F31 320 - D vs i / X drive vs RWD
F31 320 - D vs i / X drive vs RWD
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Discussion

CW85

Original Poster:

5 posts

75 months

Wednesday 25th March 2020
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Hi - long time lurker, first time poster

I'm currently driving a stage 1 MkII TFSI Octavia VRS which while good fun, reliable and still sub 90k miles is just feeling a bit old these days.

Expanding family means I need something of equal sort of size, more economical would be nice, pace isn't as much of a priority although i would like something that I can have some fun in when im on my own.

The MkIII VRS seems relatively pricey to me these days and considering my other options (previous gen V60, Focus ST wagon etc haven't really ticked the boxes) think that a 320 tourer could be a good option, i would be looking at something around the 2013/14 mark, lower mileage (bit of a low mileage geek), in sport trim.

I currently drive 330d Xdrive tourers on a daily basis with work (prior to that RWD 330d's and 530d's) and really quite like them although I dont need that kind of power anymore. The X-drive is excellent on the 330d but i don't know how much of a benefit it would be on the lower powered 320, would traction be that much of an issue? It also seems to add around ~£1k to the purchase price used.

I do wonder whether the X-Drive would be of benefit in the wet - the RWD cars at work could get a bit interesting when really pressing on through standing water though i doubt i would drive my own in the same way in torrential rain.

I know some are critical of the suspension feel with the AWD over RWD but I personally think the work cars feel okay with the Xdrive.

TL:DR - is X-Drive worth the extra expense and fuel consumption on a lower powered 320 or am i just as well served saving some cash with a RWD and investing in a set of winter tyres and snow socks?

Likewise with the choice of petrol or diesel - I only do about 9k miles a year however there doesn't seem to be much of a difference in purchase price between the two at the sort of used example im looking at and there are way more diesels than petrol's on the used market - on paper they seem level performance wise (i understand the petrol can be remapped quite substantially but would probably want to stay standard) however wondered whether ones is nicer to drive than the other?

Sorry i've rambled on a bit there... thanks in advance for your advice

MikeM6

5,902 posts

128 months

Wednesday 25th March 2020
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I would say 320i RWD for 9k per year. Xdrive isn't really needed and better tyres is a better bet.

I had no traction issues with a 335i in RWD form, so a 320i should be fine.

rassi

2,515 posts

277 months

Wednesday 25th March 2020
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Why not just go for a 330d Xdrive? It is an excellent combination, as you know from work, and in my opinion a much better choice than a 320i/d. If you can stretch to a LCI (post June 2015 IIRC) then do so.

naturalaspiration

639 posts

109 months

Wednesday 25th March 2020
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X drive is not a substitute for winter tyres. You still need to steer and brake. It is only helpful if you live in the Alps and regularly drive on steep snow covered roads.

Pica-Pica

16,288 posts

110 months

Wednesday 25th March 2020
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naturalaspiration said:
X drive is not a substitute for winter tyres. You still need to steer and brake. It is only helpful if you live in the Alps and regularly drive on steep snow covered roads.
It is still useful on wet and greasy roads, roads with mixed surfaces (laterally or longitudinally).

stevewak

536 posts

156 months

Wednesday 25th March 2020
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If you are used to a 330d you will find a 320i weak. I thought I wanted a 320i xDrive. Then drove a 335d xDrive. No contest!

MikeM6

5,902 posts

128 months

Wednesday 25th March 2020
quotequote all
Pica-Pica said:
It is still useful on wet and greasy roads, roads with mixed surfaces (laterally or longitudinally).
If we were talking 400hp plus or in comparison to fwd then maybe, but we are discussing sub 200hp, with a safety biased set up on good tyres.

Unless the accelerator is used as an on off pedal and the sophisticated traction system is disabled, then wet cold roads should be no problem for traction.

A very minor, potential traction advantage or a lighter, more economical system?

Mr Tidy

30,419 posts

153 months

Wednesday 25th March 2020
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If you currently have a Stage 1 Octavia and drive 330ds regularly I think you'd find any 320 disappointing. laugh

I had a 123d when we had some snow in 2010 and it was virtually useless, but last year I had an E91 325i on winter tyres when the "Beast from the East" hit and it was just so capable.

X-Drive on normal tyres will never work as well as an S-Drive on winters - all cars have had 4 wheel brakes for a long time, and grip is the limiting factor!

But you could always look at all-season tyres, like Michelin Cross-Climates.

Engine-wise I'd go for a 6 cylinder - BMW 4s seem to have more issues, but for 9K miles a year you are probably on the borderline between petrol and diesel.

