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

[herco]

Hello Guys,

This will be lengthy post/thread where I will be requesting a lot of information and sharing what I have found. If you do not want to help me make this decision, this is not a thread for you.

As mentioned in a previous post. I am currently driving a E90 320i. I plan to trade in my car end of this year. Before that time, I want to get as much info from as many sources as I can. Getting the E90 was a rush decision, so now 7 months later and Im planning on trading it in.

I have some criteria that needs to be met with the new car;

1. When coasting or driving casually, consumption should not go through the roof. (read 10l/100km on the open road, as the roof)

2. I drive at most around 15000 kms a year., give or take. I would love to keep the car until it is payed of. Therefore, I will add about 75000 km to the car during the 5 years that I will be paying it off.

3. I want something that accelerates faster than the E90 320i. Fast as in 'sit back in your seat a little and smile' fast, not M3 fast. I used to own a Astra Ts, which gave that feeling and I have been missing it ever since.

4. My budget is around R170k. I can go a little more if I really find a good deal or something that is very appealing. The car must also be newer than 2007, since I am financing it.

5. I would love to stick to BMW, because I absolutely love my 320i, apart from the consumption and the lack of power I am totally in love with it.

6. I prefer a 3 series BMW, I dislike the 1 series.

7. When the time comes, unfortunately I have to buy from a dealer. Mainly because I am trading in my car and I need that 1 month warranty most dealers offer.

With all that being said, I am looking at the following models in order of preference;

• 335i (vrooooom/fun)
• 330d (comfort/consumption)
• 330i (speed?)
• 320d (reliable)

Each one of those comes with their own, lengthy, list of concerns. But also with a list of why it would be a suitable car for my needs.

How do you guys recommend I go through with logically comparing these cars?

Im thinking I need to create a list for each car containing the following;

1. Known Problems and cost to repair.
2. Realistic Fuel consumption figures.
3. Yearly Running cost;
- Service Costs.
- Tires/Brakes other consumables.
4. Reliability of each car. (No idea how to do this...)
5. Major Service and replacement parts.

Any and all inputs and thoughts would be appreciated! :ty:

 

[individj]

i would say the 330i is reliable...not great on consumption...335i might actually be better in terms of consumption..read mixed reviews on reliability

 

[KarshS]

For me personally the 330d and the 335i is a really hard choice they both are really awesome in their own way. I get great mileage out of my 330d, 330d LCI with software and DP and you are way ahead of a 335i (Stock)

A modded 335i is demonic. In terms of reliability i can only speak about my car. I have never had an issue from day one. I Race it, Track it, daily commute to work around 120km a day and still going strong.

With the 330d and 335i if Auto. you need to to the gearbox service around 100k km. 330d you will have to change the Vibration pulley.

General service is not bad as DIY and normal service items arnt badly priced.

330i is for the purist who believe forced induction is the devil. there will always be that love for an N/A Straight 6 that will never go away. You cannot get this car in Auto. It needs to be a manual.
In terms of power to economy i would say no.

320d is night and day to a 320i. Its an awesome car and after driving one for the first time i was hocked and traded in my 325i.

Best to drive all and make a decision. Good Luck. Just look at all of their history carefully, last thing you want is a lemon.

 

[individj]

good to hear its serving you well. i would never get a diesel...even if it were faster than a m

 

[KarshS]

good to hear its serving you well. i would never get a diesel...even if it were faster than a m

Thats your personal choice. We all have our own. I am just stating mine :thumbs:

 

[Nemo]

Id Swap my 335i for Karsh's 330d in a heartbeat raise:

 

[herco]

Thanks for your reply individj! Its difficult to choose between those two! The one offers superior reliability and cheaper maintenance costs, the other one offers superior performance and consumption. :hammerhead:

Thank you very much for your detailed response Karsh330d! I think I will be sending you a PM in the near future.

