My first diesel: F30 330d LCi Melbourne Red

[KR_19]

Update:

Some of you Capetonians may have noticed from the recent pics I posted that they were taken out in Franschoek.

To back track a bit, I relocated from KZN to CPT towards the end of April for a new job opportunity. I was given the option of putting the car on a carrier or driving. I went with the sheer driving pleasure option .

Fast forward to about six weeks later, and this is where I need some advice and opinions from fellow fanatics.
One of the primary reasons I chose to buy a 30d is because of the trips I travelled while back in KZN: basically I've been working from home full time since mid March last year. When I did use the car, my trips would mostly be between Pietermaritzburg where my folks lived, Durban (my residence) and down the South Coast where my SO lived. These trips ranged from 60kms to 140kms (one way), making the 30d ideal and I enjoyed every trip, still do!

A lot has changed in terms of frequent traveling patterns - work is 7kms away daily, I get all my shopping done at a mall about 150m away (which I walk to), and gym within 1.2km.

This has really got me thinking if I am driving the ideal car for my needs and for the longevity of a 30d (considering the short trips), or if I should change into something I would have rather opted for had I known I won't be doing the long distances.

My options I've been giving some thought to:

1. Keep the 30d, still a great car, only just clocked 39k kms with plan until Oct 2022. Thereafter I will probably be able to fulfill my itch to have some mild performance mods done. Keep in mind that I would like to explore in the Western Cape a bit so will probably do some occasional long trips.

2. Sell the 30d and jump into a 40i (thinking F30 340i or m140i). Although this would mean I would have my third F series and would prefer to have gone into the newer G series. However I wouldn't want to compromise on power so 320i and 118i G series which are in budget would be out the question.
My concern with any of the F series 40i's though would be long term maintenance costs out of plan vs 30d out of plan?

3. Might be an unpopular one on this forum: 2017-18 Audi S3. The problem here is I don't want to spend too much more and most of these on the market have high mileage on them for their age or the price is too high.

4. Any other other thoughts and options?

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[///M Individual]

Update:

Some of you Capetonians may have noticed from the recent pics I posted that they were taken out in Franschoek.

To back track a bit, I relocated from KZN to CPT towards the end of April for a new job opportunity. I was given the option of putting the car on a carrier or driving. I went with the sheer driving pleasure option .

Fast forward to about six weeks later, and this is where I need some advice and opinions from fellow fanatics.
One of the primary reasons I chose to buy a 30d is because of the trips I travelled while back in KZN: basically I've been working from home full time since mid March last year. When I did use the car, my trips would mostly be between Pietermaritzburg where my folks lived, Durban (my residence) and down the South Coast where my SO lived. These trips ranged from 60kms to 140kms (one way), making the 30d ideal and I enjoyed every trip, still do!

A lot has changed in terms of frequent traveling patterns - work is 7kms away daily, I get all my shopping done at a mall about 150m away (which I walk to), and gym within 1.2km.

This has really got me thinking if I am driving the ideal car for my needs and for the longevity of a 30d (considering the short trips), or if I should change into something I would have rather opted for had I known I won't be doing the long distances.

My options I've been giving some thought to:

1. Keep the 30d, still a great car, only just clocked 39k kms with plan until Oct 2022. Thereafter I will probably be able to fulfill my itch to have some mild performance mods done. Keep in mind that I would like to explore in the Western Cape a bit so will probably do some occasional long trips.

2. Sell the 30d and jump into a 40i (thinking F30 340i or m140i). Although this would mean I would have my third F series and would prefer to have gone into the newer G series. However I wouldn't want to compromise on power so 320i and 118i G series which are in budget would be out the question.
My concern with any of the F series 40i's though would be long term maintenance costs out of plan vs 30d out of plan?

3. Might be an unpopular one on this forum: 2017-18 Audi S3. The problem here is I don't want to spend too much more and most of these on the market have high mileage on them for their age or the price is too high.

4. Any other other thoughts and options?

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Bud, personally I would keep the 330d.

That is really low mileage and you have peace of mind until 2022, with an option to extend further.

With the 30d you have great power and economy where as the 40i/S3 will just be good in the power department. I am also sure maintenance costs on the 30d will be much lower than a 40i out of plan.

 

[Riaad]

Bud, personally I would keep the 330d.

That is really low mileage and you have peace of mind until 2022, with an option to extend further.

With the 30d you have great power and economy where as the 40i/S3 will just be good in the power department. I am also sure maintenance costs on the 30d will be much lower than a 40i out of plan.

Also, 330d prices are only going up

 

[///M_Diesel]

Can swop it maybe...

 

[modocrat]

Always listen to your heart and not your head. Sell the 30d and buy a 1M.

 

[Morribiscuit]

Update:

Some of you Capetonians may have noticed from the recent pics I posted that they were taken out in Franschoek.

To back track a bit, I relocated from KZN to CPT towards the end of April for a new job opportunity. I was given the option of putting the car on a carrier or driving. I went with the sheer driving pleasure option .

