Quickish diesel needed - recommendations please!
Discussion
No I haven't put this up just to bait the diesel haters. What are the other manufacturers equivalents to the 330d/335d i.e. in briskness and (relative) economy? I'm just about to be commuting 100 - 120 miles a day soon and therefore need to look at a car that will be quick, comfortable, reliable and not too thirsty. The BMW's came straight to mind but I'm a bit clueless with diesel. Thanks!
What sort of age/budget/size?
Some of the bi-turbo four pots are rapid - 123d and Merc C250CDI spring to mind. But you really want a six potter. Audi's 3.0 litre is quick but is allergic to feedback, the Mercs are catching up and the Jag XF 3.0D is really nippy (bi-turbo like the 35d BMW units).
But if you want a quick, efficient diesel that's still interesting to drive, BMW is the only real option unless you get a massive SUV with a V8 diesel.
Some of the bi-turbo four pots are rapid - 123d and Merc C250CDI spring to mind. But you really want a six potter. Audi's 3.0 litre is quick but is allergic to feedback, the Mercs are catching up and the Jag XF 3.0D is really nippy (bi-turbo like the 35d BMW units).
But if you want a quick, efficient diesel that's still interesting to drive, BMW is the only real option unless you get a massive SUV with a V8 diesel.
Thanks for the quick replies - budget up to around 15k, maybe a bit more. Not dead set on 6 cylinder as long as it fits the bill of comfortable and quickish but also giving reasonable economy. If I could get over the looks of the 1 series i'd be interested in a 123d. A5 looks like a nice suggestion
You'd do wellto get over the 'looks' of a 123d fella - if you get one with a decent list of optional extras, they're really rather special. I had one for a while and got the little blighter remapped (waddya expect!) and it was a little bundle of joy.
Try a test drive and you may be swayed. Having said that, your budget allows numerous motors, so enjoy your dilemma!
Try a test drive and you may be swayed. Having said that, your budget allows numerous motors, so enjoy your dilemma!
Quick feedback on an E350 vert, sluggish, drives like a boat, not that fast and averaged 35mpg over 2k miles although took it from 3k to 5k so may have been loosening up. On the other hand it was rather comfirtable....
My 335i is the opposite, loud handles well and quick...can only assume the 335d is the same so much more fun but not as comfortable (plus 50 more bhp for the same fuel efficiency)
Get a remapped 320d for efficiency, long gearing and 210bhp fairly easily (350cdi merc is 227 iirc)
My 335i is the opposite, loud handles well and quick...can only assume the 335d is the same so much more fun but not as comfortable (plus 50 more bhp for the same fuel efficiency)
Get a remapped 320d for efficiency, long gearing and 210bhp fairly easily (350cdi merc is 227 iirc)
StevieB said:
Leftfield choice, Octavia VRS diesel...170 Ps, easily chipped- cheap, roomy, handles well....VAG TDIs always go like the clappers, easily a match for 320d, even if officially down on power.....
A BMW I6 none of those Vags going like the clappers have a chance against it different level of performance trust me Welshbeef said:
A BMW I6 none of those Vags going like the clappers have a chance against it different level of performance trust me
Agreed - I have the 320d and whilst "nippy" and it puts in a decent turn of speed, the 330d and 335 are another matter entirely.The Skoda is peppy dont get me wrong, but different levels is right!
chriscoates said:
The 325d is just badge engineering - same engine as 330d but de-tuned, so effectively pointless as you'll get the same economy as the 330 but less power. I would imagine it can be mapped to 330 levels though.
It is different injectors though rated for the 325d not the 330d. If you up the boost to get 330d power output then those injectors can go. 330d to 335d injectors are the same.
chriscoates said:
The 325d is just badge engineering - same engine as 330d but de-tuned, so effectively pointless as you'll get the same economy as the 330 but less power. I would imagine it can be mapped to 330 levels though.
On LCI cars yes, it's only the software that's different between the two models, however on PRE LCI cars it's more than software that differs the two cars apart, I believe injectors and turbos vary. OP you would do far worse than a BMW Inline 6 diesel of some variety, I've had a 330d and I'm on my 2nd 335d all E91s and the blend of performance, economy, driving dynamics is simply unbeatable.
[quote=martin mrt]
On LCI cars yes, it's only the software that's different between the two models, however on PRE LCI cars it's more than software that differs the two cars apart, I believe injectors and turbos vary.
OP you would do far worse than a BMW Inline 6 diesel of some variety, I've had a 330d and I'm on my 2nd 335d all E91s and the blend of performance, economy, driving dynamics is simply unbeatable. [/quote
How do you rate the overall package of 335d touring v 330d touring? Living with them is there really much in it to justify a change from a perfectly fine 330d?
On LCI cars yes, it's only the software that's different between the two models, however on PRE LCI cars it's more than software that differs the two cars apart, I believe injectors and turbos vary.
OP you would do far worse than a BMW Inline 6 diesel of some variety, I've had a 330d and I'm on my 2nd 335d all E91s and the blend of performance, economy, driving dynamics is simply unbeatable. [/quote
How do you rate the overall package of 335d touring v 330d touring? Living with them is there really much in it to justify a change from a perfectly fine 330d?
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