Which 3 Series Touring?

[Deano ST]

Hello all, have a key decision to make on what should be my next car and have pretty much decided to go down the E91 3 series touring route. Will be looking at a nearly new used car.

I have a few key questions:

1. Petrol vs diesel? Is the better economy of a 330/335d worth it over a 330/335i? I've never had a diesel before but much reading tells me these are cracking diesel engines.

2. Is the 335d/i worth the extra money over a 330d/i? Would be good to hear from those of you who have made the decision to go one way or the other already.

3. Manual or auto? Again never had an auto and don't especially want one but have read that the diesels suit the auto box better. Also not many 330d manuals about anyway.

4. What options do people tend to put on their cars and are they worth it?

Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks

[B17NNS]

Whichever you choose I doubt you will be disapointed.

The 335d is auto only so that is that decision made. 335i is available auto or manual.

The 335i is a beautiful car, sounds soooo nice and goes extremely well but with the diesel averaging nearly 40mpg with as near as damn it the same performance that is the one I would go for - do you see fuel getting cheaper anytime soon?

I have also read about people seeing very good performance gains by chipping the 335d.

I think if you went for the 330i/d you might always have a nagging doubt what if...

The extra cost of the diesel will I would imagine be offset come resale time.

My girlfriend is changing her car in the next few months to I think a 335d coupe.

Nice options (and kind of expected on these) are leather, upgraded sounds and probably nav.

Oh and I would imagine the M-Sport will be the more desirable car come resale.

[davidd]

I've just been through the same thing and pick up a 335d msport touring in a couple of weeks.

Go and drive them...

Look at the running and buying costs.

auto or manual (your choice could be made).

See what deal you can get

Get it

Have fun

D

[RW-W113]

Deano, let us know what you decide, I am just about to go through the same decision making process. I have only ever run one diesel car which was a 525D Touring some time ago and was not overly impressed, but this 335d engine seems awesome. I would also go for the panoramic sun roof!