'7'

Have a look around on here http://www.f30post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=412

Littleted

As far as I remember when I looked at the 530 etc and read the reviews you should get the active suspension, I had it in a demo 520d msport, it was a lot firmer in sport than comfort, and when you driving a 335 I'd want it...

Traction shouldn't be an issue but test drive one, I specked up the 435d xdrive the other day, but I'm torn between that and the new merc CLa45

JackTorrence

I want it to be comfortable in comfort mode - more so than the standard comfort setting you can leave it in. The one I have is too hard for normal day to day driving.

I imagine with the extra traction the performance will be blistering.

I test drove a new 350cdi at the weekend and I didn't like it. It was boring.

Littleted

ahh 350CDI.

yeah I know what you mean, Mines boring, but I got it as a gift from a friend till next sept, So im not complaining.

Why not Test Drive the new CLA45 or don't you fancy that.
I think you've made the right choice,

Its a pity BMW don't do Xdrive in the 5 series, as that's where my heart Lies. I had the new 330D Lux on demo after id had the 520D Msport and it wasn't great, Ok the fuel was nice 55MPG and Power, but the internals were not a patch on the 520D,

This was over a year ago though so I think the 3 series has changed yet again.

Id love a 530 or 535D Xdrive........ but that wont happen yet, so if I ever got one, it would have to be the 335D or 435D Xdrives... because Toys aside with me I still need that speed as its the fun factor that's missing from the 520s etc,

CupraT

Picked up my 335d xdrive yesterday. Not many miles on the clock but a few initial observations;

It rides well in comfort setting with the 19s......and is pretty sporty in the sport setting. No real sign of a nose heavy car, pretty much point it and go

Sound is pretty good for a diesel especially in sport setting

Nav is good functionally but looks a bit odd bolted onto the dashboard

I'm being a little gentle with the car but it's quick if you you want it to be....effortless from any speed

I'm getting an indicated 45mpg on mixed driving...will check what this equates to once done a full tank but I suspect 40 plus on combined drive if not absolutely caning it will be easily achievable

I like the auto box. Works well in any mode but the stop start bothers me a little in comfort. Probably saves petrol but is juddery when starting up

Overall a really decent car but does feel a lot for a 3 series!

Any questions just let me know

Matteeboy

Pics please!!

Littleted

First thing I do in any BMW is switch off start stop ****e and switch that auto handbrake on, although I'm unsure if auto handbrake is on the 3, saves having foot on brake all the time in traffic.

Sounds nice

billyray911

iTrader: (4)

+1 please.
Matthew,are you still after an M135 (you've been deliberating for a while now!) or are you tempted to upgrade to a 335d xd?

Matteeboy

Still M135i but negotiations are slow and torturous. I reckon it will be Spring by the time we get one.

The new 335d must be great but I want something smaller, much lighter and petrol powered.

billyray911

iTrader: (4)

I shall look forward to seeing the write ups as and when...I can't get past the 335 xd as my next car.My 335d has been a superb all rounder.We have several 330d's at work and they are fantastic with that 8 speed-can only imagine what the 335 is like.
I wouldn't buy brand new,so just need a few buyers to spec tourings with the pano sunroof!

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

I'm after a x-drive non-suv BMW

BUT

It must be petrol
Must be hatchback or estate
It must have a manual box
And have adaptive suspension

Its proving a difficult task to get one that meets all the above ( and no I won't compromise )

On the bright side Merc are releasing more 4matics, but knowing MB non will be manual.

jameswrx

iTrader: (4)

What about the new merc A45 AMG? Are they not available in manual?

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Nope. Its a dual clutch automated manual.

Plus its a overboosted 4pot, which to be frank, is plain wrong for a AMG, just for noise reasons alone.

Oh yeah...I should add "must have at least 6 cylinders" to the list.


Only thing that ticks all the above boxes is a Vauxhall Insignia VXR :freak:. Badge snobbery aside, I do keep meaning to test drive one when I get the chance, it may be OK.

jameswrx

iTrader: (4)

I remember your post a while back about the whole sporty 4wd hatch problem (hence why the only car I'd like to change my old wagon for is a jdm Hatch STI)

Don't you have an R32? I had the mk4 R32 and really liked the car. I always thought the last of the mk5 with the wing bucket seats and a supercharger conversion would be an awesome car.

CupraT

I test drove the M135i and loved the car....just a little too small for us. Great discounts still to be had.