Alextodrive

367 posts

101 months

Wednesday 25th March 2020
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I currently have a 330D X drive Touring
I had a 435D Gran Coupe X Drive last year
I also have access to a couple of 2008 Tourers - 318I and a 325I that I drive occasionally.

The 435D was the nicest engine, the most fun, but a bit less economical. As you'd expect.
The petrols are older and so maybe not a great comparison, but I find not any more economical and a bit dull to drive.

The 330D I find a good mix of everything, its fractionally more economical than the 35 engine, its got about enough power to enjoy driving it while still being sensible.

But as for rear wheel drive or all wheel. I really dont think it makes much difference. A 320 RWD is not going to be power sliding around at the back is it. And sure the xdrive helps a little bit in some circumstances, but not enough to justify it being a big factor in your decision.

Tyres are 95% of the grip or no grip equation. Can quite easily lose traction on an xdrive in the wet.

Pica-Pica

16,288 posts

110 months

Wednesday 25th March 2020
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MikeM6 said:
Pica-Pica said:
It is still useful on wet and greasy roads, roads with mixed surfaces (laterally or longitudinally).
If we were talking 400hp plus or in comparison to fwd then maybe, but we are discussing sub 200hp, with a safety biased set up on good tyres.

Unless the accelerator is used as an on off pedal and the sophisticated traction system is disabled, then wet cold roads should be no problem for traction.

A very minor, potential traction advantage or a lighter, more economical system?
I’ll take the substantial traction advantage, thanks. I would not, however, consider a four-pot though, S or X drive.

CW85

Original Poster:

5 posts

75 months

Thursday 26th March 2020
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Thanks for the responses and comments folks.

True, in an ideal world i would be over the moon with a 330D X-Drive with the Auto gearbox.

Unfortunately, my budget isn't particularly great (there's a reason im still in 14 year old VRS), putting one of the 6 cylinders car out of reach im afraid frown

The plan would be to have a set of winter tyres whether X-drive or S-drive, the question in my mind was whether the S-drive would be an issue on our constantly wet roads or whether the X-drive would be a big difference and worth the premium. From everyone's responses it seems that the S-drive, particularly in the 320 will be pretty much just as capable in the wet, which is good to know.

Interestingly when looking used, there are overwhelmingly more diesels than petrol's and there doesn't seem to be much of a price differential between the two, so that keeps my options open.

I have driven a couple of 320d's and while not comparable to the 330D or even my Octavia in terms of grunt, they still seem 'nippy' enough for general day to day driving - is there anything else detrimental i should be aware of with the 4 pots other than the lack of power/smoothness over the sixes (reliability?)

Sorry, im going beyond my original questions here - if i did find the lack of oomph too much, i see that the 320D will remap to around 220hp/460nm which i think I would be fairly happy. Does anyone have any experience with how these cars hold up to being breathed on? I understand its not possible to speak for every car, but recently tested a standard 320d Xdrive that had a knacked 2nd gear synchro, which made me wonder if the gearboxes/clutches were maybe running near their limits in stock form as it is?

Thanks again for your comments, they are much appreciated

stevewak

536 posts

156 months

Thursday 26th March 2020
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CW85 said:
I have driven a couple of 320d's and while not comparable to the 330D or even my Octavia in terms of grunt, they still seem 'nippy' enough for general day to day driving - is there anything else detrimental i should be aware of with the 4 pots other than the lack of power/smoothness over the sixes (reliability?)
Have not driven F31 320D but a diesel will always have more pull and immediate oomph. I was very disappointed with 320i and you must try one first. Had 2005 320D which was rattly but far punchier than equivalent 6-cyl 325i. Big downside is risk of buying diesel (says man who bought s/h 335d XDrive last June...)

Alextodrive

367 posts

101 months

Thursday 26th March 2020
quotequote all
CW85 said:
Thanks for the responses and comments folks.

True, in an ideal world i would be over the moon with a 330D X-Drive with the Auto gearbox.

Unfortunately, my budget isn't particularly great (there's a reason im still in 14 year old VRS), putting one of the 6 cylinders car out of reach im afraid frown

The plan would be to have a set of winter tyres whether X-drive or S-drive, the question in my mind was whether the S-drive would be an issue on our constantly wet roads or whether the X-drive would be a big difference and worth the premium. From everyone's responses it seems that the S-drive, particularly in the 320 will be pretty much just as capable in the wet, which is good to know.

Interestingly when looking used, there are overwhelmingly more diesels than petrol's and there doesn't seem to be much of a price differential between the two, so that keeps my options open.

