discussion F30 340i or F30 330D?

[Dragon_ZA]

Hi all. I’m itching for a 3L daily. I do numerous short trips a day and maybe see a highway twice a month. Hoping to start a family soon, so 4 door sedan will be ideal.

Been looking at the following ads:

BMW 3 Series 340i M Sport Sports-Auto for sale in Sandton - ID: 26457968

Used 2016 BMW 3 Series 340i M Sport Sports-Auto For Sale - R 439 000 - ID: 26457968

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 3 Series 330d M Sport Auto for sale in Roodepoort - ID: 26454612

Used 2017 BMW 3 Series 330d M Sport Auto For Sale - R 485 000 - ID: 26454612

www.autotrader.co.za

330d seems like the economical route, but I would love a B58 engine. What are your thoughts on these two?

 

[Rayzor]

If you want to smile when you look at your consumption, get the 330d and if you want to smile about everything else, get the 340i

 

[Riaad]

Hi all. I’m itching for a 3L daily. I do numerous short trips a day and maybe see a highway twice a month. Hoping to start a family soon, so 4 door sedan will be ideal.

Likely better to go with the 340i in the long run, short trips are not ideal for a diesel. Engine will never hit optimum temperature.

 

[Dragon_ZA]

Likely better to go with the 340i in the long run, short trips are not ideal for a diesel. Engine will never hit optimum temperature.

Thanks for this info. I generally let my car idle for 5min before heading off. Will this make a difference for diesel?

 

[Riaad]

Thanks for this info. I generally let my car idle for 5min before heading off. Will this make a difference for diesel?

not advisable to idle for so long...and no, generally makes no difference on the diesel.

its better to start, idle for a maybe a minute...then drive lightly till the car warms up.

 

[AshG108]

Go 340i, Diesel is nice when you look at your fuel gauge...to get a 340i etc, dont look at the fuel gauge...you will just be mashing the pedal and having priceless fun! go 340i!!! That grey one looks very neat btw!

 

[Morribiscuit]

Hi all. I’m itching for a 3L daily. I do numerous short trips a day and maybe see a highway twice a month. Hoping to start a family soon, so 4 door sedan will be ideal.

Been looking at the following ads:

BMW 3 Series 340i M Sport Sports-Auto for sale in Sandton - ID: 26457968

Used 2016 BMW 3 Series 340i M Sport Sports-Auto For Sale - R 439 000 - ID: 26457968

www.autotrader.co.za

BMW 3 Series 330d M Sport Auto for sale in Roodepoort - ID: 26454612

Used 2017 BMW 3 Series 330d M Sport Auto For Sale - R 485 000 - ID: 26454612

www.autotrader.co.za

330d seems like the economical route, but I would love a B58 engine. What are your thoughts on these two?

The number of times this question has sat on my mind is ridiculous - 30d owner.
*Edit - I see you are Roodepoort based? If you would like to experience a straight piped 30d to mess with your mind a bit - free free to shout

 

[Dragon_ZA]

not advisable to idle for so long...and no, generally makes no difference on the diesel.

its better to start, idle for a maybe a minute...then drive lightly till the car warms up.

Did not know this. Thank you once again.

So I’ll be looking at the 340i then.

Does this look like a good buy?

The number of times this question has sat on my mind is ridiculous - 30d owner.
*Edit - I see you are Roodepoort based? If you would like to experience a straight piped 30d to mess with your mind a bit - free free to shout

I’m in Boksburg, but on a day I’ll gladly come through to experience yours.

 

[KR_19]

I asked myself this very question 2 years ago even though I always wanted the 40i. I went with the logical option 30d, given my traveling routine at the time. Make no mistake it's a great engine with unmatched low down torque IMO. Plenty of power for a daily!

A year later I was still browsing the 340i's almost daily and circumstances changed where I'm doing shorter trips 90% of the time. Switched to the 40i in Jan this year and would never look back. Take note I only cover on average about 700kms per month. If it was double or more than that I would have probably remained in the 30d..

Both great cars and I suggest you drive both before pulling the trigger.
I'm happy to answer any other questions to assist you with the choice.

