BMW E93 330i vs 330d

[RichMarks]

Hi

I have researched extensively, and am nearly there, but a couple of questions for you guys

Choosing between a E93 330i & 330d

Spend around £15k for a sub 50,000 mile example ( I do about 15,000 per year, open roads about 20% motorway)

I'm 50/50 so will probably decide on condition and other specs

In summary my findings

1. 330i Nice sound, mpg not great , circa 30mpg if driving carefully (which 90% of the time I will, but want the power for the 10% fun factor)
Advice is to get a manual box. Very reliable engine

2. 330d, good mpg & can be faster than the 330i . Advice is the auto box. Take your chance on some bif spends on DPF etc

Now main question is the 330i .. most for sale are the auto box & I cant wait much longer for a decent manual.

If you use the auto in manual / step mode .. how different is this from a full manual
How "bad" is the auto on the engine, i undertsand it makes it feel sluggish, but wondering how it is in manual mode.

I'm hoping to jump to the 330i auto option , as my wait for a decent spec 330d is taking too long, plus Im a little concerned about maintence costs (DPF etc)

Any further thoughts/advice welcome (NB there arent many near me for sale to "try")

Cheers
Rich

[RichMarks]

Thanks

Any views on the auto vs manual ..can the auto in manual mode work well ?

Cheers