RE: BMW 435d xDrive: PH Carpool
Discussion
ST270 said:
Can any owners comment on how intrusive the 435d engine noise is on start-up / until warm and on brisk acceleration? I have a c250 d and it is very agricultural - is the BM any better?
You might want to try premium diesel fuel. The OM651 does well on it. The one I drove was pretty hushed on idle, and sounded pleasant on accelleration. But I like the OM651 on accelleration even on std. diesel. Throaty sounding.I have a 330d and have averaged 41.4mpg over the last 20,500 miles. It's a mix of driving from 50-60mph B road commuting to 90mph motorway cruising.
I've never found it to be particularly noisy. A little clunking at startup, but as soon as your'e moving the engine noise pretty much disappears. There's more tyre noise and wind noise than anything else at normal road speed.
Bear in mind your C250 is a 4-cylinder lump, the 330 and 335 are 6-cylinder. In my experience of Merc diesels (E250), it was a lumpy old unit. Hated it.
I've never found it to be particularly noisy. A little clunking at startup, but as soon as your'e moving the engine noise pretty much disappears. There's more tyre noise and wind noise than anything else at normal road speed.
Bear in mind your C250 is a 4-cylinder lump, the 330 and 335 are 6-cylinder. In my experience of Merc diesels (E250), it was a lumpy old unit. Hated it.
scherzkeks said:
ST270 said:
Can any owners comment on how intrusive the 435d engine noise is on start-up / until warm and on brisk acceleration? I have a c250 d and it is very agricultural - is the BM any better?
You might want to try premium diesel fuel. The OM651 does well on it. The one I drove was pretty hushed on idle, and sounded pleasant on accelleration. But I like the OM651 on accelleration even on std. diesel. Throaty sounding.I had the choice of an early 4 series or a 335 diesel a year or so ago and chose the 335d. Not really sure what the 4 has over the 3.
I prefer the shape of the 3 but I know a lot of people prefer the 4 shape. My passengers certainly prefer the 3 series shape.
Apart from that I think they're identical cars.
I am a bit odd though as mine has 20" wheels and adaptive so fairly hard on the road, but I don't seem to suffer any of the vagueness of four wheel drive that others complain of.
I prefer the shape of the 3 but I know a lot of people prefer the 4 shape. My passengers certainly prefer the 3 series shape.
Apart from that I think they're identical cars.
I am a bit odd though as mine has 20" wheels and adaptive so fairly hard on the road, but I don't seem to suffer any of the vagueness of four wheel drive that others complain of.
Thank you all for your comments, it's interesting to see what view other people think of a certain car.
I sent an updated review but the original was posted.....but you get the idea.
In answer to some of your questions.
Yes I did indeed stop for fuel etc on a blast down to Budapest, but not an overnight stop......I stand corrected.
Many of you are surprised by the mpg (now at 50.0mpg over 26.5k miles, I don't live in a city and always keep an eye on fuel use, the car is always garaged ( the engine block is thus a tad warmer, I'm sad like that ) and I only use the brakes if I have to ! I only ever drive in manual mode ( forget the stupid eco pro mode, it uses much more fuel as an auto !! ) I do on occasions drive hard and use it to its maximum though. For the record the works Granturismo has averaged 27mpg over the last 15k miles which is excellect, but the works X5 is disappointing at 32mpg over 56k miles......and no I don't work for VW but that did make me smile.
The I pad is a download from Palmer Performance, it's called Dash Command, you need to add an OBD wireless reader too. Its great for the works X5 as BMW in their wisdom don't think we need a coolant or oil temp gauge, no we don't.....until it overheats.....and then we do ! The 435d has at least an oil temp gauge. Dash Command is also great for checking boost ( 37.5 psi absolute on the X5/435d ) and other parameters, you can change the graphics as well. The works X5 has an additional coolant radiator in the front wing as part of the 'towing pack'
Some have mentioned it's a boring car lacking character......I agree, especially in grey but the choices were red, black, white, or grey ! ( at time of ordering ) but I wanted a fast, reliable, economical, practical car, so, taking into account every nut and bolt on every car is a compromise in some way...it was the best for me at the time.
My two main gripes ( as stated in my unpublished 2nd addition ) are the dashboard ( totally without character or imagination ) and the engine noise...yes BMW want the engine far back in the engine bay, but its FAR too noisy on full chat, and it has some secondary harmonics associated with straight six's, The works X5 is the same. Luckily it has much torque so revs are not often needed.