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

 

[SanM]

Owned 2 30d's so far: the e90 LCI and the F30. Amazing machines, and even sound great. Both cars are great but in terms of longevity, has to be the 30d. They also hold their value better, though the market does seem very inflated at the moment for these models, even given the exaggerated pricing in general. With torque under your foot, you'll find that driving and life, in general, becomes easier 😄

 

[Dragon_ZA]

I asked myself this very question 2 years ago even though I always wanted the 40i. I went with the logical option 30d, given my traveling routine at the time. Make no mistake it's a great engine with unmatched low down torque IMO. Plenty of power for a daily!

A year later I was still browsing the 340i's almost daily and circumstances changed where I'm doing shorter trips 90% of the time. Switched to the 40i in Jan this year and would never look back. Take note I only cover on average about 700kms per month. If it was double or more than that I would have probably remained in the 30d..

Both great cars and I suggest you drive both before pulling the trigger.
I'm happy to answer any other questions to assist you with the choice.

Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk

Thanks for this feedback. I do around 600km a month. So from posts my circumstances don’t warrant a diesel really.

 

[Morribiscuit]

@Dragon_ZA the mind seems made up already! And not wrongly so. B58 is special! The market is just in a tough spot so make sure if you are paying considerably over book that you are insured for the purchased price.
e.g. on the 2016 40i listed above, retail is around 408k (sale price 30k over retail is pretty good tbh).
The 30d in comparison - retail is 412k (sale price 73k over retail) - maybe an indication of the demand for them, or the dealer is on good stuff

Good luck!

 

[ArnyT]

bra let me tell from owning a 340i as primary daily car for the last 2 odd years in jhb.. that car is heavy on fuel in and around the city.. like very heavy.. only decent on the long road.. and when u start tuning.. and playing with ethanol files etc. joh.. just gets worse.. very nice car but not an economical city car by any means

 

[Dragon_ZA]

My garage allows for 1x big car and 1x hatchback. My wife is thinking of trading her Mini in for a X1 or X3.

So since the recommendations are petrol, I’m now looking for a decent m140i.

 

[MoeM2]

I have owned a F30 330d for 6 years. Brilliant all rounder. A family member had the 340i at the same time. I loved my 330d and drove 100 000km on it, still sometime regret letting it go.

Pros for 330d
Obvious fuel consumption, I use to get close to double the amount of km per tank compared to 340i
The 330d has a somewhat muscular sound as compared to the 320d
Driving around under normal driving you will find the torque on the 30d very pleasing - it feels stronger than the 340i when coasting around

Pros for 340i
B58 is brilliant and very refined. I was always impressed at how smooth the car felt
Once you started driving the car enthusiastically the 340i will put a smile on your face
Faster that 330d when driving hard
Engine note is on point

Difficult option, my take it will come down to what mileage you do.


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[MoeM2]

I suppose it is a thought that most Bmw drivers ponder on. I am considering if I should change my m2 for either a g20 m340i or G20 330d. I am not only stuck between the two options but also if I should let my m2 go as there are many aspects and characteristics that I love of it.


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[KarshS]

I suppose it is a thought that most Bmw drivers ponder on. I am considering if I should change my m2 for either a g20 m340i or G20 330d. I am not only stuck between the two options but also if I should let my m2 go as there are many aspects and characteristics that I love of it.


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if you move from an M2 to a 330d you going to be smacking yourself for days to come (Unless your traveling requirements have changed) and eventually let it go again for the M340.

 

[MoeM2]

if you move from an M2 to a 330d you going to be smacking yourself for days to come (Unless your traveling requirements have changed) and eventually let it go again for the M340.

Part of me feels the same. Then also when I drive a m340i and jump back into my m2, there are certain characteristics that I enjoy on the m2 that are not in an M lite car.


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[KarshS]

Part of me feels the same. Then also when I drive a m340i and jump back into my m2, there are certain characteristics that I enjoy on the m2 that are not in an M lite car.


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100% that feel you get from an M car wont be had on an M Lite car. Especially the M2, i feel its a much better car than the F80 M3/M4. M2 is just so well balanced.

 

[modocrat]

If fuel consumption is not a factor that prevents you from dreaming of Mia Khalifa at night, I say 340i all day, every day and twice on a Sunday.