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I'm on my 3rd 330d msport.
E46 was ageing and the 5 speed autobox was a bit rubbish. As a design I thought it looked really well proportioned.
E90 did nearly 100k in it, 6 speed ZF box was miles ahead of the E46, engine much more powerful and averaged a good 10mpg better (45mpg avg v 35 mpg during ownership). Didn't like the design as much as the E46 but build was good, tech was pretty good and it drove really nicely handling wise. I was reluctant to change it in the end.
F30 had a year now. 8 speed ZF is seamless and much more powerful again. MPG average no better than the E90 though over the 18k miles I've had it but just haven't warmed to it. Dare I say, its dull to drive despite being a 2017 model with the supposed improved suspension and being a 330d rwd rather than the 335d or xdrive model that has the higher ride hight. I've changed from 19 to 18 inch rims and spent time on 18 inch winters too. 18's are definitely better for ride quality but none really improve the feel much.
Just bought a 2015 Discovery 4 and having done 300 miles from the dealer home I'm already enjoying it far more than the 330d. While its heavy and wallow-y, its so much more fluid and enjoyable to punt around. Plus it has the lusty v6 and fantastic ZF 8 speed.
Got back into the i3 company car and back to dull, lifeless, slightly stiff numb steering. Tight, sharp but dull as hell.
BMW. What have you done. Its take an ageing Land Rover for me to see the light for goodness sake.
The i3 will stay as I like the design, is point and squirt fun on the local trips and its as cheap as chips to run but the F30 is at serious risk of going to be replaced with another brand.
E46 was ageing and the 5 speed autobox was a bit rubbish. As a design I thought it looked really well proportioned.
E90 did nearly 100k in it, 6 speed ZF box was miles ahead of the E46, engine much more powerful and averaged a good 10mpg better (45mpg avg v 35 mpg during ownership). Didn't like the design as much as the E46 but build was good, tech was pretty good and it drove really nicely handling wise. I was reluctant to change it in the end.
F30 had a year now. 8 speed ZF is seamless and much more powerful again. MPG average no better than the E90 though over the 18k miles I've had it but just haven't warmed to it. Dare I say, its dull to drive despite being a 2017 model with the supposed improved suspension and being a 330d rwd rather than the 335d or xdrive model that has the higher ride hight. I've changed from 19 to 18 inch rims and spent time on 18 inch winters too. 18's are definitely better for ride quality but none really improve the feel much.
Just bought a 2015 Discovery 4 and having done 300 miles from the dealer home I'm already enjoying it far more than the 330d. While its heavy and wallow-y, its so much more fluid and enjoyable to punt around. Plus it has the lusty v6 and fantastic ZF 8 speed.
Got back into the i3 company car and back to dull, lifeless, slightly stiff numb steering. Tight, sharp but dull as hell.
BMW. What have you done. Its take an ageing Land Rover for me to see the light for goodness sake.
The i3 will stay as I like the design, is point and squirt fun on the local trips and its as cheap as chips to run but the F30 is at serious risk of going to be replaced with another brand.
My 335d F31 LCI was the fastest accelerating car I have ever had and probably the most boring
I cant knock 50mpg at "70" mph on the motorway but it handled worse than my current Volvo V90 which has no pretensions to be anything other than a barge with nappa leather and a banging stereo
Agreed I could have upgraded the springs on the BMW but why didnt it have them from the factory?
Cheers
Interesting thread!
Budget constraints mean I haven't got past "E" models yet.
I've had 2 E46 Compacts, an E87, 2 E86s and 2 E9* series.
I wanted an E46 facelift manual 330i Touring to replace my E46 325ti, but just couldn't find one that didn't have rusty wheel-arches so I ended up with an E91 325i. But I found it a bit sluggish and after a year I changed it for an E90 330i that is much more fun!
So I've ended up with the same 3 litre N52 engine in both my cars, E90 330i and Z4 Coupe.
But the steering in my E90 is HPAS, and it's just so much better than the EPAS in my E86 - BMW, what were you thinking?
It looks like "E's" are the way to go!
Budget constraints mean I haven't got past "E" models yet.
