F31 335d xDrive - experiences?

[BMRuss]

Had my 335d Xdrive saloon for just over a year now and have covered 21k effortless miles.

Fuel consumption is at a steady 37.4mpg with a mixture of driving, the car overall has been great if not a little too small on the inside for me.

ACS springs improved the handling no end, a little bumpy but nothing too drastic, it's been to South of France and back fully loaded with roof box and family and performed brilliantly, lots of torque on tap when you need it, it just doesn't seem to have much go when accelerating from 100mph (private roads of course).

I wouldn't have another one though, next time I will get the 535d purely due to the size in the cabin, but overall a great car!

[Welshbeef]

BMRuss said:

Had my 335d Xdrive saloon for just over a year now and have covered 21k effortless miles.

Fuel consumption is at a steady 37.4mpg with a mixture of driving, the car overall has been great if not a little too small on the inside for me.

ACS springs improved the handling no end, a little bumpy but nothing too drastic, it's been to South of France and back fully loaded with roof box and family and performed brilliantly, lots of torque on tap when you need it, it just doesn't seem to have much go when accelerating from 100mph (private roads of course).

I wouldn't have another one though, next time I will get the 535d purely due to the size in the cabin, but overall a great car!

I saw the saloon today in the showroom god it sits high I don't like the look.

I remember the stance of my E90 330d M sport that was low and snug.


Also I was actually surprised at how poor the cabin is in comparison to the 535d

[mnk303]

I have had mine for 3 months now , I like the ride it's so comfortable but the active suspension is a must, I know the car is quick but it just don't feel it, I think it's a bit insulated . But numbers wise there is it will take any of my early porsches, mpg I am struggling to get over 35, but for all round every day use its superb.

[Welshbeef]

mnk303 said:

I have had mine for 3 months now , I like the ride it's so comfortable but the active suspension is a must, I know the car is quick but it just don't feel it, I think it's a bit insulated . But numbers wise there is it will take any of my early porsches, mpg I am struggling to get over 35, but for all round every day use its superb.

Struggling to beat 35mpg... New car enjoying the performance.

[Wills2]

mnk303 said:

I have had mine for 3 months now , I like the ride it's so comfortable but the active suspension is a must, I know the car is quick but it just don't feel it, I think it's a bit insulated . But numbers wise there is it will take any of my early porsches, mpg I am struggling to get over 35, but for all round every day use its superb.

An LCI (facelift model)? I'm told they have changed elements of the suspension and tied the car down, the reviews are it's much better than the first models.

[diehardbenzfan]

Afternoon! I must say these posts are worrying me, just sold my e46 330i sport (pre facelift sport, not m-sport) and ive decided to lease a 335d, originally was going to get a GTD golf as it was the best value for money but my leasing company had a stock special offer on an Estoril blue 335d Xdrive for only 60 extra a month so I acted fast and went for it without test driving it. The problem is (wasnt a problem before I read this thread) is that its on the standard springs and the words 'wallowy' and 'boat like' are worrying me, my 330i handeled perfectly fine for my liking, can someone tell me if it will be worse than my 16 year old e46? What are you guys comparing it to?

[Osinjak]

Worried about what? By any stretch a 335d is an accomplished performer and is plenty swift enough for rapid progress, there isn't a lot out there that will compare unless you want to spend big money. However, it lacks excitement and isn't the most visceral of experiences that you might get from a C63 for example. You're not going to get in it, drive it five miles and declare it the most horrible car in the world but like any car, it has its compromises that you might not be able to live with but the chances are you will. If you want the best of both worlds, get one with Adaptive Suspension. I have, it gives me firmness when I want it and comfort when I don't.

[diehardbenzfan]

Osinjak said:

Worried about what? By any stretch a 335d is an accomplished performer and is plenty swift enough for rapid progress, there isn't a lot out there that will compare unless you want to spend big money. However, it lacks excitement and isn't the most visceral of experiences that you might get from a C63 for example. You're not going to get in it, drive it five miles and declare it the most horrible car in the world but like any car, it has its compromises that you might not be able to live with but the chances are you will. If you want the best of both worlds, get one with Adaptive Suspension. I have, it gives me firmness when I want it and comfort when I don't.

Well I shouldn't be worried at all as I'm moving from a 16 year old 1500 pounds E46 to a 41 thousand pound sub 5 second BMW. The one I'm getting is on lease that's already in stock so I couldn't spec the adaptive dampers, I love driving and straight line performance is nothing without a sharp handling car, Just want to know what people compare it to on here when they call it wallowy or boat like! Its a 2 year lease and I have some nice bendy roads in my area that never phased my previous BMW so I just want some reassurance..........Thats what you call a first world problem

Edited by diehardbenzfan on Wednesday 18th May 03:29

[bad company]

diehardbenzfan said:

Well I shouldn't be worried at all as I'm moving from a 16 year old 1500 pounds E46 to a 41 thousand pound sub 5 second BMW. The one I'm getting is on lease that's already in stock so I couldn't spec the adaptive dampers, I love driving and straight line performance is nothing without a sharp handling car, Just want to know what people compare it to on here when they call it wallowy or boat like! Its a 2 year lease and I have some nice bendy roads in my area that never phased my previous BMW so I just want some reassurance..........Thats what you call a first world problem

Edited by diehardbenzfan on Wednesday 18th May 03:29

I have had one of these since May 14. I love it and can't think of a better every day car, not in the least 'wallowy'.

[JNW1]

diehardbenzfan said:

Osinjak said:

Worried about what? By any stretch a 335d is an accomplished performer and is plenty swift enough for rapid progress, there isn't a lot out there that will compare unless you want to spend big money. However, it lacks excitement and isn't the most visceral of experiences that you might get from a C63 for example. You're not going to get in it, drive it five miles and declare it the most horrible car in the world but like any car, it has its compromises that you might not be able to live with but the chances are you will. If you want the best of both worlds, get one with Adaptive Suspension. I have, it gives me firmness when I want it and comfort when I don't.

Well I shouldn't be worried at all as I'm moving from a 16 year old 1500 pounds E46 to a 41 thousand pound sub 5 second BMW. The one I'm getting is on lease that's already in stock so I couldn't spec the adaptive dampers, I love driving and straight line performance is nothing without a sharp handling car, Just want to know what people compare it to on here when they call it wallowy or boat like! Its a 2 year lease and I have some nice bendy roads in my area that never phased my previous BMW so I just want some reassurance..........Thats what you call a first world problem

Edited by diehardbenzfan on Wednesday 18th May 03:29

I'm assuming that as it's new it will be one of the later LCI cars and from what I understand the suspension is improved on those compared to the original pre-LCI model (which is probably what most people commenting on the suspension on this thread will be driving). In the event you do find the car's too soft you don't necessarily need adaptive as from what I understand for similar money (circa £500) the AC Schnitzer spring upgrade actually does a better job of resolving the handling shortcomings; not sure whether technically you'd be allowed to fit those on a lease car but frankly who's to know and providing you keep the originals you can always swap them back before you return the car anyway. If what I've heard is true you may find that with an LCI car you're happy with the standard suspension set-up anyway although it will feel less wieldy than an E46 on the twisty bits as it's a bigger, heavier, car; however, it's also a very good car so enjoy it when it arrives!

[JNW1]

bad company said:

I can't think of a better every day car.

Unless you really need X-Drive a 340!

[bad company]

JNW1 said:

bad company said:

I can't think of a better every day car.

Unless you really need X-Drive a 340!

Mine's up for change in May next year. That is on the list of possibles tho I also fancy a 4 series convertible.

[diehardbenzfan]

Thanks guys, yes its the LCI, very excited, I'll post what I think of it when I get it! 20 June just won't come soon enough

[Osinjak]

diehardbenzfan said:

Thanks guys, yes its the LCI, very excited, I'll post what I think of it when I get it! 20 June just won't come soon enough

I think you'll be more than happy and if you're really not, you can always go the route JNW1 has suggested. For what it's worth I ran an E91 335d M-Sport for five years and in stock form, even LCI, I would say that the F31 is not as focused as the E91. However the E91, as great as it was, was a compromise in that if you hit a rocky road it you absolutely knew about it but it was probably more chuckable than an F31. Then again I don't drive my car at ten tenths all the time and for me the E91 became tiresome. You absolutely can take the F31 for a hoon and in direct comparison with the E91 it does move about more and you can feel the weight shift but it's not dangerous or that unpleasant that it takes the fun away. I find it firm enough in stock form and the Adaptive ticks the right boxes for me as well. I loathe the term 'wallowy' as I think it's just misleading and I often feel that if people are getting that feeling all the time they've probably bought the wrong car. Anyway, let us know how you get on with it!

[JNW1]

diehardbenzfan said:

Thanks guys, yes its the LCI, very excited, I'll post what I think of it when I get it! 20 June just won't come soon enough

I think you'll probably be ok if it's an LCI car but only one way to find out! However, don't understand why you have to wait until 20th June to take delivery if it's a car from stock; couldn't you have it within a few days?!

[diehardbenzfan]

JNW1 said:

I think you'll probably be ok if it's an LCI car but only one way to find out! However, don't understand why you have to wait until 20th June to take delivery if it's a car from stock; couldn't you have it within a few days?!

Thats what I thought! It turns out it was in the 'build' or something, probably a cancelled order and the leasing company claim the supplying dealer didn't tell them or something. I'm not actually that bothered as all bmws have a 10-12 week waiting list, I'm actually very lucky as according to the saleman, until a couple of weeks ago, the fancy LED lights were an optional extra, now they're standard on all M-Sports!

Only annoying thing about all of this is that having sold my BMW, I have to borrow my sister in laws Toyota Corolla, god theres nothing worse than filling up with petrol and an idiot pulls up in a 318i full of M badges looking at the granny machine

[diehardbenzfan]

Osinjak said:

I think you'll be more than happy and if you're really not, you can always go the route JNW1 has suggested. For what it's worth I ran an E91 335d M-Sport for five years and in stock form, even LCI, I would say that the F31 is not as focused as the E91. However the E91, as great as it was, was a compromise in that if you hit a rocky road it you absolutely knew about it but it was probably more chuckable than an F31. Then again I don't drive my car at ten tenths all the time and for me the E91 became tiresome. You absolutely can take the F31 for a hoon and in direct comparison with the E91 it does move about more and you can feel the weight shift but it's not dangerous or that unpleasant that it takes the fun away. I find it firm enough in stock form and the Adaptive ticks the right boxes for me as well. I loathe the term 'wallowy' as I think it's just misleading and I often feel that if people are getting that feeling all the time they've probably bought the wrong car. Anyway, let us know how you get on with it!

See thats what I dont want to miss, my e46's steering wasnt perfect as it was very old but there was nothing more rewarding than throwing it round bends, its actually more fun to drive than my mums LCI 120d M-sport but maybe its because it was a petrol........god I miss that car! Just a shame fuel is so expensive, running that car is a waste of money unless its that one time of the week and you give it a good thrash!

[JNW1]

diehardbenzfan said:

Osinjak said:

I think you'll be more than happy and if you're really not, you can always go the route JNW1 has suggested. For what it's worth I ran an E91 335d M-Sport for five years and in stock form, even LCI, I would say that the F31 is not as focused as the E91. However the E91, as great as it was, was a compromise in that if you hit a rocky road it you absolutely knew about it but it was probably more chuckable than an F31. Then again I don't drive my car at ten tenths all the time and for me the E91 became tiresome. You absolutely can take the F31 for a hoon and in direct comparison with the E91 it does move about more and you can feel the weight shift but it's not dangerous or that unpleasant that it takes the fun away. I find it firm enough in stock form and the Adaptive ticks the right boxes for me as well. I loathe the term 'wallowy' as I think it's just misleading and I often feel that if people are getting that feeling all the time they've probably bought the wrong car. Anyway, let us know how you get on with it!

See thats what I dont want to miss, my e46's steering wasnt perfect as it was very old but there was nothing more rewarding than throwing it round bends, its actually more fun to drive than my mums LCI 120d M-sport but maybe its because it was a petrol........god I miss that car! Just a shame fuel is so expensive, running that car is a waste of money unless its that one time of the week and you give it a good thrash!

I've also had experience of an E91 335d and would concur with Osinjak's comments; the F31 is more refined and rides much better BUT for me the E91 felt more agile and sporting to drive. Ultimately I guess it depends on what you want from the car but I wouldn't say the F31 335d is fun for hustling along a twisty B-road; it will do it and will cover the ground quicker than most things (especially in the wet) but it's a relatively large, heavy, car and feels it in those situations. Its natural habitat is more cruising motorways and A-roads IMO....

[Roary100]

Have had my 335d x drive m sport now for a few months. Car was detailed and paint treated from new. I put front and rear mudflaps on to protect paint. BMW mud flaps do fit on m sport bodywork!
Also changed springs over to ACS springs, much better now not so floaty. Even though engine has only done 1400 miles its fast and economical. I even got 66mpg on a run. It also kept up with my mates Angela c63. Hifi, idrive, build, comfort all fantastic.
Fantastic car would buy again. Got 17k off list price together with 5 years service package thrown in. Happy days

[bad company]

Roary100 said:

Have had my 335d x drive m sport now for a few months. Car was detailed and paint treated from new. I put front and rear mudflaps on to protect paint. BMW mud flaps do fit on m sport bodywork!
Also changed springs over to ACS springs, much better now not so floaty. Even though engine has only done 1400 miles its fast and economical. I even got 66mpg on a run. It also kept up with my mates Angela c63. Hifi, idrive, build, comfort all fantastic.
Fantastic car would buy again. Got 17k off list price together with 5 years service package thrown in. Happy days

Yes that was pretty much my experience with the 335d. I went for petrol when I changed though and won’t buy diesel again.