F30 330d M Sport Touring

[T5SOR]

I am looking for an F30 330d M Sport Touring as my new daily car. Any advice for things to look for on cars? Any problems to check for or essential optional extras to look for?

I am hoping to get one with navigation pack, rear camera, heated leather etc.

[ChrisNic]

Mine is lightly spec'd because it's leased but went for the following, msport +, pro Nav, adaptive suspension & heated seats. I wouldn't suggest the reversing cam is necessary, the standard sensors are pretty good.

Great car, I much preferred the sDrive to xdrive.

[Jpinky]

Mine has m sport +, pro nav, adaptive and comfort pack. I'm surprised how useful the boot divider thing is so would recommend that (pretty reasonable pack too). Might regret the 19 inch wheels when I need tyres but wouldn't change the spec at all if ordering again.

Fantastic car, go for it.

[RobM77]

M Sport is pretty essential across the board on the newer BMWs to get that classic neutral BMW handling. I've not used an F30's parking sensors, but my E90's ones are so good (with the visualisation on the iDrive, which is pure genius) that a reversing camera would be unnecessary.

I replied partly to bookmark the thread as I'm thinking of buying the same

[drgav2005]

I'm just about to pull the trigger on a new car so my 2013 F30 330d M Sport Touring will be looking for a new home. This has been a brilliant car and was my first new car in about 14 years so I went mental with the options list when I ordered!

Full Specification:

Sapphire Black metallic with Coral Red leather interior, 22,210 miles, FSH, 3 (5?) year service pack (i.e free servicing up to 60k miles), full BMW warranty + VED until 30/06/2016

• Huge* option list!

19" M light alloy wheels style 403M @ £580
Piano black inlays @ £375
Media pack professional @ £1900
Visibility package @ £925
Interior comfort pack @ £160
Advanced Parking pack @ £525
Adaptive M Sport suspension @ £515
Head Up Display @ £800
Harmon Karman loudspeakers @ £650
Ext. mirrors folding / dimming @ £275
Panoramic glass sunroof @ £1155
Sun protection glass @ £235
Towbar fully electric @ £700
Armrest, sliding @ £120
Electric front seats + driver memory @ £910
Lumbar support driver + passenger @ £235
Seat heating front @ £300
Seat heating rear @ £280
Steering wheel heating @ £155
Adaptive cruise control @ £620
M Sport braking system @ £570
Comfort access @ £470
Speed limit display @ £220
Surround view @ £500
Variable sport steering @ £250
Internet @ £95

Total list price £51640

I've also got a set of OEM BMW 18" style 415 alloys fully refurbished in gun metal grey with a full set of winter tyres to come with the car.

If you're interested p.m. me

Edited by drgav2005 on Wednesday 11th November 16:08

Edited by drgav2005 on Wednesday 11th November 18:38

[T5SOR]

drgav2005 said:

I'm just about to pull the trigger on a new car so my 2013 F30 330d M Sport Touring will be looking for a new home. This has been a brilliant car and was my first new car in about 14 years so I went mental with the options list when I ordered!

Full Specification:

Sapphire Black metallic with Coral Red leather interior, 22,210 miles, FSH, 3 (5?) year service pack (i.e free servicing up to 60k miles), full BMW warranty + VED until 30/06/2016

• Huge* option list!

19" M light alloy wheels style 403M @ £580
Piano black inlays @ £375
Media pack professional @ £1900
Visibility package @ £925
Interior comfort pack @ £160
Advanced Parking pack @ £525
Adaptive M Sport suspension @ £515
Head Up Display @ £800
Harmon Karman loudspeakers @ £650
Ext. mirrors folding / dimming @ £275
Panoramic glass sunroof @ £1155
Sun protection glass @ £235
Towbar fully electric @ £700
Armrest, sliding @ £120
Electric front seats + driver memory @ £910
Lumbar support driver + passenger @ £235
Seat heating front @ £300
Seat heating rear @ £280
Steering wheel heating @ £155
Adaptive cruise control @ £620
M Sport braking system @ £570
Comfort access @ £470
Speed limit display @ £220
Surround view @ £500
Variable sport steering @ £250
Internet @ £95

Total list price £51640

I've also got a set of OEM BMW 18" style 415 alloys fully refurbished in gun metal grey with a full set of winter tyres to come with the car.

If you're interested p.m. me

Edited by drgav2005 on Wednesday 11th November 16:08

Edited by drgav2005 on Wednesday 11th November 18:38

I couldn't turn it down

[RobM77]

drgav2005: Too soon for me to change cars, but looks perfect for the OP!

