BMW F30 330D M Sport
Discussion
Following on from my service interval thread, I am going to see one of these tomorrow and will likely buy it if nothing is wrong with it.
Looking to buy one of these cars has been quite a tedious experience, looking through several adverts and comparing cars based on price, mileage, age and specification. I've decided that I am going to go for a non XDrive version unless one comes up that makes it worth it. A few questions below if any previous owners or those in the know can help.
Harmon Kardon - I test drove one the other day that had this and it didn't really make me think it was particularly special or worth having but I haven't heard the stereo in a car without it yet. Is the standard system that bad to warrant walking away from an otherwise good car?
M Sport braking system - I assume the standard brakes are more than up to the job and the car doesn't feel under braked without them, the M sport brakes just give you some slightly bigger (and more expensive to replace) discs and nice looking calipers?
My real must have options have been pro nav and heated seats. Folding mirrors and split seats are a nice to have with the latter a rare option on the cars for sale at the moment.
Looking to buy one of these cars has been quite a tedious experience, looking through several adverts and comparing cars based on price, mileage, age and specification. I've decided that I am going to go for a non XDrive version unless one comes up that makes it worth it. A few questions below if any previous owners or those in the know can help.
Harmon Kardon - I test drove one the other day that had this and it didn't really make me think it was particularly special or worth having but I haven't heard the stereo in a car without it yet. Is the standard system that bad to warrant walking away from an otherwise good car?
M Sport braking system - I assume the standard brakes are more than up to the job and the car doesn't feel under braked without them, the M sport brakes just give you some slightly bigger (and more expensive to replace) discs and nice looking calipers?
My real must have options have been pro nav and heated seats. Folding mirrors and split seats are a nice to have with the latter a rare option on the cars for sale at the moment.
Al U said:
Following on from my service interval thread, I am going to see one of these tomorrow and will likely buy it if nothing is wrong with it.
Looking to buy one of these cars has been quite a tedious experience, looking through several adverts and comparing cars based on price, mileage, age and specification. I've decided that I am going to go for a non XDrive version unless one comes up that makes it worth it. A few questions below if any previous owners or those in the know can help.
Harmon Kardon - I test drove one the other day that had this and it didn't really make me think it was particularly special or worth having but I haven't heard the stereo in a car without it yet. Is the standard system that bad to warrant walking away from an otherwise good car?
M Sport braking system - I assume the standard brakes are more than up to the job and the car doesn't feel under braked without them, the M sport brakes just give you some slightly bigger (and more expensive to replace) discs and nice looking calipers?
My real must have options have been pro nav and heated seats. Folding mirrors and split seats are a nice to have with the latter a rare option on the cars for sale at the moment.
I haven’t tried HK, but the standard system sounds alright to me, no complaints.Looking to buy one of these cars has been quite a tedious experience, looking through several adverts and comparing cars based on price, mileage, age and specification. I've decided that I am going to go for a non XDrive version unless one comes up that makes it worth it. A few questions below if any previous owners or those in the know can help.
Harmon Kardon - I test drove one the other day that had this and it didn't really make me think it was particularly special or worth having but I haven't heard the stereo in a car without it yet. Is the standard system that bad to warrant walking away from an otherwise good car?
M Sport braking system - I assume the standard brakes are more than up to the job and the car doesn't feel under braked without them, the M sport brakes just give you some slightly bigger (and more expensive to replace) discs and nice looking calipers?
My real must have options have been pro nav and heated seats. Folding mirrors and split seats are a nice to have with the latter a rare option on the cars for sale at the moment.
Brakes... I’m going to get the upgraded one’s in Red, when my discs are due. The standard callipers on the rear, have rotted terribly.
Mine’s a 335D, but pretty basic. However it has the 40/20/40 rear seats, where my old E90 seats, didn’t drop at all. I think that’s a good option.
My only negative on the car, is the 19” low profile tyres. They look nice, but the ride is crashy. Post LCI, so I’m happy with the handling, but I’ve caught some potholes recently, and it’s made we wince. To the point where my old Cerbera on 16” wheels, feels like I’m driving a Rolls Royce in comparison
So don’t get swayed by the bigger wheels, is my advice.335D is obviously a more powerful car, quite significantly in fact. Not sure if the standard brakes on those are bigger than the 330D? If they aren't then I'd feel better knowing that the same brakes are on the 335D.
