Any 435d X drive owners out there?
Discussion
As ever, it's a case of have a drive and see what you think!
I've never driven a 435d but I own an F31 335d and have driven both an M135i and a 435i. Personally I think the 435d would feel quite different from the M135i; it's bigger, heavier and, while there may not be much in it in straight line performance, I think the M135i would feel much more agile and fun to drive (especially on a twisty road). For driver appeal I'd also say the N55 petrol engine still trumps the diesel although the engine in the 335d is easily the best oil burner I've experienced and works very well with the 8-speed auto. I'd expect the 435d to be more of a cruiser; quieter, smoother riding and a better mile-muncher on the motorway. However, if my experience is anything to go by it won't necessarily give massively better fuel consumption as I've seen plenty of M135i owners claim mid-30's as an average and my 335d is doing just under 40; I guess a 435d would be a bit better but I doubt it would be even 10mpg better than the M135i in normal driving. My only other pearl of wisdom would be to check the situation with regards to suspension if you go the 435d route; on the 3-series all X-Drives have SE suspension (even the M-Sport versions) and it can be a bit soft if you don't specify adaptive suspension. Not sure if the 4-series is the same but if it is adaptive is a very desirable option IMO (especially if you're coming from something like an M135i).
I've never driven a 435d but I own an F31 335d and have driven both an M135i and a 435i. Personally I think the 435d would feel quite different from the M135i; it's bigger, heavier and, while there may not be much in it in straight line performance, I think the M135i would feel much more agile and fun to drive (especially on a twisty road). For driver appeal I'd also say the N55 petrol engine still trumps the diesel although the engine in the 335d is easily the best oil burner I've experienced and works very well with the 8-speed auto. I'd expect the 435d to be more of a cruiser; quieter, smoother riding and a better mile-muncher on the motorway. However, if my experience is anything to go by it won't necessarily give massively better fuel consumption as I've seen plenty of M135i owners claim mid-30's as an average and my 335d is doing just under 40; I guess a 435d would be a bit better but I doubt it would be even 10mpg better than the M135i in normal driving. My only other pearl of wisdom would be to check the situation with regards to suspension if you go the 435d route; on the 3-series all X-Drives have SE suspension (even the M-Sport versions) and it can be a bit soft if you don't specify adaptive suspension. Not sure if the 4-series is the same but if it is adaptive is a very desirable option IMO (especially if you're coming from something like an M135i).
Driven similar cars.
Currently in a M235i; going into a 430d xDrive next week. I tried a colleagues 435d for about a week and would have loved to have ordered one myself; sadly I needed a car sooner rather than later as forgot to order a replacement car so had to settle for a 430d due to lead times.
The car feels heavier, larger, and less sporty than the M235i; although this is expected. When driving the M235i, I've always got a smile on my face as it's got a nice sound, apart from filling up all the time, and it's nimble and agile when getting it on a back road. That being said, the 435d was no slouch. The xDrive really helps in getting the power and the torque down, and is probably quicker in a straight line. Overtaking in it is a peach as the peak torque band is instant due to only being at 1500-2500 RPM.
Much nicer on the motorway, plus if you sit in the fast lane for most of the journey, I found people get out of your way much quicker when I was driving the 4 as I assume it's down to the bigger road presence.
Overall, driving one for a week made me decide to go back to diesel power in a bigger car as I just felt it was a better day to day, plus I do a lot of miles. I really liked the fact that most people will just see it as a bog standard 420d company car, but it's not and will shift quite considerably. One thing I don't like about the M235i which I didn't get in my limited time with the 4 was the amount of times some young lads in their Golf GTI's and other cars like that rev their engine at traffic lights wanting you to race with them, sitting by you on the motorway/dual carriageways etc. Guess the car attracts a younger, boy racer generation.
Economy was quite different. I've got about 27 from the M235i over 9,000 miles; I averaged 43 over 1,000 miles with the same driving style on the 435d so was very happy to say the least. The fact you're even asking the question would suggest to me you're not adverse to a diesel, which is what puts most people off in the first place.
