440i or 430i

[racingmule]

Has anyone test driven the two? One's 325bhp vs 252bhp, what's the difference in power feel like? Also, is there much difference in mpg between the 440i and 430i?

I've been tempted by the 435d, amazing power, but think now's probably not a great time to invest in diesel.

[toon10]

I can't comment on the 440 or 430 but in terms of power, I went from similar figures last year and the difference is massive. I had a 325i (218bhp) and went to the M135i (326bhp). The 3 series never felt slow but it would have done had i drove the 1 series before it if that makes sense? I don't think there is a lot of difference in running costs or mpg compared to the difference in performance so as per the usual ph suggestions, I'd go for the 440i. (Thinking of getting one myself after the 1 series.)

[anonymous-user]

There is a significant material difference between them - the 430i is a 2-litre four-pot turbo, and the 440i a 3 litre 6-pot turbo. 440i performance is certainly improved over the 430i, but the 'feel' is in my opinion light years apart - more responsive, far better sounding, meatier delivery, etc, etc.

I would of course be bias, but I did try both and it was no contest.

Certainly not with the discounts they were offering against the 440i...

[Maracus]

I've got a 328i Touring 2.0 Turbo. The 335i (at the time - 3 years ago) was out of budget for me.

It would be a 3/440i for me now.

If the new VED rules bother you, the 440i is over £40k list so it falls into the higher bracket if buying new now. £9k+ off list as well

[moffat]

As above there is a HUGE difference.

Remember the B58 is easily capable of pushing out 400bhp+ if needed too.

The 35d engine is very capable, but ultimately fails to excite and obviously it sounds like a diesel.

But if you are doing serious mileage it's hard to argue against the 35d as in the real world you will get a combined 42-45mpg and a likely 50-55mpg on long cruise control runs.

It's also worth noting that the 435d only comes with SE suspension and XDrive. Neither of which I would ever want. SE suspension makes the car too soft even with Adaptive and it looks awkward externally. Also the XDrive system adds more weight and gives the car more tendency to understeer.

Go and drive them is my advice. Reviews say the 30i is a little dull in its application.

I've just ordered a 440i coming from a 640d (C63 before that) and the test drive in a M240i sold the engine to me and that was without the M Performance Power kit, it was bloody awesome for a non M car!

[racingmule]

had ham said:

... the 'feel' is in my opinion light years apart - more responsive, far better sounding, meatier delivery, etc, etc..

Thanks, that what was exactly what I was looking for, the throttle response.

moffat said:

As above there is a HUGE difference.

Remember the B58 is easily capable of pushing out 400bhp+ if needed too.

I've just ordered a 440i coming from a 640d (C63 before that) and the test drive in a M240i sold the engine to me and that was without the M Performance Power kit, it was bloody awesome for a non M car!

I saw your other thread Moffat and a 2015 640d was also an option for me, excellent value secondhand. I test drove it and loved the performance & interior. But alas the car was a tad too wide for city roads, I'd be getting stuck all over the place. If I understand right the 640d and the 435d engines are the same. It was the diesel torque that excited me.

I don't do much mileage at all, run around town and the odd camping trip. So the 440i would be a good option.

Maracus said:

If the new VED rules bother you, the 440i is over £40k list so it falls into the higher bracket if buying new now. £9k+ off list as well

I've been offered one at 20% off list price which brings it below £40k. Do they apply the VED rules to the list price?

[anonymous-user]

Yep, list price unfortunately.

[racingmule]

Holy moly

I just looked at the new VED rules. £500 for the first year thereafter £140. Plus an additional £310 per year. Thats £810 in the first year, and £450 thereafter. Thats a total of £2610 over five years.



I'm really hoping they start putting down some good roads for that money.

Edited by racingmule on Friday 21st April 12:12

Edited by racingmule on Friday 21st April 12:12

[moffat]

racingmule said:

Holy moly

I just looked at the new VED rules. £500 for the first year thereafter £140. Plus an additional £310 per year. Thats £810 in the first year, and £450 thereafter. Thats a total of £2610 over five years.



I'm really hoping they start putting down some good roads for that money.

Edited by racingmule on Friday 21st April 12:12

Edited by racingmule on Friday 21st April 12:12

Year 1 is a total £500 (CO2 based) with no additional and is included in your total deal.

