F30 320d or F30 330d

[EasyG]

Hi all!

I just wanted to get some clarity on ownership reality and what to look out for when looking at a 320d or 330d.

So background: of late I've fallen in love with the 330d - ticks all the boxes and some. My only concern is finding a relatively clean with decent mileage.

So I ask you:
320d v 330d, both F30, which one and why?
Realities of ownership?
Price I should expect to pay?
Private or dealer and where to check for private (seen cleaner private ones at a realistic price point so I'm leaning to that)
Long term maintenance?
Any clubs I can join, for breakfast runs and eventually getting guidance on mods?

Personally I'm leaning toward the 330d, if I got it I'd probably not mod it for the first 1/2years. I just don't want the small screen on such a stunning interior (not sure if I can upgrade it)

Guidance will be highly appreciated, thank you!!

 

[Riaad]

Hi all!

I just wanted to get some clarity on ownership reality and what to look out for when looking at a 320d or 330d.

So background: of late I've fallen in love with the 330d - ticks all the boxes and some. My only concern is finding a relatively clean with decent mileage.

So I ask you:
320d v 330d, both F30, which one and why?
Realities of ownership?
Price I should expect to pay?
Private or dealer and where to check for private (seen cleaner private ones at a realistic price point so I'm leaning to that)
Long term maintenance?
Any clubs I can join, for breakfast runs and eventually getting guidance on mods?

Personally I'm leaning toward the 330d, if I got it I'd probably not mod it for the first 1/2years. I just don't want the small screen on such a stunning interior (not sure if I can upgrade it)

Guidance will be highly appreciated, thank you!!

Welcome to the forum bud...

Short Answer ...330d > 320d...But will try and give a better explanation below.

320d v 330d, both F30, which one and why? - 330d

6 cylinder is better than 4 cylinder.​

330d is more powerful, and very capable after a few mild mods​

fuel consumption between the 20d and 30d is negligible in my opinion.​

330d holds value better​

​

Realities of ownership? I own a F30 330d (modded) and X1 20d (ZF8 with Xdrive, no mods), so my response below will be based on this.

330d is significantly faster, and delivers its power very different to the N47 (even to a tuned N47)​

330d engine sounds more refined than the 4 pot N47​

330d averages around 7.5l/100 local, X1 is similar (due to the Xdrive), id expect the 320d to be around 0.5l/100 less on a similar commute...Long distance, they both average low 5s.​

The 330d takes a long time to warm up, around 9kms local, or 12kms highway, the 320d apparently warms up quicker.​

On a normal commute, I'd say the 20d and 30d feels the same (since you cant really open them up until they are warm)​

In Durban, there isn't much opportunity to really get the power out of the 30d, unless you go out of your way to find an empty roadway.​

The 20d is plenty fast for the average joe.​

​

Price I should expect to pay? Car market is wrecked at the moment, prepare to pay more than retail value for a 320d or 330d.

Private or dealer and where to check for private - Doesn't make a major difference, proper checks will have to be carried out in both cases. First prize, will be to get one from a trustworthy pvt owner - where you can verify the history, or one with some MP remaining.


Long term maintenance? both are relatively reliable, oil service yearly or every 10k kms and you pretty much sorted. There are the usual diesel issues to note...Dampener Pulley, EGR, Swirl Flaps, etc. - Plenty of info online regarding this.


Any clubs I can join, for breakfast runs and eventually getting guidance on mods? This Forum will Suffice


You didn't give much info regarding your budget, work commute, and use of the car.

My 2c, if you looking at a 320d, just get that.

if not, the 330d should be compared to a 340i.

Good Luck

​

 

[Morribiscuit]

I don't think you can get a much more comprehensive review than @Riaad provided, but I'll add my 2c anyway.

I agree with EVERYTHING mentioned above (just maybe not 330d compared to 340i because B58 does things to me).

330d has so much torque. stock and tuned. It's ridiculous.

As mentioned - what will the car be used for primarily? and is it just a car, or do you have a special, emotional connection to it like some of us (me - definitely)?

The reason I ask is that 20d will do the job perfectly, 30d will just do it with more fun, smiles, and girly giggles. You have to consciously accelerate HARD because 20% throttle will probably get you ahead of most other cars on the road in a 30d. I know it's not an M car or even close. but again, the torque!

Fuel consumption is really good. Push it and it goes up - duh. That said, with a tune and driving it so that I can hear all the nice sounds - 9l/100km maybe? On a bad day?

