F30 330D Minimum Daily Mileage To Avoid Soot

[Tim330]

Hi,
Thinking of getting one of these to replace my e92 335i. I have a daily commute of 17 miles each way, some A road and 1 motorway junction. Would this be long enough for the car to get up to temperature? I know diesels eventually clog up with soot on repeated short journeys (assume BMWs are no different). My other choice is a f30 335i or budget can stretch to a 340i. I've discounted the 335d due to the x drive.

[helix402]

That distance should be fine. Though as this is Pistonheads many posters will shortly tell you to buy the petrol instead.

[Tim330]

I think I'd have take a long test drive to make sure I would be happy in a diesel. On paper it looks the better financial choice. Yesterday having to hand over £540 for the road tax on the 335 has made me start to think about changing.

[Smuler]

Bloody hell, I never paid that much tax on my2009 335i, must be a 2007 model.

My E46 M3 (don't pay as much tax on that either) has a 20d diesel buddy, done 34,000 miles of your sort of commute, no problems.

I have found a diesel suits commuting, obviously my sacrifice to get a M is having a buddy car as fast as the 335i, but in your case a 330d would be that fast. so a logical replacement .

[Tim330]

Yes, registered 1st Sep 2007. I think the tax rates changed on 3rd September to £315/year without any actual change to the engine.

[Rrh8]

I bought a diesel due to change in work location.
Same as you 17 miles each way. 10 miles is on an A road. Four years later and no issues at all.
(Hope I’ve not jinxed it now).

[MantaMike]

My F31 330d is used on a 19 mile motorway/dual carriage way commute, or 13 mile A/B road depending on which route i take every day. over th last 20000 miles i have had no issues with soot or dpf regeneration.

Really good car for commuting, the autobox is brilliant and it is fast when you need it to be! i went for the diesel not to save money but because it was the fastest 3 series within my budget, i would not have been satisfied with a 320i. people always seem to choose diesel to save money, but i think it is OK to choose one for its performance!