[F30Andy]

Originally Posted by Brigand

If you have no problems with your 330d Sdrive, then just get another but choose the toys you need.

330d Sdrive with mppk....

I certainly second that.

[leon1984]

Originally Posted by F30Andy

I certainly second that.

To the OP - they are supporting the 4 series at the moment, it comes better spec'd and with the GC you could say more practical?

I just got a 430d GC M Sport, on a 5k mile contract for £313 a month (£2.8k down). When you factor in pro nav/leccy seats/heated seats etc even with paying the excess mileage for 10k miles it is still only £400 a month

[PA11L JJ]

If you like a bit of spirited driving on the bendy stuff dont get the 335d unless you are willing to put the ACS springs on it.

MPG difference between the two is pretty much negligable, its not like your going to drop a significant amount switching into the 335d.

If I were going back to diesel it would be the 335d with ACS springs all day long. On a standing start it goes off like a scalded cat and I hate to admit it but I think I would have real trouble matching it off the line in my M3 and wouldnt even be close on an even slightly damp track.

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by brent71196

.... so does the xdrive ride, corner or do anything "better" than the sdrive?...........

The main thing an xdrive does better of course is traction - and you will notice this everyday you drive it, more so in the wet. And you dont need to be driving like a loon to notice it either. Mainly noticeable when pulling out of junctions and roundabouts and in the wet its a giggle with no loss of traction and NO traction light flickering! As above very quick from a standstill as it can get the power down.

The downside is that it adds slightly more weight to the car and for some as mentioned, doesnt allow the rear to slip quite as easily. Personally that doesn't bother me as I'm quite happy with all four wheel pointing in the same direction!

The standard springs are SE springs and not M Sport springs, however we are yet to learn what they'll do with the LCI 335d, it could be better. If not then ACS springs significantly improve the handling and are well worth the cost. I personally found the ride very slight better than the standard SE springs.

Cant really comment on how it compares to an sdrive F30 330d though.

[recall5150]

(335xd): "Actually even as standard I can see why people still like it."

This is so true.

Treat the xd as a rapid do-everything barge (not a track tool) and it makes perfect sense, even without the better springs. Ride height good for rutted roads and fields also. Some plastic cladding on mine and it would be an allroad eater.

[recall5150]

Originally Posted by recall5150

(335xd): "Actually even as standard I can see why people still like it."

This is so true.

Treat the xd as a rapid do-everything barge (not a track tool) and it makes perfect sense, even without the better springs. Ride height good for rutted roads and fields also. Some plastic cladding on mine and it would be an allroad eater.

Won't be doing this, obv.

[Steven1077]

Why is everyone is such a hurry in the wet? Can you actually stop an xdrive faster than sdrive? As for no loss of traction in the wet that's BS, when I was driving my 335d it lost traction many times in the wet, okay it still pulled away but to say you don't get the traction light is just wrong, I've even had the wheel spinning at 70mph which was no fun, no doubt changing the tyres would have helped that though

[recall5150]

Originally Posted by Steven1077

Why is everyone is such a hurry in the wet? Can you actually stop an xdrive faster than sdrive? As for no loss of traction in the wet that's BS, when I was driving my 335d it lost traction many times in the wet, okay it still pulled away but to say you don't get the traction light is just wrong, I've even had the wheel spinning at 70mph which was no fun, no doubt changing the tyres would have helped that though

Yes you can.

The large gaps under the wheel arches act as airbrakes

[Proftinkerpot]

I drove a 330d and ordered a 335d having never driven one. Absolutely no regrets over my decision. Come change time it will be another 35d. Fantastic engine. Economical when you need it to be and fun when you want. Both cars are deceptively fast. The 335d has a more aggressive edge and I think the benefits of x drive in the wet are worth the slightly higher ride height. If it bothers you then a set of ACS springs fitted and warranted by your dealer sorts that out.

[Rich9600]

Originally Posted by brent71196

Hello everyone I'm new to the site and apologise if this thread has already popped up.

I'll be brief, currently I'm lucky enough to have an F30 330d M Sport (non active) in Estoril Blue. Best car I've ever had by far, amazing engine, cracking gearbox and it see's 50mpg on my commute to the West Midlands.

However it's time to change and, this is on lease mind, I've been given the option to get another 330d or step up to a 335d x drive with active suspension for the same money, actually slightly less.

The question is, I cover around 250 miles a week on a commuting run through the Derbyshire dales on my down to the West Midlands, lovely roads you see. The rest of the time it's school runs, etc - so would I notice the difference? I've read the xdrive sits slightly higher, currently with the 19 inch alloys mine can crash and bang about if caught out, but I'd say it's not something that makes me regret getting the car - the handling itself is great, so does the xdrive ride, corner or do anything "better" than the sdrive?

