F31 335d M possible purchase

[dick_dastardly71]

SimNugget said:

Really, many people say that but to me it is still a bit of a rattley diesel when driving around town and whilst a bit of a growl it doesn't really excite me. But I have come from a C63 so I have been spoilt.

It does sound so much better than the CLS320 Merc I had moons ago.

Handling wise, it think it trounces the C63 when in Sport/Sport+

S

Interesting comments on the handling vs C63. The x-drive (so non M Sport suspension) without the adaptive suspension option on the demonstrator I had was far too 'floaty' to get anywhere near my C63 coupe. And aurally, sadly no BMW, especially not a diesel one, can match the C63 (no synthetic engine noise piped through the speakers needed in the AMG).

[Welshbeef]

Just glanced at Autotrader C63's average 22mpg and 08/59 reg cars are up for mid £20k's.

[Osinjak]

I test drove a C63 a couple of weeks ago, epic cars and that engine, can't say anything more than has been said already. However, I thought the interior was pretty dull and poorly laid out to be honest which I think is a bit rich considering that I think my BMW's interior is just about dullest on the market. And at the risk of upsetting any C63 owners when I got back in mine and floored it to overtake someone it actually felt quicker in the mid-range. Man maths didn't stack up in the end so had to walk away but one day..

[Mustard]

dick_dastardly71 said:

Hedgeman said:

Something is very wrong there with those delivery dates. I placed my order early June, it was originally going to be delivered in September, but my dealer issued a "pull forward" request and I took delivery of the car last Saturday.

Even with the original September delivery date, it's hard to believe that BMW have taken 5 months worth of build slots in the past month.

Gary.

They've sent me the screen prints showing week 9 2015, so I can't dispute what they're telling me. The dealer has also mentioned that they've issued a pull forward request, but have said it depends on whether BMW UK get further allocation of 35d engines. Hopefully my response that I'll cancel if I'm really looking at March 2015 delivery given the facelift model is out in July will see a successful 'pull forward', although it's probably an empty threat given the level of discount I managed to get on this order.

This will hopefully change for the better end of next week

[dick_dastardly71]

Mustard said:

dick_dastardly71 said:

Hedgeman said:

Something is very wrong there with those delivery dates. I placed my order early June, it was originally going to be delivered in September, but my dealer issued a "pull forward" request and I took delivery of the car last Saturday.

Even with the original September delivery date, it's hard to believe that BMW have taken 5 months worth of build slots in the past month.

Gary.

They've sent me the screen prints showing week 9 2015, so I can't dispute what they're telling me. The dealer has also mentioned that they've issued a pull forward request, but have said it depends on whether BMW UK get further allocation of 35d engines. Hopefully my response that I'll cancel if I'm really looking at March 2015 delivery given the facelift model is out in July will see a successful 'pull forward', although it's probably an empty threat given the level of discount I managed to get on this order.

This will hopefully change for the better end of next week

Sounds like you're a step ahead of my dealer again... just like you were with the oyster leather.

[335d]

dick_dastardly71 said:

Interesting comments on the handling vs C63. The x-drive (so non M Sport suspension) without the adaptive suspension option on the demonstrator I had was far too 'floaty' to get anywhere near my C63 coupe. And aurally, sadly no BMW, especially not a diesel one, can match the C63 (no synthetic engine noise piped through the speakers needed in the AMG).

Adaptive suspension does help a lot on the 335d. Quite a few people have that and have gone a step further by replacing the relatively soft springs with firmer ones from AC Schnitzer, at a cost of around £650 fitted. I haven't done this (yet) but the handling improves a great deal according to those who have gone down this route. The key advantage of using ACS springs is that it does not invalidate the warranty.

The C63 does sound great, and no diesel could hope to match that. However, the 335d is the first diesel I have driven where the noise when pushing it, actually enhances the driving experience. It appears not to be piped as well.

[Wills2]

Well Welshy you started the thread and I've just picked up mine this morning.

It's going to take some getting used to compared to my M3 and it's a bit "white goods" all I can say so far is it rides nicely.

Spec:

335d xdrive Touring
Black sapphire
black leather

M sport plus pack (bigger brakes/privacy/HK/19"/xenons)
Pro Nav
Panoramic roof
Folding mirrors
Speed limit display
Heated seats
High beam assist
Brushed aluminium trim

Edited by Wills2 on Friday 25th July 15:14

[Pugland53]

Wills2 said:

Well Welshy you started the thread and I've just picked up mine this morning.

It's going to take some getting used to compared to my M3 and it's a bit "white goods" all I can say so far is it rides nicely.

