[Biogeny]

just had one dropped off while they take a look at my 335d for a couple of days. Its a 420d manual unfortunately but i'll take it for a spin and let people know what it think of it.

first thing is looks very attractive, although its a sport trim in silver so i don't think it shows it off in the best light.

2nd thing-the 335d is so much more engine, smoother and quieter and i wouldnt have a manual any more

[Biogeny]

its a 420d xdrive non-adaptive and i swear the body control is better than f30/31 with xdrive.

manual 420d not much fun and very coarse compared to auto 335d.

it is very pretty though and did get a few second takes on the mean streets of croydon.

the boot-which is assume is the main selling point?-has a rather large lip like the one series boot and so not practical enough for me.

nice car, also think goodyear eagle f1 runflats were better than my bridgestone s001

[dopper99]

The 420d will feel more nimble as it is lighter, simple as that!

I drove an X1 118d xdrive the other week and it felt more nimble than my car.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by dopper99

The 420d will feel more nimble as it is lighter, simple as that!

I drove an X1 118d xdrive the other week and it felt more nimble than my car.

Can the weight really make that much difference? The 335d is only 75kgs heavier, so just like having a slim bloke in the car with you!

I definitely don't believe the 320d handles differently to the 330d, which quite a few people say they do, but there's only 35kgs difference in them!

[Alkidrew]

Originally Posted by teaston

Can the weight really make that much difference? The 335d is only 75kgs heavier, so just like having a slim bloke in the car with you!

I definitely don't believe the 320d handles differently to the 330d, which quite a few people say they do, but there's only 35kgs difference in them!

Only 75kgs but that's an adult and they're low down in the engine bay in front of the wheels so would make a big difference.

Some interesting years ahead if the whole small turbo petrol and hybrid technology works to keep it light or lighter still...

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Alkidrew

Only 75kgs but that's an adult and they're low down in the engine bay in front of the wheels so would make a big difference.

Some interesting years ahead if the whole small turbo petrol and hybrid technology works to keep it light or lighter still...

Surely the weight being low down is better, giving lower centre of gravity!

And aren't BMW's well known for not having any engine weight in front of the front wheel!? audi of course are known for the opposite!

[pmgreenwood]

Originally Posted by teaston

Can the weight really make that much difference? The 335d is only 75kgs heavier, so just like having a slim bloke in the car with you!

I definitely don't believe the 320d handles differently to the 330d, which quite a few people say they do, but there's only 35kgs difference in them!

rThe weight and the impact on handling is the reason autocat gave the 330D 4 stars and the 320D 5 stars

[JD6]

Originally Posted by teaston

Can the weight really make that much difference? The 335d is only 75kgs heavier, so just like having a slim bloke in the car with you!

I definitely don't believe the 320d handles differently to the 330d, which quite a few people say they do, but there's only 35kgs difference in them!

The 330d M Sport weighs 1615kg vs 1505 for the 320d M Sport auto according to the BMW site. 110kg difference

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by teaston

Can the weight really make that much difference? The 335d is only 75kgs heavier, so just like having a slim bloke in the car with you!

I definitely don't believe the 320d handles differently to the 330d, which quite a few people say they do, but there's only 35kgs difference in them!

Yes I agree, the X1 I drove whilst my springs were being done wasnt a great deal lighter than my car on paper, yet it felt more chuckable and less body roll.
Maybe the shorter wheelbase helps, dunno.

It was an M Sport xdrive but the ride was VERY firm, much firmer than my car with either springs on it. No way there was SE springs on that car.