The market is horrible - do you research on year (F30 LCi was July 2015 IIRC). LCi is very easy to tell apart and on F30 platform there is very little difference compared to E90 revisions. Be patient here, or pay lots - your call. Not tons of them around (30d), but they exist. 20d you will find pretty easily I think.

Motors are great - just have the usual mechanical sympathy.

I'm heavily biased towards 30d, but it is a great car. That said, I take nothing away from 20d. It does the job just as sufficiently and the popularity of them speaks volumes.

Keep us updated!

 

[Salt]

If you can get a 30d in your price range go for it. If I had found a 30d when I was looking that was the right specs etc. I would have gone for that. However I have no regrets on my 20d (B47 motor). With just the dp done and a software tune it makes almost the same power as a stock 30d on the flywheel without compromising reliability. The 30d will make much more power modded than a 20d of course. The 20d is 100% capable for everyday use and is a lot of fun for spirited driving too. Both are very reliable and will have great resale value. Get what your budgets allows for - that is the most important thing, especially if you are financing - interest rates are on the rise for the next two years at least.

 

[EasyG]

Geez thank you [mention]Riaad [/mention][mention]Morrisbiscuit [/mention] and [mention]Salt [/mention]for the clarity and guidance.

I’m definitely looking at the 30d, 2015 or newer.

1. The use of the vehicle is primarily work commute/social use and will be used as a primary daily.
2. My budget is 290 - 345k price point. Looking at buying in Q3 of this year - no rush at the moment with WFH.
3. I’ll looking at a decent map and breathing mods nothing will impact reliability.
4. Lastly any guidance on avoiding a lemon? Newfound wisdom suggests I look on the forum at the okes selling (thoughts?)

Additional info: Pre-covid I do approximately 8-12k km per annum. Primarily from visiting family, coastal holidays, and from time to time driving my mom visit her family afar (like 1400 round trip).
I will be doing skid pan days at Zwartkops to ensure I can drive this Torquey machine.


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[CK4LIFE]

You might find one from a fellow member here, so keep an eye on For sale threads..

 

[Kyle]

Geez thank you [mention]Riaad [/mention][mention]Morrisbiscuit [/mention] and [mention]Salt [/mention]for the clarity and guidance.

I’m definitely looking at the 30d, 2015 or newer.

1. The use of the vehicle is primarily work commute/social use and will be used as a primary daily.
2. My budget is 290 - 345k price point. Looking at buying in Q3 of this year - no rush at the moment with WFH.
3. I’ll looking at a decent map and breathing mods nothing will impact reliability.
4. Lastly any guidance on avoiding a lemon? Newfound wisdom suggests I look on the forum at the okes selling (thoughts?)

Additional info: Pre-covid I do approximately 8-12k km per annum. Primarily from visiting family, coastal holidays, and from time to time driving my mom visit her family afar (like 1400 round trip).
I will be doing skid pan days at Zwartkops to ensure I can drive this Torquey machine.


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With that budget in mind, you would be able to get a clean 320d 2015+....

 

[Riaad]

With that budget in mind, you would be able to get a clean 320d 2015+....

yeah no chance of finding a decent >2015 330d (spec and lowish miles) with that budget.

Unless the market takes a total turn in a few months or you some how find one that is getting traded in

based on the e90 330d...the f30 330d will only get more scarce as time goes by.

Also, I don't think skidpan days are really required

 

[EasyG]

yeah no chance of finding a decent >2015 330d (spec and lowish miles) with that budget.

Unless the market takes a total turn in a few months or you some how find one that is getting traded in

based on the e90 330d...the f30 330d will only get more scarce as time goes by.

Also, I don't think skidpan days are really required

I can rather wait until I add 100k to my budget before I settle. My heart is set on the 30d. I think at most I’ll be looking at the 400k mark.

All I need in this life of sin is to go sideways in my RWD car man LOL!!!


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[EasyG]

You might find one from a fellow member here, so keep an eye on For sale threads..

Thanks man, I’ll let the hunt begin!


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[Riaad]

All I need in this life of sin is to go sideways in my RWD car man LOL!!!

Should get something with a LSD

 

[Schalk94]

If you can get a 30d in your price range go for it. If I had found a 30d when I was looking that was the right specs etc. I would have gone for that. However I have no regrets on my 20d (B47 motor). With just the dp done and a software tune it makes almost the same power as a stock 30d on the flywheel without compromising reliability. The 30d will make much more power modded than a 20d of course. The 20d is 100% capable for everyday use and is a lot of fun for spirited driving too. Both are very reliable and will have great resale value. Get what your budgets allows for - that is the most important thing, especially if you are financing - interest rates are on the rise for the next two years at least.

