330 E92: Diesel or petrol? Manual or automatic?
Discussion
A friend of mine is about to order his next company car, and has been "encouraged" to go for a new shape 330 Coupe (E92). He does little mileage and has so far only driven manuals and not keen at all on automatics, though he is in fairness a pretty crap driver, so don't know why he is insisting on a manual. I am gently trying to encourage him to go automatic, just to let him focus a bit more on the driving. Also, he has to navigate a very steep parking descent every day, so again an automatic might be easier.
However, any advice on whether to choose the petrol or the diesel version? I would think that the petrol and manual would go together, and the diesel and automatic, with the latter combo being the one suggested by the leasing company for residual value (hence monthly payments)?
Also, standard spec should be ok, but some options that ought to be specified? Professional nav a must, PDC, leather and possibly a HK stereo?
However, any advice on whether to choose the petrol or the diesel version? I would think that the petrol and manual would go together, and the diesel and automatic, with the latter combo being the one suggested by the leasing company for residual value (hence monthly payments)?
Also, standard spec should be ok, but some options that ought to be specified? Professional nav a must, PDC, leather and possibly a HK stereo?
Should clarify: Company car as in he can choose from a list within a budget of about 900 euro a month, and the E92 330 was being put forward as a good candidate because of 15 % discount on fleet vehicles from BMW. Not a petrolhead at all, but would like to use up the budget which is why a 330 with all options fits the bill.
Just to decide on the petrol/diesel question, as well as the gearbox. Think he would prefer a 330i manual, but that is more because he is unwilling to learn how to drive an automatic (which IMO would be a 10 minute exercise).
Just to decide on the petrol/diesel question, as well as the gearbox. Think he would prefer a 330i manual, but that is more because he is unwilling to learn how to drive an automatic (which IMO would be a 10 minute exercise).
job38 said:
If he's a 'prety crap driver' (sic) then an auto diesel 330d will be perfect for him.
If, however, he were to enjoy driving, then 330 petrol manual every time.
Puts on flame proof suit and waits for torque-is-all argument (despite the fact it make the car a one-trick-pony)
If, however, he were to enjoy driving, then 330 petrol manual every time.
Puts on flame proof suit and waits for torque-is-all argument (despite the fact it make the car a one-trick-pony)
By "pretty crap driver" (BTW, what's with the 'sic'?) I meant that he is someone who appreciates quality cars but is a driver with no real mechanical sympathy or delicacy.
I am definitely not asking e.g. which car is the faster one, as I have also seen the very lengthy petro/diesel debates, just wanting an honest opinion of which combo to go for, given the specific driver. Running costs not a point either, as a petrol (or diesel) card is provided for.
Still leaning towards the 330d automatic for a relaxed drive, though his commute is a 20 minute inner-city one, so not ideal conditions for a diesel (or any engine, come to it).
CommanderJameson said:
rassi said:
his commute is a 20 minute inner-city one
Toyota Yaris auto?
*flees*
Edited by CommanderJameson on Friday 3rd November 07:38
Quite possibly a match made in heaven
but the idea would be to use up the leasing budget, and regrettably a Yaris cannot be specced to that point... Anyway, I have been asked to go with him to the dealer next weekend so will see what he ends up getting. Thanks for comments guys.
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