 

[KarshS]

Thanks for your reply individj! Its difficult to choose between those two! The one offers superior reliability and cheaper maintenance costs, the other one offers superior performance and consumption. :hammerhead:

Thank you very much for your detailed response Karsh330d! I think I will be sending you a PM in the near future.

:coolShake: any time bud

 

[Zound]

My opinion: Get a 335i

You only live once and you never know how long you're going to be around for. Happiness is a priceless feeling and while all the aforementioned vehicles will give you that, the 335i is going to put the biggest smile on your face.

 

[Nikhil]

Diesel for the Win! the 330d takes reliability, power and economy and puts it all in one package. Maintenance costs are relatively cheap and if anything the cost of filters are the same as the petrol variants. Personally i find the 330i in the E90 variant a bit bland even tho it has the awesome N/A 6 sound track. if you dont care about fuel costs then the 335i is your bet, note that they do however have well documented issues. :coolShake:

 

[ShaunB]

From your criteria I would opt for the 330d.

The 335i is fun but you can throw consumption out the window.

 

[Bayn46]

You can get a pre-LCI 330d for that kind of money, and those cars are pretty solid given that they're sort of the last revision of that specific engine.

335i and 330i will be thirsty, and the 335i has quite a long list of possible issues.

320d, you could probably find an LCI but I personally don't rate any 320d pre-2010 as they do have some reliability issues.

 

[herco]

Thank you for all the inputs gents! I am currently setting up those documents with the pros and cons of each.

So far it looks as follows:

330d
335i
320d

Unfortunately, the 330i is not going to cut it for what I want.

 

[individj]

nothing meant by that karsh as you said just stating my preference

 

[Spannie]

For the mileage you're driving, and the price you're looking at I'd get the 335. The 330d is also an amazing car and is a jack of all trades - as always just make sure you know the history.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Best all rounder would be a 330D. Best of both worlds, consumption + power.

 

[herco]

After doing some research and some discussion...

With a relatively small amount of money, the 330D can be changed into a monster... Within a few hours... :tiptoe:

I am leaning towards the diesel again. Just for the awesome consumption, longevity and power potential. It feels like the 330D would stay 'current' for a longer period of time. If something were to happen that I suddenly have to cover a lot more mileage daily, then the 330D would not be a problem, the same cannot be said about the 335i.

I test drove the 335i and the 330d before. The 330d was very very torqy and pushed me back into my seat proper. Also tire squeals on every pull away! Smiles all round!

But boy oh boy, the 335i was amazing! The sound, the acceleration... It just all adds up.

The bad reviews and long list of known problems makes me nervous for the 335i. Read the post of someone who got that quote for 72k a few years ago. :O Made me cry a little.

 

[tyu333]

Don't forget to budget for rear tyres if you go the 335i or 330d options, the torque in those cars is crazy.

 

[Mike-R]

335i All da way bud,

Ive had NA 2.0L and 2.0L turbos but never owned a diesel so I wouldn't be able to comment on any of those.

2.0L NA and Turbo's are fun but always lacks that something extra, hard to explain when you haven't driven a 6 Cylinder or 6 CylinderTurbo.

Fortunately I was lucky enough to find a very rare 335i but it was a bit of a lemon, the list of issues on this car when I eventually got it is almost endless. But over time and patience and luckily still under motorplan I am almost 100% done with all the problems.

I don't use the 335i every day as I have a small commuter and a bike for traffic heavy days, but let me tell you, the smile on my face every time I step on the loud pedal is priceless. And as the saying goes, (one does not look down at the fuel needle in a 335i) you just simply ignore it, it will make you bleek :roflol:

So I think to sum it up. if you have some extra spare cash try and find a 335i that's still under motorplan because the parts to replace on these cars are expensive and owning one of these beasts, one needs deep pockets for the unforeseen circumstances. And believe you me, they do pop up all the time. Im sure 90% of the 335i Owners here can vouch for that.

For a detailed list and pricing of what's been replaced on my car, don't hesitate to PM me bud.

Happy Hunting !!!

 

[RAArmstrong]

330d is the ultimate daily :thumbs: