335d worthwhile options
Discussion
My E39 520i has finally reached the end and I find myself needing a new daily driver.
I have decided that my requirements are best served by a 2016 or younger 335d touring.
I was wondering if the collective wisdom of Pistonheads can offer any advice as to which options are “must haves” and which are not worth having.
Many thanks.
I have decided that my requirements are best served by a 2016 or younger 335d touring.
I was wondering if the collective wisdom of Pistonheads can offer any advice as to which options are “must haves” and which are not worth having.
Many thanks.
It’s all personal preference really.
I personally wanted pro nav, harman kardon and LED/xenons at a minimum and anything else was a bonus. My 320d has pro nav and LEDs but not HK, but has a few other niceties like powerfold and dimming mirrors, reversing camera and privacy glass.
A lot of early LCI (65 plate) 335d were on a cheap lease so are pretty spartan (business nav, halogen lights, no heated seats etc).
I’d have a dig through some old brochures and look at some for sale and decide what you do/don’t want.
I personally wanted pro nav, harman kardon and LED/xenons at a minimum and anything else was a bonus. My 320d has pro nav and LEDs but not HK, but has a few other niceties like powerfold and dimming mirrors, reversing camera and privacy glass.
A lot of early LCI (65 plate) 335d were on a cheap lease so are pretty spartan (business nav, halogen lights, no heated seats etc).
I’d have a dig through some old brochures and look at some for sale and decide what you do/don’t want.
The options I wouldn't be without on my F31 are the panoramic roof (transforms the interior ambience IMO), the folding mirrors (for the look at the kerb function) and the xenon lights (albeit LED's are standard on the later LCI cars). The HK stereo is also worth the money as are the heated seats; not so sure professional media is worth the extra though. The electric memory seats are nice to have if more than one person drives the car regularly but I wouldn't regard them as essential. My car doesn't have either the 19" alloys or the M-Sport Plus brakes so can't comment on those; however, I can believe the latter might be worth having as the standard brakes are only so-so in my view.
The one option I ticked which with hindsight was a mistake was the adaptive suspension; the money would be far better spent on a set of AC Schnitzer springs IMHO.
My final thought would be go for a 340i rather than a 335d unless you really want or need X-Drive; the diesel isn't that fantastic in terms of mpg (38 is my running average over 65k miles) and it's definitely not as good as the B58 petrol in terms of noise and refinement.
Good luck with the search!
The one option I ticked which with hindsight was a mistake was the adaptive suspension; the money would be far better spent on a set of AC Schnitzer springs IMHO.
My final thought would be go for a 340i rather than a 335d unless you really want or need X-Drive; the diesel isn't that fantastic in terms of mpg (38 is my running average over 65k miles) and it's definitely not as good as the B58 petrol in terms of noise and refinement.
Good luck with the search!
JNW1 said:
My final thought would be go for a 340i rather than a 335d unless you really want or need X-Drive; the diesel isn't that fantastic in terms of mpg (38 is my running average over 65k miles) and it's definitely not as good as the B58 petrol in terms of noise and refinement.
Although my profile says I am based in Bucks I actually spend half my time in the North East where the location of my house and the inclement weather makes X-drive a sensible choice.Extended storage, no really. Worth it for the cubby by your right knee alone. Not kidding.
Pro Nav is pretty but has s
t functionality. Waze on your phone much better for routing.LED lights standard on LCI, from approx Sept 2016
Before this lights were an embarrassment and the DRLs shockingly uncool
Standard speakers rubbish. HK definitely worth the cash and comes with M Sport Plus (2k option)
Gangster glass and bigger alloys not my cup of tea but better brakes worth having from this bundle.
Everything else is a luxury but having tried a HUD in a 5 series its very seductive
Cheers
numtumfutunch said:
Extended storage, no really. Worth it for the cubby by your right knee alone. Not kidding.
Pro Nav is pretty but has st functionality. Waze on your phone much better for routing.
LED lights standard on LCI, from approx Sept 2016
Before this lights were an embarrassment and the DRLs shockingly uncool
Standard speakers rubbish. HK definitely worth the cash and comes with M Sport Plus (2k option)
Gangster glass and bigger alloys not my cup of tea but better brakes worth having from this bundle.
