BMW E46 320d or 330d?

[lockstockn2]

im looking to upgrade to a long range motor that has the looks and performance to go with it.
my friend has a 320d and i must say its a sweet motor. its an 04 E46 and im looking to get one around the same age but im unsure if i should go for the bigger 330d.
i know the fuel eco will be less but will the gains in performance be worth it?
are there agvantages to having one over the other? i.e smoother engine, better all round engine.

i saw a 330d sport auto the other day and it looked sweet, was slightly put off by the auto tho, i have only ever had a manual, any views??
thanks fellow piston heads

[lockstockn2]

thanks for your replys, really helpful. yes i would be doing long range driving, ie up and down the country and next year across europe for 2 weeks. so a smooth reliable ride is a must.
i was just a bit put off by the auto because of the delayed gear change ascociated with auto's. is this different with diesel's because of the smaller rev range? i know the torque more than makes up for this tho. cruse control is also a must!
6 pot seems the way to go
i have also heard to go for the sport for the interior and extras.
coupe or 4 door tho? i dont have a family and this will be a big step up from my car atm, tho i can see the extra room coming in handy sometimes. both the coupe and saloon look sweet, are there any big difference's tho?

thanks again