Fast forward to about six weeks later, and this is where I need some advice and opinions from fellow fanatics.
One of the primary reasons I chose to buy a 30d is because of the trips I travelled while back in KZN: basically I've been working from home full time since mid March last year. When I did use the car, my trips would mostly be between Pietermaritzburg where my folks lived, Durban (my residence) and down the South Coast where my SO lived. These trips ranged from 60kms to 140kms (one way), making the 30d ideal and I enjoyed every trip, still do!

A lot has changed in terms of frequent traveling patterns - work is 7kms away daily, I get all my shopping done at a mall about 150m away (which I walk to), and gym within 1.2km.

This has really got me thinking if I am driving the ideal car for my needs and for the longevity of a 30d (considering the short trips), or if I should change into something I would have rather opted for had I known I won't be doing the long distances.

My options I've been giving some thought to:

1. Keep the 30d, still a great car, only just clocked 39k kms with plan until Oct 2022. Thereafter I will probably be able to fulfill my itch to have some mild performance mods done. Keep in mind that I would like to explore in the Western Cape a bit so will probably do some occasional long trips.

2. Sell the 30d and jump into a 40i (thinking F30 340i or m140i). Although this would mean I would have my third F series and would prefer to have gone into the newer G series. However I wouldn't want to compromise on power so 320i and 118i G series which are in budget would be out the question.
My concern with any of the F series 40i's though would be long term maintenance costs out of plan vs 30d out of plan?

3. Might be an unpopular one on this forum: 2017-18 Audi S3. The problem here is I don't want to spend too much more and most of these on the market have high mileage on them for their age or the price is too high.

4. Any other other thoughts and options?

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Sho, this is a tricky one.

I fully understand your logic for the argument. I work from home, have shops within a few km and need to make an effort to get out and drive the car.

They are beautiful cars and the peace of mind with the plan is awesome. However, with such low mileage, such a nice spec, and a plan - you could get a fair penny for her - easily.

So it could make the jump to a 40i/s3 a bit easier? From a financial perspective.

You would enjoy a B58. No arguments about it. But out of plan I would personally be scared. Especially coming from [1] a 30d and [2] a full plan on the car.

The S3 is fast on the street. Off the line they hook and launch and I you really need to do well in a RWD from the line to beat it. But they are not as 'fun' to drive. Fast in a line, but thats it?

B58 sounds amazing and is fast [when it gets grip] lol.

I would almost keep the 30d, see if some amazing 40i pops up, and if so look into it?

But until then, enjoy the beauty of the N57. If the aim is to mod it - then you will have a whole new car with SW, XHP & Exhaust when it does happen

 

[1 Eyed Monkey]

Test drive a Porsche Cayman/Boxster GTS.

Thank me later.

 

[MR_Y]

If you have no family obligations or you have another car for family duties, then sell the 330d and get a proper sports car for those twisty and scenic Cape roads. Depending on budget, anything from a newish MX5 to a 981 Boxster/Cayman to a used Z4 (or slightly used Cupra)

 

[tman]

If you have no family obligations or you have another car for family duties, then sell the 330d and get a proper sports car for those twisty and scenic Cape roads. Depending on budget, anything from a newish MX5 to a 981 Boxster/Cayman to a used Z4 (or slightly used Cupra)

Yes

Sell 330d to me and get a m2

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[KR_19]

Sho, this is a tricky one.

I fully understand your logic for the argument. I work from home, have shops within a few km and need to make an effort to get out and drive the car.

They are beautiful cars and the peace of mind with the plan is awesome. However, with such low mileage, such a nice spec, and a plan - you could get a fair penny for her - easily.

So it could make the jump to a 40i/s3 a bit easier? From a financial perspective.

You would enjoy a B58. No arguments about it. But out of plan I would personally be scared. Especially coming from [1] a 30d and [2] a full plan on the car.

The S3 is fast on the street. Off the line they hook and launch and I you really need to do well in a RWD from the line to beat it. But they are not as 'fun' to drive. Fast in a line, but thats it?

B58 sounds amazing and is fast [when it gets grip] lol.

I would almost keep the 30d, see if some amazing 40i pops up, and if so look into it?

But until then, enjoy the beauty of the N57. If the aim is to mod it - then you will have a whole new car with SW, XHP & Exhaust when it does happen

Thanks fellow 30d owner, for some great input that's makes a lot of sense.

Test drive a Porsche Cayman/Boxster GTS.

Thank me later.

I think I would need two 30d's to afford these lol

If you have no family obligations or you have another car for family duties, then sell the 330d and get a proper sports car for those twisty and scenic Cape roads. Depending on budget, anything from a newish MX5 to a 981 Boxster/Cayman to a used Z4 (or slightly used Cupra)

These are my thoughts as well. Might as well enjoy something more sporty while I have the opportunity. Passenger seats are not used 95% of the time in my case.

Yes

Sell 330d to me and get a m2

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This is definitely something else to think about...

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[AshG108]

Dude, congrats on your move to Cape Town.