FYI, on a side note, a fair few people have commented that a 640d with it's discounts available is just as cheap as 435d. It's not with my company car so can't comment on what rates are like, but that's what people are saying.
Currently in a M235i; going into a 430d xDrive next week. I tried a colleagues 435d for about a week and would have loved to have ordered one myself; sadly I needed a car sooner rather than later as forgot to order a replacement car so had to settle for a 430d due to lead times.
The car feels heavier, larger, and less sporty than the M235i; although this is expected. When driving the M235i, I've always got a smile on my face as it's got a nice sound, apart from filling up all the time, and it's nimble and agile when getting it on a back road. That being said, the 435d was no slouch. The xDrive really helps in getting the power and the torque down, and is probably quicker in a straight line. Overtaking in it is a peach as the peak torque band is instant due to only being at 1500-2500 RPM.
Much nicer on the motorway, plus if you sit in the fast lane for most of the journey, I found people get out of your way much quicker when I was driving the 4 as I assume it's down to the bigger road presence.
Overall, driving one for a week made me decide to go back to diesel power in a bigger car as I just felt it was a better day to day, plus I do a lot of miles. I really liked the fact that most people will just see it as a bog standard 420d company car, but it's not and will shift quite considerably. One thing I don't like about the M235i which I didn't get in my limited time with the 4 was the amount of times some young lads in their Golf GTI's and other cars like that rev their engine at traffic lights wanting you to race with them, sitting by you on the motorway/dual carriageways etc. Guess the car attracts a younger, boy racer generation.
Economy was quite different. I've got about 27 from the M235i over 9,000 miles; I averaged 43 over 1,000 miles with the same driving style on the 435d so was very happy to say the least. The fact you're even asking the question would suggest to me you're not adverse to a diesel, which is what puts most people off in the first place.
FYI, on a side note, a fair few people have commented that a 640d with it's discounts available is just as cheap as 435d. It's not with my company car so can't comment on what rates are like, but that's what people are saying.
Edited by Snollygoster on Thursday 13th November 17:26
I will make test drive enquiries but I can't imagine its a model many dealers would have in the pool. And I find it a little bit pointless when they offer you a lower model instead to test drive.
I have this M1'er on contract hire with our company, I have a small van I use for commuting so this is a evening and weekend machine.
You see some fantastic lease deals but I don't want a car the size of a 6 series. I'm one of the directors of the company so fortunately Im quite budget flexible.
The car has been a near perfect match for my needs. enough power than most and a fun drive, but sensible and practical enough when required, however this past year Ive found myself doing a lot more motorway miles than I expected, and whilst I have averaged 37mpg the odd time on a long motorway run, I was doing no more than 75mph and get above 80-83mph and the M135i fuel economy starts to drop.
I've had 330d touring 6 years ago and could hit 40mpg at about 90 mph plus on a motorway run so that sort of economy is what appeals to the penny pinching part of me.
To be honest the 435d isn't my first choice but I suspect that my other choices will be beyond the budget I have in mind, and I see this as a back up.
I have this M1'er on contract hire with our company, I have a small van I use for commuting so this is a evening and weekend machine.
You see some fantastic lease deals but I don't want a car the size of a 6 series. I'm one of the directors of the company so fortunately Im quite budget flexible.
The car has been a near perfect match for my needs. enough power than most and a fun drive, but sensible and practical enough when required, however this past year Ive found myself doing a lot more motorway miles than I expected, and whilst I have averaged 37mpg the odd time on a long motorway run, I was doing no more than 75mph and get above 80-83mph and the M135i fuel economy starts to drop.
I've had 330d touring 6 years ago and could hit 40mpg at about 90 mph plus on a motorway run so that sort of economy is what appeals to the penny pinching part of me.
To be honest the 435d isn't my first choice but I suspect that my other choices will be beyond the budget I have in mind, and I see this as a back up.
