BMW 330 SPORT DIESEL TOURING
17 May 2005, 07:04 PM
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BMW 330 SPORT DIESEL TOURING
Does anyone know anything about these?Apart from the obvious( it's diesel, it's a bmw) What sort of mpg do they return,
Around town driving.
Motorway driving at a steady 80-90 mph.
I am seriously considering one of these, mainly for the RWD factor, (as i loathe fwd). And the frugality of a diesel.
Around town driving.
Motorway driving at a steady 80-90 mph.
I am seriously considering one of these, mainly for the RWD factor, (as i loathe fwd). And the frugality of a diesel.
17 May 2005, 07:54 PM
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Webby.
I've a 330d but not touring. It averages 40-45MPG but I don't hang around in it! Steady driving should see 45-50MPG.
X.
PS
It's a fast motor as well as frugal!
I've a 330d but not touring. It averages 40-45MPG but I don't hang around in it! Steady driving should see 45-50MPG.
X.
PS
It's a fast motor as well as frugal!
17 May 2005, 08:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Terminator X
Webby.
I've a 330d but not touring. It averages 40-45MPG but I don't hang around in it! Steady driving should see 45-50MPG.
X.
PS
It's a fast motor as well as frugal!
I've a 330d but not touring. It averages 40-45MPG but I don't hang around in it! Steady driving should see 45-50MPG.
X.
PS
It's a fast motor as well as frugal!
http://photobucket.com/albums/y79/we.../scooby002.jpg
I love my scoob but i am now starting to cover a lot more miles, especially on the motorway. The scoob has got 29,000 miles on her and i dont want to be banging it up and down the motorway.
17 May 2005, 08:29 PM
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I've got a 330d sport auto on a 53 plate..get an average of 36-38 around town and 45-48 on motorway.also have tuning box fitted giving approx 270 bhp and 400lbs of torque.....and i love it...Alan..
17 May 2005, 08:34 PM
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Lovely scooby mate and just what I had been on the lookout for. Sadly I've got a 328iSE Touring and I love it
Get about 30mpg too, so is not bad at all.
Cheers
Alas
Get about 30mpg too, so is not bad at all.
Cheers
Alas
17 May 2005, 08:50 PM
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Webby.
Nice car fella! Shame that you might sell it but can't really go wrong with the 330d sport!
Guiness - 400ft of torque! I'll put a new set of rear tyres on order for you now!
X.
Nice car fella! Shame that you might sell it but can't really go wrong with the 330d sport!
Guiness - 400ft of torque! I'll put a new set of rear tyres on order for you now!
X.
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17 May 2005, 09:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Guinness
I've got a 330d sport auto on a 53 plate..get an average of 36-38 around town and 45-48 on motorway.also have tuning box fitted giving approx 270 bhp and 400lbs of torque.....and i love it...Alan..
17 May 2005, 10:29 PM
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Awesome cars the 330d,
Chipped loads of em
Afreind has one and he loves it to bits, only had one problem with it intermittantly non starting (has covered 90k in it)- turned out to be a camshaft sensor @ £90 so its been bloody reliable too
Chipped loads of em
Afreind has one and he loves it to bits, only had one problem with it intermittantly non starting (has covered 90k in it)- turned out to be a camshaft sensor @ £90 so its been bloody reliable too
17 May 2005, 10:38 PM
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Out of interest have you 330d owners gone for the auto or manual box? I'm strongly considering one of these myself next year. I read somewhere once that AMD recommend the auto as it suits the torque curve better. Seems to be a fair drop in economy with the auto though.
17 May 2005, 10:54 PM
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Dan.
Mine's a manual. 5 speed (51 plate) but the later ones are 6 speed. I've never owned an auto so can't really comment on them. It's such an easy car to drive though as you don't have to rev it silly to travel quickly.
X.
Mine's a manual. 5 speed (51 plate) but the later ones are 6 speed. I've never owned an auto so can't really comment on them. It's such an easy car to drive though as you don't have to rev it silly to travel quickly.
X.
