Is the engine the most important part of the car for you?
Discussion
I had a 520d and while I really liked the car the engine spoilt the overall package for me. Also had a 640d and I thought it was an excellent package but I think I would have enjoyed it more if it was a 640i/650i.
So do you prioritise the engine in a car or can you turn a blind eye to the engine and just enjoy the overall package. I really like the new 3 series but I wouldn't buy a 320d yet I'd be really happy in the 330i/M340i.
So do you prioritise the engine in a car or can you turn a blind eye to the engine and just enjoy the overall package. I really like the new 3 series but I wouldn't buy a 320d yet I'd be really happy in the 330i/M340i.
Good thread by the way OP. 
Yes and no. My CLS has the 6.2 V8 which is a pretty special engine (in my opinion) and with the noise and power it provides it dominates the driving experience. In a good way of course. The rest of the car is actually extremely good in terms of comfort, looks, features but the engine makes it something special.
Take my Twingo 133, the engine is a fun, revvy little motor but it's the lightness, handling and steering which make that a great drive.
Yes and no. My CLS has the 6.2 V8 which is a pretty special engine (in my opinion) and with the noise and power it provides it dominates the driving experience. In a good way of course. The rest of the car is actually extremely good in terms of comfort, looks, features but the engine makes it something special.
Take my Twingo 133, the engine is a fun, revvy little motor but it's the lightness, handling and steering which make that a great drive.
Depends really I think the engine matters more in a sporty chassis and less in something like a Citreon C3
There's instances where the 'better' engines are paired with better suspension and the likes and this is usually how I come to a decision
And some car's just really suit a certain engine
There's instances where the 'better' engines are paired with better suspension and the likes and this is usually how I come to a decision
And some car's just really suit a certain engine
cerb4.5lee said:
So do you prioritise the engine in a car or can you turn a blind eye to the engine and just enjoy the overall package. I really like the new 3 series but I wouldn't buy a 320d yet I'd be really happy in the 330i/M340i.
I generally identify the sort of cars that appeal to me and then wherever possible opt for the best engine available.However there are exceptions, for me the Toyota GT86 is a car I very much want to own even with an engine that is said to be the weak link in an overall brilliant package.
Like yourself I can appreciate the new 3 series is a class act but have absolutely no interest in any diesel variant.
To a large extent, yes. Although it's part of the package.
While I'd rather a great engine in a poor handling car to a poor engine in a great handling car I wouldn't *buy* a poor handling car in the first place.
On the subject of the 520d/320d, I possibly should try a 320d at some point, although I was put off BMW diesels when I had a 318d for a week, it's the very worst engine I've ever experienced. It was worse than insipid, I actively hated it. worse even than the Vauxhall 1.8i in the Insignia (an engine I felt was designed to try and ape diesel power characteristics and ending up worse than either, diesel-alike with no redeeming 'petrol' characteristics) but the Insignia really was just dull at least rather than hateful.
While I'd rather a great engine in a poor handling car to a poor engine in a great handling car I wouldn't *buy* a poor handling car in the first place.
On the subject of the 520d/320d, I possibly should try a 320d at some point, although I was put off BMW diesels when I had a 318d for a week, it's the very worst engine I've ever experienced. It was worse than insipid, I actively hated it. worse even than the Vauxhall 1.8i in the Insignia (an engine I felt was designed to try and ape diesel power characteristics and ending up worse than either, diesel-alike with no redeeming 'petrol' characteristics) but the Insignia really was just dull at least rather than hateful.
Edited by Fastdruid on Monday 20th May 10:56
To me, it's certainly one of the more important aspects. If my beloved E39 5 series was fitted with the 2 litre diesel that was available on the continent (my 530i isn't exactly a rocketship - god knows how the 520d moved!) it wouldn't be the car it is, and it wouldn't have that lovely, creamy, albeit slightly muted, 6 cylinder thrum to it.
aka_kerrly said:
cerb4.5lee said:
So do you prioritise the engine in a car or can you turn a blind eye to the engine and just enjoy the overall package. I really like the new 3 series but I wouldn't buy a 320d yet I'd be really happy in the 330i/M340i.
I generally identify the sort of cars that appeal to me and then wherever possible opt for the best engine available.However there are exceptions, for me the Toyota GT86 is a car I very much want to own even with an engine that is said to be the weak link in an overall brilliant package.
Like yourself I can appreciate the new 3 series is a class act but have absolutely no interest in any diesel variant.
tFastdruid said:
To a large extent, yes. Although it's part of the package.
