[David1234567]

Having recently just sold my 135I convertible I have decided to grow up a little and go for something more subtle but that still can push me back into my seat. I have ordered a BMW 430d m sport, 19" wheels, Sun glass in Estoril blue and Dakota black leather. Recently I have been having second thoughts and I'm still in a position to change.

The cars a company car but the scheme where I work means I literally could have ordered most cars, the following entered my final list:

428I m sport, auto box
430d (as above)
335d x drive (really prefer the coupe but cheaper list means this is affordable 435d too expensive!)
235I
420d lots of options ie professional Sat nav , hud etc


I decided the 430d was the best balance, but now not sure (especially as I can't find a review and BMW couldn't get me one to test drive!). What's everyone s thoughts on the list!?

[happycow6171]

I you can get past the looks the engine in the 335d is fantastic, had my 335d tourer 2 weeks and best car I've ever owned, marked difference between 30d and 35d really is a different beast!!...

[David1234567]

Thanks for the reply, is it very very noticeable, stats suggest about 0.5 seconds to 60 slower but it's real world driving I'm more interested in. The 135 always had an abundance of power available.

Not to swear but how's the 35d 's mpg!?

[happycow6171]

Clocked up 1250 miles or so averaging 42 mpg, its not just about 0 to 60, more low down grunt, plus you'd think there was a v8 under the hood!.

[pflau]

The Diesel is definitely an excellent choice. But do keep in mind though that the redline is low so if you have a thing about being able to rev an engine to 7000 RPM you might be disappointed.

[David1234567]

Having never driven a diesel that's my concern. I like the fact I should have waves of torque and no lag but feel at the right revs and gear the petrol derivatives would always leave me behind.

[stormlv]

The new engine in the 335d/435d is amazing - you won't regret it if you get it.

Take a look at the "standard" stats between 435xi 435xd
----------------------435xi------435xd
--0 - 100 km/h--------4,9---------4.7
-80 - 180 km/h--------13.6-------11.8

That said, if I were you I'd keep the 430d and maybe get the PPK later on - which will bring its performance closer to the 435d.

EDIT:

To be fair, as much as I love my 435d I wish it sounded better when accelerating. It can't match the howl of the N55
Also, keep in mind that diesels take a bit more to get up to temperature than a petrol engine.

[chylld]

428i M sport gran coupe

cheaper than the coupe but still with coupe looks and more practical than the 335.

[David1234567]

I would love the 435d and probably had a choice my fiance or the car, it was really close!

When's the 4 series grand coupe out?

My 135I was the N54 but it made an incredible noise even on a cold morning start up! When you pushed it, wow I would turn the stereo off to listen.

The 435d is just too much money for me currently, I started at a 420d, quickly abandoned that, then a 235I then a 430d so to add another 5k will leave me saying let's just get an M4 .

[fcp40i]

Had a similar dilema myself, and at the end i chosed the 335d. Better performance, but without the look the GC has. With the same money i have everything i wan't. In the GC it was impossible. I'm confident i made the right coice.

[Steven1077]

Drove a 428l for about a month and loved it, ended up part x my 335d for a 435i,for me the 335d only did 8mpg more than the 435l and took ages to warm up,; the 435l is blowing warm air about 2 minutes after starting, the 335d took about 15 minutes, I decided diesel was not for me

[nicknaz]

if you can order most cars, I would go with a Porsche. Forget BMW

among those cars, I personally would get the 335d. Very subtle/grown up... or the 235, for the faster acceleration.. but not much different than 135

[David1234567]

Thanks all, not many people or going for the 430d, I thought it was the best compromise of looks, speed and economy for the money.

Starting to worry I have bought I car on stats rather than real life ability. 335d did impress me but but honestly prefer the look of the 4 series. Considering going for the 428i instead.

I did look at a Porsche but with a family of 3 somebody would have done alot of walking 😉

[Steven1077]

No need to worry,it will look and drive great even if it sounds like a taxi lol

[chylld]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

if you can order most cars, I would go with a Porsche. Forget BMW

The new Porsche Macan is a very practical and fast option, and very good value too. I had one on order and it was very close between that and the 4GC but in the end I liked the looks of the BMW better. Porsche interior quality is a bit better though

[MMVI]

What did you go for?

[David1234567]

Thanks for all the replies.

I went for the 430d and too be honest it's incredible, absolutely brilliant. It looks great and comes with plenty of equipment, now as standard they get Bluetooth audio and enhanced connected drive.

Currently 300 miles in and can't find anything it doesn't do well, be it cruising on the motorway, stuck in traffic or accelerating faster than most hot hatches. I'm getting 41 combined, although I'm more of put my foot down occasionally sort of person then heavy right foot. When I do switch to sports + it genuinely feels faster than the 135I, particularly say from 20, it suck in you into your seat fast.

Other concerns I had were the upgraded 19inch alloys and comfort, needn't of worried it's smooth (remember 135 prior though!).

Can't believe I haven't seen more in the road.

Any questions about it let me know.

Cheers
David

[Dave_3]

Congrats. I think the 430D is a fantastic blend of qualities (and that is from someone who came from an E92 335D). Also available without Xdrive which sealed the deal for me.

It just gets better as the miles pile on.

D.

[MMVI]

I've ordered a 430d too. Can't wait.

[David1234567]

Honestly MMVI, I can't find a flaw, not one. It's fast, economical, good looking, makes a decent noise and is comfortable!! I have challenged my girlfriend to find something it doesn't do well and all she could suggest was off roading!!

I put my foot flat to the floor today and even a motorbike was massively shocked, he actually gave me the thumbs up and at the lights said he was shocked.



The waiting is the only problem, hope you got professional Sat nav, I didn't and too be honest regret it.

Dave_3, seriously have you found anything it doesn't do well???

Love it.

[MMVI]

I have. Pro nav. HK audio, 19" wheels, split seats, breather in body colour and am grey outside and red inside.

I have not driven one and have only heard the unit when started and idled by a dealer.

I am really hoping for two things. The first is that unlike my current 2.0d engine (my first) it pulls all the way to the limiter and second it sounds and is as smooth as I imagine it could be.

I had two petrol straight sixes before my current car and I miss their sophistication and endless pull.

Great to hear you love it. It was a tussle between the 3.0d and the 428 but the co2, mpg and cylinder count won out.

[David1234567]

I had the same debate betweent the 428I and 430d, even more so after having a 135I. I had a 420d on test for 3 days, wasn't impressed 4 cylinder engine sounded like a taxi, stop start give you a shake and whilst not slow not fast. To reasuure you the 430d is the complete opposite, the engine is super smooth and given my 135I I'm not disappointed with the way it pulls to the red line. Only thing I honestly miss is the noise of the petrol, 430d is as good a noise a diesel can make but the petrol wow it was something else.

Similar theme with 428, to similar in cost and as a package it wasn't as attractive as the 430d, although I would have loved the 435d!!
I got the 19's, privacy rear glass in estoril blue with Dakota black.

My 420d was in the grey and was stunning it wasn't even the m sport and only had 18's but was still really nice.