330d se coupe or 325d msport coupe?

[Planman]

I've got the the choice of a poverty spec 330d se coupe or a reasonably well equipped 325d msport coupe for a new company car. Is there much real day to day difference between the engines? Torn between the grunt of the 330d and the looks of the msport coupe!

Anyone driven both?

[Planman]

Just bringing this topic back to the top of the list! Any comments appreciated.

[AB]

Both 6cyl so both good engines. M sport looks much better and if spec is that much better on the 325 then that's where I'd be headed.

[Ranger 6]

Well, 40bhp between them so how important is grunt over spec?

The way VBH squealed when she drove past that M3 at Oulton (Fifth Gear test) when the new engine was launched for the 330d would drive me towards that - my guess would be as a company car you're not allowed to tweak the 325d?

[Planman]

Ranger 6 said:

Well, 40bhp between them so how important is grunt over spec?

The way VBH squealed when she drove past that M3 at Oulton (Fifth Gear test) when the new engine was launched for the 330d would drive me towards that - my guess would be as a company car you're not allowed to tweak the 325d?

No chipping allowed unfortunately! Yes I saw that clip too - the power of the 330d is v tempting, but what with traffic and speed cameras how much of it is useable day to day. I asumme if you drop a gear in the 325d (it would be a manual) its got a fair bit of thrust?

[Ranger 6]

It's a lovely engine and as the original E46 330d was only 184bhp so you'd still be up on that with the 201bhp from the 325d. Personally I love the grunt so I'd be very tempted by the 330d even if it was poverty spec (and get a TomTom to warn of the scameras!!)

[Fox-]

Poverty spec on a 3 Series Coupe is far from poverty.

IIRC you get leather, bluetooth, Xenons and electric seats as standard?

[philmots]

325d for me without doubt.

[AB]

Fox- said:

Poverty spec on a 3 Series Coupe is far from poverty.

IIRC you get leather, bluetooth, Xenons and electric seats as standard?

Not sure on the leather, I've seen the coupe without but it may have been a 320.

Certainly from my E46 days the coupe in M Sport guise comes with a lot of nice little extras such as cruise, PDC, auto air con (prob standard across the board now?) and I know all the coupe varients come with xenons.

Personally, I find the SE spec to look a little boring so that would be the main reason I'd be in the 325 over the 330. The 325 will be no slouch.

[Fox-]

I think it has changed with the facelift - you get it as standard now. Lovely spec infact.

The aero kit for the SE makes it look very special, arguably more so than the M Sport which unfortunately appears to be infesting all the motorway service station carparks

[Vee]

Coupe looks better as an SE imo.
M sport suspension is a pita if you do big miles too (although not sure if all coupes have the same suspension whether se or msport, 335s do as far as I know).

As above, SE is still decent spec.

[Super Veloce]

I would want to drive them, and I have a feeling the 325D with the added handling (and looks) would win....

Its a case of useability and a 200hp diesel is not going to leave you that far behind.... unless chasing a 330d/335d

I had a sniff under 200bhp in my 320D and it was very capable


This would all be in the drive for me....................

[fareaster]

I had the similar decision to make about 4 months ago 325D (ex demo auto with all the toys)or a 330D without. The 325D won, now got something to play with in the traffic jams. It's quick enough, only time I could do with a bit more power is when I'm trying to do a quick overtake with my son and his 3 big mates in the car

[Fox-]

Son and 3 mates? isnt it a 4 seater

[AB]

Fox- said:

Son and 3 mates? isnt it a 4 seater

Similar decision... I read that as saloon Mr. Pedantic!

[fareaster]

AB said:

Fox- said:

Son and 3 mates? isnt it a 4 seater

Similar decision... I read that as saloon Mr. Pedantic!

Exactly- should have been more specific

[AB]

[Planman]

I'm in a fortunate position either way I reckon! The mpsort comes with the nicer seats,and decent wheels. Although I do think its crazy on the mpsort that the only std colour option is now white.

[Fox-]

Planman said:

I'm in a fortunate position either way I reckon! The mpsort comes with the nicer seats,and decent wheels. Although I do think its crazy on the mpsort that the only std colour option is now white.

Thats because you only get met paint as standard on a 330 or above, and Alpine White is now the only non met for some reason.

[excel monkey]

Go for the 330d SE and enjoy the extra grunt and the more comfortable ride!