Torn between 520D and 330D touring

[karl922]

Hi all,

I’ve put a deposit down on a build slot for a 520D touring, on condition of a positive test drive.
The dealer can’t get hold of one, so I’m in for a wait until a demo becomes available before sealing the deal.

This has got me thinking more about the 330D as the 3 litre is more attainable in the 3 when compared to the 5 (on price alone).

Would you sacrifice the bigger engine for more space and toys?

Thinking the 520D will make a more accomplished family car, but will I miss the performance the 330D offers.

Anybody been in a similar situation?

[Mr Tidy]

That's quite a dilemma!

Having never needed a family car I've always preferred the smaller car and bigger engine option, but only you know whether you'd struggle for space in a 3 Series and how often it would actually be an issue.

But from what I have read most people seem to prefer the 6-cylinder engines if it is do-able.

[smashy]

I had a 2ltr in a one series ,my 3ltr F30 30d the engine is just wonderful ,effortless power and is just a touch more frugal believe it or not .Guess that is because at 70mph the 2ltr sat at 2000rpm and in the 3ltr 1500rpm 2000rpm in the 330d will be 90mph(so I have been told).

Two 700mile Cornwall trips in the 120d 44 mpg average as opposed to three 700 mile trips in the 330d two at 45mpg and one at 46mpg average. For me a no brainer, squeeze them in the 3 series!

[LunarOne]

You obviously want a 530d. Is the price difference huge from the 330d?

[Wills2]

karl922 said:

Hi all,

I’ve put a deposit down on a build slot for a 520D touring, on condition of a positive test drive.
The dealer can’t get hold of one, so I’m in for a wait until a demo becomes available before sealing the deal.

This has got me thinking more about the 330D as the 3 litre is more attainable in the 3 when compared to the 5 (on price alone).

Would you sacrifice the bigger engine for more space and toys?

Thinking the 520D will make a more accomplished family car, but will I miss the performance the 330D offers.

Anybody been in a similar situation?

A 330d is cheaper list than a 520d so why would you be losing toys? The specs are pretty similar the 3 has better leather as standard and 2-3k more room for options, discounts are the same so you should get more power/toys in exchange for less space, quality is the same these days as well.

I did have the same dilemma years ago with the F series 3 against the F series 5, I did choose the 5 because it was a massive step up in terms of quality and options available but today that's not the case.

[Wills2]

LunarOne said:

You obviously want a 530d. Is the price difference huge from the 330d?

14k more at list.

[karl922]

Wills2 said:

karl922 said:

Hi all,

I’ve put a deposit down on a build slot for a 520D touring, on condition of a positive test drive.
The dealer can’t get hold of one, so I’m in for a wait until a demo becomes available before sealing the deal.

This has got me thinking more about the 330D as the 3 litre is more attainable in the 3 when compared to the 5 (on price alone).

Would you sacrifice the bigger engine for more space and toys?

Thinking the 520D will make a more accomplished family car, but will I miss the performance the 330D offers.

Anybody been in a similar situation?

A 330d is cheaper list than a 520d so why would you be losing toys? The specs are pretty similar the 3 has better leather as standard and 2-3k more room for options, discounts are the same so you should get more power/toys in exchange for less space, quality is the same these days as well.

I did have the same dilemma years ago with the F series 3 against the F series 5, I did choose the 5 because it was a massive step up in terms of quality and options available but today that's not the case.

Maybe similar list price, but it seems better discounts on the 5 on PCP, plus there’s options you can get on the 5 (Harmon Kardon for example) that aren’t available on the 3 due to the global chip shortage.

I guess I’d need to take both for a spin and make my mind up. Didn’t know about the better leather in the 3, is that obvious? My first BMW so I’m unfamiliar with grades of leather and such.

530D would be perfect, but it’s a fair chunk more a month (around 120 extra).

[cerb4.5lee]

Having had both a 330d and a 520d(granted much older models though/E90 and E61). I'd go for the 330d over the 520d all day everyday and twice on a Sunday!

For me a 4 cylinder diesel engine just doesn't belong in a premium car like the 5 series.

[anonymous-user]

If we’re talking G30 (520d) then the sequential turbo (VGT) is pretty much lag free but won’t take your breath away like a 30d. It’s one of those where it packs the mid-range punch and if you ask more from it then it’s not there. The 20d feels nimble as there is less weight. Sadly the sporty drive is not matched by the power. As a daily runner and for long commutes it’s perfect.

I went for a g20 in 320d guise because I wanted the latest and greatest tech. I switched to a 440i GC and haven’t looked back. The 30d might feel a bit nose heavy but it’s more than enough power for cutting about. Six cylinders are just so more refined and smoother.

Where was the quote? I think it was here. It’s better to have more power and not need it than have no power and need it.

[Jamescrs]

If you can live with the smaller interior space it would be the 330D for me too, I've had 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder BMW's now and I wouldn't go back to a 4 cylinder engine if I could avoid it.

[numtumfutunch]

Serial off and on BMW tart here

Have had several versions of the 3 series, all Tourings, and am currently in a 530d Touring

With a baby and then 2 toddlers the 330d was just about OK for space

When they were teenagers I had a 2016 335d, legroom in the back was marginal and we needed a roofbox for family holidays

Currently in a pre LCI 530d
Its lovely, seriously nicer quality of materials and finish than the F31 and masses of room for six foot tall 'children' in the back
Plenty of bootspace for family holidays too

In conclusion........... tough call

The 5 edges for space if you have big kids and its just soooooo much nicer inside although the F31 was a bit of a trough in terms of quality of plastics, Ive not examined the current 3er. Handling wise its hard to split them although an xDrive car is a pig and my 530d on winters is much more capable than the 335d by a huge margin.

And 6 cylinders every time for me, the 335d and 530d easily did/do 45+mpg "pressing on" at motorway speed with a nice amount of welly when you fancy, have driven 4 cyclinder 3's and a 520d which were perfectly decent but having tasted 6 cylinders its hard to settle for 4

Cheers