18 May 2005, 12:12 AM
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I did test a 6 speed,but found the box a little sloppy compared to the impreza,went for the auto as the car is mostly driven by the misses and the sales guy did say the auto was much better suited to the diesel..The tuning box i got is called a "Power Master" from power engineering.Fab bit of kit,takes five mins to fit,remove 5 allen head screws holding engine cover on,then unclip plug on the end of fuel rail,plug in tuning box and refit standard plug onto tuning box loom and hey presto your done,refit engine cover and enjoy....so easy.......Alan.....terminator your right about the tyres...lol
18 May 2005, 08:58 AM
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I have a 330D sport touring, sept 2001 model, manual, 57k on the clock. Had it just over two months now, and am not missing the impreza at all. Absolutely superb, and as NL and many people say, better to drive than the Impreza. It's more fun, even if it is slightly slower, and the handling is brilliant even if the ultimate grip isn't quite as great.
The car is superbly set up, and with the torque available you can play with the car's attitude to your heart's content. I'm still learning...
Around town driving will get at least 35mpg, and more realistically around 40. A conjested motorway cruise to Milton Keynes and back saw me getting 53 mpg, whereas sitting at around 85-90 will drop down to low-ish 40s. I don't know why I'm not getting the economy that people are stating above; perhaps their computers are more optimistic than mine? I still get 450-600 miles out of a tank...
I test drove the auto (steptronic) and whilst it wasn't bad, I still preferred the manual so went for that. Before 2003 (IIRC), it's a 5 speed box and 188bhp, after that it's a 6 speed box which feels better, and the car also has 204bhp.
One thing to be aware of is that the Sport setup is quite a significant departure from the standard - you get many toys, but most of all you get a lot of suspension revisions, including aluminium wishbones, fluid filled bushes (apparently) and other bits. These are "quite expensive"... I hit a pothole the other day, and needed a new wishbone (150 quid), bush (50 quid) and a few other bits. The MV wheels are 260 quid + VAT from a BMW dealer, too. Front tyres are 225/40ZR18, rears are 255/35ZR18s, so aren't cheap.
Other bits, such as pads, discs, clutches etc are mercifully cheaper than a WRX, so will be significantly cheaper than for an STI.
I'd also recommend checking you have a local independent BMW specialist near for servicing, as you don't want to be paying main dealer prices. My local BMW dealer wants £101 + Vat per hour for labour, whereas the specialist (B+M Care, Pudsey, Leeds) want 40 quid, and are exceptionally helpful.
One thing I will be investing in is a set of 16s or 17s with winter tyres on, as it is bloody useless in the snow!
The car is superbly set up, and with the torque available you can play with the car's attitude to your heart's content. I'm still learning...
Around town driving will get at least 35mpg, and more realistically around 40. A conjested motorway cruise to Milton Keynes and back saw me getting 53 mpg, whereas sitting at around 85-90 will drop down to low-ish 40s. I don't know why I'm not getting the economy that people are stating above; perhaps their computers are more optimistic than mine? I still get 450-600 miles out of a tank...
I test drove the auto (steptronic) and whilst it wasn't bad, I still preferred the manual so went for that. Before 2003 (IIRC), it's a 5 speed box and 188bhp, after that it's a 6 speed box which feels better, and the car also has 204bhp.
One thing to be aware of is that the Sport setup is quite a significant departure from the standard - you get many toys, but most of all you get a lot of suspension revisions, including aluminium wishbones, fluid filled bushes (apparently) and other bits. These are "quite expensive"... I hit a pothole the other day, and needed a new wishbone (150 quid), bush (50 quid) and a few other bits. The MV wheels are 260 quid + VAT from a BMW dealer, too. Front tyres are 225/40ZR18, rears are 255/35ZR18s, so aren't cheap.
Other bits, such as pads, discs, clutches etc are mercifully cheaper than a WRX, so will be significantly cheaper than for an STI.
I'd also recommend checking you have a local independent BMW specialist near for servicing, as you don't want to be paying main dealer prices. My local BMW dealer wants £101 + Vat per hour for labour, whereas the specialist (B+M Care, Pudsey, Leeds) want 40 quid, and are exceptionally helpful.
One thing I will be investing in is a set of 16s or 17s with winter tyres on, as it is bloody useless in the snow!
18 May 2005, 07:40 PM
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Originally Posted by chiark
I have a 330D sport touring, sept 2001 model, manual, 57k on the clock. Had it just over two months now, and am not missing the impreza at all. Absolutely superb, and as NL and many people say, better to drive than the Impreza. It's more fun, even if it is slightly slower, and the handling is brilliant even if the ultimate grip isn't quite as great.
The car is superbly set up, and with the torque available you can play with the car's attitude to your heart's content. I'm still learning...
Around town driving will get at least 35mpg, and more realistically around 40. A conjested motorway cruise to Milton Keynes and back saw me getting 53 mpg, whereas sitting at around 85-90 will drop down to low-ish 40s. I don't know why I'm not getting the economy that people are stating above; perhaps their computers are more optimistic than mine? I still get 450-600 miles out of a tank...
I test drove the auto (steptronic) and whilst it wasn't bad, I still preferred the manual so went for that. Before 2003 (IIRC), it's a 5 speed box and 188bhp, after that it's a 6 speed box which feels better, and the car also has 204bhp.
One thing to be aware of is that the Sport setup is quite a significant departure from the standard - you get many toys, but most of all you get a lot of suspension revisions, including aluminium wishbones, fluid filled bushes (apparently) and other bits. These are "quite expensive"... I hit a pothole the other day, and needed a new wishbone (150 quid), bush (50 quid) and a few other bits. The MV wheels are 260 quid + VAT from a BMW dealer, too. Front tyres are 225/40ZR18, rears are 255/35ZR18s, so aren't cheap.
Other bits, such as pads, discs, clutches etc are mercifully cheaper than a WRX, so will be significantly cheaper than for an STI.
I'd also recommend checking you have a local independent BMW specialist near for servicing, as you don't want to be paying main dealer prices. My local BMW dealer wants £101 + Vat per hour for labour, whereas the specialist (B+M Care, Pudsey, Leeds) want 40 quid, and are exceptionally helpful.
One thing I will be investing in is a set of 16s or 17s with winter tyres on, as it is bloody useless in the snow!
The car is superbly set up, and with the torque available you can play with the car's attitude to your heart's content. I'm still learning...
Around town driving will get at least 35mpg, and more realistically around 40. A conjested motorway cruise to Milton Keynes and back saw me getting 53 mpg, whereas sitting at around 85-90 will drop down to low-ish 40s. I don't know why I'm not getting the economy that people are stating above; perhaps their computers are more optimistic than mine? I still get 450-600 miles out of a tank...
I test drove the auto (steptronic) and whilst it wasn't bad, I still preferred the manual so went for that. Before 2003 (IIRC), it's a 5 speed box and 188bhp, after that it's a 6 speed box which feels better, and the car also has 204bhp.
One thing to be aware of is that the Sport setup is quite a significant departure from the standard - you get many toys, but most of all you get a lot of suspension revisions, including aluminium wishbones, fluid filled bushes (apparently) and other bits. These are "quite expensive"... I hit a pothole the other day, and needed a new wishbone (150 quid), bush (50 quid) and a few other bits. The MV wheels are 260 quid + VAT from a BMW dealer, too. Front tyres are 225/40ZR18, rears are 255/35ZR18s, so aren't cheap.
Other bits, such as pads, discs, clutches etc are mercifully cheaper than a WRX, so will be significantly cheaper than for an STI.
I'd also recommend checking you have a local independent BMW specialist near for servicing, as you don't want to be paying main dealer prices. My local BMW dealer wants £101 + Vat per hour for labour, whereas the specialist (B+M Care, Pudsey, Leeds) want 40 quid, and are exceptionally helpful.
One thing I will be investing in is a set of 16s or 17s with winter tyres on, as it is bloody useless in the snow!
18 May 2005, 07:56 PM
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Got a 6 Speed manual but did try the Auto.
The Auto was a lovely drive and was very smooth, however the point of the car was performance and economy and giving up 5-6 mpg was a little too much IMO.
The Auto was a lovely drive and was very smooth, however the point of the car was performance and economy and giving up 5-6 mpg was a little too much IMO.
20 May 2005, 03:37 PM
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MattOz is taking his to the Nurburgring right now 
I think he managed an 8:35 lap with 4 people in the car last time...
IMHO the car's too heavy for smaller track work unless you're a bit of a masochist. You will punish tyres and brakes really quite harshly.
I think he managed an 8:35 lap with 4 people in the car last time...
IMHO the car's too heavy for smaller track work unless you're a bit of a masochist. You will punish tyres and brakes really quite harshly.
20 May 2005, 08:51 PM
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My misses has a 320d Sport Touring, and whilst I accept that, performance wise, it's not the same as a 330d, in other respects it's the same. How anyone can suggest it's more fun than a Scooby is beyond me... by all means, justify owning a diesel on economy grounds, but don't try and compare it with a proper performance car.
As far as I'm concerned it's neither one thing or the other -relaxed cruiser or performance car - it's just a compromise, and I don't like it!
p.s. the misses loves it
As far as I'm concerned it's neither one thing or the other -relaxed cruiser or performance car - it's just a compromise, and I don't like it!
p.s. the misses loves it
23 May 2005, 09:18 AM
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Them thar is fighting words
Impreza has so-so handling, tonnes of grip, good torque. I found every interface is somewhat inert, particularly the steering. In comparison, the 330D sport setup is, IMHO, a seriously good handling car with a lot more mid-corner adjustability options, fair grip, masses of torque and communication from the car that is a league above the Impreza. Again, IMHO.
Saying that, the adrenaline rush from driving a well sorted PPP++'d STI8 is a bit better , but I'd take the 330D over a WRX for thrills any day.
Impreza has so-so handling, tonnes of grip, good torque. I found every interface is somewhat inert, particularly the steering. In comparison, the 330D sport setup is, IMHO, a seriously good handling car with a lot more mid-corner adjustability options, fair grip, masses of torque and communication from the car that is a league above the Impreza. Again, IMHO.
Saying that, the adrenaline rush from driving a well sorted PPP++'d STI8 is a bit better
, but I'd take the 330D over a WRX for thrills any day.
24 May 2005, 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by MattOz
Nick,
It wasn't quite that fast! 8m47 in the old 330d. My current 330d has just returned from the Ring and was fantastic. Tell you more later!
Matt
It wasn't quite that fast!
8m47 in the old 330d. My current 330d has just returned from the Ring and was fantastic. Tell you more later!Matt
I'd be interested to hear more of this too!
I <may> be looking to swap my Type R for something more sensible but still exciting with the ability to do the odd track day (one or two per year).
Steve
24 May 2005, 04:13 PM
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Steve/Nick,
Well, the weekend went as follows:
Had the car checked by BMW on Wednesday and Thursday as it was making a strange noise and I needed to get the chassis KDS aligned as I'd walloped a brick some time ago and the tracking was slightly out. I was surprised at how bad the car had felt after this, and forgotten how well it drove when everything was lined up correctly!
The trip to the Ring was uneventful. Steady 90mph cruise returning 43mpg. Did a lap on Friday evening and had forgotten how capable the car was on a big track. However, towards the end of the lap the tyres were getting a little hot and a quick check revealed a hot pressure of nearly 50psi rear and 43 front! I amended this so that the pressures when hot were the same as the factory cold settings, i.e 36 front, 42 rear. This worked brilliantly for the rest of the weekend and the tyres hardly wore at all. Sure they balled up a little on the edges of the tread blocks, but nothing serious.
Braking was also pretty good. Standard disks and sliding caliper using standard pads. The Ring is not a huge "brakes" track, but there are a couple of places where a big stop is required. Had no problems with fade or grumble all weekend. Would still love a set of AP's or StopTechs for better retardation though!
Power wise, the car held its own. I lapped with E30/E36 M3's, R32 Golfs and other assorted cars without issue. Again, the Ring is a place where you need to know where you're going rather than having a powerful car. I was teaching a couple of mates the lines, so if anyone saw the car going particularly slowly it was one of them driving, honest!
At the end of the weekend, we packed up and drove all the way home on 1 tank of diesel. That's nearly 500 miles at an average speed of over 65mph. The light has just come on, so I'll need fuel in the next day or two. FYI, the car did nearly 20 mpg on track. Some of the cars in our convoy struggled to do this on the motorway cruise!