You would be very lucky to get close to 30d power with a mapped 20d. I get what you are saying, but it is mostly theoretical because you work it back to flywheel power ,but a stock F30 330d makes in the region of 165-170wkw where a decently strong 320d F30 with a map and DP makes about 140-145wkw.

 

[Salt]

yeah no chance of finding a decent >2015 330d (spec and lowish miles) with that budget.

Unless the market takes a total turn in a few months or you some how find one that is getting traded in

based on the e90 330d...the f30 330d will only get more scarce as time goes by.

Also, I don't think skidpan days are really required

So crazy...when I bought my 20d 2.5 years ago I almost closed the deal on a 30d - 2015 model LCI with less than 100k km - still under plan for R330k. Only reason I didn't buy it was when it went for the QC check at BMW an error came up due to an aftermarket HU and I was worried about MP issues so cancelled the deal. But point being - 2.5 years ago I could buy an LCI 30d for R330k

 

[Abdulla mathen]

Hi all!

I just wanted to get some clarity on ownership reality and what to look out for when looking at a 320d or 330d.

So background: of late I've fallen in love with the 330d - ticks all the boxes and some. My only concern is finding a relatively clean with decent mileage.

So I ask you:
320d v 330d, both F30, which one and why?
Realities of ownership?
Price I should expect to pay?
Private or dealer and where to check for private (seen cleaner private ones at a realistic price point so I'm leaning to that)
Long term maintenance?
Any clubs I can join, for breakfast runs and eventually getting guidance on mods?

Personally I'm leaning toward the 330d, if I got it I'd probably not mod it for the first 1/2years. I just don't want the small screen on such a stunning interior (not sure if I can upgrade it)

Guidance will be highly appreciated, thank you!!

Hello Easy G

Since I was a owner of a f30 320d and current a f30 330d I with love to give you experienced knowledge, the 330d is a totally different monster , its much faster , louder and more fun to drive , if you a person who is not worried about speed then go for 320d , best all-round efficiency built vehicle, drive it on comfort , eco is to loose and bumpy, I just did a stage 2 on my 330d and boy it destroys alot of cars like I beat s3 some m3z st 135i and much more , I did 260kmh at 3500rpms and I have pics to prove , anyways both vehicles ticks all the boxes

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[EasyG]

Hello Easy G

Since I was a owner of a f30 320d and current a f30 330d I with love to give you experienced knowledge, the 330d is a totally different monster , its much faster , louder and more fun to drive , if you a person who is not worried about speed then go for 320d , best all-round efficiency built vehicle, drive it on comfort , eco is to loose and bumpy, I just did a stage 2 on my 330d and boy it destroys alot of cars like I beat s3 some m3z st 135i and much more , I did 260kmh at 3500rpms and I have pics to prove , anyways both vehicles ticks all the boxes

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Thank you [mention]Abdulla mathen [/mention]

I’m really keen for the 30d hey. Definitely looking forward to getting one. I keep cars for an average of 3 years but I feel like this one I may hang on to for at least 6/7 years. It will become like the family car and other car in the house eventually.

The way you describe it is perfect for me - thank you!!!


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[m0lt3n]

sold my 2013 f30 330d at 200k km 2 years ago.
Trouble free, awesome car.

But its the same car, when I got 320d's as loaners there is no difference on normal drive, the difference only comes to the fore if you floor it. The 320d lacks the 'bonkers' factor.

 

[Schalk94]

sold my 2013 f30 330d at 200k km 2 years ago.
Trouble free, awesome car.

But its the same car, when I got 320d's as loaners there is no difference on normal drive, the difference only comes to the fore if you floor it. The 320d lacks the 'bonkers' factor.

This sums it up perfectly. They both behave more or less the same in day to day conditions ,but when you step on both cars a bit the difference becomes chalk and cheese

 

[///M Individual]

@EasyG have you driven either car yet?

I think drive a 320d first. If the power satisfies your needs save the extra bucks and get into one.

 

[Riaad]

@EasyG have you driven either car yet?

I think drive a 320d first. If the power satisfies your needs save the extra bucks and get into one.

Tricky....More 320d's to pick from... but they are over priced, it is not impossible to find a 330d at a similar price point (difficult, but not impossible).

OP mentioned he wants to purchase in Q3....but I suggest start looking from now, and don't hesitate when one comes about.

there are plenty guys (dealers included) on the look out for 330ds...

 

[KR_19]

To add, it also depends on what car(s) you're coming from. Most people would be satisfied with the power from a 20d imo. If you're accustomed to relatively higher powered vehicles and do a lot of highway driving then I'd suggest forking out the extra cash for the 30d.

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