On the subject of the 520d/320d, I possibly should try a 320d at some point, although I was put off BMW diesels when I had a 318d for a week, it's the very worst engine I've ever experienced. It was worse than insipid, I actively hated it. worse even than the Vauxhall 1.8i in the Insignia (an engine I felt was designed to try and ape diesel power characteristics and ending up worse than either, diesel-alike with no redeeming 'petrol' characteristics) but the Insignia really was just dull at least rather than hateful.
This is very true - the BMW 2.0 diesel has one huge flaw - vibration. I had one from the BMW dealership while my wife's 220i was in for service last week, loan car for the day. Unbelievable amount of vibration from the engine that totally ruins the car. My usual daily transport is an E220, still a 4 cylinder diesel but only really noticeable at idle and when cold. The BMW equivalent just lacks the refinement that I expect in cars in this sector.On the subject of the 520d/320d, I possibly should try a 320d at some point, although I was put off BMW diesels when I had a 318d for a week, it's the very worst engine I've ever experienced. It was worse than insipid, I actively hated it. worse even than the Vauxhall 1.8i in the Insignia (an engine I felt was designed to try and ape diesel power characteristics and ending up worse than either, diesel-alike with no redeeming 'petrol' characteristics) but the Insignia really was just dull at least rather than hateful.
Edited by Fastdruid on Monday 20th May 10:56
It's a question of compromises.
Taking in the characteristics of the car, engine, gearbox, steering handling, ride comfort, refinement, cabin comfort, convenience etc, some characteristics are weighted heavier than others depending on what the owner/driver values.
I own three cars. A large estate with a largish diesel (2012 535d), a medium saloon (2007 330i) with a largish petrol and a small 2 door saloon with an angry 4cyl petrol (E30 M3 Sport Evo). The engines suit each car perfectly well. The E30 M3 has the most exciting engine, but would be pretty awful in the 5 series. The 330i has a great engine, but would be overwhelmed by the weight of the 5 series. The E30 M3 would be ruined by fitting either of the other engines.
Interestingly, prior to owning the 330i, I had a 320Si, which despite it only having 173hp, it was a joy to use and didn't detract from the package in the slightest. In fact, the handling was better with the lighter and shorter 4cyl engine. But, for someone wanting a more relaxed driving experience, the 330i would be a better package.
You could put a BDA in a Bentley and despite the BDA being a cracking engine, it would spoil the car.
Fitness for purpose is probably the most succinct way of putting it.
Taking in the characteristics of the car, engine, gearbox, steering handling, ride comfort, refinement, cabin comfort, convenience etc, some characteristics are weighted heavier than others depending on what the owner/driver values.
I own three cars. A large estate with a largish diesel (2012 535d), a medium saloon (2007 330i) with a largish petrol and a small 2 door saloon with an angry 4cyl petrol (E30 M3 Sport Evo). The engines suit each car perfectly well. The E30 M3 has the most exciting engine, but would be pretty awful in the 5 series. The 330i has a great engine, but would be overwhelmed by the weight of the 5 series. The E30 M3 would be ruined by fitting either of the other engines.
Interestingly, prior to owning the 330i, I had a 320Si, which despite it only having 173hp, it was a joy to use and didn't detract from the package in the slightest. In fact, the handling was better with the lighter and shorter 4cyl engine. But, for someone wanting a more relaxed driving experience, the 330i would be a better package.
You could put a BDA in a Bentley and despite the BDA being a cracking engine, it would spoil the car.
Fitness for purpose is probably the most succinct way of putting it.
Magnum 475 said:
Fastdruid said:
To a large extent, yes. Although it's part of the package.
On the subject of the 520d/320d, I possibly should try a 320d at some point, although I was put off BMW diesels when I had a 318d for a week, it's the very worst engine I've ever experienced. It was worse than insipid, I actively hated it. worse even than the Vauxhall 1.8i in the Insignia (an engine I felt was designed to try and ape diesel power characteristics and ending up worse than either, diesel-alike with no redeeming 'petrol' characteristics) but the Insignia really was just dull at least rather than hateful.
This is very true - the BMW 2.0 diesel has one huge flaw - vibration. I had one from the BMW dealership while my wife's 220i was in for service last week, loan car for the day. Unbelievable amount of vibration from the engine that totally ruins the car. My usual daily transport is an E220, still a 4 cylinder diesel but only really noticeable at idle and when cold. The BMW equivalent just lacks the refinement that I expect in cars in this sector.On the subject of the 520d/320d, I possibly should try a 320d at some point, although I was put off BMW diesels when I had a 318d for a week, it's the very worst engine I've ever experienced. It was worse than insipid, I actively hated it. worse even than the Vauxhall 1.8i in the Insignia (an engine I felt was designed to try and ape diesel power characteristics and ending up worse than either, diesel-alike with no redeeming 'petrol' characteristics) but the Insignia really was just dull at least rather than hateful.
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