[AntF32]

Right - some background.

For the past 10 years or so my daily has been diesel, since moving over to BMW either a 435D, X4 35D or most recently 335D Touring. Up to March 2019 my annual commute was circa 25k miles mostly motorway so Diesel was the only viable option.

I'm now in the position where my annual mileage has dropped significantly to circa 6k miles, mostly shortish trips with the odd Italian tuneup so ended up selling my high spec 435D to take advantage of the utterly bonkers used car market with a view to get a sh!tbox to drive around for a while but ended up buying a 2017 335D Touring. In hindsight selling the 435D was a massive mistake as it ticked all the boxes but I was seduced by the prospect of making £3k more than what i paid for it 12 months prior.

Wallet 1 - Common Sense 0. Idiot

A friend was looking for a F31 and couldn't find one with the spec he wanted, he jokingly throw a number at me to sell mine. Well i've taken a deposit against it and it's due to be collected next week.

So what's my point - Save me rocking in my chair and help me make a decision what to get next.

Criteria
* I do like optional extras - HUD, 360 camera etc
* Gran Coupe is my strong preference.

440i
Whilst petrol would be the obvious answer and I have seen a couple with the extras I want, both with and without MPPSK, i'm not a hugh fan of loud obnoxious exhausts especially on start up. Also pops and bangs aren't my thing.

435D
I know what to expect, is a torque monster but could become an issue if not driven regally / hard enough.

It's likely my commute will increase to circa 10k miles next year as I will be returning to the office 1-2 days a week so i'm undecided as whether i should try petrol or if a louder exhaust is going to annoy me / neighbours.

[fuzzybunny]

I love my 435d convertible, effortless and quiet power, good mpg, what's not to like! Despite the plans to stop new sales, there will still be lots of diesel and petrol cars around. Enjoy it while you still can.

[AntF32]

Originally Posted by fuzzybunny

I love my 435d convertible, effortless and quiet power, good mpg, what's not to like! Despite the plans to stop new sales, there will still be lots of diesel and petrol cars around. Enjoy it while you still can.

Thats the thing, love the 435D GC but i've had two plus 335D Touring, my neighbour thinks i'm strange anyway for constantly changing cars, getting another diesel my result in me being sectioned

[TodmordenLad]

I think it depends on annual mileage and where you live, and what you prefer driving, of course. I mention where you live because I'm now within London's ULEZ myself and although it's easy enough to pick up a decent EU6 compliant diesel, things could easily get more draconian for diesel owners and I'm sure other cities will follow suit with bans/restrictions sooner or later.
Both models you mention have great 6cyl engines. I've owned both, B58 with MPPKS and N57 with MPPK. Different characteristics but I loved them both.

[TouringPleb]

I went from a 335d Touring to a 440i GC. I did 16-18k miles a year in the 440i.

Even though the BMW 6 cylinder diesel is probably the best diesel out there, when I got the 440i I was immediately struck by how much quieter and smoother it was.

Economy was naturally better in the diesel but not by a decisive amount to swing the argument towards diesel.

Given the choice of the two, I'd always go for petrol.

[AntF32]

Most of my driving is done outside of areas with ULEZ restrictions and thankfully I don't venture into London much these days

At present i'm covering more local driving within 30 miles from home with the odd long journey to outside of Birmingham but with the potential part time return to the office potentially i would be covering 300 miles a week.

[Techno 9000]

I value the great economy of my (remapped) 435d, but of course the exhaust lacks character. However, I don't find straight six's to be as characterful as say a V8 or a five cylinder. So, on balance I'd still take the Diesel option.

We bought the car intent on doing some big road trips and, with luck, that will still be on in the future.

[robbiep]

If your mileage is that low, then go for a petrol.

[g9icy]

My 435d was ULEZ compliant anyway.

I’ve gone from a 35d to a 40i and my time with diesel is decidedly over as a result.

BUT if you love the torque and don’t care about the engine sound, get the derv. I truly miss the torque and xdrive.

[MY340i]

Went from the 335d xd to the 340i.

340i more fun and lively.

335d more of a q car and faster point to point. Although felt like a washing machine.

[adam.b]

Went from F31 335d to F40 135i, always wanted fast 1 (what a disappointment on gear box side it was), it lasted 6 months and it was replaced with 320i g20. Another mistake! Fuel economy great but it does not drive like 6 pot diesel near it. Long waiting time does not help as I will not wait 6 + months for new car.
In last desperate attempt i have found g21 330d box standard (engine more important than toys inside).
Try 40i and you will see if it ticks correct boxes, for me it needs to be diesel over petrol any day. 330d/335d/340d are so addictive.