I've had 2 E46 Compacts, an E87, 2 E86s and 2 E9* series.
I wanted an E46 facelift manual 330i Touring to replace my E46 325ti, but just couldn't find one that didn't have rusty wheel-arches so I ended up with an E91 325i. But I found it a bit sluggish and after a year I changed it for an E90 330i that is much more fun!
So I've ended up with the same 3 litre N52 engine in both my cars, E90 330i and Z4 Coupe.
But the steering in my E90 is HPAS, and it's just so much better than the EPAS in my E86 - BMW, what were you thinking?
It looks like "E's" are the way to go!
only 2 cars I REALLY wanted in my life...an Xr3i..a 6 month old finance return was staring me in the face at the earls ct motor show 1983 so as I had just started my working life as an 18 year old I went for it..loved loved loved it.
....and a 3 series 3ltr diesel for the miles I do...tell me seriously are there any new comfortable cars out there anymore or do they all feel like these F30s nowadays. It kind of feels like a big lump thats crashy and unweldy. (Changed the awful se suspension for ACS shocks and springs) made a massive difference to the handling but overall feeling is its a big lump of a car wondering how the 5 series must feel now THAT is a big car....oh and putting it in Sport the steering wheel feel is so bad I dont bother
....and a 3 series 3ltr diesel for the miles I do...tell me seriously are there any new comfortable cars out there anymore or do they all feel like these F30s nowadays. It kind of feels like a big lump thats crashy and unweldy. (Changed the awful se suspension for ACS shocks and springs) made a massive difference to the handling but overall feeling is its a big lump of a car wondering how the 5 series must feel now THAT is a big car....oh and putting it in Sport the steering wheel feel is so bad I dont bother
Edited by smashy on Wednesday 29th May 11:07
I had an E46 325ti which I loved despite it being an absolute money pit; it had one hell of an appetite for suspension components plus issues with the chocolate cooling system.
The E90 330 that followed it didn't feel as well made but was by far the better car and proved to be very reliable for the three years I had it (it's still going strong when I checked the MOT history the other day).
The F3x is a much bigger car - I had a 330d x drive for a week whilst my 330 was in the body shop. I actually really liked it; bloody fast and gripped and gripped, fuel economy was pants though. When I got back into the E90 it felt absolutely diddy after the F30.
I do get what you mean about the F3x being a bit wooly though. I test from a 335d a while ago and really didn't like it the floaty / wallowy feeling on backroads. Apart from the lack of performance, I didn't feel too short changed getting back into my vRS.
I am however taking delivery on my M140 in a few weeks; they are far from perfect feeling quite soft given the performance but that engine is fantastic and I preferred the look and feel of it over the Golf R.
The E90 330 that followed it didn't feel as well made but was by far the better car and proved to be very reliable for the three years I had it (it's still going strong when I checked the MOT history the other day).
The F3x is a much bigger car - I had a 330d x drive for a week whilst my 330 was in the body shop. I actually really liked it; bloody fast and gripped and gripped, fuel economy was pants though. When I got back into the E90 it felt absolutely diddy after the F30.
I do get what you mean about the F3x being a bit wooly though. I test from a 335d a while ago and really didn't like it the floaty / wallowy feeling on backroads. Apart from the lack of performance, I didn't feel too short changed getting back into my vRS.
I am however taking delivery on my M140 in a few weeks; they are far from perfect feeling quite soft given the performance but that engine is fantastic and I preferred the look and feel of it over the Golf R.
That's how I felt as well with my previous F30 330d (although mine was the X-Drive). It was quick and efficient on the motorway and there was a decent amount of grip but it all felt artificial and I suspect a heavy reliance on the computers doing a lot of the work. Interior was dull, red lit binnacle boring and cheap feeling and generally it just felt meh. Sound system was pretty crap as well. The whole mahoosive options list does feel like you are being ripped off.
Can't fault the X-Drive system though, was very impressed with it in the snow and the iDrive system is good, the dial does make it easier to use whilst driving.
Can't fault the X-Drive system though, was very impressed with it in the snow and the iDrive system is good, the dial does make it easier to use whilst driving.
biggles330d said:
the F30 is at serious risk of going to be replaced with another brand.
Which is exactly what I did and never looked back. The German trio are so common on the roads now that the so called badge appeal is redundant. Still decent enough cars but it feels like they are no longer premium, just expensive. ninjag said:
Which is exactly what I did and never looked back. The German trio are so common on the roads now that the so called badge appeal is redundant. Still decent enough cars but it feels like they are no longer premium, just expensive.
Hi ,what have you gone for ninjag..a Jag? A work colleague had an XE 2ltr diesel the twin turbo version (240bhp I think that is or 237)...it was leaving me behind around some twistys in my 330d F30.....problem with that car having sat in one wanting to love the thing is its just too cramped and the windows make it feel claustrophobic compared to the very airy and spacious 3 seriesEdited by smashy on Wednesday 29th May 11:35
smashy said:
Hi ,what have you gone for ninjag..a Jag? A work colleague had an XE 2ltr deisel the twin turbo version (240bhp I think that is or 237)...it ws leaving me behind around some twistys in my 330d F30.....problem with that car having sat in one wanting to love the thing is its just too cramped and the windows make it feel claustrophobic compared to the very airy and spacious 3 series
The XE is quite small, although I found the F30 quite small as well, especially the tiny front windscreen. I've got an XF though so more comparable with the 5 series (which I also found very artificial). I'm not so keen on the newer Jags though, they seem to be heading to that ubiquitous euro look inside. The BMW engines are good though and the twin scroll turbos make a difference. 330d with a single twin scroll turbo produces more power and torque than my 3 litre twin turbo, although there is a higher power version but then there's the 335d also which is higher again. I noticed that these BMW engines can be remapped by a considerably higher amount also. But the XF is fast enough, only annoyance is it's an ECU out job to remap.
Interesting that I'm not the only one. For a long time I got into the mindset that for a single 'do it all' car, the 330d was perfect. Fast, economical, smooth, spacious, looked good, handled well etc etc.
It still would be if I looked forward to getting into it and driving or getting back from a long journey and having that warm glow inside that it had been an enjoyable drive as used to happen with my E90.
The post was prompted by the story about the new FWD 1 series and the few 2 series I've seen about. Made me thing how far BMW were drifting from substance to style. I guess thats the market these days - so long as it has an aspirational badge and is 'competitive' rather than spectacular, that's enough for the masses.
Now, an E90 with the engine/gearbox combo of the F30 would be brilliant!
It still would be if I looked forward to getting into it and driving or getting back from a long journey and having that warm glow inside that it had been an enjoyable drive as used to happen with my E90.
The post was prompted by the story about the new FWD 1 series and the few 2 series I've seen about. Made me thing how far BMW were drifting from substance to style. I guess thats the market these days - so long as it has an aspirational badge and is 'competitive' rather than spectacular, that's enough for the masses.
Now, an E90 with the engine/gearbox combo of the F30 would be brilliant!
It’s not just you. Most mainstream modern stuff feels the same now. Electric steering and very light controls - recently driven a 240i, M2, VW Passat and VW Golf GTI. They were all much more similar than the previous generations (assuming the M2 would have been a previous gen M3).
I guess most people want something that is as easy as possible to live with and the market caters to that.
For me the E90 (or E80 for the 1-Series) is a sweet spot between the corrosion prone E46 and the soulless F10/20/30. The downsides are that it isn’t all that spacious and the tech is pretty out of date. That said I’m not fussed about having a WiFi access point in my car or configuring suspension, gearbox etc.
Sweet spots for me so far have been 330i, 335i and 130i. Currently on the hunt for a E90/92 M3 so will see how that goes.
I guess most people want something that is as easy as possible to live with and the market caters to that.
For me the E90 (or E80 for the 1-Series) is a sweet spot between the corrosion prone E46 and the soulless F10/20/30. The downsides are that it isn’t all that spacious and the tech is pretty out of date. That said I’m not fussed about having a WiFi access point in my car or configuring suspension, gearbox etc.
Sweet spots for me so far have been 330i, 335i and 130i. Currently on the hunt for a E90/92 M3 so will see how that goes.
Interesting that so many feel the same.
I went back to an E61 recently after an F11 and it was great, I bought an E92 320i off someone who was selling it and that was really, really great, petrol that needed to be worked a bit and manual gearbox (I have been auto the last 15 years).
I needed a newer car for work reasons and decided there really is no point buying an F31 340i or anything, so in the end bought a facelift F11 520d in SE spec. and enjoying it in a different way, it is nice, but it doesn't feel very BMW.
I will try the new 3 series touring when it arrives, probably the 330i, and want to like it, but not sure I will.
I went back to an E61 recently after an F11 and it was great, I bought an E92 320i off someone who was selling it and that was really, really great, petrol that needed to be worked a bit and manual gearbox (I have been auto the last 15 years).
I needed a newer car for work reasons and decided there really is no point buying an F31 340i or anything, so in the end bought a facelift F11 520d in SE spec. and enjoying it in a different way, it is nice, but it doesn't feel very BMW.
I will try the new 3 series touring when it arrives, probably the 330i, and want to like it, but not sure I will.
I rather like my f10, and now I've warmed up to it prefer the handling to my old e46. The steering is a bit light for my tastes but with decent GFT tyres all round it is fine for handling. I can also slip the back around and have a bit of fun too when the need arises. I think it helps having a revvy nasp lightweight engine up front IMO (n53).
[quote=bmwmike] I think it helps having a revvy nasp lightweight engine up front IMO (n53).
[/quote
]Maybe you have the answer there bmwmike......I remember a few years on the Alpina Forum when the 2nd version of their 320d came out the D3 Bi Turbo 215bhp and could rev to 5000.
There were some guys that had driven that and a 335d,
I recall them saying although the 335d was obvious in its power they far preferred the Alpina re the handling and the lighter feel at the front made it so much more fun and chuckable.
[/quote
]Maybe you have the answer there bmwmike......I remember a few years on the Alpina Forum when the 2nd version of their 320d came out the D3 Bi Turbo 215bhp and could rev to 5000.
There were some guys that had driven that and a 335d,
I recall them saying although the 335d was obvious in its power they far preferred the Alpina re the handling and the lighter feel at the front made it so much more fun and chuckable.
I really wanted F30 Alpina D3/4 before getting the 330d but couldn't find one in the right spec/budget when I was looking. I'd still be keen but part of me is just a bit disillusioned with the underlying platform now and I'd be reluctant to drop a lot on money on one only to find it similar, albeit much more powerful. There are a few more around now but they don't seem to sell that easily if I did find one as frustrating.
Must admit, I'm looking fondly at a Cayman. I don't really need 4 seats especially with a Discovery on the drive which can pick up the long journey and load lugging remit!
Must admit, I'm looking fondly at a Cayman. I don't really need 4 seats especially with a Discovery on the drive which can pick up the long journey and load lugging remit!
biggles330d said:
I really wanted F30 Alpina D3/4 before getting the 330d but couldn't find one in the right spec/budget when I was looking. I'd still be keen but part of me is just a bit disillusioned with the underlying platform now and I'd be reluctant to drop a lot on money on one only to find it similar, albeit much more powerful. There are a few more around now but they don't seem to sell that easily if I did find one as frustrating.
Must admit, I'm looking fondly at a Cayman. I don't really need 4 seats especially with a Discovery on the drive which can pick up the long journey and load lugging remit!
Chris Harris, back in his /Drive days, absolutely raved on about the Alpina D3, he felt it was a very good all rounder that actually performed really well overall. Must admit, I'm looking fondly at a Cayman. I don't really need 4 seats especially with a Discovery on the drive which can pick up the long journey and load lugging remit!
If you are looking at a cayman, maybe the new Z4 with the M40i could be for you. The engine is stunning, reviews talk about how it is very fast and has a beautiful noise, especially top down. For a convertible as well, the chassis is perfect, the only thing that BMW and Toyota collaborated on was the chassis layout, where they both decided on a short wheelbase with a wide staggered setup for the wheels. People on test drives say these are really one of the best BMW's made for driving, with them owning an M3 themselves (someone on Reddit said this). The only thing that guy didn't like was the styling!
I absolutely 100% agree with the general sentiment here. I've owned a variety of vehicles, some primarily functional because of my situation at the time, but the highlights for me have been my couple of Alfas, and then a whole string of normally aspirated 6 cylinder BMW's, all manual. They were all a blast to drive, and always put a smile on my face. Even the E36 320i 2.0 six, which was a bit thin on torque, made up for it in silky smoothness through the rev range.
My current E90 330i sportpack and Z4 coupe (both N52 3.0 manuals) are brilliant, and an absolute steal at current prices, if you can find good ones, that is. I've driven many of the newer models and they have all lost soul in the pursuit of more tech, comfort, usability and efficiency. It simply isn't the enthusiast brand it once was, at least this side of the M models which are just a bit out of reach for many of us, if not in affordability to purchase, certainly in operating cost.
My current daily is a 1st gen 2.0d X3 MSport manual, which provides great utility and fuel efficiency, but isn't exactly a firebreather. It handles remarkably well though and is a far more enjoyable drive than it really has a right to be, and has been extremely reliable (225000 km on it now) and still looks new. It's primary role is to keep my relatively high daily miles off the others though, so I can keep them longer for their entertainment value, as I have absolutely no idea what I would replace them with!
My current E90 330i sportpack and Z4 coupe (both N52 3.0 manuals) are brilliant, and an absolute steal at current prices, if you can find good ones, that is. I've driven many of the newer models and they have all lost soul in the pursuit of more tech, comfort, usability and efficiency. It simply isn't the enthusiast brand it once was, at least this side of the M models which are just a bit out of reach for many of us, if not in affordability to purchase, certainly in operating cost.
My current daily is a 1st gen 2.0d X3 MSport manual, which provides great utility and fuel efficiency, but isn't exactly a firebreather. It handles remarkably well though and is a far more enjoyable drive than it really has a right to be, and has been extremely reliable (225000 km on it now) and still looks new. It's primary role is to keep my relatively high daily miles off the others though, so I can keep them longer for their entertainment value, as I have absolutely no idea what I would replace them with!
interesting thread...
Over the years, I've had a fairly wide variety of cars...
BMW:
E30 325i
E36 328i Sport Coupe
E46 316i
E46 330D touring
E87 318d
E91 320d
E46 320d Touring (current)
F15 X5 (current)
Porsche :
lots of models from Boxster S through KN Turbo, to 991 GT3 (current) & Cup cars
out of all of these cars, my favourite (really....!) is the current 320d Auto Touring
It cost me bugger all to buy (less than £1K, has 140K on the clock (10K of which I've done in the past 6 months)
the steering is superb - lovely weighting & feedback.
Suspension is super compliant & quiet (running on 16's)
Its not even that slow really - I have no complaints
Current true ave consumption is 60mpg
I can fix most of the issues myself that crop up.
Servicing costs are peanuts
And as its not cosmetically perfect (though it is rust free) I dont mind leaving it parked in 'dodgy' carparks.
Has plenty of space - we have twin 2 year olds
I do wonder where BMW went wrong... looks like it was about 2005 ish to me..
Over the years, I've had a fairly wide variety of cars...
BMW:
E30 325i
E36 328i Sport Coupe
E46 316i
E46 330D touring
E87 318d
E91 320d
E46 320d Touring (current)
F15 X5 (current)
Porsche :
lots of models from Boxster S through KN Turbo, to 991 GT3 (current) & Cup cars
out of all of these cars, my favourite (really....!) is the current 320d Auto Touring
It cost me bugger all to buy (less than £1K, has 140K on the clock (10K of which I've done in the past 6 months)
the steering is superb - lovely weighting & feedback.
Suspension is super compliant & quiet (running on 16's)
Its not even that slow really - I have no complaints
Current true ave consumption is 60mpg
I can fix most of the issues myself that crop up.
Servicing costs are peanuts
And as its not cosmetically perfect (though it is rust free) I dont mind leaving it parked in 'dodgy' carparks.
Has plenty of space - we have twin 2 year olds
I do wonder where BMW went wrong... looks like it was about 2005 ish to me..
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