Discussion
Hi,
I'm seriously considering one of these for my 140 km commute everyday.
Couple of things I'd like to know from owners if you could be so helpful:
- above 130 km/h / 80 mph how quiet is it in the cabin? much road noise/ engine?
- Hows the fuel economy on average? (ideally in l/100)
- auto versus manual - I've never had an auto but it seems finding a manual in my price range will be impossible - I just don;t know if I can bring myself to have a auto . Comments?
thanks!
I'm seriously considering one of these for my 140 km commute everyday.
Couple of things I'd like to know from owners if you could be so helpful:
- above 130 km/h / 80 mph how quiet is it in the cabin? much road noise/ engine?
- Hows the fuel economy on average? (ideally in l/100)
- auto versus manual - I've never had an auto but it seems finding a manual in my price range will be impossible - I just don;t know if I can bring myself to have a auto . Comments?
thanks!
Edited by bosshog on Thursday 3rd June 12:42
I have the same engine albeit in an E60.
Mine does about 40 MPG at a steady 80 MPH - I'd have thought an E90 would better that by 1-2 MPG but others may know better.
Both the E90 and 35d engines are very refined at motorway speeds so combined I am sure it'd be ideal. Larger wheels and M Sport suspension means the ride isn't to everyones taste so if you're bothered look for smaller wheels etc. A test drive would answer this for you.
As far as I know you can't have a 335d with a manual box - I think they are auto only aren't they?
Mine does about 40 MPG at a steady 80 MPH - I'd have thought an E90 would better that by 1-2 MPG but others may know better.
Both the E90 and 35d engines are very refined at motorway speeds so combined I am sure it'd be ideal. Larger wheels and M Sport suspension means the ride isn't to everyones taste so if you're bothered look for smaller wheels etc. A test drive would answer this for you.
As far as I know you can't have a 335d with a manual box - I think they are auto only aren't they?
Edited by richterswil on Thursday 3rd June 12:48
Ive got one and to answer your questions, the road noise at 80 in negligible, no louder than any other decent car.
The consumption on mine at average 70 to 80 shows 38.1 mpg, (i will let you do the conversion).
They are only in auto, due to the massive torque from the engine the manual gearbox cant handle it, apparently.
At 80mpg the engine is doing 2k rpm.
Ive owned mine now for 14 months and it has not missed a beat, its a great car to drive and i love it, wished i had bought one earlier.
The consumption on mine at average 70 to 80 shows 38.1 mpg, (i will let you do the conversion).
They are only in auto, due to the massive torque from the engine the manual gearbox cant handle it, apparently.
At 80mpg the engine is doing 2k rpm.
Ive owned mine now for 14 months and it has not missed a beat, its a great car to drive and i love it, wished i had bought one earlier.
bosshog said:
Damn - only auto.
Hmm need to think about this - it IS my commute I suppose. But I thought I never have an auto (thought yet alone a diesel)
Its that torque that's swaying me..
You need to try it yourself before you commit, i think you will be swayed by the amount of torque and the very smooth gear shift when pushing on....... Hmm need to think about this - it IS my commute I suppose. But I thought I never have an auto (thought yet alone a diesel)
Its that torque that's swaying me..
Edited by bosshog on Thursday 3rd June 14:15

Before I had an automatic I fought against it and then only had an auto on the basis that it was Steptronic and I could use it as a manual when I wanted to. In fact I rarely use it as a manual and just enjoy the autobox. You find that you can almost change gear using the accelerator - put your foot down and it changes down, lift it slightly and it changes up, lift off and it changes up again.
Give it a try - I bet you like it.
Give it a try - I bet you like it.
Depends on what model year and budget you're looking at - for travelling round the country my E91 335d is the perfect tool IMO; quick, practical for my needs, discreet and returning about 40 mpg on a long journey. Even better when remapped, but lets not go there 
Personally for those sort of miles tho I would look at the newer 330d engine - perfect blend of pace and economy and available with a manual gearbox.

Personally for those sort of miles tho I would look at the newer 330d engine - perfect blend of pace and economy and available with a manual gearbox.
My incoming e92 335d is a very nice place to be. Great cruiser.
Even though i haven't got the car yet I do have reservations about the sheer power and lack of the sweet engine note.
Initially i wanted a 272ps 330i but i also want and auto and i don't think the 2 go together. It's almost a crime.
So after much deliberation and a year older 335d falling into budget that's what i am going for. But i will REALLY REALLY miss not having a 330i.
Perhaps and LCI next time round when i trade the 335.
Even though i haven't got the car yet I do have reservations about the sheer power and lack of the sweet engine note.
Initially i wanted a 272ps 330i but i also want and auto and i don't think the 2 go together. It's almost a crime.
So after much deliberation and a year older 335d falling into budget that's what i am going for. But i will REALLY REALLY miss not having a 330i.
Perhaps and LCI next time round when i trade the 335.
Yep found one 
I should hopefully pick it up sometime next week. Dealer just getting it ready. It was a compromise as it doesn't have red leather (think i would be waiting AGES for a well specced one in budget; however there is one on PH in ayrshire but it's a 9 hour round trip and after speaking to the guy, i dont know, it just didn't feel right... i reckon people don't chance it on red leather, it's a bold move, so they aren't that common on the earlier 07 335d's) and it also has 230's which do look great but bothered me because of the cracking.
However FK IT, they may never crack and they look great and i will be putting 4 new Falken's on once i get it the rid should be fine.
I will spill the beans when i pick it up, if everything goes to plan. Got a good deal i think. Still very bothered about the lack of engine note i got from the petrol 330i, but to be fair i want an auto, at least on this car. Maybe next time round i'll go for the petrol. Which, i'd say is more fun to drive on the twisties but only in manual form.

I should hopefully pick it up sometime next week. Dealer just getting it ready. It was a compromise as it doesn't have red leather (think i would be waiting AGES for a well specced one in budget; however there is one on PH in ayrshire but it's a 9 hour round trip and after speaking to the guy, i dont know, it just didn't feel right... i reckon people don't chance it on red leather, it's a bold move, so they aren't that common on the earlier 07 335d's) and it also has 230's which do look great but bothered me because of the cracking.
However FK IT, they may never crack and they look great and i will be putting 4 new Falken's on once i get it the rid should be fine.
I will spill the beans when i pick it up, if everything goes to plan. Got a good deal i think. Still very bothered about the lack of engine note i got from the petrol 330i, but to be fair i want an auto, at least on this car. Maybe next time round i'll go for the petrol. Which, i'd say is more fun to drive on the twisties but only in manual form.
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