Which one? 320d vs 330d vs 335i

[Chad.F]

Hi everyone

I am turning 18 soon and looking at getting a E90 3 series as my first car. I've been looking at 320d, 330d and 335i's but I'm not 100% sure on which to go for. I am familiar with diesels as my dad has had a E90 320d and an E60 530d as well as many other BMW's. The engines are bulletproof and so economical.

The reason I'm looking at getting a 3 series and not something smaller is that I want something with a decent size boot as I play a lot of golf. I would definitely want to get a chip or have the software tuned on whichever one I got.

Does anyone know what the 335i's are like regarding fuel consumption and reliability? I can imagine that they are tons of fun to drive, just don't know if the 330d is the better option.

Thanks!

 

[Yuben]

As an 18 year old, I would not recommend the 335I. It requires experience to pilot especially with mods.

Stick to the 320D. Probably the most balanced 3 series in the E90 range.

 

[Yuben]

Use the search function.

Here's a thread to help u : http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=68346&highlight=320d+vs

 

[Yuben]

And this one:chef: http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=59382&highlight=320d+vs

 

[Chad.F]

As an 18 year old, I would not recommend the 335I. It requires experience to pilot especially with mods.

Stick to the 320D. Probably the most balanced 3 series in the E90 range.

Thanks for the reply

I would be keeping the car for a while and would want something that haa a decent amount of power. I'm used to driving cars with power (750i, 545i, 530d etc) but I understand what you're saying.

 

[JadielM]

Depends solely on what you want most out of the car, as stated in the threads Yuben posted.

If you're after fuel efficiency, the 320d/330d would be the choice without thinking twice.

That said, a well maintained N54 or N55 isn't too bad when driven conservatively.

If you're after something that makes for a great tuning platform, above all, get a 335i imo...

 

[nt33333]

Get the 330d. Its got efficiency and performance. If u feel its too slow,Software on a 330d and u running with 335i


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[GoCart]

I'm going to ignore your age and just recommend the 330d, Power and efficiency, job dune.

 

[Woodies]

320d to save fuel, 330d save less fuel and go faster. 335i screw the fuel and go the fastest with the biggest smile.


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[SylisM]

As an 18 year old, I would not recommend the 335I. It requires experience to pilot especially with mods.

Stick to the 320D. Probably the most balanced 3 series in the E90 range.

I like how you say "it requires experience to pilot" haha because that thing does take off.
But Woodies explanation is on point, I'd say go with the E90 330d. I get what you mean when you say you want something with power and you will be keeping it for a while (that's what has delayed me on a decision and well funds). But as an 18 year old I'd strongly advise the E90 330d, it won't leave you bored and you won't break the bank when it comes to fuel, you will enjoy traveling as well. Should you get bored/used to the power there are forum members that will be able to guide and advise you on the best mods and where to get them done to have a blistering 330d. I am not sure if Mr Arbee still has his E90 330d but you should check out his thread and you will see the potential the 3.0d engines have :thumbs:

 

[KrS24]

330d. When I was in your shoes I had the same options and went for the 335i. This was primarily because I wanted to modify the car. If not I would have went for a 320/330d.

Don't underestimate the power of the 320d LCI. It pulls hard!


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[dvst8]

For a student, I Would recommend the 330d, enough power and not going to break the bank with fuel costs.

The 335 would be a great option if running costs wont be an issue. I believe the 335 is fine for a young reaponsible driver. An irresponsible driver at any age will wreck themselves no mattter what car they drive.

 

[Nukleuz]

Why would you want to go for Satans Fuel if you have the option of a 335?

Go get the big boy !!

 

[Ga-3M]

330d without question! Once you used to the stock power, R10k on mods and you have a beast!

 

[Quick///M]

Thinking back to when I was 18 I would of never trusted myself with a 335i, experience does count. I would not trust my son with a similar car when he turns 18. But if you are responsible and have been driving similar high power cars I would suggest go for a bmw high performance driving course, even though a 330D has less power than a 335i its still a handful mainly because its RWD and loads of torque comes in at low RPM

 

[R!Yo]

For a student, I Would recommend the 330d, enough power and not going to break the bank with fuel costs.

The 335 would be a great option if running costs wont be an issue. I believe the 335 is fine for a young reaponsible driver. An irresponsible driver at any age will wreck themselves no mattter what car they drive.

+10000000000

If running costs for you aren't an issue and you can also factor in the maintenance costs of a 335i, thats the route i would go, no questions asked!:rollsmile:

 

[SylisM]

For a student, I Would recommend the 330d, enough power and not going to break the bank with fuel costs.

The 335 would be a great option if running costs wont be an issue. I believe the 335 is fine for a young reaponsible driver. An irresponsible driver at any age will wreck themselves no mattter what car they drive.

+10000000000

If running costs for you aren't an issue and you can also factor in the maintenance costs of a 335i, thats the route i would go, no questions asked!:rollsmile:

R!yo you must be loving your 335i. Only that and an M car can put a smile that wide on a mans face hehe, now you have the best of both
:cartel:

 

[Chad.F]

Thanks for all your replies!

 

[Kavi44]

Get a 335d

 

[zaleonardz]

330d, or even better value for money a 530d.

The M57N motors are bullet proof.