335d M Sport Touring - First Impressions.
Discussion
Hi All
I’m a newbie poster but have enjoyed reading the forum for a long time and found it a useful resource when speccing my new car. I’d already made my mind up that a 3 series touring was the car for my changing practical needs and last Friday I picked it up and thought I would share some initial impressions.
I ordered a 335d M Sport Touring. I considered the 340 but in the end the xDrive swung it based on some very careful consideration (take a look at the ‘Is xDrive worth it?” thread that is surfacing may valid arguments for and against xDrive as we speak). There are some very good deals around on this car so potential purchasers/leasers do not be scared off by the high screen price.
For me the 3 Series Touring is almost the perfect solution for my needs. I wish the boot was a little wider, but I knew I was ordering a ‘junior estate car’ and I’m completely happy that it meets my load lugging criteria, i.e. a couple of golf bags and trollies most of the time. The interior is a nice place to be and feels incredibly well put together and I’d nearly go as far as saying it has that “I’m pleased to be back in here feel.” that I used to get from my Discovery 3. I didn’t spec the sunroof purely because I don’t like sunroofs and some people may argue that the dark head lining, black leather and lack of sunroof make the interior very dark, but personally I like it that way. One initial annoyance, albeit minor, is the brushed Aluminium interior trim looks lovely against the mix of gloss and matte blacks, but I get an annoying reflection in the windscreen at night.
As far as the driving experience goes then initial impressions are very positive. I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of diesel clatter when pressing the start button for the first time and even a cold start this morning was acceptably clatter free. The driving position feels low slung but visibility is perfectly acceptable and the adjustability and view of the various dials is spot on. I had head up display on my Mini F56 previously and specced it again (part of media pro+ I think) and whilst the Mini’s pop up style screen was good this HUD is in another league. Steering wheel is chunky and the steering is relatively weighty but it feels nice and there is a strong sense of solidity from behind the wheel. The dials are typical BMW in that they are classy looking and tell you everything you want to know in a single glance and coupled with the aforementioned HUD I’d say they are difficult to fault… except for one thing. In my Mini I could have the trip computer showing permanently on the media split screen but so far I haven’t figured out if this is possible on the iDrive screen. Once you are underway the car feels very passive in normal driving mode and initially it even feels a little sluggish, but be warned I’ve been caught out a few times by the actual speed versus the perceived speed. Press the throttle a little harder and any perception of sluggishness is gone in an instant. The engine note simply rises and the gearbox goes about its business with barely noticeable gear changes and away you go. I had only test driven a 3.0d previously and the difference is huge - the 3.0d was good, but the 35d is immense. I’ve only had a little fiddle with the paddles and the gearbox seems to react instantly, but to be honest the full auto mode seems so good I’ll rarely bother with manual shifts. Based purely on the trip computer the car has averaged 39mpg since pick up and 45mpg on a 6:30 18 mile commute this morning which is initially encouraging. I’ve brimmed the tank and will log some proper real world numbers and share them in due course. Initial impressions are that you can catch out the stop/start when coming to a momentary stop, but sorts itself out pretty quickly so it’s only a minor point.
I’ve not yet had the opportunity to explore the handling on the SE springs, but ride is very good and initial impressions are that everyday use will be fine on these springs with the adaptive dampers. I will concede that the car looks a little bit like it’s on tippy toes, but we’ll wait and see. The car feels absolutely planted and a few spirited exits from junctions has hinted at the potential performance with no sign of the traction light blinking. I specced M Sport plus so I have the big wheels (lovely looking bi-colour) and the enhanced brakes which feel responsive and massively powerful as you would expect.
The new iDrive seems very simple and easy to use with a consistent logical layout. The position of the controller is good and using the system on the move is pretty easy to adapt to. I already mentioned the trip computer split screen point which is more of a personal preference but in general I’d say the interface is miles better than my Mini system and lightyears ahead of our other family car. The HK hifi is noticeably better than the HK system in my Mini and the integration of the phone (iPhone in my case) is good and in particular Spotify over bluetooth seems to work well - a constant bugbear on the Mini.
Other selected highlights. The intelligent cruise control is a joy to use and will be a massive plus point on long trips (as it was in the Mini). The heated seats certainly get hotter and maintain the heat better than our other car and the heated steering wheel is nice little extra albeit a bit of an over indulgence in this country. Comfort access is always a must have for me and the BMW system is among the best in my view but I had to change the unlock setting from drivers door only as it was driving me bonkers. The electric tailgate is fast becoming a must have on estate cars, but I keep forgetting the wavy foot thing and instead open it with the key. The separate opening tailgate window remains a genius BMW feature in my opinion.
I saved the best to last. The adaptive headlights are simply amazing, actually they can be mesmerising when driving in the dark as they swoop around lighting up the dark spots without blinding on coming cars. I’ve probably only driven an hour in the dark so far, but the high beam seems to be predominantly active but I have not had a single oncoming car flash me. I really cannot express how good they are and should be the first extra you tick.
Sorry for the waffling on a well worn topic. I’ll post some more specific reviews and MPG numbers as we get to know each other a little better.
Marbles.
I’m a newbie poster but have enjoyed reading the forum for a long time and found it a useful resource when speccing my new car. I’d already made my mind up that a 3 series touring was the car for my changing practical needs and last Friday I picked it up and thought I would share some initial impressions.
I ordered a 335d M Sport Touring. I considered the 340 but in the end the xDrive swung it based on some very careful consideration (take a look at the ‘Is xDrive worth it?” thread that is surfacing may valid arguments for and against xDrive as we speak). There are some very good deals around on this car so potential purchasers/leasers do not be scared off by the high screen price.
For me the 3 Series Touring is almost the perfect solution for my needs. I wish the boot was a little wider, but I knew I was ordering a ‘junior estate car’ and I’m completely happy that it meets my load lugging criteria, i.e. a couple of golf bags and trollies most of the time. The interior is a nice place to be and feels incredibly well put together and I’d nearly go as far as saying it has that “I’m pleased to be back in here feel.” that I used to get from my Discovery 3. I didn’t spec the sunroof purely because I don’t like sunroofs and some people may argue that the dark head lining, black leather and lack of sunroof make the interior very dark, but personally I like it that way. One initial annoyance, albeit minor, is the brushed Aluminium interior trim looks lovely against the mix of gloss and matte blacks, but I get an annoying reflection in the windscreen at night.
As far as the driving experience goes then initial impressions are very positive. I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of diesel clatter when pressing the start button for the first time and even a cold start this morning was acceptably clatter free. The driving position feels low slung but visibility is perfectly acceptable and the adjustability and view of the various dials is spot on. I had head up display on my Mini F56 previously and specced it again (part of media pro+ I think) and whilst the Mini’s pop up style screen was good this HUD is in another league. Steering wheel is chunky and the steering is relatively weighty but it feels nice and there is a strong sense of solidity from behind the wheel. The dials are typical BMW in that they are classy looking and tell you everything you want to know in a single glance and coupled with the aforementioned HUD I’d say they are difficult to fault… except for one thing. In my Mini I could have the trip computer showing permanently on the media split screen but so far I haven’t figured out if this is possible on the iDrive screen. Once you are underway the car feels very passive in normal driving mode and initially it even feels a little sluggish, but be warned I’ve been caught out a few times by the actual speed versus the perceived speed. Press the throttle a little harder and any perception of sluggishness is gone in an instant. The engine note simply rises and the gearbox goes about its business with barely noticeable gear changes and away you go. I had only test driven a 3.0d previously and the difference is huge - the 3.0d was good, but the 35d is immense. I’ve only had a little fiddle with the paddles and the gearbox seems to react instantly, but to be honest the full auto mode seems so good I’ll rarely bother with manual shifts. Based purely on the trip computer the car has averaged 39mpg since pick up and 45mpg on a 6:30 18 mile commute this morning which is initially encouraging. I’ve brimmed the tank and will log some proper real world numbers and share them in due course. Initial impressions are that you can catch out the stop/start when coming to a momentary stop, but sorts itself out pretty quickly so it’s only a minor point.