I have driven a couple of 320d's and while not comparable to the 330D or even my Octavia in terms of grunt, they still seem 'nippy' enough for general day to day driving - is there anything else detrimental i should be aware of with the 4 pots other than the lack of power/smoothness over the sixes (reliability?)

Sorry, im going beyond my original questions here - if i did find the lack of oomph too much, i see that the 320D will remap to around 220hp/460nm which i think I would be fairly happy. Does anyone have any experience with how these cars hold up to being breathed on? I understand its not possible to speak for every car, but recently tested a standard 320d Xdrive that had a knacked 2nd gear synchro, which made me wonder if the gearboxes/clutches were maybe running near their limits in stock form as it is?

Thanks again for your comments, they are much appreciated
Give it a few months and you might just find a 330D Xdrive suddenly is in budget...

I know mines dropped in value by a couple of grand this last month, fortunately I dont need nor want to sell, but there are plenty out there who will.

Smuler

2,288 posts

165 months

Thursday 26th March 2020
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I agree with the above , prices will drop so a 330 will be affordable.

But post COVID-19 , will you ever do to the mileage to justify a diesel? How long before diesels banned.

I’ve managed RWD 340i through winter , albeit not a bad one Given the depressed market , consider six cylinder petrol ?

The F31 is already heavy , wouldn’t X drive bring more weight ? In the current G series I’ve been impressed with the 2 320d X drives I’ve loaned , but now I’m loaning a RWD : it feels , lighter , nimbler and more fun smile

I’ve driven plenty of F series cars and though I’m not fan of diesel , the 4 cylinder petrol 20i is not as strong ; poor engine. It’s no better in G series.

Are 335i’s in budget ? If you don’t need diesel and can live without x drive wink








Mr Tidy

30,419 posts

153 months

Thursday 26th March 2020
quotequote all
CW85 said:
Thanks for the responses and comments folks.

True, in an ideal world i would be over the moon with a 330D X-Drive with the Auto gearbox.

Unfortunately, my budget isn't particularly great (there's a reason im still in 14 year old VRS), putting one of the 6 cylinders car out of reach im afraid frown

The plan would be to have a set of winter tyres whether X-drive or S-drive, the question in my mind was whether the S-drive would be an issue on our constantly wet roads or whether the X-drive would be a big difference and worth the premium. From everyone's responses it seems that the S-drive, particularly in the 320 will be pretty much just as capable in the wet, which is good to know.

Interestingly when looking used, there are overwhelmingly more diesels than petrol's and there doesn't seem to be much of a price differential between the two, so that keeps my options open.

I have driven a couple of 320d's and while not comparable to the 330D or even my Octavia in terms of grunt, they still seem 'nippy' enough for general day to day driving - is there anything else detrimental i should be aware of with the 4 pots other than the lack of power/smoothness over the sixes (reliability?)

Sorry, im going beyond my original questions here - if i did find the lack of oomph too much, i see that the 320D will remap to around 220hp/460nm which i think I would be fairly happy. Does anyone have any experience with how these cars hold up to being breathed on? I understand its not possible to speak for every car, but recently tested a standard 320d Xdrive that had a knacked 2nd gear synchro, which made me wonder if the gearboxes/clutches were maybe running near their limits in stock form as it is?

Thanks again for your comments, they are much appreciated
Just curious, but what is so terrible about your 90K miles VRs?

My 330i is a 55 plate E90 that has done 113K, and it feels less than half it's age!

I'd want to avoid a pre-2015 320d as they have the N47 engine, which has it's issues - search on Google for details.

And if you might remap anyway why not start with a 330d/335d or 335i that will also remap, but from a much higher starting point.

The main reason there are so many 320ds around is the tax regime that was in force when they were new. Much lower BIK for company car users and lower road tax for everyone, until a couple of years ago when everyone suddenly realised CO2 wasn't the only emission problem!

CW85

Original Poster:

5 posts

75 months

Friday 27th March 2020
quotequote all
In many respects i am quite torn about getting rid of the VRS, it has been bought and paid for for some time, i know it inside out mechanically and its been reliable (other than a fairly expensive timing chain tensioner replacement) and cheap to run, practically its good - i wouldn't want to be a rear seat adult passenger but the boot space is ridiculous, it is decently quick and is an enjoyable thing to drive briskly.

On the other hand, in terms of creature comforts and day to day use it is showing its age. Seats aside they are a bit 'white goods' to sit in (this extends to the current model IMHO), road noise is noticeable and the ride can be harsh. I mainly do fairly dull A road/motorway journeys these days so dont really get a chance to drive it properly that often. I've kept it well (its immaculate inside) but I've started finding rust spots and blebs in the paintwork (VAG cars seem really bad for this) - it has depreciated so low now that it wouldn't make sense to try and tackle this.

Having had the two previous models I was expecting to look at Mk3 VRS however I am a bit surprised by their used values, i still think the interiors are a bit functional rather than comfortable and especially given that most out there are again diesels and so not particularly quick i was quite surprised to find the 320 a similarly prices (if not often cheaper) alternative

I think as others have suggested above I will be best served waiting a month or two before doing anything and seeing what happens in terms of used car values and how far my budget will take me. If 330's have fallen into budget than im afraid the old girl will be off fairly quickly, if im still looking at 320's then i may hold on a bit longer and have a good long think.

Main thing I've taken away from the comments is not to worry too much about X-Drive and that if it does end up being a 320 then the diesel being the better option.

Thanks chaps


Mr Tidy

30,419 posts

153 months

Friday 27th March 2020
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Good to see you've had some helpful input.

All I would add is that if you find the ride harsh in a VRs you might want to avoid any M-Sport 3 Series on run-flat tyres!

But you really need to try one first - when you can. frown

kingofdbrits

630 posts

219 months

Sunday 29th March 2020
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I wouldn’t go back to 2wd after getting through a few winters with x-drive, while it got me through deep snow on summers a few times, deep enough on drifts where the front of the car was plowing, its the wet greasy roads we have for the 180 days a year when you can still just plant your foot and the car goes without fuss.

I was playing with coding and put the M3 sound code on my 335d which is why I saved the vid, it this case it shows how x-drive deals with accelerating with a decent amount of steering lock in heavy rain, the car also has a tuning box so even with 550lb/ft I didn’t get a whiff of wheel spin, try that with a rwd car and you’ll likely be facing the wrong way. https://youtu.be/fUGYNMDUbIA

Mr Tidy

30,419 posts

153 months

Sunday 29th March 2020
quotequote all
Maybe, but that is too Play Station for my liking!

I want to have some feel for conditions and drive to them, so I have been fitting winter tyres to my 3 Series dailies every year since 2015 and have never had a problem with them. And X-Drive only helps with acceleration, all cars stop and steer using 4 wheels so 2WD with the right tyres will be far more effective than 4WD and summers!

I've no desire to have to spend the summer with the compromised set-up and added weight of a 4 x 4, or a "dubbed" sound-track. banghead

Back in 2010 driving my 2WD BMW 123d on summer run-flats very carefully through Windsor Great Park the first car I saw abandoned on the verge against a farm gate just after a roundabout was a Range Rover on bling wheels. laugh


CW85

Original Poster:

5 posts

75 months

Tuesday 31st March 2020
quotequote all
kingofdbrits said:
I wouldn’t go back to 2wd after getting through a few winters with x-drive, while it got me through deep snow on summers a few times, deep enough on drifts where the front of the car was plowing, its the wet greasy roads we have for the 180 days a year when you can still just plant your foot and the car goes without fuss.

I was playing with coding and put the M3 sound code on my 335d which is why I saved the vid, it this case it shows how x-drive deals with accelerating with a decent amount of steering lock in heavy rain, the car also has a tuning box so even with 550lb/ft I didn’t get a whiff of wheel spin, try that with a rwd car and you’ll likely be facing the wrong way. https://youtu.be/fUGYNMDUbIA
With the X-Drive 330s at work it is noticeable that you can get onto the power very early and put it down without any drama - while i get some might say that there is less driving skill involved in having that assistance form the car, i can see the benefit of having that ability in my own car and i dont think it would detract from my enjoyment of driving.

I think if two identical cars, X-drive and S-drive came up that ticked all the other boxes and i wasn't having to pay a massive amount more for the benefit then i would probably take the X-drive, but all the comments have given me the confidence that it isn't a must have at all costs option

Having weighed up my options of what is out there in terms of a mid sized family estate I do think I will end up going for the 3 series as it seems to offer the best all around package of good styling, practicality, comfort, performance and with plenty of choice on the used market.

I will be waiting for a while before buying, I don't think a 330d will fall into my budget sadly - although these are strange times so fingers crossed! It will most likely be one of the 4cyl cars, from everything im reading it seems the 320d will be the best all round choice of those engines. I've spotted a couple of 328i's in budget but have read a couple of scary stories re: reliability of the 328i engine and cant help but think i would be investing in a car with some of the same drawbacks as my VRS in terms of fuel economy and insurance costs.

Thanks again for your time and comments guys