I suppose you may ask what the point is of going for the bigger engine? For me, it's smoothness and easy power demand - overall a smoother driving experience. When some of my work journeys take me 4+ hours each way, via both motorways and cross-country, then comfort, agility and smoothness (with the occasional lively interlude) makes a big difference.

[teaston]

Well the dealer got back to me earlier, and for the same initial payment (£1500) they want £546 a month on pcp!!

I can get a brand new one with similar spec for nearly £100 a month less than that!

So 320d is the right choice for me.