I’ve not yet had the opportunity to explore the handling on the SE springs, but ride is very good and initial impressions are that everyday use will be fine on these springs with the adaptive dampers. I will concede that the car looks a little bit like it’s on tippy toes, but we’ll wait and see. The car feels absolutely planted and a few spirited exits from junctions has hinted at the potential performance with no sign of the traction light blinking. I specced M Sport plus so I have the big wheels (lovely looking bi-colour) and the enhanced brakes which feel responsive and massively powerful as you would expect.
The new iDrive seems very simple and easy to use with a consistent logical layout. The position of the controller is good and using the system on the move is pretty easy to adapt to. I already mentioned the trip computer split screen point which is more of a personal preference but in general I’d say the interface is miles better than my Mini system and lightyears ahead of our other family car. The HK hifi is noticeably better than the HK system in my Mini and the integration of the phone (iPhone in my case) is good and in particular Spotify over bluetooth seems to work well - a constant bugbear on the Mini.
Other selected highlights. The intelligent cruise control is a joy to use and will be a massive plus point on long trips (as it was in the Mini). The heated seats certainly get hotter and maintain the heat better than our other car and the heated steering wheel is nice little extra albeit a bit of an over indulgence in this country. Comfort access is always a must have for me and the BMW system is among the best in my view but I had to change the unlock setting from drivers door only as it was driving me bonkers. The electric tailgate is fast becoming a must have on estate cars, but I keep forgetting the wavy foot thing and instead open it with the key. The separate opening tailgate window remains a genius BMW feature in my opinion.
I saved the best to last. The adaptive headlights are simply amazing, actually they can be mesmerising when driving in the dark as they swoop around lighting up the dark spots without blinding on coming cars. I’ve probably only driven an hour in the dark so far, but the high beam seems to be predominantly active but I have not had a single oncoming car flash me. I really cannot express how good they are and should be the first extra you tick.
Sorry for the waffling on a well worn topic. I’ll post some more specific reviews and MPG numbers as we get to know each other a little better.
Marbles.
Join www.bmwlander.co.uk, you'll get a much more enthusiastic response..!
Two and a half years in and I still rate my 335d very highly too. Often by this stage I would be vaguely thinking about the next car, but this one is a keeper. Storming performance and just under 40mpg. I have gone for the ACS springs and MPSS tyres, but no other modifications.
Enjoy the new toy.
Enjoy the new toy.
Great review and good to hear you like it. I'm waiting on my 335d saloon. Like you I only drove a 330d before. Went for 335d as I heard it was a bit of an animal and for me was cheaper monthly on a lease deal than the 330d. I did stay off the options list though to keep price down. I have gone for the m sport plus pack, mainly for the bigger alloys. Was tempted by much more!
My only concerns are the ride height and the we suspension.
I'll post up when I get mine. Hopefully end of November.
Post up some pics please!
My only concerns are the ride height and the we suspension.
I'll post up when I get mine. Hopefully end of November.
Post up some pics please!
Great read, thanks for posting! Nice to read a real world initial review.
I have a saloon 335d due in a few weeks, replacing a Golf R. Wanted something a little bigger than the golf and more comfortable but just as quick, hopefully will fit the bill nicely!
Went for M sport plus pack with Pro Nav pack and folding mirrors. Read a lot of good things about the HUD - maybe should have gone for that too!
Look forward to seeing what you think over next few weeks.
I have a saloon 335d due in a few weeks, replacing a Golf R. Wanted something a little bigger than the golf and more comfortable but just as quick, hopefully will fit the bill nicely!
Went for M sport plus pack with Pro Nav pack and folding mirrors. Read a lot of good things about the HUD - maybe should have gone for that too!
Look forward to seeing what you think over next few weeks.
ds666 said:
I have p zero tyres , are the mpss better ( I have no issues with the Pirelli)
Don't know. I haven't tried them on a 335d (just on an M6 GC) so can't compare. I went for the MPSS as they were widely recommended for that car, including by AC Schnitzer whose springs I have fitted.Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff