E91 Diesel - guidance required please

[MagicalTrevor]

Hi,

We're thinking of changing the 120D M Sport for an E91 (Touring) but having looked around I'm not sure what I'm looking for as I'm not clued up on the various specs.

I think my Mrs would want the 320D or 318D but I'm more keen on a 6 cylinder model. Having said that, I'm not that bothered either way, the x20D engine is more suitable for day to day use.

Having had a look there is the usual M Sport or SE decision to make but I've also seen specs such as 'Edition M Sport', 'Sport' and 'Sport Plus'.

I find the ride in the 120D just about acceptable on RFTs, Sport suspension and 17" wheels but I'm keen to avoid having a poorer ride.

I've Googled the various specs but I just end up with car adverts and no real explanation of what they all are.

Obviously there are loads of 318Ds and 320Ds but will I get a better/worse buy with a desirable/less-desirable 325D?

Thanks, and sorry for something that's been asked before.

[MidlandDan84]

I drove a 2010 320d M Sport last week (not touring) and i must admit i was impressed, i have a 2006 320d M Sport and it felt noticeably quicker.........or maybe i imagined it. When you couple together ownership costs the 320d is a good bet, although the 330d is a huge step forward, for 'everyday' driving the 320d wont dissapoint IMO.

Of course, being PH, you couldnt possibly manage without a 335d Toruing at the very least.

[MagicalTrevor]

MidlandDan84 said:

I drove a 2010 320d M Sport last week (not touring) and i must admit i was impressed, i have a 2006 320d M Sport and it felt noticeably quicker.........or maybe i imagined it. When you couple together ownership costs the 320d is a good bet, although the 330d is a huge step forward, for 'everyday' driving the 320d wont dissapoint IMO.

Of course, being PH, you couldnt possibly manage without a 335d Toruing at the very least.

Well naturally the 335D is ALWAYS on the shortlist

I should have added that I won't be buying new (never again) and I'm also considering dipping down into the non-efficient dynamics versions as I'm not convinced that the difference is as big as they make out. Besides the savings on 'non-ED' models make up for it.

So I'm broadly considering anything (diesels only unfortunately due to mileage) from 318D to 335D with age not really being a massive concern.

[Gunk]

I had a 325d as a courtesy car recently and was really impressed with it, it was much more refined than the 320d and still had that classic Munich 6 pot engine note.

[MidlandDan84]

If you can afford a 330d then I think its a no-brainer, having said that if you want something newer then a 320d, the running costs of a 330d are not much more, although 325d's are noticeably less than a similar 330d.

I have 17" RFT's on mine, the ride is ok, not a comfy cruiser on most roads, but you get use to it. Id imagine 19"s to be a real bone shaker.....though they do look great.

[Gunk]

MidlandDan84 said:

I have 17" RFT's on mine, the ride is ok, not a comfy cruiser on most roads, but you get use to it. Id imagine 19"s to be a real bone shaker.....though they do look great.

I agree, if you want the car as a usable family car, don't buy a sport, buy a high spec SE with 17's instead.

The other option is to look at an Alpina D3, they are good value secondhand and look sensational with those gorgeous softline 19" rims. (without runflats!)

[MagicalTrevor]

I chose the 120D M Sport as I didn't like the SE look on the 1 series.

I'm undecided on the 3 series SE, I prefer the look of the M Sport but not sure about the ride.

[MagicalTrevor]

Maybe an M Sport with 17" wheels and then change to non-RFT when they need changing?

[MidlandDan84]

Dont get me wrong, the ride on 17" RFT's isnt bad, on a nice smooth surface its perfect, with a good amount of feel, on rough surfaces it can be a bit harsh but you get used to it.

I drove an Insignia hire car last week......smooth ride, terrible steering, no feel, all in all poor compared to the BMW.

Im probably going to go for a 325/330d M Sport Touring next with 18" RFTs.

[Inverness]

MidlandDan84 said:

If you can afford a 330d then I think its a no-brainer, having said that if you want something newer then a 320d, the running costs of a 330d are not much more, although 325d's are noticeably less than a similar 330d.

I have 17" RFT's on mine, the ride is ok, not a comfy cruiser on most roads, but you get use to it. Id imagine 19"s to be a real bone shaker.....though they do look great.

When we bought our E91 330d M Sport, I could never get to the bottom of the difference between a 325d engine and a 330d engine. Both are in fact 3 litre single turbo. What I was trying to find out was had BMW been cheeky and changed the ECU (like in the Mini) or did they say have different Turbos?

If you are looking for one with sat nav and I drive get a LCI E91 as it has the better Idrive system.

IIRC the 6 cylinder cars get 18" wheels, so the first thing we did was dump them and buy a set of 19 inch Alpina wheels with normal tyres and the car rides so much better with them, plus looks really good to.

[MagicalTrevor]

TBH iDrive isn't a big 'must have' but I'll bear it in mind if there is one I'm keen on.