LeapingDeere said:
I will make test drive enquiries but I can't imagine its a model many dealers would have in the pool. And I find it a little bit pointless when they offer you a lower model instead to test drive.
I have this M1'er on contract hire with our company, I have a small van I use for commuting so this is a evening and weekend machine.
You see some fantastic lease deals but I don't want a car the size of a 6 series. I'm one of the directors of the company so fortunately Im quite budget flexible.
The car has been a near perfect match for my needs. enough power than most and a fun drive, but sensible and practical enough when required, however this past year Ive found myself doing a lot more motorway miles than I expected, and whilst I have averaged 37mpg the odd time on a long motorway run, I was doing no more than 75mph and get above 80-83mph and the M135i fuel economy starts to drop.
I've had 330d touring 6 years ago and could hit 40mpg at about 90 mph plus on a motorway run so that sort of economy is what appeals to the penny pinching part of me.
To be honest the 435d isn't my first choice but I suspect that my other choices will be beyond the budget I have in mind, and I see this as a back up.
I think you'd have to be doing a lot of miles for fuel cost to be one of the main concerns on a company car (I imagine you're not on a weekend car). You'll probably find the BIK category would make a bigger difference (with a like for like P11D).I have this M1'er on contract hire with our company, I have a small van I use for commuting so this is a evening and weekend machine.
You see some fantastic lease deals but I don't want a car the size of a 6 series. I'm one of the directors of the company so fortunately Im quite budget flexible.
The car has been a near perfect match for my needs. enough power than most and a fun drive, but sensible and practical enough when required, however this past year Ive found myself doing a lot more motorway miles than I expected, and whilst I have averaged 37mpg the odd time on a long motorway run, I was doing no more than 75mph and get above 80-83mph and the M135i fuel economy starts to drop.
I've had 330d touring 6 years ago and could hit 40mpg at about 90 mph plus on a motorway run so that sort of economy is what appeals to the penny pinching part of me.
To be honest the 435d isn't my first choice but I suspect that my other choices will be beyond the budget I have in mind, and I see this as a back up.
Snollygoster said:
FYI, on a side note, a fair few people have commented that a 640d with it's discounts available is just as cheap as 435d. It's not with my company car so can't comment on what rates are like, but that's what people are saying.
Yes, I was one of the 640d folk.Edited by Snollygoster on Thursday 13th November 17:26
I went to BMW to look at getting a new M3 initially to replace my C63 but wasn't blown away especially with the noise and lack of deals, decided to get something else until I can get a new C63S in 2 years (when the good deals are back) and looked at a 435d. As chatting to the salesman I mentioned that I really liked the 640d and he told me that due to discounts he could get me a cracking deal. In fact similarly specced the 640d is a bargain next to 435d.
The only restraint is that you need to reel in the spec to standard or a few bits on the 640d. Also if you go basic on the 435d it will be similar or cheaper.
I wanted Pro Nav, elec memory seats, contrast leather dash etc so it made perfect sense to me. My only concern was a buying a car that is due for a facelift late next year, but the facelift will be so limited and the cars are relatively rare so that won't matter too much.
My Imola Red 640d Coupe arrives just before Xmas and I can't wait... although it's going to be one tough day waving goodbye to my C63!
aeropilot said:
So why on earth do you need to replace the M135 with a 435dX-drive then.
Bonkers.
As I said the 435d isn't my first choice. In an ideal world I'd love the new c63, looks like a beast but as its a new model I cant see there being any good lease deals for a while yet. I've also looked at the RS4 as I've seen some reasonable deals on them around.Bonkers.
Even though I am budget flexible I cant take the piss as when it comes to putting the car and some fuel through the books etc, although it will do some business milage occasionally it's got to look a bit like a sensible car (hence looking at the German hyper saloons) Explaining a N/A V8 against a diesel to accountant is a bit tricky..... BIK tax is also a consideration otherwise there could be a big bill at some point. My M135i has a higher tax bill then the one of the other directors C350
U how is everyone getting on with the 435d?
