330d - Manual or Auto?

[Wafflesmk2]

Im sure this has been done a million times, but im looking for a 330d E90.

Ive found a 2006 with 40k on the clock but its an auto. Ive found the manual 2007 with 70k on the clock. There's about £1000 between them.

I prefer the auto in terms of its colour and age/mileage, but will an auto feel right on this car? I like hooning around the country lanes near me, so i'd guess an auto wouldnt be ideal, but then sometimes i just like sitting back and relaxing on the odd long journey here and there so i assume the auto will be better.

I know i should try them both, but the manual is over 3 hours away and im a little worried about its mileage compared to the auto.

Anything that will sway me other than driving them? I assume performance and MPG are pretty much the same?

Edit: Spelling and model

Edited by Wafflesmk2 on Tuesday 6th March 15:52

[Tea Pot One]

I have an auto 330d ... the engine and gearbox go superbly together .

[rassi]

The auto is perfectly suited to the 30d engine! And the steptronic allows enough manual intervention should you want to be more involved. The narrow power band of the diesel is IMHO not a good match for a manual - if you want a manual then go for a 330i

[mike325112]

I have a manual I inherited from my wife. She prefers manuals but I think it would be great with an auto.

I have heard that they get 5-10mpg less than the manuals - might be important to you.

Edited to add mines an E46 but we have an x3 with the newer engine and even shorter ratios. That would definately be better auto!

[Wafflesmk2]

Just a quick one, rang the dealer and the auto has done 47k miles.

It was serviced at 21, 31 and 39, but the 31 and 39k miles were done in 2009.

So it's not been serviced since 2009. Is that right? I assume these cars are 'time based' service programmes?

[mk2zetec]

definately an auto in my opinion. My mate has a 530d manual - took him ages to find as there arent many about, for good reason. its horrible. i have a 535d auto - its a great car

[cerb4.5lee]

Our 330d is auto & the torque of the engine really suits the autobox & its a nice combination.

I have a manual in my 520d & i really like that aswell i just prefer stick shifting even though the 520d has about the same power as a milkfloat. The 330d feels really quick in comparision & the auto just gets up & goes.

[martin mrt]

Definately Auto, I tried to find a manual 330d a couple of years back, with very little success, I ended up with a 335d (auto only) and the diesel engine is mated perfectly with the auto box.

I've since had a 330d auto and I'm on my second 335d, and tbh I wouldn't change it for anything other than something similar.

[rs4073]

Manual mate.more reliable sorry to say.no swirl flaps on the inlet mani,we're the auto as.and better mpg.no contest.but! There hard to find

[griff7]

I bought a manual touring as i preferred a manual for towing and for the extra economy.In the latest 3 series i would go for the new 8 speed step auto.

[Fox-]

Wafflesmk2 said:

but will an auto feel right on this car? I like hooning around the country lanes near me

This tells me a diesel is the wrong car.

[MMT]

Does the auto have steering wheel paddles. I have them on my 535d and that makes at bit more fun on country lane hoons.

[martin mrt]

MMT said:

Does the auto have steering wheel paddles. I have them on my 535d and that makes at bit more fun on country lane hoons.

Optional on the 330d

[Tea Pot One]

I think it is std on the later ones ... mine is a 2010 LCI coupe and I tried three ... they all had paddles.