Everything else is a luxury but having tried a HUD in a 5 series its very seductive
Cheers
Agreed on the pro nav functionality, I just use google maps on my phone these days. However it does improve the interior and makes it look much more modern, specifically the black panel display in the instrument cluster.Pro Nav is pretty but has s
t functionality. Waze on your phone much better for routing.LED lights standard on LCI, from approx Sept 2016
Before this lights were an embarrassment and the DRLs shockingly uncool
Standard speakers rubbish. HK definitely worth the cash and comes with M Sport Plus (2k option)
Gangster glass and bigger alloys not my cup of tea but better brakes worth having from this bundle.
Everything else is a luxury but having tried a HUD in a 5 series its very seductive
Cheers
To me the M + pack is a must, especially on x drive models as standard ones seem to look like 4x4’s with the smaller wheels with bigger tyre profile. I think the 6 pot models come with bigger brakes as standard but not the brembo brakes you get with the M + pack.
HK and Xenons/LED’s are a must but that’s because I’m into my music and drive at night a lot so can’t live without.
The M + pack came with the upgraded lights in all of the 3 series range so just look out for blue callipers or tinted windows in your searches, usually they’re the give always for the pack.
My 340 xDrive touring is pretty much loaded as I got a dealer showroom car and here in Switzerland dealers put every conceivable option on the car.
It will all depend on how you drive your car. I do a lot of night-time drives on either unlit motorways or mountain passes. Given this I really appreciate the adaptive headlights. They make overtaking much easier.
My wife & I both have the seat set in the same position so I could pass on the memory seats. I have also not used the heated seats but the children like the ones in the rear. Personally I think the children can have a cold bum - I had to put up with the back of a Cortina when I was their age! Lumbar support is good.
I like the adaptive cruise, especially on the motorway where it really reduces stress.
The HUD is something I probably wouldn't have specced but it might be the first on the list when getting a new car. If only it showed gears / revs. I never look at the dials now.
I don't really use the cameras that help you out of a blind junction as we don't really have them here (few hedges or walls)
The automated parking is a nice party trick but I don't have problems parking. It is much more useful for parallel parking close to a wall than reversing into a car park space.
Surround cameras are useful especially when the sensors are having a hissy fit or to make sure you don't hit a rock when parking in a field.
Sunroof is nice for light in the car (and to open to hear the MSSPK through the tunnels on the passes). It was expensive though.
Leather covered dashboard makes it a nicer place.
Safety systems (automated braking, lane depart etc) seem to work well but I've never really needed them.
I could easily live without all the connected drive stuff and professional nav (though the speed limit thing is OK). As mentioned Google is better.
Adaptive suspension works for me though I would prefer a bit softer occasionally as it can still clatter on the motorway. It's much better in the winter with 17" wheels.
(19" wheels look nice but I'm not impressed with the ride. Will see when moving to non-run flats next summer)
Heated steering wheel has been on once.
I like the Harman / Kardon though it's not the best car stereo out there.
I have something called 'Comfort telephony' but I don't know what it adds.
It will all depend on how you drive your car. I do a lot of night-time drives on either unlit motorways or mountain passes. Given this I really appreciate the adaptive headlights. They make overtaking much easier.
My wife & I both have the seat set in the same position so I could pass on the memory seats. I have also not used the heated seats but the children like the ones in the rear. Personally I think the children can have a cold bum - I had to put up with the back of a Cortina when I was their age! Lumbar support is good.
I like the adaptive cruise, especially on the motorway where it really reduces stress.
The HUD is something I probably wouldn't have specced but it might be the first on the list when getting a new car. If only it showed gears / revs. I never look at the dials now.
I don't really use the cameras that help you out of a blind junction as we don't really have them here (few hedges or walls)
The automated parking is a nice party trick but I don't have problems parking. It is much more useful for parallel parking close to a wall than reversing into a car park space.
Surround cameras are useful especially when the sensors are having a hissy fit or to make sure you don't hit a rock when parking in a field.
Sunroof is nice for light in the car (and to open to hear the MSSPK through the tunnels on the passes). It was expensive though.
Leather covered dashboard makes it a nicer place.
Safety systems (automated braking, lane depart etc) seem to work well but I've never really needed them.
I could easily live without all the connected drive stuff and professional nav (though the speed limit thing is OK). As mentioned Google is better.
Adaptive suspension works for me though I would prefer a bit softer occasionally as it can still clatter on the motorway. It's much better in the winter with 17" wheels.