How has the F30 been? Are there any options that you'd recommend (given that you've tried them all!).

[drgav2005]

RobM77 said:

drgav2005: Too soon for me to change cars, but looks perfect for the OP!

How has the F30 been? Are there any options that you'd recommend (given that you've tried them all!).

Hi Rob,

I can honestly say that it has been the best all round car I've ever owned. Practical, comfortable, economical, faster than it has any right to be and enjoyable to drive. Bit (a lot) of me thinks I'm nuts to change but if you check out my car history you'll see I like my cars! I think I've kept this longer than any of my daily drivers ever.

Visibility pack is a must. Xenons make a big difference (especially in this weather) and the high beam assistant is fantastic... just turn it on and drive. In 2.5 years of ownership I've never had one car flash at me thinking my full beam were on. Great to see how the lighting adapts around other cars as you approach and then pass. Adaptive lights turn with the car illuminating 'around' the corners.

Head up display is utterly fantastic, so much so that every new car I'll buy in the future will have this. I rarely used my instrument dials, everything you need (speed, speed limits, navigation instructions, warning signs etc.) hovers just over the bonnet, in view but in no way distracting.

8 speed auto gearbox is smooth as silk - changes are pretty imperceptible. Left the car in drive most of the time and rarely used the steering wheel paddles.

Adaptive suspension is bloody good - most of the time I left it in comfort mode where it did a great job of smoothing out the tarmac (or lack of it!) and when you feel like pushing on you can set it to sport which firms up the suspension and steering and sharpens the throttle response.

Sat Nav is very good - especially the real time traffic information which colour codes your roads (even if you're not navigating anywhere) from green to amber to red as the traffic goes from free flowing to stationary. Seemed pretty quick calculating routes if you missed a junction or it spotted a problem up ahead. You can use the voice command (or BMW concierge services) to change the destination on the fly. Having the speed limit display on always meant you knew what the legal limits are - useful on unfamiliar roads. It also picks up signs on roads so new speed limits (due to traffic conditions, roadworks etc.) are shown.

Never really used the advanced parking pack since most of my journeys didn't require parallel parking and *cough* I think I'm pretty good at it! Did try it on the handover and it was pretty cool! However, the surround view cameras are awesome and you can change the modes - top down for most daily use is great so you can see the car going into the space, or rear view camera with gridlines showing you exactly where you're putting the car. Side view cameras allow you to see out of tight junctions without shoving the nose of the car into traffic.

HK sound system is great - far superior to standard BMW speakers but wouldn't bother going the whole hog to bang and olufsen (or whatever) at £££s

Folding dimming mirrors great at night and a useful visual clue to let you know the car is locked when you've just walked away with the advanced key... again, another very handy option. Keys in pocket, pull door open, push start button and drive. Get out of car, push sensor on top of door handle and car is locked. Simples.

Adaptive cruise is very good, if a little spooky at first. Set your speed and the distance between you and the car in from and then simply steer. The car will speed up or slow down (to a complete stop if necessary)... although I always hovered my foot over the brake pedal!!!

Tow rack for me is very handy - gets the bike rack on so that the kids can come along for the journey too... if it was just me and the missus, the seats fold down and bikes went in the boot.

M Sport brakes were probably overkill - not like I was going to track the car! However, they not half haul the car to a stop when necessary.

Glass sunroof for me is a must - considerably lightens up the interior which can get a little dark (especially with black leather).

Seats are excellent - lot of 6+ hour drives in the car and always got out feeling refreshed. Kids liked the heated seats in the rear and I must confess the heated steering wheel is awesome on a cold morning! I must be getting old... pass my slippers

Variable sport steering - works well in comfort mode, very light at low speeds so good for manoeuvring and weights up nicely at speed. In sport it's a little heavier. Not sure what the standard steering is like so not sure if I would necessarily pick that again (I haven't on my next car).

Wouldn't bother with the internet access given most smart phones these days are far quicker to use.

So must haves (for me)
auto box
visibility pack
heads up display
pro nav
adaptive suspension
heated seats
panoramic roof

I could live without the rest but they sure do make it an easy car to live with!

[T5SOR]

I would definitely sell if I were you

[drgav2005]

T5SOR said:

I would definitely sell if I were you

You would say that

[RobM77]

Gav that's really helpful, thank you. I've saved that for when I change cars. I've currently got an E90 320d (on 134k miles now), but have just got back into racing so will be towing 1400kg soon, thus the 330d thoughts.

