BMW425D or BMW 430D Auto?

[Lambodrift]

Hi guys,

I have a dilemma, I plan on upgrading my loved E92 320D for a 425D or a 430D (auto only), here is my question as I haven't driven them yet (want your opinion first), I'm a manual guy, I have driven autos before and as quick as they are on track on a daily basis I find them boring. Should I get a 425d and remap it and get 430d performance (same engine after all) or suck it up and go for 430D (easier to sell and everyone is going auto anyway so better get used to it now)? Can an auto be engaging?

Has anyone driven them both yet and are they very different in terms of performance?

Cheers

[Lambodrift]

You're right realist123, I thought it was the same case as the E90 series, being the 325d was a 6 cylinder engine. I just love the interaction between pressing the clutch and changing gear, it's so rewarding.

My left food will get bored

[Lambodrift]

Hi Smuler,

I guess I could consider a 335i but I do 12000 miles a year so I prefer a diesel, plus I love the extra torque diesel engines offer. If only an M4 was economical

Smuler said:

I think if you're a keen manual driver you'll struggle to adapt and will miss the sensation and involvement.

That said, if it's only a choice between those 2, I'd go for the faster engine (430) even more so now I've learnt that the other isn't 6 cylinders On the bright side, the ZF8 speed is a good auto.


But to corroborate my first point I went from a manual gearbox in my old E46 to a E92 335i with DCT which I always drove in manual mode and it was good, much better than the ZF8 in manual mode,but after less than 18 months it's being swapped for a manual and I'm very happy about that

Is there not a petrol manual you can have?

[Lambodrift]

[quote=Wills2]

Indeed Lee, 12k is bks all mileage and no way does it justify the need for a diesel. At that mileage the difference between 25mpg and 35mpg is about a £10 a week.



The 435i does 37.7 combined and the 430d - 52.3 according to auto trader, I don't how much that translates in the wallet but it sounds quite a bit. The 35i has a manual option on the plus side and sounds better etc but the diesel is more torquey. I thought that was a decent amount of mileage to justify a diesel. Decision decisions.