730d running costs vs. 330d or 320d
Discussion
I currently have (well I say I have, it's in for EGR recall) a late 2013 730d.
As a result of the recall, my current courtesy car is a 2018 330d
Fuel -
730d on the same journey (50/60 miles, 80% motorway) will do 55-58mpg. The 330d is doing 46-48mpg (doing a 300mile trip tomorrow so will see if it improves).
Servicing - I think is comparable as bmw 4+ discount/value service kicks in (use bmw-service.co.uk and pop two comparable registrations in)
Tyres - my 730d is on 20" staggered setup. Winter's are 18's. 3 series is on 19's. Tyre prices will vary of course but if you compare apples with apples then tyre prices wouldn't be far off the same (i.e. comparing 19" options for both model of vehicle)
Don't know what else to say really. The 7 is a big car and you can feel the build quality difference. Even my wife noticed the 3 being more noisy at motorway speeds (and also the 4 series I had a week ago). The 7 is most certainly more comfy and refined.
Would I run a 7 without warranty? Don't think so - components and parts will be complex and alot of technology to go wrong. Also with less of them being around there's less internet DIY guides for "standard" jobs. I've still got over a years BMW warranty to go which eases that worry though.
Would I run a 3 without warranty? Probably. Much more around, lots more internet following, easier to find parts from motor factors than a 7 and multiple options for aftermarket parts. However, generally you've got to try harder to get the spec you want
Would I buy a 7 over a 3 in the future? Yes
My 7 cost abit more than a comparable age/mileage 3 at the time but the spec is much higher so it was well worth it. LED active headlights, soft close doors, heads up display, 4 zone climate, sunroof, heated steering wheel, ceramic finish controls, full digital dash, powered bootlid, comfort seats and much more.
Just remember though that the 7 is a big car so does need more space when parking/turning etc...
As a result of the recall, my current courtesy car is a 2018 330d
Fuel -
730d on the same journey (50/60 miles, 80% motorway) will do 55-58mpg. The 330d is doing 46-48mpg (doing a 300mile trip tomorrow so will see if it improves).
Servicing - I think is comparable as bmw 4+ discount/value service kicks in (use bmw-service.co.uk and pop two comparable registrations in)
Tyres - my 730d is on 20" staggered setup. Winter's are 18's. 3 series is on 19's. Tyre prices will vary of course but if you compare apples with apples then tyre prices wouldn't be far off the same (i.e. comparing 19" options for both model of vehicle)
Don't know what else to say really. The 7 is a big car and you can feel the build quality difference. Even my wife noticed the 3 being more noisy at motorway speeds (and also the 4 series I had a week ago). The 7 is most certainly more comfy and refined.
Would I run a 7 without warranty? Don't think so - components and parts will be complex and alot of technology to go wrong. Also with less of them being around there's less internet DIY guides for "standard" jobs. I've still got over a years BMW warranty to go which eases that worry though.
Would I run a 3 without warranty? Probably. Much more around, lots more internet following, easier to find parts from motor factors than a 7 and multiple options for aftermarket parts. However, generally you've got to try harder to get the spec you want
Would I buy a 7 over a 3 in the future? Yes
My 7 cost abit more than a comparable age/mileage 3 at the time but the spec is much higher so it was well worth it. LED active headlights, soft close doors, heads up display, 4 zone climate, sunroof, heated steering wheel, ceramic finish controls, full digital dash, powered bootlid, comfort seats and much more.
Just remember though that the 7 is a big car so does need more space when parking/turning etc...
Thanks for the feedback. Good to know. Surprising on the fuel front you find it better...
I haven't found a 7 Series I wouldn't been happy with spec wise, as standard they have most 3 series options and I suppose all from that age have similar electronics etc. I would plan to keep it for a while, so would rather not have warranty worries!
I haven't found a 7 Series I wouldn't been happy with spec wise, as standard they have most 3 series options and I suppose all from that age have similar electronics etc. I would plan to keep it for a while, so would rather not have warranty worries!