.....and while I'm having a moan, when will the current trend of false exhausts stop ? I saw a Mercedes the other day with plastic exhaust effect trims on the rear bumper !!
I sent an updated review but the original was posted.....but you get the idea.
In answer to some of your questions.
Yes I did indeed stop for fuel etc on a blast down to Budapest, but not an overnight stop......I stand corrected.
Many of you are surprised by the mpg (now at 50.0mpg over 26.5k miles, I don't live in a city and always keep an eye on fuel use, the car is always garaged ( the engine block is thus a tad warmer, I'm sad like that ) and I only use the brakes if I have to ! I only ever drive in manual mode ( forget the stupid eco pro mode, it uses much more fuel as an auto !! ) I do on occasions drive hard and use it to its maximum though. For the record the works Granturismo has averaged 27mpg over the last 15k miles which is excellect, but the works X5 is disappointing at 32mpg over 56k miles......and no I don't work for VW but that did make me smile.
The I pad is a download from Palmer Performance, it's called Dash Command, you need to add an OBD wireless reader too. Its great for the works X5 as BMW in their wisdom don't think we need a coolant or oil temp gauge, no we don't.....until it overheats.....and then we do ! The 435d has at least an oil temp gauge. Dash Command is also great for checking boost ( 37.5 psi absolute on the X5/435d ) and other parameters, you can change the graphics as well. The works X5 has an additional coolant radiator in the front wing as part of the 'towing pack'
Some have mentioned it's a boring car lacking character......I agree, especially in grey but the choices were red, black, white, or grey ! ( at time of ordering ) but I wanted a fast, reliable, economical, practical car, so, taking into account every nut and bolt on every car is a compromise in some way...it was the best for me at the time.
My two main gripes ( as stated in my unpublished 2nd addition ) are the dashboard ( totally without character or imagination ) and the engine noise...yes BMW want the engine far back in the engine bay, but its FAR too noisy on full chat, and it has some secondary harmonics associated with straight six's, The works X5 is the same. Luckily it has much torque so revs are not often needed.
.....and while I'm having a moan, when will the current trend of false exhausts stop ? I saw a Mercedes the other day with plastic exhaust effect trims on the rear bumper !!
Edited by Jarama s on Tuesday 9th February 11:48
Oddball RS said:
A great car and yes maybe all you need in a modern quick car.
I guess I wish you could have a manual if you so wanted.
But my main gripe is just how dull, inside and out, yes I know you don't always want to stand out from the crowd, but a little colour and flash doesn't go amiss does it?
For me, the 2-door 4-series M-Sport is far from dull, from the outside at least. One of the best looking cars ever in its class. Right mix of style and aggression. The M4 takes it to another level.I guess I wish you could have a manual if you so wanted.
But my main gripe is just how dull, inside and out, yes I know you don't always want to stand out from the crowd, but a little colour and flash doesn't go amiss does it?
The inside, however, was one of the things that put me off and pushed me towards a 6 GC.
t. With the 8-sp ZF box, the power band is utterly irrelevant. As for abrupt power delivery...you'd rather LESS power?[quote=K&L] I've got a 640d. Similar weight, same engine and gearbox and only rwd and I can't get anywhere near those mpg figures. Do you work for VW? 
[/quote]
Driving style. I've got a 640d GC (with AC Schnitzer engine/suspension). I average low/mid 40s and can easily see high-40s and over 50 on a decent run.
ETA - I use Shell V-Power.
[/quote]
Driving style. I've got a 640d GC (with AC Schnitzer engine/suspension). I average low/mid 40s and can easily see high-40s and over 50 on a decent run.
ETA - I use Shell V-Power.
Edited by Ares on Tuesday 9th February 12:06
ST270 said:
Can any owners comment on how intrusive the 435d engine noise is on start-up / until warm and on brisk acceleration? I have a c250 d and it is very agricultural - is the BM any better?
On start up, from the inside, inaudible (640d, not 435d, but same engine). From the outside it is a diesel, but still smoother and quieter than Mrs Ares' MINI.It isn't agricultural.
Ares said:
ST270 said:
Can any owners comment on how intrusive the 435d engine noise is on start-up / until warm and on brisk acceleration? I have a c250 d and it is very agricultural - is the BM any better?
On start up, from the inside, inaudible (640d, not 435d, but same engine). From the outside it is a diesel, but still smoother and quieter than Mrs Ares' MINI.It isn't agricultural.
Mr Tidy said:
Sorry to spoil this party but a 435d 4X4 is not my idea of fun, it's just boring white goods stuff, albeit at a higher level than Toyota dross! But otherwise very PlayStation.