Years 2+ are £450 (list price based) per annum for all cars over £40k

[moffat]

racingmule said:

I saw your other thread Moffat and a 2015 640d was also an option for me, excellent value secondhand. I test drove it and loved the performance & interior. But alas the car was a tad too wide for city roads, I'd be getting stuck all over the place.

I've never really had an issue with the size of the 6 Coupe around town, except I suppose in tight multi storey car parks.

You're right to notice they are a complete bargain used. I've no idea why people buy a 435d over one unless they need 4 seats often. My 5 year old is a regular backseat passenger in mine with no issue.

It suits the 40d engine too (yes the 35d engine is the same). But you don't need a diesel, you need a 40i engine in your life ;-)

[FlabbyMidgets]

If anyone is interested, this bmw salesman is doing a good deal on the 440i. He's a good guy from what I've heard
http://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=80&am...

[anonymous-user]

moffat said:

racingmule said:

I saw your other thread Moffat and a 2015 640d was also an option for me, excellent value secondhand. I test drove it and loved the performance & interior. But alas the car was a tad too wide for city roads, I'd be getting stuck all over the place.

I've never really had an issue with the size of the 6 Coupe around town, except I suppose in tight multi storey car parks.

You're right to notice they are a complete bargain used. I've no idea why people buy a 435d over one unless they need 4 seats often. My 5 year old is a regular backseat passenger in mine with no issue.

It suits the 40d engine too (yes the 35d engine is the same). But you don't need a diesel, you need a 40i engine in your life ;-)

I can never understand the "it's too wide" thing. The 6 is less than 70mm wider than the 4. Of course, it's longer but that shouldn't be an issue.

I live out where the roads are mainly narrow lanes and regularly visit towns and cities. Never even occurred to me that my 5 series was a wide car, and the 6 is about 25mm wider, that's all.

The build quality of the 5/6 far outweighs any perceived disadvantage of size, for me.

[cerb4.5lee]

REALIST123 said:

moffat said:

racingmule said:

I saw your other thread Moffat and a 2015 640d was also an option for me, excellent value secondhand. I test drove it and loved the performance & interior. But alas the car was a tad too wide for city roads, I'd be getting stuck all over the place.

I've never really had an issue with the size of the 6 Coupe around town, except I suppose in tight multi storey car parks.

You're right to notice they are a complete bargain used. I've no idea why people buy a 435d over one unless they need 4 seats often. My 5 year old is a regular backseat passenger in mine with no issue.

It suits the 40d engine too (yes the 35d engine is the same). But you don't need a diesel, you need a 40i engine in your life ;-)

I can never understand the "it's too wide" thing. The 6 is less than 70mm wider than the 4. Of course, it's longer but that shouldn't be an issue.

I live out where the roads are mainly narrow lanes and regularly visit towns and cities. Never even occurred to me that my 5 series was a wide car, and the 6 is about 25mm wider, that's all.

The build quality of the 5/6 far outweighs any perceived disadvantage of size, for me.

The biggest problem with the 640d is it feels like a boat in the corners and it's woeful steering only adds to the problem, it's a very good cruiser but it isn't in any way enjoyable to throw around for me.

It reminds me of a car that's built for America and it's only really designed for straight roads, so that's enough for me to prefer a smaller/lighter car.

[anonymous-user]

cerb4.5lee said:

REALIST123 said:

moffat said:

racingmule said:

I saw your other thread Moffat and a 2015 640d was also an option for me, excellent value secondhand. I test drove it and loved the performance & interior. But alas the car was a tad too wide for city roads, I'd be getting stuck all over the place.

I've never really had an issue with the size of the 6 Coupe around town, except I suppose in tight multi storey car parks.

You're right to notice they are a complete bargain used. I've no idea why people buy a 435d over one unless they need 4 seats often. My 5 year old is a regular backseat passenger in mine with no issue.

It suits the 40d engine too (yes the 35d engine is the same). But you don't need a diesel, you need a 40i engine in your life ;-)

I can never understand the "it's too wide" thing. The 6 is less than 70mm wider than the 4. Of course, it's longer but that shouldn't be an issue.

I live out where the roads are mainly narrow lanes and regularly visit towns and cities. Never even occurred to me that my 5 series was a wide car, and the 6 is about 25mm wider, that's all.

The build quality of the 5/6 far outweighs any perceived disadvantage of size, for me.

The biggest problem with the 640d is it feels like a boat in the corners and it's woeful steering only adds to the problem, it's a very good cruiser but it isn't in any way enjoyable to throw around for me.

It reminds me of a car that's built for America and it's only really designed for straight roads, so that's enough for me to prefer a smaller/lighter car.

No experience of the 6 but the new 5 is hardly any wider than the 3/4, and weighs about 100kg more. It's reckoned to handle better than the current 3/4 too, which is maybe not too big a surprise given the criticism they've had.

I understand what your saying about a smaller lighter car but the 4 and 5 are both unlikely to be called small or light. Other than the length they're a lot closer in dimension and weight than one might think.

And the 5 is still the better built car.

[sahajesh]

FlabbyMidgets said:

If anyone is interested, this bmw salesman is doing a good deal on the 440i. He's a good guy from what I've heard
http://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=80&am...

Bought my 340i from TRL (Tony Lewis) - got a great deal. It's all done by email etc as he tends to go to the dealership for handovers, primarily.

Don't expect your car to be in the showroom with a bow tie etc for handover, mine was in the dealer forecourt outside. For the saving, I didn't mind one bit.

He gets a good write-up on Bimmerpost and discounts are pretty good.

[CrgT16]

The 35d is extremely capable no doubt. I got a 340i and couldn't be happier. Great all round car, not the most exciting for the ultimate driver's but very competent, engaging enough and nice place to be. Love it. Sounds great and with the auto is just a perfect combo. For the mpg I am getting average of 32mph which is fine by me.

[moffat]

CrgT16 said:

The 35d is extremely capable no doubt. I got a 340i and couldn't be happier. Great all round car, not the most exciting for the ultimate driver's but very competent, engaging enough and nice place to be. Love it. Sounds great and with the auto is just a perfect combo. For the mpg I am getting average of 32mph which is fine by me.

You drive WAY too slow ;-)

[racingmule]

moffat said:

I've never really had an issue with the size of the 6 Coupe around town, except I suppose in tight multi storey car parks.

Really ? Not even in narrow inner-city London side roads with traffic going both ways ?

cerb4.5lee said:

The biggest problem with the 640d is it feels like a boat in the corners and it's woeful steering only adds to the problem, it's a very good cruiser but it isn't in any way enjoyable to throw around for me.

It reminds me of a car that's built for America and it's only really designed for straight roads, so that's enough for me to prefer a smaller/lighter car.

Yes, precisely. However, given its look, power and refinement I'd happily give up the absence of agility if I could get it to work on the often gridlocked narrow backstreets where I live. Here even an extra 7 cm width can make a huge difference. However, I literally drool each time I see one go by.

[racingmule]

So I checked out the 440i Gran Coupe and 440i Coupe and must admit I love the look of the coupe over the Gran Coupe. Much sleeker.

However, and I know the purist will mock me for this, I would like the Xdrive, about once a year I drive through snow and sleety conditions. Besides I'm slightly nervous about all that power coupled with my twitchy right foot, and the possibility of my rear end ending up in a ditch.

[cerb4.5lee]

racingmule said:

cerb4.5lee said:

The biggest problem with the 640d is it feels like a boat in the corners and it's woeful steering only adds to the problem, it's a very good cruiser but it isn't in any way enjoyable to throw around for me.

It reminds me of a car that's built for America and it's only really designed for straight roads, so that's enough for me to prefer a smaller/lighter car.

Yes, precisely. However, given its look, power and refinement I'd happily give up the absence of agility if I could get it to work on the often gridlocked narrow backstreets where I live. Here even an extra 7 cm width can make a huge difference. However, I literally drool each time I see one go by.

Yes and it was the way the car looked that made me really want one, and everytime I saw one on the road I lusted after one.

Don't get me wrong I like mine in terms of it's looks/interior/performance/economy, but as a car to drive it doesn't offer much at all and it's size/weight/dynamic qualities are it's downfall, especially if you have been used to more nimble cars previously.