335i vs 330d vs 320d: What to get?

[herco]

:coolShake::ty::ty:

Thanks a lot gents! I will make a plan to try and get to all three of you. Three different 330Ds, tuned at different levels so I can properly see what to expect.

 

[Spannie]

I wish I had already sorted out my noisy coilovers, it really is irritating me :-( But if you can look past that for the test drive then I'm sure you'll love the car.

 

[herco]

With regards to tuning and making a diesel sound like a 'normal' tuned car, is this the correct steps?

1. Straight stainless steel exhaust, with backbox and middle box delete.
2. Downpipe.
3. Software

 

[Spannie]

With regards to tuning and making a diesel sound like a 'normal' tuned car, is this the correct steps?

1. Straight stainless steel exhaust, with backbox and middle box delete.
2. Downpipe.
3. Software

I'll disconnect my downpipe from the rest of the exhaust system so you can hear what the car sounds like with a straight-through exhaust with software.

Downpipe flows better and the sound you get is more crisp though. Software makes it louder as well.

 

[herco]

So... Do you think if I decide to walk this road. I should first do exhaust, then software... Then if I am unhappy or I want more I should do DP?

---

Oh wait nevermind, you said YOU will disconnect yours so I can hear. Thank you so much dude. Expect a whatsapp message through the day.

 

[Mike-R]

Thank you very much for your detailed comment Mike-R!

Expect a PM sometime soon.

Anytime bud:=):

 

[Bayn46]

Get the DP and EGR delete done and you'll be amazed at how much difference that makes to the overall feel of the car, then get a proper custom tune to really wake the car up.

Exhaust you can leave till last but it's a must in my books (I must still do mine), especially once you've heard sound clips from the guys who have done it.

 

[herco]

Thanks a ton Bayn46!

So you recommend that if the mods are done on a month to month basis that it would be better to do it this order:

1. EGR delete. (It's free, so step 1.)
2. DP
3. Software
4. Exhaust

(I am derailing my own thread to discuss diesel tuning. xD)

 

[Spannie]

Thanks a ton Bayn46!

So you recommend that if the mods are done on a month to month basis that it would be better to do it this order:

1. EGR delete. (It's free, so step 1.)
2. DP
3. Software
4. Exhaust

(I am derailing my own thread to discuss diesel tuning. xD)

:clapper::tiptoe::rollsmile:

 

[pimpassdaddy]

Mate, my advice after reading all these comments... For your budget, get yourself a 320d.

At about R170k - R180k you will get yourself an LCI version, with good mileage on the clock.

IMHO, the 320d is the best car BMW makes when you have to balance economy, performance and satisfaction. You honestly CANNOT go wrong with a 320d. You will at NO POINT feel like the power is inadequate.

If you were looking to spend R220k - R250k, then a 330d would be my advice. Don't look solely at performance, but mileage and longevity as you want to keep it for 5 years.

A quick search on AutoTrader shows that 330d's for your price are 2006 or 2007 models... Least a 2008, but already have like 160 000km's. Add 75000km to that and that car will be well over 200 000km by the time you finish paying for it.

If you use the same criteria for a 320d, that changes EVERYTHING. FAR More choice. Also, you will easily find one that still has motorplan left on it, I've seen PLENTY. By the time you finish paying for it, that car would only be clocking 160 000km to 180 000km max.

In my opinion don't rush for a "big" car just because it's affordable now. Little things like tyres (which you'll replace more often on the 330d or 335i) are things to look at, also the higher fuel consumption.

If I were you, I'd forget about the 330d or 335i and get yourself a 320d. You'll will have by NO MEANS short changed yourself.

If you use only your head, then 330d. If you use your heart, then 335i, but if you combine both head and heart... 320d, hands down!

 

[Spannie]

I'd say drive it for at least 3 months before modding it. It makes you really appreciate the car for what it is, and the 330d really has a lot of shunt in stock form. I'd do Downpipe first to keep your EGT's low, then software. I won't bother with the EGR delete as it helps the car to warm up quicker and when giving the car beans the EGR is closed anyway.

---

The 320d is a very solid car and you'll love it I'm sure. But when you see a 330d you'll always wonder "what if". In my opinion the 6-cylinder cars are in a different league in terms of bang for buck, and given that BMW's are quite heavy, you really do appreciate the effortlessness that a 6-cylinder offers you in a car weighing over 1.6tonnes.

Test drive the cars and then make a decision, we can all try force our opinions on you but at the end of the day it's your money and you will be driving and paying for it.

 

[herco]

Thank you pimpassdaddy!

I think in the end you are correct. I also looked at some 330Ds prices and was hoping if I search high and low I will find one in my price range with reasonable mileage. I have a feeling this might not be the case.

I appreciate your comment, it puts everything into perspective.

 

[KarshS]

If you getting the LCI you cannot do the EGR delete. Not that i have heard that is.
It is different to the PRE LCI.

You can remove it from software. Im not sure.

 

[herco]

Either-way software will be done on which ever BMW I get. So the manual EGR delete would be second best until software is done.

I will make sure on the model before I delete anything I should not be deleting.
:hammerhead:

 

[tman]

I think for your budget you will probably not be able to get a 330d LCI.

Looking at resale value 5 years down the line the pre LCI will probably look quite old, and be valued less than the LCI equivalent.

My opinion; If you cant push your budget for a 330d LCI, rather get a LCI 320d.

 

[herco]

The 330D ticked most of the boxes, but not all. I have already realised that by taking the 330D I will not have an LCI, nevermind the M-Package.

With the 320d I can tick all the boxes.

LCI.
MPack.
Reasonable Mileage.
Longivity.
Awesome Consumption.
Reasonable power.

BUTTT, 330D and 325i are sooooo strong!

 

[Ga-3M]

Bud you'll get a 330d lci Msport for R200k if you push your budget to that and look around a bit. As I said even if it's got 120k km don't stress. Rayzor on the forum has 330d lci with over 200k km and its modded and running strong.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

and 325i are sooooo strong!

I took on 2 325i's with my 320d LCI up here in GP, both couldn't get away from me. Perhaps if it was over a longer distance they would have left me, as they have longer legs. After all that I got home and my car sat on 6.1l/100k. Don't think they would show the same.

 

[KarshS]

and 325i are sooooo strong!

I took on 2 325i's with my 320d LCI up here in GP, both couldn't get away from me. Perhaps if it was over a longer distance they would have left me, as they have longer legs. After all that I got home and my car sat on 6.1l/100k. Don't think they would show the same.

I Think he meant 335....Typo

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

and 325i are sooooo strong!

I took on 2 325i's with my 320d LCI up here in GP, both couldn't get away from me. Perhaps if it was over a longer distance they would have left me, as they have longer legs. After all that I got home and my car sat on 6.1l/100k. Don't think they would show the same.

I Think he meant 335....Typo

aaaahhh I see :roflol: