New F10 330d Auto, or 330i Manual?

[sgtbash]

Im in a bit of a predicament, and id appreciate a bit of input really.

I need a car for work, I do approx 10k miles a year and have finally been given a car allowance.

The 330i and 330d are approximately the same in price and power, but with obvious differences.

Ill be keeping the car for a long time, and I'm just unsure weather at this point it would be wise buying a brand new diesel. I don't work in London, but im conscious about the possible value of diesels dropping in the coming years due to the scare.

So. 330i manual, or 330d auto?

Thanks in advance!

Title is supposed to say F30

Edited by sgtbash on Sunday 19th November 15:24

[Teebs]

Do they sell a 330 auto?

[cerb4.5lee]

Quite a tough choice and I'd be happy with either, pros for the 330i are it's petrol and manual(my fave combo), but the 330d is a 6 pot and it's a nice combination with the Auto.

The majority would go 330d Auto I'd imagine, so be a little different and go manual 330i.

[Pica-Pica]

In full knowledge, I was wavering between the 340i, 330d, 335d xdrive, and Golf GTI. I went for the 335d xdrive, which is auto of course. I have had it about 10 months, 11,000 miles. My only regret is that I did not go to 18" wheels instead of 19" as standard on my car, mostly for the pot-hole ridden south-east, OK on my usual runs. I will probably go to 18" and cross-climate tyres when these wear out. Otherwise the Pirelli Pzero run flats are OK and on standard suspension. My journeys are local 20 mile journeys once or twice a week. 200 mile runs about once a month, and 800 mile runs about once a month or 6 weeks. 45 mpg average.

The latest 330i is 4cylinder isn't it?

[cerb4.5lee]

Pica-Pica said:

The latest 330i is 4cylinder isn't it?

[rallycross]

cerb4.5lee said:

Pica-Pica said:

The latest 330i is 4cylinder isn't it?

oh dear, how BMW have dropped the ball, the best thing about a 3 series is the 6 cylinder engines, emissions bullst is ruining the good engines.

[rallycross]

sgtbash said:

I

I need a car for work, I do approx 10k miles a year and have finally been given a car allowance.

The 330i and 330d are approximately the same in price and power, but with obvious differences.

Ill be keeping the car for a long time, and I'm just unsure weather at this point it would be wise buying a brand new diesel. I don't work in London, but im conscious about the possible value of diesels dropping in the coming years due to the scare.

So. 330i manual, or 330d auto?

Edited by sgtbash on Sunday 19th November 15:24

I'd go 330d auto.

I recently had an F31 3.0d auto and was very impressed by it (coming from E91 335i, 330i and 330d's previously). The engine and auto box with 8 speeds is a terrific combination in terms of both performance and economy.
Make sure to spec xenon lights and sports seats as the standard model lights and front seats are not very good. The diesel scare mongering is directed at older diesels so I doubt it will be a problem but who knows.

[Pica-Pica]

rallycross said:

cerb4.5lee said:

Pica-Pica said:

The latest 330i is 4cylinder isn't it?

oh dear, how BMW have dropped the ball, the best thing about a 3 series is the 6 cylinder engines, emissions bullst is ruining the good engines.

Indeed, although I got a 335d diesel auto. I would have loved an I-6 Nat asp'd petrol, for the smoothness, and simplicity.
As for Porsches going flat 4, what!

[cerb4.5lee]

rallycross said:

cerb4.5lee said:

Pica-Pica said:

The latest 330i is 4cylinder isn't it?

oh dear, how BMW have dropped the ball, the best thing about a 3 series is the 6 cylinder engines, emissions bullst is ruining the good engines.

In many ways I don't think it's a really bad thing, I had the 6 cylinder N/A engine in my 330i and it was very thirsty for the performance it offered, and a bit weak in the torque department too, plus it's noise was pretty muted too.

The 4pot has more torque and better economy for the same performance, the 6pot is silky smooth though but dare I say a little bit overrated.

[rallycross]

cerb4.5lee said:

The 4pot has more torque and better economy for the same performance, the 6pot is silky smooth though but dare I say a little bit overrated.

Do you work for BMW PR department or something have never heard such nonsense!
A post 2005 manual 330i or 130i is a fantastic thing when driven properly.

[cerb4.5lee]

rallycross said:

cerb4.5lee said:

The 4pot has more torque and better economy for the same performance, the 6pot is silky smooth though but dare I say a little bit overrated.

Do you work for BMW PR department or something have never heard such nonsense!
A post 2005 manual 330i or 130i is a fantastic thing when driven properly.

I spent 4 years with my 330i...and don't get me wrong I loved it's smoothness, but for me it doesn't sound all that great in the cabin(very muted), and it can feel gutless if you're in the wrong gear, and it's bloody thirsty when you use all the revs.

Obviously the 4 pot does lack any real character, but I can easily see why the N/A 6 pot got canned, and it's a tad overrated for me personally.

[sgtbash]

Thanks very much for the input guys. It seems I can get a 335d for around £1k more so that may be the ticket!

It is indeed a shame that the 330i is just a 2.0T, I didnt even realise that until recent.

[gizlaroc]

Don't write it off, it is a really nice engine.

I had one on loan, it was called a 328i then, and it was a peach and actually made me consider buying another manual.

Test them.

Also, I would take the 330i auto over the 335d personally too.