BMW 330 d or 340i petrol

[storm grey]

Hi we've currently got a 125d m sport but need something a bit bigger ei a 3 series thought of a 330d originally but now toying with the 340i petrol any thoughts would be great .

[Smuler]

I went 340i.
Wouldn’t go diesel as I wasn’t doing high mileage (certainly over 30k) and was receptive to the diesel hate that I feared could see future restrictions on diesels.

Other than better m p g , don’t see what the 330 offers over a 340i which is a really nice petrol engine.

[storm grey]

What sort of mpg are you getting out of your 340i??

[xcesx]

Tough one. I used to have a 335d, BMW lent me a 340i for the day when mine was being serviced (F30s). Both really good. It all comes down to use (mileage) and or personal preference. I didn't do big miles in mine but I just liked the torque. Test them both if you have the chance and go from there.
I had a similar choice recently between the 530d and 540i. I went for the 530d in the end.

[AliMc99]

I too used have a 335d but have driven a 340i. The latter is more pleasant to use but as a daily the 335d (and 330d) will be just as quick in the real world and more economical (the 330d especially unless just doing short local journeys). Also the 340i was also available as a manual (but very rare). Back in the day the d’s were more expensive secondhand but that’s now turned on it’s head.

[Smuler]

storm grey said:

What sort of mpg are you getting out of your 340i??

MPG I’m not sure. Never check.

But Cost per mile , over 10k Miles is now at 23p as I’m always in sport doing only short journeys
Cost was running at around 20p on slightly more sensible driving mostly in comfort and some longer journey.

Over 44k miles my 2.0l diesel cost 15p per mile.

[dasbimmerowner]

storm grey said:

What sort of mpg are you getting out of your 340i??

I got 47-49mpg from my old 11 plate 320d (saloon), on the same journeys the 340i (touring) returned an average of 32mpg. Doing around 10k per annum I wasn't bothered either way; now with the prospect of me basically WFH full time, even after Covid, I'm rather glad I went with the 340i vs the 335d I'd considered. Since lock down I've ended up just taking the car out to warm it up once a week and so on, so my MPG has dropped as you know, you've got to warm it up properly...

[rassi]

Moderators: could this be moved to the BMW General, rather than M Power?

[2 GKC]

Does it matter?

[rassi]

2 GKC said:

Does it matter?

Yes, it does

[Smuler]

rassi said:

Yes, it does

Activity is in such a decline , these days, they might as well make it just one BMW forum.

[rassi]

Smuler said:

Activity is in such a decline , these days, they might as well make it just one BMW forum.

Fair enough, but until then let's at least try to post in the right forum, so as to not further dilute the M Power content.

As to the OP, depends on your mileage and length of journeys. Many miles and long journeys are perfect for a diesel, and my 335d was supremely suited to this, with economy 30-40 % higher than my 540i.

[Pizzaeatingking]

I have a 340i and have been really impressed with the economy it can return. My short 8 mile commute returns 30mpg if I'm driving normally and on a run it'll easily do 40mpg sitting at 70(ish). If I try (once or twice when faced with boring trips) I have managed over 50mpg!

[david-j8694]

Had a similar conundrum a few months back going from a 420d to something faster. I went 440i in the end and I love it. Test drive them both, obviously, but unless you're doing mega miles I'd pick the 340i.

It makes a great noise, goes like stink and is remarkably economical on a motorway.

You're on PH, so most people are going to say, "get the fast petrol", but for me it was more of a case of who knows what the future holds, and if these things are going the way of the dodo I'm not missing out on them.