BMW 320D or 330D

[delboy735]

I'm looking at swapping my current runabout ( Fiesta 1.25 Zetec Climate ) for a more comfortable better performing and more economical car, and I fancy getting back into a BMW.I have limited funds, circa £3-4k max, and can't decide whether to go with my head or heart. Which would be your choice ?? The 320d or the 330d.
Head says 320, heart says 330........just like the idea of huge torque. Does anybody have experience of these cars, and realistic miles per gallon figures ?
Any advice hugely appreciated.

[Blown2CV]

not quite sure what you want people to say

[WorAl]

Blown2CV said:

not quite sure what you want people to say

320d does (insert number) mpg
330d does (insert number) mpg

Buy the 3X0d, it's much better.

????

[Chrisw666]

MX5.

[Pablo Escobar]

330

[Chrisw666]

With under £4k to spend I'd ignore economy and buy a 330i, they're not too thirsty.

[v8will]

Either, at that price range I'd be buying on condition. Try some of the BMW specific forums for a buyers guide. Volvo S60 D5 worth a look as well but maybe more of an acquired taste than a 3 series.

[bp1000]

330d with swirl flap delete or mod.

[WorAl]

bp1000 said:

330d with swirl flap

Sounds painful

[carreauchompeur]

330d, obviously.

[Kong]

If you want an ecomomical car don't buy either because they aren't cheap to maintain.

Look at this thread from today as an example, I'm guessing his budget was higher than yours as well: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Ren Esis]

I'd say a 530i - just to make it awkward

[JREwing]

It depends on whether you can justify the 330d or not, imo. But seriously, no one can help you with this decision. It's like going into a coffee shop and asking customers whether you should have an Americano or a Latte. Either way you still get a coffee.

[ajb85]

The 320 Will satisfy on all fronts. You'll have no complaints. The 330 however has considerably more poke, a nicer sounding and more refined 6 cylinder engine, and if you're sticking with a manual; it will also return decent fuel economy. This engine was improved in performance and economy circa late 2003, so try to seek out these later cars where budget permits.

Unless you're doing a big mileage, I'd call you a cautious-Colin for choosing the 320. Naturally you want the best you can afford...

Personally, I'm bored stiff of diesels. I was never destined to be a diesel driver so am just getting my head round some pretty ambitious man-maths to justify buying a V8.

[Potatoes]

I'd always go down the 320d route for budget reasons... as much as I'd prefer a 330d. I look at like this, I'm also bored of diesels and no matter if I went for a 320 or a 330 like ajb85 I'd still start doing some crazy maths to justify a V8!

The 320d will do everything you need it to, it's got relatively good torque and much stronger mpg.

[Beeby]

330 D. Chipped.

[Blown2CV]

WorAl said:

Blown2CV said:

not quite sure what you want people to say

????

in terms of which one to go for i meant.

[LandingSpot]

Bought a 320d in June for its frugality as well as its rear drive handling and it is much better than I thought it was going to be.
MPG is between 45 and 50, and upwards on a long run. OK it has one-wheel drive in poor conditions, but it still goes sideways and has been very impressive in the snow. Huge fun on un touched back roads.

I would have loved a 330d but it isn't economical enough and wouldn't have put me in the same position to get the fun car to the point it is. Although as I type, that is currently in the garage











Broken

[WorAl]

Blown2CV said:

WorAl said:

Blown2CV said:

not quite sure what you want people to say

????

in terms of which one to go for i meant.

I know. How did you miss the rest of my reply?

[Mr2Mike]

Make sure you go into this with your eyes open. BMW are not the paragon of reliability that some think, and the 9/10 year old high mileage car your budget will get you could spring some eye watering bills.