I think I'll keep a lookout for a 6 cylinder but won't be too disappointed if I only find a well specced 318/320

[jonnynine11]

I've got a e93 325d at present and had a 330d e 90 before Both on 19's . Not that much difference in performance but the 325 does better on the mpg. The ride is ok on rft's but had uniroyal non run flats on the 330 and they were better.

[fareaster]

I had a 120D auto and replaced it with a 325D auto about a year ago, found the 6 pot to be much smoother and quieter although am comaparing a 1 series with 3 so not a direct comparison. I believe the 330D has a bigger turbo and injectors than the 325D and also uses a different auto box because of the increased torque.
In my case it was either a bare bones 330D or 325D with all the toys, most of the time I think I made the right decision......

[Tea Pot One]

I drive 530d's at work ... but when it came to it, after trying a 320d coupe I bought that. It is a superb engine (177) and I found it hard to believe how much the 2L diesels have come on.

I could have got a lowly 325d or what I did get, a well spec'd 320d coupe.

I don't regret it - but would love more power ... not that I actually need it ! Even my 320d is 8 secs to 62.

I did drive a 330d coupe last week and ... OMG ! Wonderful. So, if you can afford the bigger engines then do try. They are so smooth ... but do drink more

[Vladimir]

Had a 335d SE Touring for a year and a half now. Ditched the run flats for CSC3s ASAP - HUGE improvement - and I run 17s too but have M Sport suspension. The ride/handling balance is very good.

Expect low 30s to the gallon, try and get a sunroof (THE best thing about a Touring) and budget for a fair amount of rear tyres. Worth getting any E9* laser aligned (wheels) as they have a lot of negative camber in the rear and are prone to inner edge wear. My last CSC3s lasted 8k miles - totally worn inners, 4mm on the outers. Much better since getting them Hunter aligned.

The auto box may annoy at first but bear with it - once used to it, it's a great shifter. Not many use the paddles much - I certainly don't.

Just replaced my front disks and pads at an Indy at 31k miles (mine is 56 reg) which is unusually soon - most last much longer.

Great all rounders. Quite practical despite not being the roomiest estate, fairly sensible to run on costs and they appear to be pretty robust.

[MagicalTrevor]

Thanks everyone, we've started looking for 330Ds as I think these are a decent compromise.

Probably won't go for an Auto though, it'll make the search harder but the wife isn't keen on an Auto... plus I'd prefer a Manual as well

[edo]

budget? manual really shortens the list - most 6 cyls get spec'd with auto.

How about this one?

2008 BMW 3 SERIES 330D M SPORT 5DR TOURING
Trade Seller: Norjac


5 Doors, Manual, Estate, Diesel, 22,491 miles, Metallic Grey. FULL LEATHER HEATED SEATS, SAT NAV, BLUETOOTH, FRONT AND REAR PARKING ASSISTANCE. ABS, Adjustable seats, Adjustable steering column\/wheel, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, Anti theft system, Body kit, CD, Central locking, Climate Control, Computer, Cruise control, Driver airbag, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Foglights, Full Service History, Head restraints, Heated seats, Leather seats, Leather upholstery, Locking wheel nuts, Immobiliser, Metallic paintwork, Multi function steering wheel, Navigation system, Park distance control, Passenger airbag, Power assisted steering, Remote locking, Roof rails, Side airbags, Bluetooth, Satilite Navigation, Reverse parking aid. Insurance Group:18, £21,995 p/x welcome

[Vladimir]

Good luck - 330ds in manual are like rocking horse st.

330d is a great car - my initial search was for a 330d Touring but I found a perfect spec 335d just before signing on the line for one!

[MagicalTrevor]

edo said:

budget? manual really shortens the list - most 6 cyls get spec'd with auto.

How about this one?

2008 BMW 3 SERIES 330D M SPORT 5DR TOURING
Trade Seller: Norjac

5 Doors, Manual, Estate, Diesel, 22,491 miles, Metallic Grey. FULL LEATHER HEATED SEATS, SAT NAV, BLUETOOTH, FRONT AND REAR PARKING ASSISTANCE. ABS, Adjustable seats, Adjustable steering column\/wheel, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, Anti theft system, Body kit, CD, Central locking, Climate Control, Computer, Cruise control, Driver airbag, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Foglights, Full Service History, Head restraints, Heated seats, Leather seats, Leather upholstery, Locking wheel nuts, Immobiliser, Metallic paintwork, Multi function steering wheel, Navigation system, Park distance control, Passenger airbag, Power assisted steering, Remote locking, Roof rails, Side airbags, Bluetooth, Satilite Navigation, Reverse parking aid. Insurance Group:18, £21,995 p/x welcome

Thanks for that. Looks great but my budget is probably nearer the £20k mark. In fact there was one at my local BMW dealer (just missed it) at £20k 57plate, Silver, Manual, leather, Pro Nav, Bluetooth.

[Vladimir]

I'd go in at near £20k for that one. If you have cash, you can utterly kick dealers in the nuts at the moment. If not, you can still bargain hard. It's a nice one in the "right" colour.

M Sport not my thing (wheels too fussy and fragile) but it looks good overall.

Try and get a sunroof if you can though.