I will take a look at the calipers tomorrow but to be honest the 330D's with the M sport brakes that I have seen are on cars that are a good £2000 more expensive than the ones I am looking at.
With regard to the split seats, it's something I would like to have but the majority of 330D's for sale at the moment don't have them and I am going to use that as an excuse to use the wife's car for tip runs in future
I will take a look at the calipers tomorrow but to be honest the 330D's with the M sport brakes that I have seen are on cars that are a good £2000 more expensive than the ones I am looking at.
With regard to the split seats, it's something I would like to have but the majority of 330D's for sale at the moment don't have them and I am going to use that as an excuse to use the wife's car for tip runs in future
I had ordinary stereo on my X1 , have HK on 340i; it’s notably better and I’m no audiophile , but not a deal breaker unless you’re into music and still not exceptional compared to individual audio I had on previous generation 335i.
Upgraded brakes are great. I feel they’ve more power than my old M3’s.
But bigger spec issues for me, with 340i , were:-
Adaptive suspension , comfort mode on 19s is superb.
I also wanted LED headlights , but I think they’re standard on LCI’s , which this is as 2017
Heated , electric seats with lumbar support I wanted too.
I’ve not had a BMW without split / folding seats , so do feel that limits practicality , but you with a second car , maybe no biggie.
Upgraded brakes are great. I feel they’ve more power than my old M3’s.
But bigger spec issues for me, with 340i , were:-
Adaptive suspension , comfort mode on 19s is superb.
I also wanted LED headlights , but I think they’re standard on LCI’s , which this is as 2017
Heated , electric seats with lumbar support I wanted too.
I’ve not had a BMW without split / folding seats , so do feel that limits practicality , but you with a second car , maybe no biggie.
You can answer that one yourself, by looking at current vehicles for sale.
My guess in those circumstances, would be the 2017 model. I’ve no doubt there’s punters out there, who would pay extra for a used car that has all the options they want, but I reckon they’re in the minority.
You could always try typing in the selected extras on WBAC or the likes, and seeing what value they add.
My guess in those circumstances, would be the 2017 model. I’ve no doubt there’s punters out there, who would pay extra for a used car that has all the options they want, but I reckon they’re in the minority.
You could always try typing in the selected extras on WBAC or the likes, and seeing what value they add.
Edited by RUSSELLM on Sunday 5th January 09:58
RUSSELLM said:
You can answer that one yourself, by looking at current vehicles for sale.
My guess in those circumstances, would be the 2017 model. I’ve no doubt there’s punters out there, who would pay extra for a used car that has all the options they want, but I reckon they’re in the minority.
You could always try typing in the selected extras on WBAC or the likes, and seeing what value they add.
To be honest I think I am that punter! There is a 2016 car that seems to be almost my perfect specification but it's a year older and higher mileage than a 2017 one that has some of the things that I would want. I looked on WBAC and typed in reg numbers and the newer one does get a higher number but I didn't see anywhere to add the options it has. My guess in those circumstances, would be the 2017 model. I’ve no doubt there’s punters out there, who would pay extra for a used car that has all the options they want, but I reckon they’re in the minority.
You could always try typing in the selected extras on WBAC or the likes, and seeing what value they add.
Edited by RUSSELLM on Sunday 5th January 09:58
I'm tempted to just go for the higher spec one and just enjoy it and take the hit come resale/part ex time.
I’d go for the car you’ll think you enjoy most. High mileage is why people buy diesels and it can be better for them.
I don’t think WBAC or any trade in value analyses options much , but if you have a well optioned car there is some scope to negotiate upwards when trading it to WBAC at least.
I can’t recall if these are private sellers , but the 2017 will definitely be in warranty which is a plus.
I don’t think WBAC or any trade in value analyses options much , but if you have a well optioned car there is some scope to negotiate upwards when trading it to WBAC at least.
I can’t recall if these are private sellers , but the 2017 will definitely be in warranty which is a plus.
Al U said:
... There is a 2016 car that seems to be almost my perfect specification but it's a year older and higher mileage than a 2017 one that has some of the things that I would want...
I think you have answered your own question, the better spec is always worth a bit more. In your example the 2016 car seems to be worth as much as the 2017 because it has the extras you want,Consider it in terms of the depreciation graph. This will start off with a very steep curve and it will flatten out as the car gets older. The 2016 car is a year further down the curve and it is coming in to a flatter part of the curve, so the depreciation will be relatively less.
Locknut said:
I think you have answered your own question, the better spec is always worth a bit more. In your example the 2016 car seems to be worth as much as the 2017 because it has the extras you want,
Consider it in terms of the depreciation graph. This will start off with a very steep curve and it will flatten out as the car gets older. The 2016 car is a year further down the curve and it is coming in to a flatter part of the curve, so the depreciation will be relatively less.
I think it's a bit more complex than that. The 2016 car is an AU BMW whereas the 2017 car is from a large dealership but isn't manufacturer affiliated.Consider it in terms of the depreciation graph. This will start off with a very steep curve and it will flatten out as the car gets older. The 2016 car is a year further down the curve and it is coming in to a flatter part of the curve, so the depreciation will be relatively less.
After some further digging the 2016 car is 2 owners, the first being BMW as a demonstrator (hence the high spec) and the second a private individual. This and the fact it has 40k miles and Opal white merino leather is leaving me struggling to pull the trigger on it.
I just can't decide whether to go for the higher spec car with higher mileage, older plate and additional owner or go for the cheaper lower spec car that is one owner, less miles and newer but won't have the full year of warranty that you get with approved used.
I have a 2014 F31 330d Sport.
In my opinion, the HK system is OK but not worth a great deal. Certainly not a 'premium' sound system in terms of sound quality or build, although it is better than the stock BMW one, which is awful by any standards. You have to play around with the EQ to get the best of out it, there are a few threads out there. I say it is not premium in terms of build as one of my rear passenger door tweeters has failed and now crackles all the time, almost un-listenable - certainly for spoken audio.
M Sport brakes feel good and are a lot nicer looking than stock. They are cast aluminium 4 pot front and 2 pot rears - main thing to bear in mind is that to replace discs and pads is around 5-600 in parts alone vs 300 max for non-M Sport.
Pro-Nav is a must, larger screen makes a big difference, you can upgrade the maps to 2020 pretty easily too. Mine has, adaptive headlights, folding mirrors, heated seats, but no sunroof or electric seats.
In my opinion, the HK system is OK but not worth a great deal. Certainly not a 'premium' sound system in terms of sound quality or build, although it is better than the stock BMW one, which is awful by any standards. You have to play around with the EQ to get the best of out it, there are a few threads out there. I say it is not premium in terms of build as one of my rear passenger door tweeters has failed and now crackles all the time, almost un-listenable - certainly for spoken audio.
M Sport brakes feel good and are a lot nicer looking than stock. They are cast aluminium 4 pot front and 2 pot rears - main thing to bear in mind is that to replace discs and pads is around 5-600 in parts alone vs 300 max for non-M Sport.
Pro-Nav is a must, larger screen makes a big difference, you can upgrade the maps to 2020 pretty easily too. Mine has, adaptive headlights, folding mirrors, heated seats, but no sunroof or electric seats.
Sim89 said:
I have a 2014 F31 330d Sport.
In my opinion, the HK system is OK but not worth a great deal. Certainly not a 'premium' sound system in terms of sound quality or build, although it is better than the stock BMW one, which is awful by any standards. You have to play around with the EQ to get the best of out it, there are a few threads out there. I say it is not premium in terms of build as one of my rear passenger door tweeters has failed and now crackles all the time, almost un-listenable - certainly for spoken audio.
M Sport brakes feel good and are a lot nicer looking than stock. They are cast aluminium 4 pot front and 2 pot rears - main thing to bear in mind is that to replace discs and pads is around 5-600 in parts alone vs 300 max for non-M Sport.
Pro-Nav is a must, larger screen makes a big difference, you can upgrade the maps to 2020 pretty easily too. Mine has, adaptive headlights, folding mirrors, heated seats, but no sunroof or electric seats.
The Pro-Nav has been an absolute must for me from the start, it's frustrating because you see cars for sale and click on them and go through the pictures and see it doesn't have it and go straight back to the search results. I'll bear that in mind regarding the brakes. I do a lot of motorway mileage so hopefully shouldn't need them more than once.In my opinion, the HK system is OK but not worth a great deal. Certainly not a 'premium' sound system in terms of sound quality or build, although it is better than the stock BMW one, which is awful by any standards. You have to play around with the EQ to get the best of out it, there are a few threads out there. I say it is not premium in terms of build as one of my rear passenger door tweeters has failed and now crackles all the time, almost un-listenable - certainly for spoken audio.
