From E92 M3 to F30 330d

[midcrisis]

I traded in my 2008 E92 M3 last week for a 2014 F30 330d. Oddly I wasn't sad to see my M go. It's one thing to own an M3, it's entirely a different financial commitment to maintain an M3.

My M3 had a new engine put in at 88000 kms - dreaded crankshaft bearing implosion. I sold it at 120 000 kms. It wasn't a daily driver but I got over not fully enjoying the V8 because there was always that little voice in the back of my mind saying - be careful you can't afford to have a serious engine issue out of motor plan.

First thoughts on the 330d is that it's very smooth. The torque is unreal and the 8 speed auto is superb. This is the first auto BMW I have owned. Previous cars were E46 M3 and Z3 M Coupe - but that was when I lived in the US. Interestingly in the US - BMW acknowledged the S54 engine issues and upgraded the warranty on all S54's to 7 yrs unlimited mileage.

I've got one or two small mods I want to make - but nothing that will void the MP I still have for another two years.

 

[Malicezn]

Congrats on your new wheels.

My 2014 F30 330d was the best car I ever owned. It will also remain as the best car I will ever have owned. I unfortunately basically gave it away to cover my Mom's medical expenses after a near heart attack.
I will never afford a car like that again and will forever cherish the memories of owning her.

Smooth, fast, reliable and economical. Mine was Estoril Blue and I had her ceramic coated.
Just such a pleasure to own.

 

[midcrisis]

Congrats on your new wheels.

My 2014 F30 330d was the best car I ever owned. It will also remain as the best car I will ever have owned. I unfortunately basically gave it away to cover my Mom's medical expenses after a near heart attack.
I will never afford a car like that again and will forever cherish the memories of owning her.

Smooth, fast, reliable and economical. Mine was Estoril Blue and I had her ceramic coated.
Just such a pleasure to own.

Thanks Malicezn. Sorry about the circumstances with your sale - hope your Mom is doing well now.

My Dad has a good expression - "There is no trailer behind a hearse" which I often use to remind me that as fanatical as I am about cars - you can't take them with you.

Where did you get your car ceramic coated btw?

 

[Uneilb]

Congrats on your new wheels.

My 2014 F30 330d was the best car I ever owned. It will also remain as the best car I will ever have owned. I unfortunately basically gave it away to cover my Mom's medical expenses after a near heart attack.
I will never afford a car like that again and will forever cherish the memories of owning her.

Smooth, fast, reliable and economical. Mine was Estoril Blue and I had her ceramic coated.
Just such a pleasure to own.

Still going well and looks just as great ! Will unfortunately be putting her back up for sale. Also probably one of the best cars I have owned all round raise:

 

[VinceM]

I have not come across many cars that can beat the BMW 8 speed sport auto transmission. not even some of the new Mercs. Its one of the best transmissions out there, as for the 330d, it has tons and tons of torque which makes driving a pleasure. you don't need to go high up the rev count to get power.

Enjoy your new ride.

when you have time, can you perhaps detail your experiences with the E46 M3 as well and do a side by side comparison to the E92 M3. I must say the LCI E92 M3 is still one of the cars on my "list" to own.

 

[yush1]

Congrats. All 330d owners share the same sentiment. I do wish however BMW can give the 330d some more power. :smilebounce:

 

[Malicezn]

Congrats on your new wheels.

My 2014 F30 330d was the best car I ever owned. It will also remain as the best car I will ever have owned. I unfortunately basically gave it away to cover my Mom's medical expenses after a near heart attack.
I will never afford a car like that again and will forever cherish the memories of owning her.

Smooth, fast, reliable and economical. Mine was Estoril Blue and I had her ceramic coated.
Just such a pleasure to own.

Thanks Malicezn. Sorry about the circumstances with your sale - hope your Mom is doing well now.

My Dad has a good expression - "There is no trailer behind a hearse" which I often use to remind me that as fanatical as I am about cars - you can't take them with you.

Where did you get your car ceramic coated btw?

Thank you so much midcrisis, Mom is doing great.
Interesting story, I had the ceramic coating done by Twelve21 Performance in Durban. (I don't even think they do Ceramic Pro anymore?) This was the only shot I had as my in-laws live in KZN and it would be the only time I could make it work. (I live in the Northern Cape) They did a fantastic job and i was delighted with the result. Uneilb might be able to shed some light on the durability of the coating.

Wise words from your dad there bud. Unfortunately it goes totally against my personal mantra: Whoever dies with the most toys WINS! :hammerhead:

 

[SubLoaded]

Appropriate username for the thread :fencelook: :biglol:

Congrats. 330D is definitely a winner :bravo:

 

[NtandoN]

The 330d is a nice balance between power and economy. I enjoy mine a lot and will probably do so for years to come :smilebounce:

However, I would still like to get into an M car mgwaiting: but that maintenance scared me :blueCry:

 

[midcrisis]

Appropriate username for the thread :fencelook: :biglol:
Congrats. 330D is definitely a winner :bravo:

Five years ago I bought my M3 and a motorbike.

The trick is not to let your mid-life crisis become an end-of-life crisis :smilebounce:

---

However, I would still like to get into an M car mgwaiting: but that maintenance scared me :blueCry:

Ntando you are wise to be scared. I was fanatical about my M cars and despite taking all precautions maintenance was always costly. I know my way around older engines but unless a family member has connections with BMW or owns a tuning shop - ownership of M's out of MP is prohibitive IMHO.

If you are lucky enough to have lots of money to spare they are a joy. You can then drive it hard and damn the consequences.

But then I would probably own a Porsche - at least it would appreciate.
:fencelook:

 

[Naruto]

Appropriate username for the thread :fencelook: :biglol:
Congrats. 330D is definitely a winner :bravo:

Five years ago I bought my M3 and a motorbike.

The trick is not to let your mid-life crisis become an end-of-life crisis :smilebounce:

---

However, I would still like to get into an M car mgwaiting: but that maintenance scared me :blueCry:

Ntando you are wise to be scared. I was fanatical about my M cars and despite taking all precautions maintenance was always costly. I know my way around older engines but unless a family member has connections with BMW or owns a tuning shop - ownership of M's out of MP is prohibitive IMHO.

If you are lucky enough to have lots of money to spare they are a joy. You can then drive it hard and damn the consequences.

But then I would probably own a Porsche - at least it would appreciate.
:fencelook:

---

Congrats on the diesel monster, lovely car.
Porsche FTW!!!

 

[sash]

Quite the change, but its a great replacement.

 

[UpNcOmiNg!]

Congrats on the new car bud!

I don't know if I could ever go from the V8 to the 30d, but in terms of power delivery and comfort and and and, the 30d is just about perfect! raise:

 

[Clint@MMS AUTO]

Congrats....

agreed ///M stands for ///Maintenance ///Money ....

Porsche FTW :smilebounce:

 

[Twinz]

You cant go wrong with the 330d...thats all i can add. Diesel all the way:bravo:

 

[midcrisis]

Congrats on the new car bud!
I don't know if I could ever go from the V8 to the 30d, but in terms of power delivery and comfort and and and, the 30d is just about perfect! raise:

I'll give it a few more weeks then I'll write up a short pro's con's etc.

I agree nothing can replace that visceral V8 sound on start up and at full chat in the top end of third gear.

 

[///Avi]

Congrats on the new wheels, as said above quite the change from the V8 to 30D.:bravo:

Will be patiently awaiting the review.

Also Porsche for me...one day!