330cd or 330ci
Discussion
Hi, I was just interested in people's opinions.
I am looking at either a 330cd or 330ci either 2002 or possibly face lift 2004 models, what do you think of the cars? is there much performance difference? is it just cosmetic difference in the facelift models, or is there any engine management differences on top?
Any information, thoughts or general opinions from owners would be much appreciated
Thanks
I am looking at either a 330cd or 330ci either 2002 or possibly face lift 2004 models, what do you think of the cars? is there much performance difference? is it just cosmetic difference in the facelift models, or is there any engine management differences on top?
Any information, thoughts or general opinions from owners would be much appreciated
Thanks
330cd only became available in 2004, in the facelift coupe. The 330d was only available as saloon/touring before then.
It all depends what you need the car for, really. If you need it to be a cruiser and do lots of miles, the D is a good option. For more of the fun factor, the I would be the choice.
The cd is excellent - and have one myself; it's an excellent package. However when it comes to change cars, am still undecided whether I stick with the hard, efficient (yet lazy) shove of the D, or returning to the free-revving, screaming petrol....
Test drive both would be my advice, and see which you prefer; it is very much personal choice. Some will prefer the diesel, some petrol - and it's largely down to what you'd use it for. The 330i has a reputation for being pretty bulletproof; the 330d has more to go wrong (turbocharger, common rail injection), but they're not renowned for being a particularly troublesome purchase.
It all depends what you need the car for, really. If you need it to be a cruiser and do lots of miles, the D is a good option. For more of the fun factor, the I would be the choice.
The cd is excellent - and have one myself; it's an excellent package. However when it comes to change cars, am still undecided whether I stick with the hard, efficient (yet lazy) shove of the D, or returning to the free-revving, screaming petrol....
Test drive both would be my advice, and see which you prefer; it is very much personal choice. Some will prefer the diesel, some petrol - and it's largely down to what you'd use it for. The 330i has a reputation for being pretty bulletproof; the 330d has more to go wrong (turbocharger, common rail injection), but they're not renowned for being a particularly troublesome purchase.
They are both good cars - you'd be pleased with either on your drive.
Guess it boils down to your personal preference on d vs i, your mileage, the budget, what you want from the car and what spec cars are physically knocking about locally when you decide to purchase.
Have a go on the search funtion - comparisons on these two engines have been done to death on PH with everything from reliablilty, mpg, performance, cost, driving experience etc discussed and debated till the cows come home.
You may find that those who comment have one engine or the other, and swear blind that their choice is the best choice. Which is a good indication they are both good at what they do. Basically, you can't go wrong if 330d and 330i is your final short-list.
By the way, get the 330i, far better 
Guess it boils down to your personal preference on d vs i, your mileage, the budget, what you want from the car and what spec cars are physically knocking about locally when you decide to purchase.
Have a go on the search funtion - comparisons on these two engines have been done to death on PH with everything from reliablilty, mpg, performance, cost, driving experience etc discussed and debated till the cows come home.
You may find that those who comment have one engine or the other, and swear blind that their choice is the best choice. Which is a good indication they are both good at what they do. Basically, you can't go wrong if 330d and 330i is your final short-list.
By the way, get the 330i, far better I had the Ci and loved it. As already mentioned, the exhaust note alone is worth it! But either is going to be a very good car and it just depends on what you are looking for. I think the 3.0d suffers the same problems as the 2.0d on the turbo and swirl flaps possibly ending up sucked through the engine. Not 100% sure on this, so anyone with better knowledge please do jump in.
fr4nk_1 said:
Hi, I was just interested in people's opinions.
I am looking at either a 330cd or 330ci either 2002 or possibly face lift 2004 models, what do you think of the cars? is there much performance difference? is it just cosmetic difference in the facelift models, or is there any engine management differences on top?
Any information, thoughts or general opinions from owners would be much appreciated
Thanks
You would be impressed by both but a manual 330ci sport is the one to have.I am looking at either a 330cd or 330ci either 2002 or possibly face lift 2004 models, what do you think of the cars? is there much performance difference? is it just cosmetic difference in the facelift models, or is there any engine management differences on top?
Any information, thoughts or general opinions from owners would be much appreciated
Thanks
The 330d gives a decent shove but the linear delivery of the petrol is very addictive as is the sound,try and get a facelift one as they have a smoother throttle at low revs.
Also bear in mind that an auto 330d will have no better mpg than the ci urban!
i have previously always preferred the manual petrol option and i think the whole auto idea is out of the question, so on the cards at the moment the ci is sounding the better option (and i do find the noise quite important being a younger driver, not being agest or nothing!!). ive got a couple of test drives booked for next week, so i gues we will see what happens!
Also worth pointing out that, if you're considering the D for its efficiency, I believe there isn't a world of difference between the manual petrol and auto diesel. Consider the fuel price difference and the greater liklihood of repair bills with the diesel, and there's probably virtually nothing in it.
I have the 3.0d in my E39 and whilst it is superb (230bhp/500NM remapped and 40mpg average), even doing 40k+ miles a year I will still consider the petrol next time I buy.
I have the 3.0d in my E39 and whilst it is superb (230bhp/500NM remapped and 40mpg average), even doing 40k+ miles a year I will still consider the petrol next time I buy.
Boulder said:
You would be impressed by both but a manual 330ci sport is the one to have.
Which is exactly what I went for. I'm not saying it is the better of the two, as has already been said, it is horses for courses, but that refined and very aural six through the six speed manaul ticks all the right boxes for me. Cracking car and probably one which I will actually keep for a good deal longer than mot of its predecessors on my drive! 
I've just bought 330i touring with a manual box and have to say it's a lot of car for the money (£6K). Just for your info I reset the computer before bringing it back from Scotland and it averaged 36mpg ish on the motorway at a constant 80. Short local journeys have brought this down to 26mpg this week.
Most sensible car I've bought for a while though so I think it's a keeper
Most sensible car I've bought for a while though so I think it's a keeper
Edited by benny.c on Tuesday 20th January 10:59
I think diesels make sense when you are looking at the size of engine/power output where equivalent petrols feel lacking. Ie, 2.0/150bhp kinda range.
But the 3.0 petrol is hardly lacking at any point in the rev range for the size of the car, has a nice linear output from idle to redline, a great noise, and is a solid engine, and good on fuel.
You can also get an older model with more kit in petrol (ie, pre facelift)
I'd never spend a lot of money on an aspirational sports coupe then get the diesel one... maybe if you do huge miles then it's a good compromise, but if you don't you'd have to really like diesels to have one over the petrol.
Dave
But the 3.0 petrol is hardly lacking at any point in the rev range for the size of the car, has a nice linear output from idle to redline, a great noise, and is a solid engine, and good on fuel.
You can also get an older model with more kit in petrol (ie, pre facelift)
I'd never spend a lot of money on an aspirational sports coupe then get the diesel one... maybe if you do huge miles then it's a good compromise, but if you don't you'd have to really like diesels to have one over the petrol.
Dave
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