(19" wheels look nice but I'm not impressed with the ride. Will see when moving to non-run flats next summer)
Heated steering wheel has been on once.
I like the Harman / Kardon though it's not the best car stereo out there.
I have something called 'Comfort telephony' but I don't know what it adds.
Agree with most of these comments.
M+ pack is mostly just cosmetic. Not sure how much more stopping power you actually get on the larger brakes - the 335/340 does have larger discs as standard. The improved cosmetics also come with slight ride compromises due to 19" (also diamond cut wheels are susceptible to water ingress) and my M+ brakes have the infamous 'clunk' sound when coming to a complete stop, or gently releasing the brake.
HK is nice if you're into that sort of thing - I mostly listen to Radio 4 so doesn't add much there
It's nice to stream music from your phone though (pro media?) and does sound great when you crank up the volume.
Voice command recognition is laughably bad (perhaps it's my slightly Yorkshire accent) - not sure which package this comes with, or if standard.
Pro nav looks nice but the map updates / traffic services are subscription based and expensive. I think if you have an iphone you'll want the Apply Car Play...split screen is handy though.
Heated seats are nice on colder mornings.
TBH the best extra on mine is the HUD - as someone above said, I never look at the dials now and you get nav/media controls as well as speed (+ limit if you spec it). Agree gear and RPM would be ace here but I think only the full bloodied M models have this.
I love the adaptive suspension on mine (non xdrive) - comfort is soft but not too wallowy and sport firms up nicely.
M+ pack is mostly just cosmetic. Not sure how much more stopping power you actually get on the larger brakes - the 335/340 does have larger discs as standard. The improved cosmetics also come with slight ride compromises due to 19" (also diamond cut wheels are susceptible to water ingress) and my M+ brakes have the infamous 'clunk' sound when coming to a complete stop, or gently releasing the brake.
HK is nice if you're into that sort of thing - I mostly listen to Radio 4 so doesn't add much there
It's nice to stream music from your phone though (pro media?) and does sound great when you crank up the volume.
Voice command recognition is laughably bad (perhaps it's my slightly Yorkshire accent) - not sure which package this comes with, or if standard.
Pro nav looks nice but the map updates / traffic services are subscription based and expensive. I think if you have an iphone you'll want the Apply Car Play...split screen is handy though.
Heated seats are nice on colder mornings.
TBH the best extra on mine is the HUD - as someone above said, I never look at the dials now and you get nav/media controls as well as speed (+ limit if you spec it). Agree gear and RPM would be ace here but I think only the full bloodied M models have this.
I love the adaptive suspension on mine (non xdrive) - comfort is soft but not too wallowy and sport firms up nicely.
My 65 plate F31 LCI 335d has
pro navy which is ok, hud which is brilliant and vital now on any new car,
standard speakers which are ok - when I bought I was considering upgrading aftermarket,
heated seats which get really warm really quickly,
extended storage which I don’t understand,
Rear camera which is ace,
Adaptable suspension
Foldy mirrors,
It’s a fab car but I wish it had panaramic roof and privacy glass.
I think the 5 touring looks better, which currently is getting my vote to change next year.
Oh and I get 40 mpg average.
It came with a servicing pack which has helped.
pro navy which is ok, hud which is brilliant and vital now on any new car,
standard speakers which are ok - when I bought I was considering upgrading aftermarket,
heated seats which get really warm really quickly,
extended storage which I don’t understand,
Rear camera which is ace,
Adaptable suspension
Foldy mirrors,
It’s a fab car but I wish it had panaramic roof and privacy glass.
I think the 5 touring looks better, which currently is getting my vote to change next year.
Oh and I get 40 mpg average.
It came with a servicing pack which has helped.
I have a 335d shadow edit xdrive wuth most options from a factory order last may (50thgift) and cannot be happier
Once we change in about 3 years priority is below as found these absolutely perfect
Heads up display
Digitdash
Heated seats
Harmon
Folding mirrors
Everything else is nice to have
Good luck
Once we change in about 3 years priority is below as found these absolutely perfect
Heads up display
Digitdash
Heated seats
Harmon
Folding mirrors
Everything else is nice to have
Good luck
Edited by HARTLEYHARE1 on Tuesday 19th February 21:13
I have a 335d xdrive shadow edition with M sport brakes. 66 plate so LCI. Bearing in mind mine was a pre-reg at 9 miles, so I got what was on it. Which is:
Packages on the car are,
ZIC (interior comfort pack) with:-
Split folding rear seat - essential on a saloon, often used (did not want an estate)
Heated steering wheel - not at all essential, in the deep cold the back of the hands are cold, so gloves are better, really, until cabin warms up.