M Sport brakes feel good and are a lot nicer looking than stock. They are cast aluminium 4 pot front and 2 pot rears - main thing to bear in mind is that to replace discs and pads is around 5-600 in parts alone vs 300 max for non-M Sport.
Pro-Nav is a must, larger screen makes a big difference, you can upgrade the maps to 2020 pretty easily too. Mine has, adaptive headlights, folding mirrors, heated seats, but no sunroof or electric seats.
RUSSELLM said:
Be interesting to see how much the 3rd party BMW warranty will cost you on the 2016 car.
So as it's an approved used car they give a year of warranty. But I just got the per year quotes below from BMW (with the emergency breakdown option unticked) and a claim excess of £100Comprehensive warranty - £613
Named Component warranty - £527
Driveline warranty - £420
This is for the 2016 330D XDrive M Sport.
I’m confused too but if the car with the best spec for you is the BMW AU car , go for that.
Try and negotiate a second year warranty.
It’s far better to have 0 excess and recovery makes sense , they’re very good. I think if you don’t go for recovery , you can actually still use them but in a more limited capacity to facilitate the warranty work needed . But you’re potentially making it complicated.
I don’t see why the fact it’s a demo , so 1 more owner is a big negative.
Try and negotiate a second year warranty.
It’s far better to have 0 excess and recovery makes sense , they’re very good. I think if you don’t go for recovery , you can actually still use them but in a more limited capacity to facilitate the warranty work needed . But you’re potentially making it complicated.
I don’t see why the fact it’s a demo , so 1 more owner is a big negative.
RUSSELLM said:
I got the cars mixed up
I’m liking the sound of the 16 plate, especially that interior.
Are you intending to keep it for long ?
I'll get some pics up if I do get it, I am just doing my final checks of the cars available to make sure there is nothing else I want, for the money I am spending there is a lot of choice!I’m liking the sound of the 16 plate, especially that interior.
Are you intending to keep it for long ?
Edited by RUSSELLM on Sunday 5th January 19:26
If I am honest my main concern is the interior. Just the fact it is pretty much white, I hope I can keep it looking good and that it isn't too in your face if that makes sense. You don't have the worry about these things with black! At least the seats won't be so hot in summer.
I am thinking of keeping the car between 2 and 3 years, I'll see how it goes with mileage. 25k per year is the most I'll be doing and 15k is the least. I expect if I want anything decent come resale/part ex time it will need to be under 80/90k miles.
Smuler said:
I’m confused too but if the car with the best spec for you is the BMW AU car , go for that.
Try and negotiate a second year warranty.
It’s far better to have 0 excess and recovery makes sense , they’re very good. I think if you don’t go for recovery , you can actually still use them but in a more limited capacity to facilitate the warranty work needed . But you’re potentially making it complicated.
I don’t see why the fact it’s a demo , so 1 more owner is a big negative.
I've spoken to the dealer and already got some money knocked off but it's one of those cars where they say that it hasn't even been prepared yet as it has literally just come in so that weakens my position a bit. I'll see what I can do but I am surprised they knocked anything off given the specification compared to other cars for sale.Try and negotiate a second year warranty.
It’s far better to have 0 excess and recovery makes sense , they’re very good. I think if you don’t go for recovery , you can actually still use them but in a more limited capacity to facilitate the warranty work needed . But you’re potentially making it complicated.
I don’t see why the fact it’s a demo , so 1 more owner is a big negative.
In terms of performance vs. the 335d, a remap will put it over 300hp and then it'll easily match a 335d
I went with Ecotune which is reasonably expensive in terms of a remapping business and it wasn't a quick/easy flash of the ECU. Though, a couple of hours later and £500 lighter I now have 334hp
mines an xd and now manages 0-60 in 4.4s!
I went with Ecotune which is reasonably expensive in terms of a remapping business and it wasn't a quick/easy flash of the ECU. Though, a couple of hours later and £500 lighter I now have 334hp
mines an xd and now manages 0-60 in 4.4s!
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