The engine - I'm perfectly happy with 258 BHP, but let's face it 313 BHP for less money sounds good, what's the difference between the two, I'm assuming the 335 has more mid range from its extra turbo, forgive me if I'm wrong.

MPG, I'm currently getting 50+ on a good run in comfort, I get around 25 when being a boy.

Any advice or experienced 330d to 335d drivers out there?

I'd appreciate any help, cheers.

You already know the limitations of the 30d in sDrive configuration. So, if these don't impinge on your life or driving, then you don't 'need' an xDrive...

Last winter I drove many cold northern roads under very mixed conditions on winter tyres and got everywhere I wanted to, and importantly stooped well.

I've driven a couple of xDrive cars, under normal driving the system is very unobtrusive and I only really noticed it when I deliberately tried something that would upset an sDrive. The car still feels like a balanced car. Though, you get great T-junction joining ability without any drama, you can certainly apply much more accelerator pressure and power to the road when pulling away and steering at the same time. The down side of the xDrive is body control, though only noticeable when passing on.

Last winter, even with winter tyres fitted to my 330d sDrive, I found I had noticeable wheel slippage at all speeds, when trying to apply the power to the road. You have to 'drive' an sDrive more under these conditions. For quite a lot of the winter I found there was little usable power advantage in a 30d over a 20d, when running 225 winters. Though, I found the need to 'drive' the car under these conditions really quite enjoyable.

With xDrive you can apply more power to the road and without the light footed approach sometimes needed with an sDrive... However, as noted above, you also need to be able to stop...

They are both very accomplished cars. To me, under the deal you've been offered, a touring 35d xDrive seems obvious for its lifestyle and utility benefits. However, a saloon is personal choice.

[tjlees]

No brainer - get the 335d if it's cheaper than the 330d.

Add a tuning box/remap if you want more power.

Probably remove the active and replace with ACS or have both.

No sure I'd have AWD on the track, but on UK damp/wet roads it ridiculously good fun even with just adaptive!

For winter BMW Xdrive gives you traction not extra grip/stopping power all things being equal. It's not a torque vectoring system and can only vary power between axles.

[KevinLevin]

Originally Posted by Slipperyshoe

Having not driven an sdrive and owning an xdrive I can say 100% that the xdrive is much faster and betterer in every way.

Tight lines.

Even the suspension?

Betterer?!

[jusdorange]

Originally Posted by Steven1077

Why is everyone is such a hurry in the wet? Can you actually stop an xdrive faster than sdrive? As for no loss of traction in the wet that's BS, when I was driving my 335d it lost traction many times in the wet, okay it still pulled away but to say you don't get the traction light is just wrong, I've even had the wheel spinning at 70mph which was no fun, no doubt changing the tyres would have helped that though

Same

The only poInt being made is - it's faster in the wet

I don't go fast in rain , pointless

[Randolph13]

Have just had a morning out on the back roads in N Yorkshire and Cumbria, using eco-pro, sports and stick left sports with paddles in my 335 xdrive with adaptive suspension. Why ecopro - just right on a twisty road with 5 slow cars in front and where there are no straight bits, other than that great fun in the other modes and didn't notice any wallowing.
Before this I drove a 330D for 9 years and before that an MGBV8 - now that did have a whippy back end in the wet.

Only done a couple of thou in this car and think it's the best.

[Andy30D]

However did people manage before xdrive etc!

Some cars ONLY HAVE ONE MODE OMG sorry I'm being sarcastic...apparently I'm quite good at it.

I've recently decided to only use sports mode. This is because it is better in every way. If I want a better response I put the stick to the left and if I want to go manual I do. Comfort is fine if I have my boss in the car and don't want to kill anyone...

Eco pro I am now convinced was an idea of the SNP and/or labour (unsure the difference these days) and so refuse to use it.

The mpg difference is so minimal it makes no sense...

Oh and I don't pay for any diesel

Wish we had twist roads though I spend most of my time staring at the back end of a lorry!

Random post over


Andy

[alpine330D]

The s-drive 330d is more of an event when accelerating, you can really feel the shove.In the 335xd its so smooth it actually doesnt feel as fast, even though its the faster car.

I put my 330sd against my bro's 435xd from 50-120 (private road of course both starting in sport manual,3rd gear and even though mine seemed to lunge forward on the take off, he was 2 car lengths ahead at 120, but it was only really 75+ where his pulled away.In all honesty the gap wasnt as much as id expected so the xd is losing a higher percentage though the transmission.