It's definitely more nimble that the 335d but not massively so. Surprisingly the 335 doesn't feel that front heavy. The M135 does sound a lot better.

Performance is similar between the 2 though the xdrive is better in the wet.

I'll get pictures up of the 335 at the weekend though it's just a 3 series to look at.

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Yeah that'll be me. Its a tricky niche that very few manufactures appear to have failed to exploit.

Got to admit a Scoob hatch is on my list: Just the looks and following engine problems along with the iffy residuals scared me off.

I'm on a tipping point at the mo...The Golf is the longest I've had a car (bar the Jag), and I'm at point of do I get rid now or plough more money into it to make it better as its showing its age a little now. Engine conversion with a VR6 out of a Porsche Cayenne/VW Toureg 3.6 with a supercharger and magnetic ride shocks retrofitted off a Golf R would probably make me want to keep it for longer LOL

john banks

Can you get an S4 with your required properties Ali B?

jameswrx

iTrader: (4)

That's why I'd want a JDM Hatch, they stuck with the 2.0 engine.

I guess looks are a matter of opinion but I really don't get why some people hate the look of the hatch so much. I'm sure it's only because it's just so different to the old shape. A JDM hatch in blue with the rear lights sorted (red film kit so they don't look so max power) and a set of Advan rims looks awesome in its own right IMO.

tony de wonderful

Passat 4motion with 3.0 VR6?

Ok, so not a hatch, but ticks most boxes.

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Passat/S4 Avant, same problem as the Insignia: Big too big; I really am trying to avoid a lardy estate. I'm really hankering for a compact hatchback. Just something without a rear bulk head and no rear height restriction so I can flip the seats down on the occasions that I need to. Edit: Forgot to say they are on the list as am having to concede and unwillingly take a compromise, hence why the S4 and Insignia...and a Impreza Hatch (buy it cheap and spec/mod it up) . A 335 petrol X-drive manual tourer would give a bit more choice as after driving a 2009 S4 saloon (and old 2005 RS4), they do feel rather front heavy.

Same for me it'd have to be a JDM or a UK with alot of money spent on the mechanicals, de-chroming the front and de-chavving the rear. But it'd have to be Graphite for me - to try and keep it subtle.

CupraT

We'll I've taken some pictures but no idea how to post . Where's the add attachment bit?

Matteeboy

I wasn't all that impressed with the S4; tacky, fussy interior, dead steering. It's a nice engine with great throttle response and it's a great looking car but not for me.
The Golf R prices have come out and start at £29k; less than I expected.
Still want the M135i but I will try the Golf if I can get a test in one.

CupraT; stick them on a photo website, copy and paste the image link here. Is it good fun?
A raster poor and reluctant BMW dealer told me that my 335d is faster than an M135i from 50-80. I'm pretty sure that's not right but it shows they are quick.
With the new 8 speed box, the improvement must be massive; my only hesitation is that they've switched to electric steering now.

Greasy roads around here means my traction light has been flashing rather regularly!

billythekid

LOLing at people moaning about 20mpg.... try running an RS6... I am getting 9mpg.

Matteeboy

Yikes!!

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

How is that possible - not even my XJ-S manages to beat that, and that likes to drink - Last trip out it drank more or less 70litres on a 220 mile round trip to Lincoln, of which I hammered it back home at 3:00am on a sunday morning, road speeds won't be published, but the engine rpm never dropped below 4000rpm ) - that worked out at about 14mpg

MPG doesn't bother me as a have a derv BMW 530d for boring long distance stuff but I might have to draw the line at single figures LOL.

CupraT

Having driven them both there isn't a great deal in it performance wise and I couldnt say which was quicker 50 to 80. I suspect the 335d but Would need to drive them both a few times back to back to say so must be close and in real world driving probably down to who gets on the gas.

It's a truly great engine and drive.

Let me have a look at getting the pictures up.

billythekid

I wish it wasn't possible - but it sure is. I am now up to about 11mpg now I have learned to not be quite as heavy on the throttle. It does not help that a lot of my driving is in town.

On a run it will do 20 ish.

Scooby Soon!

I had a guy visit me recently in a new BMW 3 series that was getting 72mpg anyone care to tell me what it was? possibly 320 efficient? 2000 miles a week on the motorway he was doing and getting over 70mpg all of the time,

'7'

I've just got 59.2 mpg out of my 330D doing normal motorway speeds I.e following a **** who can only drive by flooring then coasting

john banks

Vladimir, I am sure you have seem the PH thread about a good lease on this?