[JNW1]

drgav2005 said:

Hi Rob,

I can honestly say that it has been the best all round car I've ever owned. Practical, comfortable, economical, faster than it has any right to be and enjoyable to drive. Bit (a lot) of me thinks I'm nuts to change but if you check out my car history you'll see I like my cars! I think I've kept this longer than any of my daily drivers ever.

Visibility pack is a must. Xenons make a big difference (especially in this weather) and the high beam assistant is fantastic... just turn it on and drive. In 2.5 years of ownership I've never had one car flash at me thinking my full beam were on. Great to see how the lighting adapts around other cars as you approach and then pass. Adaptive lights turn with the car illuminating 'around' the corners.

Head up display is utterly fantastic, so much so that every new car I'll buy in the future will have this. I rarely used my instrument dials, everything you need (speed, speed limits, navigation instructions, warning signs etc.) hovers just over the bonnet, in view but in no way distracting.

8 speed auto gearbox is smooth as silk - changes are pretty imperceptible. Left the car in drive most of the time and rarely used the steering wheel paddles.

Adaptive suspension is bloody good - most of the time I left it in comfort mode where it did a great job of smoothing out the tarmac (or lack of it!) and when you feel like pushing on you can set it to sport which firms up the suspension and steering and sharpens the throttle response.

Sat Nav is very good - especially the real time traffic information which colour codes your roads (even if you're not navigating anywhere) from green to amber to red as the traffic goes from free flowing to stationary. Seemed pretty quick calculating routes if you missed a junction or it spotted a problem up ahead. You can use the voice command (or BMW concierge services) to change the destination on the fly. Having the speed limit display on always meant you knew what the legal limits are - useful on unfamiliar roads. It also picks up signs on roads so new speed limits (due to traffic conditions, roadworks etc.) are shown.

Never really used the advanced parking pack since most of my journeys didn't require parallel parking and *cough* I think I'm pretty good at it! Did try it on the handover and it was pretty cool! However, the surround view cameras are awesome and you can change the modes - top down for most daily use is great so you can see the car going into the space, or rear view camera with gridlines showing you exactly where you're putting the car. Side view cameras allow you to see out of tight junctions without shoving the nose of the car into traffic.

HK sound system is great - far superior to standard BMW speakers but wouldn't bother going the whole hog to bang and olufsen (or whatever) at £££s

Folding dimming mirrors great at night and a useful visual clue to let you know the car is locked when you've just walked away with the advanced key... again, another very handy option. Keys in pocket, pull door open, push start button and drive. Get out of car, push sensor on top of door handle and car is locked. Simples.

Adaptive cruise is very good, if a little spooky at first. Set your speed and the distance between you and the car in from and then simply steer. The car will speed up or slow down (to a complete stop if necessary)... although I always hovered my foot over the brake pedal!!!

Tow rack for me is very handy - gets the bike rack on so that the kids can come along for the journey too... if it was just me and the missus, the seats fold down and bikes went in the boot.

M Sport brakes were probably overkill - not like I was going to track the car! However, they not half haul the car to a stop when necessary.

Glass sunroof for me is a must - considerably lightens up the interior which can get a little dark (especially with black leather).

Seats are excellent - lot of 6+ hour drives in the car and always got out feeling refreshed. Kids liked the heated seats in the rear and I must confess the heated steering wheel is awesome on a cold morning! I must be getting old... pass my slippers

Variable sport steering - works well in comfort mode, very light at low speeds so good for manoeuvring and weights up nicely at speed. In sport it's a little heavier. Not sure what the standard steering is like so not sure if I would necessarily pick that again (I haven't on my next car).

Wouldn't bother with the internet access given most smart phones these days are far quicker to use.

So must haves (for me)
auto box
visibility pack
heads up display
pro nav
adaptive suspension
heated seats
panoramic roof

I could live without the rest but they sure do make it an easy car to live with!

Good review, my F31 has a lot of the options you mention and I'd agree with pretty much all your comments. Think I made a slight mistake with mine when I decided on xenons but not the visibility pack; our E91 had high beam assist (which I didn't rate) and I'd had adaptive lights on an E46 and didn't think they made much difference either. However, it sounds like the latest version of high beam assist is much improved so on reflection think I should have gone for the visibility pack and not just xenons! Also interesting that you're so positive about adaptive suspension; I have it on my car but given it's an X-Drive you really do need something to firm things up on a twisty road - didn't think adaptive was quite so essential on the S-Drive but sounds like you still think it's worth having?

Given the relatively modest mileage I'm not sure I'd be getting rid quite so quickly but it sounds a case of boys and their toys and a bit of boredom has set in (which is fair enough!). What are you replacing it with?