As others have said drive both as you may prefer the power delivery of one or the other.

[rokut]

Both great cars, both great options to have. I have a big heavy 335d GT, don't do much back-lane blasting anymore (usually full of kids & wife or cruising on the motorway) and it is a very fast, (can be) very efficient and effortless steer.
I came from a 330d sDrive but in SE spec so I miss the fun/ action that RWD gives but with SE I was used to slightly floaty handling.

I think you must test drive as everyone feels things differently but I reckon an Adaptive spec'd 335d will bring you just as much joy as the 330d sDrive, maybe more depending on how you appreciate acceleration. I agree that the 330d feels quicker, but the speedo tells you the 335d is actually the slightly quicker. Horses for courses. Give one a whirl and see what you think.

[AndyTo]

Originally Posted by jusdorange

Same

The only poInt being made is - it's faster in the wet

I don't go fast in rain , pointless

I don't think anyone is saying they don a kamikaze headband when it's hammering with rain, just it is nice to still be able to get a decent amount of power down in certain situations, even when roads are wet.

As an example, when raining recently I was in lane 2 coming off a roundabout on the A43 with some douche, desperate to overtake as many car as possible on a roundabout, attempting to drive into me in lane 3 when he has only 20 metres of road left, Audi dude behind is tucked up close to not let the car next to him in, so a dab on the brakes wasn't ideal, and i could just floor it and get myself out of trouble. It's those, admittedly rare situations, that xdrive has a significant advantage.

[Apl440i or 335d?]

Originally Posted by AndyTo

I don't think anyone is saying they don a kamikaze headband when it's hammering with rain, just it is nice to still be able to get a decent amount of power down in certain situations, even when roads are wet.

As an example, when raining recently I was in lane 2 coming off a roundabout on the A43 with some douche, desperate to overtake as many car as possible on a roundabout, attempting to drive into me in lane 3 when he has only 20 metres of road left, Audi dude behind is tucked up close to not let the car next to him in, so a dab on the brakes wasn't ideal, and i could just floor it and get myself out of trouble. It's those, admittedly rare situations, that xdrive has a significant advantage.

Having owned a f30 335d, I would recommend a 330d s drive with ppk...

[Slipperyshoe]

Originally Posted by KevinLevin

Even the suspension?

Betterer?!

Sorry, I couldn't help but fish last night; even the tight lines and poor use of grammar clues didn't stop a couple of bites!

To the OP- You have unwittingly asked a perfectly innocent question that has inevitably caused a fair few differing opinions (either that or you are a truly inspirational fisherman). Owners of both xdrive and sdrive will vehemently defend their decision for purchasing one over the other but the truth is both cars are fantastic and you will not regret buying either one.

There is some great advice above but long and short of it, it really comes down to your need and of course your driving style. As the costs are fairly similar you really just need to have a drive in an xdrive in both the wet and dry (as you already have an sdrive I'm assuming you are already pretty familiar with it!) and then decide which one is for you.

ACS springs should perhaps be factored into your equation which may bring the cost of a 335 slightly higher. However if you hang around here for long it is extremely unlikely you will leave either as standard.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by Slipperyshoe

Sorry, I couldn't help but fish last night; even the tight lines and poor use of grammar clues didn't stop a couple of bites!

To the OP- You have unwittingly asked a perfectly innocent question that has inevitably caused a fair few differing opinions (either that or you are a truly inspirational fisherman). Owners of both xdrive and sdrive will vehemently defend their decision for purchasing one over the other but the truth is both cars are fantastic and you will not regret buying either one.

There is some great advice above but long and short of it, it really comes down to your need and of course your driving style. As the costs are fairly similar you really just need to have a drive in an xdrive in both the wet and dry (as you already have an sdrive I'm assuming you are already pretty familiar with it!) and then decide which one is for you.

ACS springs should perhaps be factored into your equation which may bring the cost of a 335 slightly higher. However if you hang around here for long it is extremely unlikely you will leave either as standard.

+1

Although I would say for the 335d factor in the ACS springs.

For the 330d Sdrive factor in power upgrade (not that you really need it).

If you driven from Derbyshire to West Midlands for a few years, then you will be used to winter driving.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by Apl000?

Having owned a f30 335d, I would recommend a 330d s drive with ppk...

Because you've extensively driven one of them? :

The one person who drove my car has a 330d strive already and then went away and looked in to changing it for a 335d!...

They decided the cost to change wasn't worth it in the end but is still doing tyres, springs, anti-roll bars, so let's not get too carried away with how good a standard drive is.