Opinions 335d with Auto box!!

[tonto1]

Currently looking to change the daily run around and currently a 335d is seiously tempting me. However the fact that they only seem to come with an auto box (with tiptronic steering wheel controls)is putting me off slightly.

Have test driven an E90 330d with Auto and found it quite good, but for long term use I think a manual would still best!!

Any thots? 335D with Auto or find a 330d with manual (hens teeth)?

Will also use the car for towing my Westfield (car + trailer = aprox' 1000kg).

Edited by tonto1 on Friday 1st May 07:25

[Not Ideal]

I think an auto suits a car like that.

[Job38]

335d not available in manual. BMW claim there is 'no market'. The real reason is their inability to make a box with reasonable clutch action to handle the torque.

Edited by Job38 on Friday 1st May 08:00

[pete]

Auto really suits the bigger diesels. They are never going to be the last word in driver involvement as the throttle response is soft compared to the petrol sixes, so the soft auto changes seem to fit well. You also stop worrying about the narrow power band, as the auto box and high gearing do a good job of keeping you inside it.

Having said that, stick the auto box into "sport" mode in a 335d, and once you're moving you wouldn't know it was a diesel (unless you look at the rev counter!). With the turbos spooled up and the torque converter locked up more of the time, the changes really thump home. The steering wheel paddles are a bit of a gimmick; I rarely use them, but they are occasionally handy to force the box into a lower gear for steep downhills, or to prepare for overtaking.

Cheers,
Pete

[sadlerj]

Agreed...I was a Auto hater until I drove an S-type D a few years ago...big Diesels really suit Autoboxes. I find the one on our 335d fantastic. Yep the paddles are rarely used, only when really on it on a twisty road with some down hill bits with overtaking needed. There is not much difference between mine in normal and sport and it has adapted to my driving style and I dont let the wife borry 'my' key..

Also once you have driven a 335 the 330 seems gutless....

Edited by sadlerj on Friday 1st May 09:40

[PhilLL]

335d with Autobox is the ideal daily driver IMO, especially if you have a Westfield for playtime.

Nice and relaxing but great when you press on a bit as well.

I don't really bother with the paddle shift either 99.9% of the time.