[drgav2005]

RobM77 said:

Gav that's really helpful, thank you. I've saved that for when I change cars. I've currently got an E90 320d (on 134k miles now), but have just got back into racing so will be towing 1400kg soon, thus the 330d thoughts.

No problem Rob - enjoy the racing, the 330d will certainly come in handy for towing!!

[drgav2005]

JNW1 said:

Good review, my F31 has a lot of the options you mention and I'd agree with pretty much all your comments. Think I made a slight mistake with mine when I decided on xenons but not the visibility pack; our E91 had high beam assist (which I didn't rate) and I'd had adaptive lights on an E46 and didn't think they made much difference either. However, it sounds like the latest version of high beam assist is much improved so on reflection think I should have gone for the visibility pack and not just xenons! Also interesting that you're so positive about adaptive suspension; I have it on my car but given it's an X-Drive you really do need something to firm things up on a twisty road - didn't think adaptive was quite so essential on the S-Drive but sounds like you still think it's worth having?

Given the relatively modest mileage I'm not sure I'd be getting rid quite so quickly but it sounds a case of boys and their toys and a bit of boredom has set in (which is fair enough!). What are you replacing it with?

Thanks! Must admit I am very impressed by the high beam assist, it works incredibly well and was one of the cheaper options I stuck on the car!!!

Comfort mode certainly soaks up all the bumps and scabby tarmac the UK can throw at it and I found I left it in this mode most of the time. I generally used the sports mode when I was the only one in the car and felt like making progress, although I think I enjoyed the sharper throttle response more than the firmer suspension / heavier steering (of course this could be configured in the suspension settings through iDrive). I seem to recall (when buying the car) road testers saying that the standard M-Sport suspension was overly firm, so I actually specified the adaptive to give a softer day to day ride. I could well be mistaken though and never did get the chance to test drive a standard suspension car before I ordered (or since). It seems to be a preferred option though when people are buying.

To be honest I wasn't really thinking about changing until next year when the car was due for renewal but I'm recovering from shoulder surgery... what is they say about idle hands?!

I'm moving to the dark side, so considering the switch to an Audi RS6 Avant.

[Ady555]

drgav2005 said:

Hi Rob,

I can honestly say that it has been the best all round car I've ever owned. Practical, comfortable, economical, faster than it has any right to be and enjoyable to drive. Bit (a lot) of me thinks I'm nuts to change but if you check out my car history you'll see I like my cars! I think I've kept this longer than any of my daily drivers ever.

Visibility pack is a must. Xenons make a big difference (especially in this weather) and the high beam assistant is fantastic... just turn it on and drive. In 2.5 years of ownership I've never had one car flash at me thinking my full beam were on. Great to see how the lighting adapts around other cars as you approach and then pass. Adaptive lights turn with the car illuminating 'around' the corners.

Head up display is utterly fantastic, so much so that every new car I'll buy in the future will have this. I rarely used my instrument dials, everything you need (speed, speed limits, navigation instructions, warning signs etc.) hovers just over the bonnet, in view but in no way distracting.

8 speed auto gearbox is smooth as silk - changes are pretty imperceptible. Left the car in drive most of the time and rarely used the steering wheel paddles.

Adaptive suspension is bloody good - most of the time I left it in comfort mode where it did a great job of smoothing out the tarmac (or lack of it!) and when you feel like pushing on you can set it to sport which firms up the suspension and steering and sharpens the throttle response.

Sat Nav is very good - especially the real time traffic information which colour codes your roads (even if you're not navigating anywhere) from green to amber to red as the traffic goes from free flowing to stationary. Seemed pretty quick calculating routes if you missed a junction or it spotted a problem up ahead. You can use the voice command (or BMW concierge services) to change the destination on the fly. Having the speed limit display on always meant you knew what the legal limits are - useful on unfamiliar roads. It also picks up signs on roads so new speed limits (due to traffic conditions, roadworks etc.) are shown.

Never really used the advanced parking pack since most of my journeys didn't require parallel parking and *cough* I think I'm pretty good at it! Did try it on the handover and it was pretty cool! However, the surround view cameras are awesome and you can change the modes - top down for most daily use is great so you can see the car going into the space, or rear view camera with gridlines showing you exactly where you're putting the car. Side view cameras allow you to see out of tight junctions without shoving the nose of the car into traffic.

HK sound system is great - far superior to standard BMW speakers but wouldn't bother going the whole hog to bang and olufsen (or whatever) at £££s

Folding dimming mirrors great at night and a useful visual clue to let you know the car is locked when you've just walked away with the advanced key... again, another very handy option. Keys in pocket, pull door open, push start button and drive. Get out of car, push sensor on top of door handle and car is locked. Simples.

Adaptive cruise is very good, if a little spooky at first. Set your speed and the distance between you and the car in from and then simply steer. The car will speed up or slow down (to a complete stop if necessary)... although I always hovered my foot over the brake pedal!!!

Tow rack for me is very handy - gets the bike rack on so that the kids can come along for the journey too... if it was just me and the missus, the seats fold down and bikes went in the boot.

M Sport brakes were probably overkill - not like I was going to track the car! However, they not half haul the car to a stop when necessary.

Glass sunroof for me is a must - considerably lightens up the interior which can get a little dark (especially with black leather).

Seats are excellent - lot of 6+ hour drives in the car and always got out feeling refreshed. Kids liked the heated seats in the rear and I must confess the heated steering wheel is awesome on a cold morning! I must be getting old... pass my slippers

Variable sport steering - works well in comfort mode, very light at low speeds so good for manoeuvring and weights up nicely at speed. In sport it's a little heavier. Not sure what the standard steering is like so not sure if I would necessarily pick that again (I haven't on my next car).

Wouldn't bother with the internet access given most smart phones these days are far quicker to use.

So must haves (for me)
auto box
visibility pack
heads up display
pro nav
adaptive suspension
heated seats
panoramic roof

I could live without the rest but they sure do make it an easy car to live with!

Another thumbs up for this great review. Thanks for sharing. I have re ordered my original spec 335d Touring because of delayed delivery dates, and i have specced quite a lot of your spec. I have also specced the M performace bodykit and a alcantara M sport flat bottom steering wheel to give it a bit more of a sporty feel. Looking forward to March 16, when mine gets delivered.

[drgav2005]

Ady555 said:

Another thumbs up for this great review. Thanks for sharing. I have re ordered my original spec 335d Touring because of delayed delivery dates, and i have specced quite a lot of your spec. I have also specced the M performace bodykit and a alcantara M sport flat bottom steering wheel to give it a bit more of a sporty feel. Looking forward to March 16, when mine gets delivered.

No problem, pleased it was helpful.

Your 335d will be an awesome car - enjoy! Alcantara wheel will be lovely - forgot to say that the steering wheel in the 330d is damned near perfect - a lovely interface between man and machine. I can only expect the alcantara to improve on this further. Now the long drag through to March for both of us

[JNW1]

drgav2005 said:

I'm moving to the dark side, so considering the switch to an Audi RS6 Avant.

An S4 Avant was the potential alternative to my F31 335d and if Audi could have been persuaded to offer the sort of deals they were doing in Q2 this year back in Q3 last year I may well have gone that route. However, paying top dollar for a model that was about to be replaced didn't appeal and, having clocked around 20k miles in the first year with the 335d, perhaps that was the right choice anyway!

[drgav2005]

JNW1 said:

An S4 Avant was the potential alternative to my F31 335d and if Audi could have been persuaded to offer the sort of deals they were doing in Q2 this year back in Q3 last year I may well have gone that route. However, paying top dollar for a model that was about to be replaced didn't appeal and, having clocked around 20k miles in the first year with the 335d, perhaps that was the right choice anyway!

Yep - I think you certainly made the right decision, especially after 20k per annum! New A4 avant looks good but no doubt there will be very little money off them for a while once they are released in 2016. Suspect the new RS4 Avant will be quite some car but don't think that will appear until probably early 2017.

[JNW1]

drgav2005 said:

Yep - I think you certainly made the right decision, especially after 20k per annum!

If I'm honest diesel's still not my thing and if I was choosing again now I'd probably go for a 340i as I don't think there'd be much difference in fuel consumption (I'm averaging about 39mpg overall with the 335d) and IMHO the petrol is still the more refined engine. However, I've actually quite warmed to the 335d and it really is an excellent daily driver - just a pity I haven't got the readies or garage space to supplement it with a fun car for weekends!

[Ady555]

drgav2005 said:

No problem, pleased it was helpful.

Your 335d will be an awesome car - enjoy! Alcantara wheel will be lovely - forgot to say that the steering wheel in the 330d is damned near perfect - a lovely interface between man and machine. I can only expect the alcantara to improve on this further. Now the long drag through to March for both of us

Yes quite a wait... But used to waiting for cars now. I had to wait 4 months for my Audi, and 6 months for my Range Rover. Tick tock tick tock...
Looking forward to it though. BMW loaned me one for a week, and it was an excellent all rounder.