Heated front seats - comfy, not essential, I guess, but my wife loves them
Extended storage - not really evident! (It must be worse without then!)
Armrest front sliding - not sure the sliding bit is needed, I guess short people may like the forward position.
ZMS (M sport plus) with:-
M sport brakes - work well in (rare) hard stops, I would not want weaker brakes
19” Run flat tyres - OK, when I can, I will go to 18” wheels rather than 19”
Sun protection glass (rear) - looks a bit too stark on a silver car, but useful for privacy of items.
High beam assist - works well
HK speakers - I would not want less, jazz and blues music come out very well.
ZNP (Media professional) with:
Black panel display
Concierge service - never used
Remote Services - never used
Real Time traffic info - flashes up stuff (no better than M way signage)
BMW Pro Nav/Professional multimedia - OK, again would not want less.
ZVI (Visibility pack) with:-
LED Headlights - OK
LED front fog lights- (who uses these?)
Rain sensor with wiper and auto headlamp activation - works well
Other options.
Adaptive suspension - don’t have it, seems OK without.
Reversing camera - (std) very useful, the lens stays reasonably clear.
Dark headlining- OK for me, and no sunroof, may be too dark for some
Auto-dim interior mirror is standard, and very good
Auto-dip and folding mirrors, NOT fitted - OK without for me
Windshield with grey sun band - don’t have it, would have wanted it though.
Folding rear head restraints - don’t have them, would have preferred, but OK without
Active Cruise Control (with stop and go function) - I have standard Cruise Control, which is OK (I can tell when cars ahead have Active CC, they seem too reliant on it and do not drive to conditions IMHO)
Packages on the car are,
ZIC (interior comfort pack) with:-
Split folding rear seat - essential on a saloon, often used (did not want an estate)
Heated steering wheel - not at all essential, in the deep cold the back of the hands are cold, so gloves are better, really, until cabin warms up.
Heated front seats - comfy, not essential, I guess, but my wife loves them
Extended storage - not really evident! (It must be worse without then!)
Armrest front sliding - not sure the sliding bit is needed, I guess short people may like the forward position.
ZMS (M sport plus) with:-
M sport brakes - work well in (rare) hard stops, I would not want weaker brakes
19” Run flat tyres - OK, when I can, I will go to 18” wheels rather than 19”
Sun protection glass (rear) - looks a bit too stark on a silver car, but useful for privacy of items.
High beam assist - works well
HK speakers - I would not want less, jazz and blues music come out very well.
ZNP (Media professional) with:
Black panel display
Concierge service - never used
Remote Services - never used
Real Time traffic info - flashes up stuff (no better than M way signage)
BMW Pro Nav/Professional multimedia - OK, again would not want less.
ZVI (Visibility pack) with:-
LED Headlights - OK
LED front fog lights- (who uses these?)
Rain sensor with wiper and auto headlamp activation - works well
Other options.
Adaptive suspension - don’t have it, seems OK without.
Reversing camera - (std) very useful, the lens stays reasonably clear.
Dark headlining- OK for me, and no sunroof, may be too dark for some
Auto-dim interior mirror is standard, and very good
Auto-dip and folding mirrors, NOT fitted - OK without for me
Windshield with grey sun band - don’t have it, would have wanted it though.
Folding rear head restraints - don’t have them, would have preferred, but OK without
Active Cruise Control (with stop and go function) - I have standard Cruise Control, which is OK (I can tell when cars ahead have Active CC, they seem too reliant on it and do not drive to conditions IMHO)
the most important specs for me are adaptive cruise, Bluetooth stream which I haven't got and dearly miss, and folding mirrors essential as im parronoid of people knocking them off. lane assist is pretty handy but I don't rely on it.