[Kermit]

I just bought my 335d at the end of the pcp. Love it to bits. I don't think it'll make a whole heap of difference whether it's diesel or petrol from an environmental perspective in a couple of years, they both burn fossil fuel so will be chucked together as electric cars become mainstream.

[goram]

Not at all mate. I was in a similar boat at the start of the year. I was in a 535d Touring, and wanted to go back to a 3 series. I have a need for speed, but also a love of toys. In the end, I had a list of must haves in terms of spec and decided I'd wait for either a 335d or 340i with the right spec to come along.

So why not do that, make a list of 'must have' spec, and whichever comes along first (435 or 440) and job done. You know what your getting with either engine, both have pros and cons, but both absolute weapons in their own way!

[Kendo67]

Originally Posted by AntF32

i'm not a hugh fan of loud obnoxious exhausts especially on start up. Also pops and bangs aren't my thing.

I have the MPPSK on my 440i , in comfort it is not intrusive at all , sport is a different ball game.

Early morning starts are not an issue , a light bit of pressure on the accelerator quietens it down until the cars brain takes over and keeps it quiet.

K

[G50]

I've had an e350cdi, F31 330d xdrive, f31 330d sdrive(mapped) and now a g30 540i xdrive also mapped.

I wouldn't go back to a diesel now and I do over 30k a year. It helps that my fuel payment from work is more for 3l petrol than 3l diesel, but in day to day driving there isn't a huge amount of difference. The 540 is averaging 34.5mpg over the last 25kmiles, yet is much quicker than any diesel and when mapped is pretty much as torquey, smoother and nicer sounding.

All 3 bmws have been on lowering springs and my g30 is better handling than the f31(though on standard springs they are a bit floaty, similar to a 335d) , around the same weight(some stats show it lighter), 10x better interior.
The only negative is its a bit wider and a bit longer, which makes it tighter on b roads and a bit harder to park.

When I bought mine they were also very similar in price to f3x 40i.

If you're OK with the size I'd definitely consider one, especially if you value xdrive.

[goram]

Originally Posted by G50

I've had an e350cdi, F31 330d xdrive, f31 330d sdrive(mapped) and now a g30 540i xdrive also mapped.

I wouldn't go back to a diesel now and I do over 30k a year. It helps that my fuel payment from work is more for 3l petrol than 3l diesel, but in day to day driving there isn't a huge amount of difference. The 540 is averaging 34.5mpg over the last 25kmiles, yet is much quicker than any diesel and when mapped is pretty much as torquey, smoother and nicer sounding.

All 3 bmws have been on lowering springs and my g30 is better handling than the f31(though on standard springs they are a bit floaty, similar to a 335d) , around the same weight(some stats show it lighter), 10x better interior.
The only negative is its a bit wider and a bit longer, which makes it tighter on b roads and a bit harder to park.

When I bought mine they were also very similar in price to f3x 40i.

If you're OK with the size I'd definitely consider one, especially if you value xdrive.

Is that the bottom of Ben Nevis?!

[G50]

Originally Posted by goram

Is that the bottom of Ben Nevis?!

No, Coniston in the lake district.

This is bottom of Ben Nevis (well mostly out of shot to the far right in the cloud)

[Racing Teatray]

Originally Posted by Kendo67

I have the MPPSK on my 440i , in comfort it is not intrusive at all , sport is a different ball game.

Early morning starts are not an issue , a light bit of pressure on the accelerator quietens it down until the cars brain takes over and keeps it quiet.

K

This ^^. I do the same. And also press the gate opener and wait for the gate to open before turning the car on...

I wouldn't go diesel just because having had a 330d I found the diesel engine dull compared to the petrol, plus the 40i gives such remarkable fuel economy for a 360bhp straight six petrol, especially at a motorway cruise, that I don't need the extra economy of a diesel.

[Jon TDI]

I now do low mileage, but love the low down grunt of my 330d.
Not gonna get rid any time soon……and if I did, it would probably be another big diesel.

[C320]

Given your mileage, definitely go petrol

6 Cylinder petrol is a nice place to be, enjoy them whilst you can!

[225]

Not sure on your budget but is an early m340i within reach? more power than an mppk f series with good torque but not as many pops and bangs. Plus has xdrive you are used to.

[Alpina 91]

When I was looking for replacment f series Alpina it would been nice to get a petrol B3. But these cars are so rare and expensive so i settled for the D4.

To be honest I’m glad I got the D4 .The 350 Hp 700 nm and 40+ mpg. It sounds
very good for a diesel ( acrapovic exhaust helps) .

Just need to find a decent remap.