Spec:

335d xdrive Touring
Black sapphire
black leather

M sport plus pack (bigger brakes/privacy/HK/19"/xenons)
Pro Nav
Panoramic roof
Folding mirrors
Speed limit display
Heated seats
High beam assist
Brushed aluminium trim

Edited by Wills2 on Friday 25th July 15:14

Sounds lovely, any pics?

[Welshbeef]

Wills2 said:

Well Welshy you started the thread and I've just picked up mine this morning.

It's going to take some getting used to compared to my M3 and it's a bit "white goods" all I can say so far is it rides nicely.

Spec:

335d xdrive Touring
Black sapphire
black leather

M sport plus pack (bigger brakes/privacy/HK/19"/xenons)
Pro Nav
Panoramic roof
Folding mirrors
Speed limit display
Heated seats
High beam assist
Brushed aluminium trim

Edited by Wills2 on Friday 25th July 15:14

Great spec - also looking at your car history its very interesting to hear your views on it.
I still feel now that as amazing as the RS6 is the E90 330d was the better car - but it is an itch I couldn't not scratch.

[slippery]

Welshbeef said:

Great spec - also looking at your car history its very interesting to hear your views on it.
I still feel now that as amazing as the RS6 is the E90 330d was the better car - but it is an itch I couldn't not scratch.

What?!! Your 'iconic' RS6 isn't as good as your old 330d?!!

[Welshbeef]

slippery said:

Welshbeef said:

Great spec - also looking at your car history its very interesting to hear your views on it.
I still feel now that as amazing as the RS6 is the E90 330d was the better car - but it is an itch I couldn't not scratch.

What?!! Your 'iconic' RS6 isn't as good as your old 330d?!!

Running costs have been a step beyond my expectations which detract from the ownership experiance somewhat. Its the worry of huge costs over and above high general running costs which are always a concern owning such a car.


Handling wise the 330d m was superior - be it lighter rwd more balanced weight distribution or it could be in arriving at corners much quicker than previously.

I know all the petrol station staff well - and for business miles I'm actually paying to drive them.



But the off the line is awesome the V8 through a tunnel amazing starting it up I open the windows every time, it has presence and when you do go silly and hold WOT its brutal no let up.

Wife nagging about running costs all the time drains too and a newer car would be safer etc. Ho hum.


When I look back at all the cars I've owned the E90 330d M is to date the best all round car I've owned, the RS6 is an ongoing great experiance which long after changing it I will remember fondly for the pure crazy-ness of it.

So maybe better is the wrong word - the 330d was more complete an all rounder jack of all trades master if none while the RS6 rally punched hard in the crazy zone it does mundane motoring not so great.

[Wills2]

Pugland53 said:

Sounds lovely, any pics?

Dreadful pic blame blackberry.

[Wills2]

Welshbeef said:

Great spec - also looking at your car history its very interesting to hear your views on it.
I still feel now that as amazing as the RS6 is the E90 330d was the better car - but it is an itch I couldn't not scratch.

It's OK, nice even but not an M car, I will have to adjust my driving style accordingly.

Great in a straight line and very comfy but cornering isn't its strong suit but I expected that.

[Welshbeef]

Wills2 said:

Pugland53 said:

Sounds lovely, any pics?

Dreadful pic blame blackberry.

Looks lovely.

Is that a flat surface - reason for asking is the rear wheel gap to the arch (is that the standard ride height for Xdrive)?

[Wills2]

No it drops away on that corner, but the car does ride quite high on the standard suspension.

You can get lowered springs from ACS or Hartge but once you start fiddling you open up a world of pain in my experience.

But it would look a lot better lowered.

[gaz1234]

Wills2 said:

Dreadful pic blame blackberry.

How many badges

[Wills2]

gaz1234 said:

How many badges

Indeed.

[tjlees]

Wills2 said:

gaz1234 said:

How many badges

Indeed.

De-badging is your friend (or a hot air gun and sturdy plastic knife!)

[Welshbeef]

tjlees said:

Wills2 said:

gaz1234 said:

How many badges

Indeed.

De-badging is your friend (or a hot air gun and sturdy plastic knife!)

Am I missing something here

2 badges one for Xdrive the other model designation - not really cluttered is it.

[Wills2]

tjlees said:

De-badging is your friend (or a hot air gun and sturdy plastic knife!)

I've always de-badged my cars (I use cheese wire as my preferred route with nail polish remover for the residual sticky) this new one is a candidate for the M badges on a non M car thread.