I bought a 325ti for around £2,000 in November 2014 - naturally aspirated petrol straight 6! So much better than the diseasel 123d I had for over 6 years prior to that!
The 325ti is showing an average of 33.7 on the OBC and with a 63 litre tank the range is pretty good.
Then I got a set of Michelin winter tyres on rims for £180 - lovely!
X-drive is a bit of a delusion - cars have always used 4 wheels to turn corners and for most of the last hundred years to stop, so the tyres are ultimately the limiting factor!
Just waiting for some snow now so I can watch all the X-drives on 18/19 inch summer tyres fall off the road when there is a corner!
Don't be daft, Your telling us that your old e46 compact isn't 'white goods', what a load of drivel. Sorry to tell you this but this play station car is better than yours in every possible way.I bought a 325ti for around £2,000 in November 2014 - naturally aspirated petrol straight 6! So much better than the diseasel 123d I had for over 6 years prior to that!
The 325ti is showing an average of 33.7 on the OBC and with a 63 litre tank the range is pretty good.
Then I got a set of Michelin winter tyres on rims for £180 - lovely!
X-drive is a bit of a delusion - cars have always used 4 wheels to turn corners and for most of the last hundred years to stop, so the tyres are ultimately the limiting factor!
Just waiting for some snow now so I can watch all the X-drives on 18/19 inch summer tyres fall off the road when there is a corner!
and the 'delusional X-Drive' equipped with suitable tyres (for the 2-3 days a year they are needed) will dispatch your 'naturally aspirated petrol straight 6!' with ease.
Just like a Hyundai Accent would drive up a muddy track better when fitted with mud terrains than my Pajero would if fitted with F1 Slicks
Bore on
Edited by wolfy1988 on Tuesday 9th February 12:14
Osinjak said:
Ares said:
Osinjak said:
vtecyo said:
I drove a 4 series the other day. Nothing special. Think it was a 420d in MSport guise. I was staggered at how nice it was. Lovely cars. Quick too for what it was.
To recap: it's nothing special but you were still staggered at how nice it was?ST270 said:
Can any owners comment on how intrusive the 435d engine noise is on start-up / until warm and on brisk acceleration? I have a c250 d and it is very agricultural - is the BM any better?
Ive had the 250D and now drive a F31 335d xdrive touring and its like chalk and cheese, the 335d engine with the 8 speed gearbox is amazing its turning into one of those cars that u just love driving the torque is amazing, my mk7 GTI just feels slow in comparison, the interior is great as well, quality way better than the golf, im leasing it and fear I will have to buy one when it goes back, if they did the 5d I would order one immediately. My friend drove it and hes got a superleggera and even he was impressed with it, he said if he had one he would loose his license so quickly as its so deceptive the way it accelerates. Wills2 said:
The 4 series is a lovely looking car best of the German mid range coupes by a country mile at the moment, I had the same engine in a 335d xdrive but couldn't get on with it I hated the diesel clatter at idle and part throttle.
It's the diesel clatter at idle and part throttle that I dislike the most with the 640d and I wished it offered the same strong economy figures that the 435d gets as well considering they are a similar weight, it's impressive how much more frugal the 435d is in comparison. I think the 4 series looks great out on the road and whenever they come up behind me I always think they look very purposeful, a friend of mine has a 435d and he has been over the moon with it.
I've been running one of these for the last 3 months and it's a mixed bag. The engine is a highlight, with bags of power low down and actually revs pretty well. Its quite fun redlining it in manual mode, but you can make big progress changing around 2k rpm if you want.
The gearbox is ok but i miss a manual - although the 8 speed is probably best 'box for this application.
The suspension is pretty awful though, and the runflats need to be binned. it is bouncy over rough surfaces and floats at higher speeds. Apparently new springs make a big difference.
The HK stereo is a big let down and much worse than the HK in the e92 I had before. Also the seats have minimal lumbar support so hurt my back.
Economy is great though - averaging 40mpg...
The gearbox is ok but i miss a manual - although the 8 speed is probably best 'box for this application.
The suspension is pretty awful though, and the runflats need to be binned. it is bouncy over rough surfaces and floats at higher speeds. Apparently new springs make a big difference.
The HK stereo is a big let down and much worse than the HK in the e92 I had before. Also the seats have minimal lumbar support so hurt my back.
Economy is great though - averaging 40mpg...
C7 JFW said:
NJC0607 said:
I have this exact car, as my daily driver - albeit with some tasty upgrades as well..
M sport suspension, M brakes, M wheels, M steering, H&R lowering springs (makes it look and handle WAY better than stock) a healthy power hike, and a few other special bits to make it handle and go better... in estoril blue, with ivory leather it looks fantastic.
for me, this is the ultimate diesel... 4WD,its got a lower CofG than anything else in its class (or above) its 30mm lower and wider than the 3 series, looks way better IMO.
and, as you say, nearly 50mpg and it goes like stink..
on track it was quicker than my mates Porsche Cayman S 3.4,... which is gob smacking for a diesel ! people are genuinely shocked at how good it is...
from a standing start with launch control I left a 400hp Evo and lots of other so called "fast" cars..
30,000 miles in and it has been faultless. only needed 1 set of tyres and 1 set of brake pads. astonishing.
the 450d would be bonkers !
Now we're getting somewhere. A diesel 3 series leaves a 400bhp Evo?! Wow.M sport suspension, M brakes, M wheels, M steering, H&R lowering springs (makes it look and handle WAY better than stock) a healthy power hike, and a few other special bits to make it handle and go better... in estoril blue, with ivory leather it looks fantastic.
for me, this is the ultimate diesel... 4WD,its got a lower CofG than anything else in its class (or above) its 30mm lower and wider than the 3 series, looks way better IMO.
and, as you say, nearly 50mpg and it goes like stink..
on track it was quicker than my mates Porsche Cayman S 3.4,... which is gob smacking for a diesel ! people are genuinely shocked at how good it is...
from a standing start with launch control I left a 400hp Evo and lots of other so called "fast" cars..
30,000 miles in and it has been faultless. only needed 1 set of tyres and 1 set of brake pads. astonishing.
the 450d would be bonkers !
Must have usurped the 335d as the new fastest car on PH and in the 'real world'. Still, can't be faster than a Golf R though, surely!?!?!? EDWARDO said:
ST270 said:
Can any owners comment on how intrusive the 435d engine noise is on start-up / until warm and on brisk acceleration? I have a c250 d and it is very agricultural - is the BM any better?
Ive had the 250D and now drive a F31 335d xdrive touring and its like chalk and cheese, the 335d engine with the 8 speed gearbox is amazing its turning into one of those cars that u just love driving the torque is amazing, my mk7 GTI just feels slow in comparison, the interior is great as well, quality way better than the golf, im leasing it and fear I will have to buy one when it goes back, if they did the 5d I would order one immediately. My friend drove it and hes got a superleggera and even he was impressed with it, he said if he had one he would loose his license so quickly as its so deceptive the way it accelerates. Wonder if anyone can now compare the 435i with the 435d - they are similar priced but would the nice noise and rwd be worth the lower mpg!?
ST270 said:
Wonder if anyone can now compare the 435i with the 435d - they are similar priced but would the nice noise and rwd be worth the lower mpg!?
I think it would be worth it for sure but diesel is king in the UK and the perception of awesome economy from a diesel puts most people off the petrol, without doubt though the petrol will sound better and be smoother/quieter and it gets the added benefit of a sexier looking exhaust system with the 435i too.Plus if a 435d is debadged there isn't anyway of knowing whether it's a 420d or a 435d if you are following it now...so that is another positive for the 435i.
ST270 said:
Good insight cheers!
Wonder if anyone can now compare the 435i with the 435d - they are similar priced but would the nice noise and rwd be worth the lower mpg!?
I did similar with e 640d Vs 640i. The 'd' has a clean sweep in everything but engine noise. Quicker, more relaxing, smoother, better power delivery, more frugal, better range. Aside from the 'i' sounding better, the 'd' betters it comfortably. Wonder if anyone can now compare the 435i with the 435d - they are similar priced but would the nice noise and rwd be worth the lower mpg!?
Ares said:
ST270 said:
Good insight cheers!
Wonder if anyone can now compare the 435i with the 435d - they are similar priced but would the nice noise and rwd be worth the lower mpg!?
I did similar with e 640d Vs 640i. The 'd' has a clean sweep in everything but engine noise. Quicker, more relaxing, smoother, better power delivery, more frugal, better range. Aside from the 'i' sounding better, the 'd' betters it comfortably. Wonder if anyone can now compare the 435i with the 435d - they are similar priced but would the nice noise and rwd be worth the lower mpg!?
I think an engine should have a feel good factor about it and I have never felt that with a diesel engine, yet a petrol engine to me gives more ultimate reward and satisfaction and obviously sounds better too, but its good that customers have the choice though for sure and most do go for the 'd'.
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