From what you have said, if you don't decide to keep the 30d...sell it and get yourself into the A90 Supra. B58, tons of power out of that car, can mod while in warranty and plan and also a perfect car to enjoy the twisties!

 

[KR_19]

Dude, congrats on your move to Cape Town.

From what you have said, if you don't decide to keep the 30d...sell it and get yourself into the A90 Supra. B58, tons of power out of that car, can mod while in warranty and plan and also a perfect car to enjoy the twisties!

Thanks Ash! Wow didn't know you can mod those on plan... It would be awesome but a stretch on the budget at the moment including some of the other recommendations above, so I am leaning towards keeping the 30d.

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[///M Individual]

If you have no family obligations or you have another car for family duties, then sell the 330d and get a proper sports car for those twisty and scenic Cape roads. Depending on budget, anything from a newish MX5 to a 981 Boxster/Cayman to a used Z4 (or slightly used Cupra)

You meant Supra and not a Seat "Cupra" right?

Thanks Ash! Wow didn't know you can mod those on plan... It would be awesome but a stretch on the budget at the moment including some of the other recommendations above, so I am leaning towards keeping the 30d.

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Leaning towards a good choice I think bud.

Maybe later on when you comfortable to extend the budget you can get a Porsche which has to be an ultimate driver's vehicle.

 

[Riaad]

You meant Supra and not a Seat "Cupra" right?

There is no such thing as a "slightly used" cupra

 

[MR_Y]

There is no such thing as a "slightly used" cupra

Eish, I confuse my Cups with my Sups...

 

[KR_19]

Update:
I viewed four 340i's and test drove two of them. The B58 engine is certainly a thrilling experience to drive with plenty of power. I didn't feel like it was enough for me to justify an additional +-R80k on another vehicle with plenty more mileage and the same look and feel to it, bearing in mind I've had my car from the time it's had less than 24k kms and jumping into another F30 with at least 55k kms and in some cases more than one previous owner. Also to my surprise, none of the 340is were specced as well as my 330d. Personally some of the not so deal breaking extras missing were for example heated seats, HK sound and electric towbar but ones with no nav, extended instruments cluster and larger display screen on the infotainment system would have definitely been a no.

I also viewed two S3's and got to test drive one of the sedans. It made me realize that maybe I'm not missing these cars as much as I thought..


With the above being said, ridiculous rise in fuel prices and me being in the process of property hunting in a new city, I've decided to hang on to the tractor. It's an excellent all rounder and I'm glad I viewed and felt the cars I was contemplating for a few months.

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[KR_19]

Now that she's staying, here's some pics after a wash:

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[///M Individual]

Update:
I viewed four 340i's and test drove two of them. The B58 engine is certainly a thrilling experience to drive with plenty of power. I didn't feel like it was enough for me to justify an additional +-R80k on another vehicle with plenty more mileage and the same look and feel to it, bearing in mind I've had my car from the time it's had less than 24k kms and jumping into another F30 with at least 55k kms and in some cases more than one previous owner. Also to my surprise, none of the 340is were specced as well as my 330d. Personally some of the not so deal breaking extras missing were for example heated seats, HK sound and electric towbar but ones with no nav, extended instruments cluster and larger display screen on the infotainment system would have definitely been a no.

I also viewed two S3's and got to test drive one of the sedans. It made me realize that maybe I'm not missing these cars as much as I thought..


With the above being said, ridiculous rise in fuel prices and me being in the process of property hunting in a new city, I've decided to hang on to the tractor. It's an excellent all rounder and I'm glad I viewed and felt the cars I was contemplating for a few months.

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See, thats what I have been saying all along lol. You have gold bud....definitely the most sought after model in the F30 range.

 

[maverick328]

Hi Guys,

After selling the 228i, and much contemplation about what to get next, I came across this 2017 330d at BMW Bedfordview with 24000kms on the clock.

View attachment 6

That was the only pic I had of it completely stock :fencelook:

The following week I added the gloss back front spoiler, double slated kidney grills, mirror caps, rear diffuser, and bootspoiler.
Also had the side sills wrapped in satin matt black with M performance sticker.

As much as I like the 442m wheels, it didn't look as aggressive or fit in with the rest of the bits I added so a week later I had the 813M reps recommended to me. Somehow pics don't do justice to the wheel. I plan on keeping them on for now while I keep an eye out for a nice set of suitable OEM wheels later on.

View attachment 8

View attachment 9

I wasn't a fan of the silver trimming around the window so had that wrapped in gloss black vinyl:


View attachment 1


Also had the headlights and fogs covered in grey laminex.



Been very tempted to start with performance mods, but Motorplan still active until Oct 2022 so I'll just have to wait it out.

I've had the car for nearly 3 months now, and must say it took me a couple of weeks to adjust to shorter rev ranges. Also the weight at the front was also very noticeable to me, considering having owned only 4-cyl in the past. Overall, it's been a real joy to drive - economy, comfort and power balance that I've never experienced in any other vehicle I've driven.

Congrats on the new ride!!!

 

[FiRi@Rennzport]

Awesome colour....brilliant motor

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