F30 330D v M135I
Discussion
Hi all,
I own a Mini GP2 at the moment which I have for nearly 2 years. I'm starting to look for something which is a bit easier on longer journeys and weekend trips across the country. I have a budget of around 16-19k and would look at the following:
F30 330D with from 20-40k miles
M135I auto with 20-40k miles
MPG isn't a massive deal for me, but would love the range of the 330D. In terms of real-world performance the 330D would be a lot smoother and effortless compared to the M135?
Please let me know your thoughts, and comments?
I own a Mini GP2 at the moment which I have for nearly 2 years. I'm starting to look for something which is a bit easier on longer journeys and weekend trips across the country. I have a budget of around 16-19k and would look at the following:
F30 330D with from 20-40k miles
M135I auto with 20-40k miles
MPG isn't a massive deal for me, but would love the range of the 330D. In terms of real-world performance the 330D would be a lot smoother and effortless compared to the M135?
Please let me know your thoughts, and comments?
Aftershox said:
Hi all,
I own a Mini GP2 at the moment which I have for nearly 2 years. I'm starting to look for something which is a bit easier on longer journeys and weekend trips across the country. I have a budget of around 16-19k and would look at the following:
F30 330D with from 20-40k miles
M135I auto with 20-40k miles
MPG isn't a massive deal for me, but would love the range of the 330D. In terms of real-world performance the 330D would be a lot smoother and effortless compared to the M135?
Please let me know your thoughts, and comments?
M135i auto will be light years ahead performance wise and just as smooth / effortless with the auto box. I own a Mini GP2 at the moment which I have for nearly 2 years. I'm starting to look for something which is a bit easier on longer journeys and weekend trips across the country. I have a budget of around 16-19k and would look at the following:
F30 330D with from 20-40k miles
M135I auto with 20-40k miles
MPG isn't a massive deal for me, but would love the range of the 330D. In terms of real-world performance the 330D would be a lot smoother and effortless compared to the M135?
Please let me know your thoughts, and comments?
Strange comparison really and a bit confusing to work out.
Why not a 340i Touring if you need the space?
Alternatively the M235i / M240i if you don't need the space and want the power.
The 330d is okay and a great engine if you are looking for efficiency, mpg and low tax etc.
If you're not I am not sure why you are considering it as it will be front heavy, average performance and not 'focused'.
With any 35i / 40i car you have a great engine which is very tuneable (30d is too) but with an added MPE will sound epic.
Why not a 340i Touring if you need the space?
Alternatively the M235i / M240i if you don't need the space and want the power.
The 330d is okay and a great engine if you are looking for efficiency, mpg and low tax etc.
If you're not I am not sure why you are considering it as it will be front heavy, average performance and not 'focused'.
With any 35i / 40i car you have a great engine which is very tuneable (30d is too) but with an added MPE will sound epic.
Keith R said:
I have an F31 330d, and I would hardly call the performance "average". Compared to most "average" cars you see on the road everyday, it's a highly capable car indeed. Depends what you're comparing "average performance" with I guess.
Real world do you ever need anymore? What sort of MPG do you get on a mway run etc?Had a E90 330d and have a F13 640d and I've always appreciated the effortless/usable performance they offer as a daily, mpg was 43mpg/330d and 40mpg/640d.
If mpg doesn't matter I would have thought the M135i(or 335i) is the way to go, purely because I'm not a fan of the noise the diesels make at idle and when pulling away at low revs, you don't have that same problem with the petrol.
If mpg doesn't matter I would have thought the M135i(or 335i) is the way to go, purely because I'm not a fan of the noise the diesels make at idle and when pulling away at low revs, you don't have that same problem with the petrol.
moffat said:
Strange comparison really and a bit confusing to work out.
Why not a 340i Touring if you need the space?
Perhaps because of this Why not a 340i Touring if you need the space?
Aftershox said:
I have a budget of around 16-19k
I think the OP has narrowed it down to two excellent cars for that price. I have driven them both and would be happy with either. The M135i clearly makes a nicer noise and will be a little quicker than the 330d. The 330d is a much better motorway / long distance car. I would drive them both in the OP's situationmoffat said:
Strange comparison really and a bit confusing to work out.
Why not a 340i Touring if you need the space?
Alternatively the M235i / M240i if you don't need the space and want the power.
The 330d is okay and a great engine if you are looking for efficiency, mpg and low tax etc.
If you're not I am not sure why you are considering it as it will be front heavy, average performance and not 'focused'.
With any 35i / 40i car you have a great engine which is very tuneable (30d is too) but with an added MPE will sound epic.
There is nothing average about the performance of the F30 330d - it's far quicker than you'd expect (or want) such a car to be. Why not a 340i Touring if you need the space?
Alternatively the M235i / M240i if you don't need the space and want the power.
The 330d is okay and a great engine if you are looking for efficiency, mpg and low tax etc.
If you're not I am not sure why you are considering it as it will be front heavy, average performance and not 'focused'.
With any 35i / 40i car you have a great engine which is very tuneable (30d is too) but with an added MPE will sound epic.
Anything that does 0-100mph in 14 seconds isn't 'average', the fact it's a diesel saloon makes it all the more noteworthy.
It is an odd comparison with an M135i though. Perhaps the answer is a 335i?
I drive a 2009 330d Touring. FOR A DIESEL it's a wonderful engine, with plenty of go and never less than 40mpg despite a lot of late night and early morning 90mph motorway driving. I cant' imagine what would replace it other than a newer one. However I only chose it because I do 25k per annum and pay for the fuel myself. Personally, if fuel consumption isn't a concern I'd be sticking with the x35i/x40i engine in a 1 or 3 series.
An interesting comparison.I do know for 7 years i had a 120d auto that i never ever locked walked 10 yards and had a sneaky look back as i walked away and that would be the same with an m lite version it is so bland looking.My 330d is luxury version and with all the chrome and interior it looks great the se suspension was awful mind but i sorted that OR AC SCHNITZER did anyway.A very fast car that london to bradford and back showed 60.7 yep a 6 mpg
I replaced my 2013 330d Touring xDrive with a 2016 M235i Convertible: Something of a contrast. I do understand the logic of the alternatives.
My 2013 330d Touring averaged about 48 MPG in a real mix of trips and the xDrive was rock-solid in the wet and, of course, the snow (albeit with winter tyres). The Touring has really useful capacity and a flat luggage area, and with roof bars can carry a ton of stuff inside and out. Gear changes in COMFORT mode were very limited - that torque meant it would stay in 8th at 70 even going up pretty steep hills. I could fit my mountain bike in the back lying flat. So in all, I'd say it was an efficient and effortless cruiser and no slouch (0-60 about 5.5 secs, if I recall, or thereabouts). Downsides were that it felt pretty heavy and uninvolved to drive, even with that power.
Changing jobs, I found I wasn't doing long daily drives to clients any more. I also realised that I was ending-up as The Guy With the Estate both at work and at home. At work, it was always me who ferried colleagues and customers around and at home, the kids had me carting all their stuff whenever needed. So come replacement time I looked at a 1 Series xDrive vs an M235i Convertible.
Bizzarely, the equivalently-optioned 1 Series xDrive cost a much as the M235i Convertible. And with just me and my wife in the frame as users, the choice of the latter was easy. Obviously, I'm likely to be biased but I've not regretted the choice, especially the convertible - it's amazing how many otherwise tedious journeys are enlivened by having the top down. Downsides are more frequent gear changes, even in COMFORT (you just can't match the torque of that 3.0L diesel) and oddly, a small petrol tank.
Carrying-capacity hasn't been as big an issue as I'd feared. I can take two passengers, but they have to really need a lift. And We've carried a full repertoire of suitcases, boxes, car refrigerator, hiking equipment etc. on an Alpine Tour, and still been able to put the top down. And bring back the usual cases of wine, beer and cheese from France.
An M135i would sit in-between for me, in terms of having more carrying-capacity than the M235i, and seat 4 more comfortably.
My 2013 330d Touring averaged about 48 MPG in a real mix of trips and the xDrive was rock-solid in the wet and, of course, the snow (albeit with winter tyres). The Touring has really useful capacity and a flat luggage area, and with roof bars can carry a ton of stuff inside and out. Gear changes in COMFORT mode were very limited - that torque meant it would stay in 8th at 70 even going up pretty steep hills. I could fit my mountain bike in the back lying flat. So in all, I'd say it was an efficient and effortless cruiser and no slouch (0-60 about 5.5 secs, if I recall, or thereabouts). Downsides were that it felt pretty heavy and uninvolved to drive, even with that power.
Changing jobs, I found I wasn't doing long daily drives to clients any more. I also realised that I was ending-up as The Guy With the Estate both at work and at home. At work, it was always me who ferried colleagues and customers around and at home, the kids had me carting all their stuff whenever needed. So come replacement time I looked at a 1 Series xDrive vs an M235i Convertible.
Bizzarely, the equivalently-optioned 1 Series xDrive cost a much as the M235i Convertible. And with just me and my wife in the frame as users, the choice of the latter was easy. Obviously, I'm likely to be biased but I've not regretted the choice, especially the convertible - it's amazing how many otherwise tedious journeys are enlivened by having the top down. Downsides are more frequent gear changes, even in COMFORT (you just can't match the torque of that 3.0L diesel) and oddly, a small petrol tank.
Carrying-capacity hasn't been as big an issue as I'd feared. I can take two passengers, but they have to really need a lift. And We've carried a full repertoire of suitcases, boxes, car refrigerator, hiking equipment etc. on an Alpine Tour, and still been able to put the top down. And bring back the usual cases of wine, beer and cheese from France.
An M135i would sit in-between for me, in terms of having more carrying-capacity than the M235i, and seat 4 more comfortably.
Edited by msej449 on Monday 17th July 18:50
Like others , I would say 335i over D unless you doing mega miles.
If not already thinking on these lines, what F30 trim?
I say M Sport for sportier suspension and looks , better seats unless other trims spec the same ones.
M Sport F30 is a much better looking car than M135i particularly the Fugly pre facelift.
So it would be that for me, as you want auto.
If not already thinking on these lines, what F30 trim?
I say M Sport for sportier suspension and looks , better seats unless other trims spec the same ones.
M Sport F30 is a much better looking car than M135i particularly the Fugly pre facelift.
So it would be that for me, as you want auto.
I had an E90 330d and now have an M240i Convertible.
Lots has been said above which is correct - the 330d is heavy but effortless. The M135i will feel the same performance wise until 4500rpm then go mad compared to the diesel which will obviously change gear.
Effortless but heavy vs slightly mad and less space.
My 240i is hardly any quicker than the 135i but unless space and mpg are an issue then I feel it is more 'alive' than the 330d, capable though it is.
Lots has been said above which is correct - the 330d is heavy but effortless. The M135i will feel the same performance wise until 4500rpm then go mad compared to the diesel which will obviously change gear.
Effortless but heavy vs slightly mad and less space.
My 240i is hardly any quicker than the 135i but unless space and mpg are an issue then I feel it is more 'alive' than the 330d, capable though it is.
What did you go for in the end ?
In a bizarre world, I'm in the same boat at the moment.
Torn between the two cars, I don't have any set criteria really but my circumstances always change, sometimes I will need to do many miles and would appreciate the mpg, extra space etc sometimes it will just be myself fancying a spirited drive somewhere.
I understand the 135i would be the proper driver's car between the two, but I find myself swaying towards the f30 330d at the moment ( I haven't driven either yet )
I'm just seeing the 330d as a really good all rounder with not so many negatives ( ok it won't sound the best and will be changing gear much more often )
Thoughts?
In a bizarre world, I'm in the same boat at the moment.
Torn between the two cars, I don't have any set criteria really but my circumstances always change, sometimes I will need to do many miles and would appreciate the mpg, extra space etc sometimes it will just be myself fancying a spirited drive somewhere.
I understand the 135i would be the proper driver's car between the two, but I find myself swaying towards the f30 330d at the moment ( I haven't driven either yet )
I'm just seeing the 330d as a really good all rounder with not so many negatives ( ok it won't sound the best and will be changing gear much more often )
Thoughts?
danneth said:
What did you go for in the end ?
In a bizarre world, I'm in the same boat at the moment.
Torn between the two cars, I don't have any set criteria really but my circumstances always change, sometimes I will need to do many miles and would appreciate the mpg, extra space etc sometimes it will just be myself fancying a spirited drive somewhere.
I understand the 135i would be the proper driver's car between the two, but I find myself swaying towards the f30 330d at the moment ( I haven't driven either yet )
I'm just seeing the 330d as a really good all rounder with not so many negatives ( ok it won't sound the best and will be changing gear much more often )
Thoughts?
Hi when you say change gear more ,how do you mean ? if your doing miles it has to be F30 30d did 900 last week averaged 48mpg today 220miles average 53mpg dont get se/luxury the suspension is pants a floating blancmange. In a bizarre world, I'm in the same boat at the moment.
Torn between the two cars, I don't have any set criteria really but my circumstances always change, sometimes I will need to do many miles and would appreciate the mpg, extra space etc sometimes it will just be myself fancying a spirited drive somewhere.
I understand the 135i would be the proper driver's car between the two, but I find myself swaying towards the f30 330d at the moment ( I haven't driven either yet )
I'm just seeing the 330d as a really good all rounder with not so many negatives ( ok it won't sound the best and will be changing gear much more often )
Thoughts?
They are both good cars but very different.
The M135i is quite a lot faster (I’ve spent time in both), a lot more of a drivers car and makes a wonderful noise. The 330d is a effortless cruiser capable of more mpg and is more comfy but feels far heavier and less chuckable.
They both deliver good performance but are clearly designed for different roles. It really comes down to what your preference is.
The M135i is quite a lot faster (I’ve spent time in both), a lot more of a drivers car and makes a wonderful noise. The 330d is a effortless cruiser capable of more mpg and is more comfy but feels far heavier and less chuckable.
They both deliver good performance but are clearly designed for different roles. It really comes down to what your preference is.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff