Comparing F30 330d with E90 335d

[Jim1985]

Apologies if this has been covered before, this has been a revelation to me in the past 12 hours.

A while ago I drove a E90 325d and a 320d. I wasn’t all that impressed. As a result I foolishly wrote off the larger engined BMW super diesels as I was still in love with my newage STI. I want to change, I fancy a BMW, and the E90 335d has started to appeal. I mentioned this to my boss, and he leant me his F30 330d.

Wow.

What a car. It’s an auto, and is the first auto I’ve ever liked. Ive not driven a lot of auto’s, and granted they’ve been at the more dated/agricultural end of things (1993 Toyota Supra & Mitsubishi Shogun diesel). I’m thoroughly impressed with it. A wall of torque, lovely steering wheel, amazing gearbox (especially with the flappy paddles) definitely a fan of this. Yes the wall of torque and autobox might get old but as it stands; I want one.

However, the F30s are out of my budget, but the E90/E91/E92 335d is starting to creep into my £10,000 budget.

Before I can manage a test drive, how do they compare?

Obviously the gearbox will be different, but how good is the E90 autobox? Is a 335d with autobox a better proposition than a 330d equipped with the manual? Ignoring remaps because granted, you can map a 330d to 335d levels, but you can map a 335d to far surpass that. Remaps are a moot point.

I love the E90 shape, I like the interior. Is iDrive worth holding out for? On the few F30 320d’s I’ve been driving it irritated me a little.

Driving the F30 330d and thinking “I need this in my life”, would buying an E90 335d fill that gap?

To those who’ve noticed: Yes I’ve no idea what car to get next, hence my different questions every month…

Jim

[Jim1985]

Sounds good! I reckon its the one to go for. To be honest, things like satnav dont really appeal to me, but if it means I'd have trouble selling the car on then I'd better get it.

[Jim1985]

I'm aiming for the diesels for the all round fuel economy. I'd considered the 3.0si in a Z4 coupe, but I'm doing a cost saving exercise and getting an avalanche of torque to sweeten the deal.
I'm drawn to the 335d as its the infamous diesel car to have. I've seen a few SE 335d examples in my price range and I'm being picky on mileage to be honest. I'd prefer one with under 100k and that hasnt been remapped though. But I suppose I better buy on condition & history rather than mileage. I just dont want to get stuck with it come re-sale time.

[Jim1985]

Ah that sounds ideal. What year they they change over? Im only getting 18mpg now so 34mpg would be like getting a payrise!
If I was going for a 330d I'd probably get a manual.

[Jim1985]

Thats true actually, the autobox may be better. On the 320d I've been driving I'm not keen on the manual box. Its very peaky and doesnt like going into 2nd gear.

[Jim1985]

That's good to hear.

Looking at Autotrader there seems to be many 335d SEs for around £9500 with 100k miles. Are these a risky purchase?

[Jim1985]

What happened to yours? Costly?

[Jim1985]

Id be looking at a pre LCI 335d. The thing is, yes you can map an LCI 330d up to 335d levels, but the 335d will go further! Plus there's a good few pre LCI 335ds in my budget according to Autotrader.

[Jim1985]

Fantastic information thank you. I've had to give the car back now, but I did notice that it sounded a little agricultural this morning on the way in! Especially waiting for the windscreen to clear.

[Jim1985]

Might as well ask, whats realistic MPG for a pre LCI 335d? Combined and also on a run?

[Jim1985]

Thats what I want to hear! And to save me doing maths, how many miles to a tank?

Cheers!

[Jim1985]

That sounds fantastic. Hopefully getting one in the next few weeks!

[Jim1985]

Looking at the sheer amount of 130,000mile plus examples (even up at 170,000 and more) is this really the case?

[Jim1985]

No hammering coming from me, welcoming comments from both sides of the fence!

[Jim1985]

Fantastic! I bet he only got about £15 for it though haha.

Put a deposit down on a 335d yesterday. Can't wait to pick it up.

[Jim1985]

After a week or two in my 335d I'd say it doesnt feel too different to the F30 330d I borrowed.

[Jim1985]

I'm 100% over the moon with it. Its the most 'complete' car I've ever owned. It's quick, comfortable, handles great and doesnt feel like its going to fall apart!