Discussion
jrinns said:
Having had a number of diesels over the years 3.0 TT Jags, Audis, Range Rovers, 640d etc you cannot get excited about them and the only reason you buy them is for MPG or towing grunt.
They were all good cars but not what you could call an exciting drive. Anyone who has owned an NA car with some power will always feel the same way.
I guess it's what you need from a car and what you get used to. All the above were fantastic motorway cruisers.
No doubt the 335d is a great motor but no doubt would just be missing something. I no doubt will be in another oil burner at some point due to the miles I do.
Not sure on the point of my post, I guess there is just something missing from my explanation, just like a diesel.....
Try a D3 & then come back & say the diesel lacks. Also what NA cars are you talking about? There are pretty much no NA performance saloons for sale anymore, a 328i is slower (turbo 4 pot)& is just as good a drive as 330d which out performs it let alone a 335d.They were all good cars but not what you could call an exciting drive. Anyone who has owned an NA car with some power will always feel the same way.
I guess it's what you need from a car and what you get used to. All the above were fantastic motorway cruisers.
No doubt the 335d is a great motor but no doubt would just be missing something. I no doubt will be in another oil burner at some point due to the miles I do.
Not sure on the point of my post, I guess there is just something missing from my explanation, just like a diesel.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoRAeL8qgSM
I prefer petrol to diesel, love my GranTurismo & CLK63.
But here's the rub when driving them the CLK63 drives just as well as my daily driver CLK320cdi both have coilovers & poly bushes, what makes the 63 the better one is the V8 upfront just because it put's the biggest grin on my face just on start up, but the 63/GT will come out once or twice a month the 320 is driven everyday finances play a big roll in this with an average of 38.3mpg for every 500 miles vs 19.8mpg every 500 miles funnily enough the Maser is better averaging 23.2mpg.
Get a car you can enjoy joy driving just because it has a diesel engine doesn't make it a boring drive a lack of engine note might be what you're missing.
The D3 has a bit of an engine note to it, I heard a Ghilbi diesel the other day & was impressed by the noise coming out of the exhaust.
Diesels are just boring in my opinion. No matter how fast they are the car still makes me think i'm driving a company car...
NA petrols (from days gone) just seem more connected with the driver, no doubt Turbo's are fast as but I kind of miss the NA experience when driving my F10 M5 (mainly on bends).
Alpina D3 would indeed be a decent diesel buy.
NA petrols (from days gone) just seem more connected with the driver, no doubt Turbo's are fast as but I kind of miss the NA experience when driving my F10 M5 (mainly on bends).
Alpina D3 would indeed be a decent diesel buy.
jrinns said:
Diesels are just boring in my opinion. No matter how fast they are the car still makes me think i'm driving a company car...
NA petrols (from days gone) just seem more connected with the driver, no doubt Turbo's are fast as but I kind of miss the NA experience when driving my F10 M5 (mainly on bends).
Alpina D3 would indeed be a decent diesel buy.
:beers: watch this & get all nostalgic lol.NA petrols (from days gone) just seem more connected with the driver, no doubt Turbo's are fast as but I kind of miss the NA experience when driving my F10 M5 (mainly on bends).
Alpina D3 would indeed be a decent diesel buy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZxetYJkXTE
jrinns said:
Diesels are just boring in my opinion. No matter how fast they are the car still makes me think i'm driving a company car...
NA petrols (from days gone) just seem more connected with the driver, no doubt Turbo's are fast as but I kind of miss the NA experience when driving my F10 M5 (mainly on bends).
Alpina D3 would indeed be a decent diesel buy.
Agreed. Efficient power in a good diesel is great for utility transport - my X5 40d is a fabulous car but doesn't do anything for me when enjoyment becomes a factor. My remapped 123D had supercar-level overtaking ability but was always efficient rather than inspiring. I put that down to a combination of things: rev limit - there's nothing quite like revving out an NA petrol six for feeling that you're having fun and working for it; noise - 'nuff said; turbo-charging (lack of) - with turbodiesels kicking from near-tickover and a massive torque plateau, there's less in the way of need to learn the power & torque curves and plan your use of the throttle to match. I haven't driven one of the new generation of turbo'd petrol sixes but I do worry that the performance petrol engines are going down the same route. My NA 911 is a keeper, that's for sure…NA petrols (from days gone) just seem more connected with the driver, no doubt Turbo's are fast as but I kind of miss the NA experience when driving my F10 M5 (mainly on bends).
Alpina D3 would indeed be a decent diesel buy.
For me its different. I found the F10 M5 boring, and to be honest the E60 M5 to a lesser extent. Every time BMW brings out a new car you feel less and less connected to the road.
I didn't buy the 335 for its ability to thrill. I bought it because it was better then the F10 M5 for what I wanted it for. Namely nippy, B, and country roads. Fuel efficient transport, and effortless commuting.
If I want to feel connected to the road I take out the TVR or a motorcycle. Either of which demonstrates what a numbing experience BMW M cars have become.
The 335 does 95% of what the M cars do at half the cost, leaving plenty of money spare to go and get a thrill seeking experience in a more dramatic car.
To that end the saving from this 335 is a good step toward the lambo fund. an F10 M5 would have shelved the lambo for significantly longer while giving no real benefit to the 335.
This is only in MHO of course as BMW M cars still have a lot of appeal for most, but for me, in BMWs race to make the M car the jack of all trades, they have effectively stopped it being the only car to satisfy an enthusiastic car driver.
I didn't buy the 335 for its ability to thrill. I bought it because it was better then the F10 M5 for what I wanted it for. Namely nippy, B, and country roads. Fuel efficient transport, and effortless commuting.
If I want to feel connected to the road I take out the TVR or a motorcycle. Either of which demonstrates what a numbing experience BMW M cars have become.
The 335 does 95% of what the M cars do at half the cost, leaving plenty of money spare to go and get a thrill seeking experience in a more dramatic car.
To that end the saving from this 335 is a good step toward the lambo fund. an F10 M5 would have shelved the lambo for significantly longer while giving no real benefit to the 335.
This is only in MHO of course as BMW M cars still have a lot of appeal for most, but for me, in BMWs race to make the M car the jack of all trades, they have effectively stopped it being the only car to satisfy an enthusiastic car driver.
Technomad said:
jrinns said:
Diesels are just boring in my opinion. No matter how fast they are the car still makes me think i'm driving a company car...
NA petrols (from days gone) just seem more connected with the driver, no doubt Turbo's are fast as but I kind of miss the NA experience when driving my F10 M5 (mainly on bends).
Alpina D3 would indeed be a decent diesel buy.
I haven't driven one of the new generation of turbo'd petrol sixes but I do worry that the performance petrol engines are going down the same route. My NA 911 is a keeper, that's for sure…NA petrols (from days gone) just seem more connected with the driver, no doubt Turbo's are fast as but I kind of miss the NA experience when driving my F10 M5 (mainly on bends).
Alpina D3 would indeed be a decent diesel buy.
julian64 said:
If I want to feel connected to the road I take out the TVR or a motorcycle. Either of which demonstrates what a numbing experience BMW M cars have become.
I think you could probably argue that cars generally have become a numbing experience weighed down as they are by all the safety features and various other options we buyers tend to demand nowadays! I actually quite like my 335d because as an everyday car it does most things so well; however, I don't deny it would be nice to have something like a Caterham or an Elise in the garage to serve as a reminder as to what it feels like to be connected to the road. For an involving drive I personally favour low weight, petrol and a manual gearbox but when it's freezing cold, dark and pouring with rain I'm not sure I want to be that involved (and in those situations an effortless, sure-footed, companion like the 335d makes for very acceptable transport IMO!). JNW1 said:
julian64 said:
If I want to feel connected to the road I take out the TVR or a motorcycle. Either of which demonstrates what a numbing experience BMW M cars have become.
For an involving drive I personally favour low weight, petrol and a manual gearbox but when it's freezing cold, dark and pouring with rain I'm not sure I want to be that involved It was the same for me though regards the numbness with M cars as I came out of a TVR and into two M cars after it and I found them both numb but they are built to do a different job because they are built to be comfortable, quick and easy to drive and they do that very well indeed.
An interesting read, so thanks to everyone who as posted.
I've got a couple of questions as I ordered the following car just before Xmas which will (apparantly) be delivered w/c 9th March. I found the whole process to be a bit of a palaver and eventually ended up going through a broker. I spec'd the following:
335dx MSport
Black Leather
Pro Nav
Interior Comfort Pack
MSport Plus Pack
Adaptive suspension
Sunroof
Reversing Camera
Electric Seats / Lumbar
Heated front seats
Folding Mirrors
Heads up Display
Burr Walnut / Pearl
Speed Limit Display
The only thing I've not gone for which I'm thinking about now is the high beam assist, but I'm rationalising the fact that I do very little driving on unlit roads (except motorway) that I didn't think Iwould really use it that much
This came it at just under £38k including delivery / registration / 4 yr servicing and road tax.
The various quotes I had from dealers varied wildly so I have no idea whether or not this is a good deal based upon some of the comments on discounts available. TBH whilst it's nice to go into a dealership I think I'd go through a broker every time
In regards to the XDrive, I'm coming from a 430d S drive and for me it was a no brainer as whilst I love the 430d I never really feel 100% confident in myself and the car when there is the merest hint of wet or low temperatures (I'm all about hard acceleration, especially roundabouts!)
I'll be interested in what the MPG will work out in the 335d as I've done 17k miles in the 430d and am coming in at 36 MPG*
I've got a couple of questions as I ordered the following car just before Xmas which will (apparantly) be delivered w/c 9th March. I found the whole process to be a bit of a palaver and eventually ended up going through a broker. I spec'd the following:
335dx MSport
Black Leather
Pro Nav
Interior Comfort Pack
MSport Plus Pack
Adaptive suspension
Sunroof
Reversing Camera
Electric Seats / Lumbar
Heated front seats
Folding Mirrors
Heads up Display
Burr Walnut / Pearl
Speed Limit Display
The only thing I've not gone for which I'm thinking about now is the high beam assist, but I'm rationalising the fact that I do very little driving on unlit roads (except motorway) that I didn't think Iwould really use it that much
This came it at just under £38k including delivery / registration / 4 yr servicing and road tax.