never experienced adaptive suspension, or birds eye view car camera
never experienced adaptive suspension, or birds eye view car camera
This was my old F31 335d:
Head-up display with speed limit display
Advanced Parking package:
Reversing Assist camera
Park Assist
Interior comfort package:
Extended storage
Head restraints, rear and folding
M Sport Plus Package:
19” M Double-spoke style 442M alloy wheels Bicolour Orbit Grey Metallic
M Sport braking system
Sun protection glass
BMW Icon adaptive LED headlight
High-beam assist
harman/kardon surround sound
Media package - BMW Professional:
BMW Online Services
RTTI
Information Plus
Remote Services
Black panel display
Active Cruise Control with "Stop and Go" function
Enhanced Bluetooth telephone with USB & Voice Control
Surround-view
Adaptive M Sport Suspension
Panoramic sunroof
Comfort Access
Electric towbar
Elec Fr Seats + Driver Memory
Lumbar support, driver and front pass.
Seat heating, front and rear.
Steering wheel heating
Ext. mirrors - folding, auto dimming
Headlight wash
LED foglights, front
Things I loved:
The HUD, sunroof, HK, Adaptive lights, surround view.
Things I was meh:
Active Cruise, Adaptive Suspension - rarely took it out of Comfort, lumbar support.
Out of that little lot the things are hardly used were Park Assist, rear heated seats.
Things I miss now that I have something else: LED headlights, surround view, decent HUD, the power, iDrive esp rotary dial.
Things I don't miss: The noise, the crap interior, lack of decent boot space. Keeping the bd thing clean (Tanzanite Blue).
Head-up display with speed limit display
Advanced Parking package:
Reversing Assist camera
Park Assist
Interior comfort package:
Extended storage
Head restraints, rear and folding
M Sport Plus Package:
19” M Double-spoke style 442M alloy wheels Bicolour Orbit Grey Metallic
M Sport braking system
Sun protection glass
BMW Icon adaptive LED headlight
High-beam assist
harman/kardon surround sound
Media package - BMW Professional:
BMW Online Services
RTTI
Information Plus
Remote Services
Black panel display
Active Cruise Control with "Stop and Go" function
Enhanced Bluetooth telephone with USB & Voice Control
Surround-view
Adaptive M Sport Suspension
Panoramic sunroof
Comfort Access
Electric towbar
Elec Fr Seats + Driver Memory
Lumbar support, driver and front pass.
Seat heating, front and rear.
Steering wheel heating
Ext. mirrors - folding, auto dimming
Headlight wash
LED foglights, front
Things I loved:
The HUD, sunroof, HK, Adaptive lights, surround view.
Things I was meh:
Active Cruise, Adaptive Suspension - rarely took it out of Comfort, lumbar support.
Out of that little lot the things are hardly used were Park Assist, rear heated seats.
Things I miss now that I have something else: LED headlights, surround view, decent HUD, the power, iDrive esp rotary dial.
Things I don't miss: The noise, the crap interior, lack of decent boot space. Keeping the b
d thing clean (Tanzanite Blue).Edited by Osinjak on Wednesday 20th February 11:31
I'll get my comment in before WelshBellend arrives too
Media Pack, for the pro Sat Nav and HK. Pro nav so you don't have the small screen and plastic surround, HK because standard BMW sound is horrid.
M Sport + is a good one to have if you like pushing on, although the 335d is a bit soft so it wouldn't really be essential.
Folding mirrors are a good one to have for the reverse kerb feature (Hold the lock button to fold them in)
Sun protection glass is nice to have, most of them have it anyway.
Heated seats are essential IMO
xDrive isn't essential, the tyres make more of a difference. I remember our X3 being crap in the snow on summer tyres. I'd go for a well specced 340i and set aside a set of winter wheels and tyres. The 335d is a bit soft and sits higher up. The engine alone in the 340i is worth it.
Media Pack, for the pro Sat Nav and HK. Pro nav so you don't have the small screen and plastic surround, HK because standard BMW sound is horrid.
M Sport + is a good one to have if you like pushing on, although the 335d is a bit soft so it wouldn't really be essential.
Folding mirrors are a good one to have for the reverse kerb feature (Hold the lock button to fold them in)
Sun protection glass is nice to have, most of them have it anyway.
Heated seats are essential IMO
xDrive isn't essential, the tyres make more of a difference. I remember our X3 being crap in the snow on summer tyres. I'd go for a well specced 340i and set aside a set of winter wheels and tyres. The 335d is a bit soft and sits higher up. The engine alone in the 340i is worth it.
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