I'm in the market for a replacement for the e92 m3 due to a new longer commute. But can't decide between a lighter 225d, a fun 235i, a 435d or even trying to barge it out with a 640d and awesome stereo....
Any owners / drivers insights welcome!
I'm in the market for a replacement for the e92 m3 due to a new longer commute. But can't decide between a lighter 225d, a fun 235i, a 435d or even trying to barge it out with a 640d and awesome stereo....
Any owners / drivers insights welcome!
ratty6464 said:
U how is everyone getting on with the 435d?
I'm in the market for a replacement for the e92 m3 due to a new longer commute. But can't decide between a lighter 225d, a fun 235i, a 435d or even trying to barge it out with a 640d and awesome stereo....
Any owners / drivers insights welcome!
Think you need to decide what you really want from the car, a motorway mile-muncher or something that will do long runs but also provide a bit of fun on the twisty bits. If it's the former I suspect a 640d would be the best bet (far more classy interior than a 2 or a 4-series and almost certainly more refined on a long run) but if it's the latter an M235i is probably a better choice. Depending on how you look at it the 435d is either a good compromise or falls between two stools!I'm in the market for a replacement for the e92 m3 due to a new longer commute. But can't decide between a lighter 225d, a fun 235i, a 435d or even trying to barge it out with a 640d and awesome stereo....
Any owners / drivers insights welcome!
640d/650i is a very nice place to be. (So is the F10 series)
The three and 4 series I significantly lower quality spec & feel. I tested 3/4/5 before setting on the 535d there is a massive step up in quality. It's more barge sure but what a nice place to be and IMHO they trump it looks wise.
The three and 4 series I significantly lower quality spec & feel. I tested 3/4/5 before setting on the 535d there is a massive step up in quality. It's more barge sure but what a nice place to be and IMHO they trump it looks wise.
If doing long runs and motorway runs the 640d is brilliant at it with its lovely interior and effortless shove and I think its a nice looking thing too, however if its only used for short runs and heavy town work it will drive you mad with its size and weight.
They aren't a very rewarding car to punt around tight corners either as the steering is very remote but they aren't too bad around long sweeping bends though.
After experiencing a 640d(a box we wanted to tick) I would prefer the lighter and more nimble M235i now as a better bet, I also have a friend with a 435d and he is over the moon with that too.
They aren't a very rewarding car to punt around tight corners either as the steering is very remote but they aren't too bad around long sweeping bends though.
After experiencing a 640d(a box we wanted to tick) I would prefer the lighter and more nimble M235i now as a better bet, I also have a friend with a 435d and he is over the moon with that too.
cerb4.5lee said:
If doing long runs and motorway runs the 640d is brilliant at it with its lovely interior and effortless shove and I think its a nice looking thing too, however if its only used for short runs and heavy town work it will drive you mad with its size and weight.
They aren't a very rewarding car to punt around tight corners either as the steering is very remote but they aren't too bad around long sweeping bends though.
After experiencing a 640d(a box we wanted to tick) I would prefer the lighter and more nimble M235i now as a better bet, I also have a friend with a 435d and he is over the moon with that too.
Can you get the 435d as RWD or x drive only? Could be a decision maker. They aren't a very rewarding car to punt around tight corners either as the steering is very remote but they aren't too bad around long sweeping bends though.
After experiencing a 640d(a box we wanted to tick) I would prefer the lighter and more nimble M235i now as a better bet, I also have a friend with a 435d and he is over the moon with that too.
Also what about the merc C63 AMG?
Welshbeef said:
Can you get the 435d as RWD or x drive only? Could be a decision maker.
Also what about the merc C63 AMG?
The BMW 435d is X-Drive only; think the Alpina D4 might be RWD but I suspect it's a fair bit more expensive when the level of available discount is taken into account. I would have thought the C63 would also be a fair bit more expensive to buy or lease and, even though the latest model has better mpg, it's probably still not what you'd choose if economy was a high priority?!Also what about the merc C63 AMG?
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