The various quotes I had from dealers varied wildly so I have no idea whether or not this is a good deal based upon some of the comments on discounts available. TBH whilst it's nice to go into a dealership I think I'd go through a broker every time
In regards to the XDrive, I'm coming from a 430d S drive and for me it was a no brainer as whilst I love the 430d I never really feel 100% confident in myself and the car when there is the merest hint of wet or low temperatures (I'm all about hard acceleration, especially roundabouts!)
I'll be interested in what the MPG will work out in the 335d as I've done 17k miles in the 430d and am coming in at 36 MPG*
- I live in central London and all journeys start / end in slow moving London traffic and I do a fair bit of day to day short journeys too in London. I'm pretty happy with the 36 MPG when considering the power and the fun to be had when out on the open roads!
Technomad said:
Are the ACS springs compatible with the adaptive damping? On test driving the 335d xdrive I was distinctly unimpressed with the standard setup - very vague and floaty when pressing on.
Yes to your question re X drive....... I had the normal standard set up on my F30 330d and it was terrible ,on one journey the bouncing was a farce...the wife couldnt believe it .In fact on a certain a journey that I do a lot I found so horrible on the outside lane I kept in the middle.....now on ACS Springs and dampers and its fantastic but many people put just the springs on the Xdrive and they say it transforms it.Edited by smashy on Tuesday 20th January 12:50
Edited by smashy on Tuesday 20th January 16:07
Technomad said:
Are the ACS springs compatible with the adaptive damping? On test driving the 335d xdrive I was distinctly unimpressed with the standard setup - very vague and floaty when pressing on.
Very much so. The ACS springs work extremely well with adaptive dampers. Having said that adaptive is less necessary as the car now handles properly in Comfort mode, but Sport mode is now very impressive. The Alpina D3 does exactly this - just replaces the springs and uses the standard adaptive dampers (albeit with slightly altered settings.
Starting to think this suspension thing is somewhat overegged.
Never driven one of these cars with SC springs but the standard springs on my car are fine. I have the adaptive dampers. There is very little body roll, and certainly no comical diving of the front of the car, or wayward nature of the front as suggested by some people on this thread. Its actually very confidence inspiring. When being an idiot in this weather the car seems to be set up for a little understeer which is probably what I would have chosen. The biggest problem for me is learning not to immediately correct oversteer with a handful of steering wheel, and not finding the expected oversteer comming out of wet roundabouts any more.
There certainly is a difference when pushing on with the four wheel drive, but the standard car is actually very good at corners.
Not sure I would want to push a friends car with the SC springer harder than I recently pushed my car in this weather and certainly not disappointed with the handling, so rather confused about some of the posts on here.
I think having significantly strong springs would just make the adaptive dampers less likely to be effective at what they do, and weaker springs would be more likely to dive the nose in prolonged braking. Short sharp braking of course would likely be the domain of the dampers rather than the springs.
So anyone knows the poundage difference between the SC and standard springs?
Never driven one of these cars with SC springs but the standard springs on my car are fine. I have the adaptive dampers. There is very little body roll, and certainly no comical diving of the front of the car, or wayward nature of the front as suggested by some people on this thread. Its actually very confidence inspiring. When being an idiot in this weather the car seems to be set up for a little understeer which is probably what I would have chosen. The biggest problem for me is learning not to immediately correct oversteer with a handful of steering wheel, and not finding the expected oversteer comming out of wet roundabouts any more.
There certainly is a difference when pushing on with the four wheel drive, but the standard car is actually very good at corners.
Not sure I would want to push a friends car with the SC springer harder than I recently pushed my car in this weather and certainly not disappointed with the handling, so rather confused about some of the posts on here.
I think having significantly strong springs would just make the adaptive dampers less likely to be effective at what they do, and weaker springs would be more likely to dive the nose in prolonged braking. Short sharp braking of course would likely be the domain of the dampers rather than the springs.
So anyone knows the poundage difference between the SC and standard springs?
smashy said:
julian ,you have adaptive suspension not standard two different things the adaptive is constantly altering its parameters ive driven one with adaptive could have kicked myself I didnt ordder it,
Oh, me again, then.I suppose the problem is that I have never driven one without. I had two test drives at dealers to be sure of the car, both had adaptive.
I guess the two killer accessories for this car were
1) Adaptive damping
2) Pro Nav
I have to admit though that I have found a third 'never to be without' accessory.
heated steering wheel 
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.
.
.
.
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While I'm on this subject, I would like to impart one further word of wisdom for what its worth.
The worst accessory on the car.
privacy glass on the rear window
Edited by julian64 on Tuesday 20th January 15:51
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