Why don't you get the best of both worlds & look at the 5 series? I have a 2013 525d, which has the 2.0 N47S twin turbo engine and the 8 speed ZF box. OK, mine is remapped, but it's pretty economical in the real world, but powerful when it needs to be. The tech, build quality and comfort in the 5 series is very similar to the 7 series, but more space & smaller running costs in the 5 touring.
ran an E90LCI before the F11 5 series, and I couldn't go back now. Not enough room.
ran an E90LCI before the F11 5 series, and I couldn't go back now. Not enough room.
250miles in the 330d today and 49.4mpg - i think it's knackered so not representative of what 330's should do. Was in Eco pro and not travelling very quick either, sticking to around 65-67 as it was poor weather.
I had a F10 523i (6 cyl) previous and it was comfy and as above poster mentions, they can be a good balance between the two. When I was looking prior to buying the 7, spec on some of them was odd so don't assume they have everything. Always double check with the dealer to ensure the options you expect are fitted (I saw one for example with pro nav, pan roof but no heated seats!). Waiting for the price of the new G series to drop as they do appeal. The F10 was a lovely car and has aged really well and still looks great.
My 7 may be appearing on BMW AUC shortly. Drop me a PM and I can put you in touch with the dealer if you fancy chatting to them if the spec's of interest. It'll be going in at around 55k miles.
I had a F10 523i (6 cyl) previous and it was comfy and as above poster mentions, they can be a good balance between the two. When I was looking prior to buying the 7, spec on some of them was odd so don't assume they have everything. Always double check with the dealer to ensure the options you expect are fitted (I saw one for example with pro nav, pan roof but no heated seats!). Waiting for the price of the new G series to drop as they do appeal. The F10 was a lovely car and has aged really well and still looks great.
My 7 may be appearing on BMW AUC shortly. Drop me a PM and I can put you in touch with the dealer if you fancy chatting to them if the spec's of interest. It'll be going in at around 55k miles.
Edited by padhinbed on Tuesday 9th April 18:02
Running costs are similar if you run them the right way. Good independents for certain repairs, otherwise dealership for standard stuff e.g. oil services to keep the service book looking happy and dealership heavy.
What is key is that you realise that they are fundamentally different cars. 730d handling and 330d handling is like night and day. 730d has a sporty-comfortable ride that is super smooth on the motorway but allows for some back road fun. The 330d is a lot lighter and will handle that way, but the somewhat lack of weight will contribute to a somewhat worse ride. 330d will have much sharper steering but not as good noise insulation as the 730d, which will have not as precise steering. Personally, the comfort tradeoff is what I would rather have, but some people may want the superior handling of the 330d. Entirely up to what you want.
If serviced right, they can cost as much as a mondeo to run, people on here have used those words to describe early 730d servicing. Dealership oil changes aren't horrifying and will keep up the stamps that everyone seems to care so much about.
What is key is that you realise that they are fundamentally different cars. 730d handling and 330d handling is like night and day. 730d has a sporty-comfortable ride that is super smooth on the motorway but allows for some back road fun. The 330d is a lot lighter and will handle that way, but the somewhat lack of weight will contribute to a somewhat worse ride. 330d will have much sharper steering but not as good noise insulation as the 730d, which will have not as precise steering. Personally, the comfort tradeoff is what I would rather have, but some people may want the superior handling of the 330d. Entirely up to what you want.
If serviced right, they can cost as much as a mondeo to run, people on here have used those words to describe early 730d servicing. Dealership oil changes aren't horrifying and will keep up the stamps that everyone seems to care so much about.
I have to echo @padhinbed above; the specification is key. I have spent a while looking at F01 7 series' in the past, and don't assume you get everything. Personally I'd have to have comfort seats & DAB. But so many don't have either of these, or they have awful wheels / awful colour combinations. I think I'll stick with my 5 series F11 for another while, but would seriously consider a 6 series Gran Coupe once I'm looking to change.
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