The 330d is certainly no track car. I wouldn't really entertain it on a shorter UK track without some big brakes and a DMS chip. Having said that, it would be more than capable, provided the driver accepted the compromises.
However, even in standard form it's great at the Ring and really only loses out in one or two places. TO be honest, I could probably do the whole of the Ring in 4th gear and not be too much slower than if I use 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th. There are no 2nd gear corners at the Ring in a 330d! LOL
Seeing as this is my 3rd one, I'd have to say that I'm a fan. I came from an STI5 Type R V-Ltd to my first 330d, and haven't looked back. It's just a much nicer, more complete car to own. The pros far outweigh the cons.
Matt
Well, the weekend went as follows:
Had the car checked by BMW on Wednesday and Thursday as it was making a strange noise and I needed to get the chassis KDS aligned as I'd walloped a brick some time ago and the tracking was slightly out. I was surprised at how bad the car had felt after this, and forgotten how well it drove when everything was lined up correctly!
The trip to the Ring was uneventful. Steady 90mph cruise returning 43mpg. Did a lap on Friday evening and had forgotten how capable the car was on a big track. However, towards the end of the lap the tyres were getting a little hot and a quick check revealed a hot pressure of nearly 50psi rear and 43 front! I amended this so that the pressures when hot were the same as the factory cold settings, i.e 36 front, 42 rear. This worked brilliantly for the rest of the weekend and the tyres hardly wore at all. Sure they balled up a little on the edges of the tread blocks, but nothing serious.
Braking was also pretty good. Standard disks and sliding caliper using standard pads. The Ring is not a huge "brakes" track, but there are a couple of places where a big stop is required. Had no problems with fade or grumble all weekend. Would still love a set of AP's or StopTechs for better retardation though!
Power wise, the car held its own. I lapped with E30/E36 M3's, R32 Golfs and other assorted cars without issue. Again, the Ring is a place where you need to know where you're going rather than having a powerful car. I was teaching a couple of mates the lines, so if anyone saw the car going particularly slowly it was one of them driving, honest!
At the end of the weekend, we packed up and drove all the way home on 1 tank of diesel. That's nearly 500 miles at an average speed of over 65mph. The light has just come on, so I'll need fuel in the next day or two. FYI, the car did nearly 20 mpg on track. Some of the cars in our convoy struggled to do this on the motorway cruise!
The 330d is certainly no track car. I wouldn't really entertain it on a shorter UK track without some big brakes and a DMS chip. Having said that, it would be more than capable, provided the driver accepted the compromises.
However, even in standard form it's great at the Ring and really only loses out in one or two places. TO be honest, I could probably do the whole of the Ring in 4th gear and not be too much slower than if I use 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th. There are no 2nd gear corners at the Ring in a 330d! LOL
Seeing as this is my 3rd one, I'd have to say that I'm a fan. I came from an STI5 Type R V-Ltd to my first 330d, and haven't looked back. It's just a much nicer, more complete car to own. The pros far outweigh the cons.
Matt
25 May 2005, 11:05 AM
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Matt, sounds like you had a lot of fun. Sorry for exaggerating the time - it still knocks that German bird's (the Ring Taxi goddess) achievements in the Jag Diesel into perspective
25 May 2005, 11:08 AM
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Performance tuning
http://www.antandpete.co.uk/
If you have a look at this site. The bloke that runs it has a 330d 184 hp model, and has done a few bits and bobs - the results can be seen by following the gumball 2005 link. Or you can click here: BMW D3 0-200 km/h [UK car]
They are very capeable cars indeed.........
If you have a look at this site. The bloke that runs it has a 330d 184 hp model, and has done a few bits and bobs - the results can be seen by following the gumball 2005 link. Or you can click here: BMW D3 0-200 km/h [UK car]
They are very capeable cars indeed.........
25 May 2005, 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Andy M3
http://www.antandpete.co.uk/
If you have a look at this site. The bloke that runs it has a 330d 184 hp model, and has done a few bits and bobs - the results can be seen by following the gumball 2005 link. Or you can click here: BMW D3 0-200 km/h [UK car]
They are very capeable cars indeed.........
If you have a look at this site. The bloke that runs it has a 330d 184 hp model, and has done a few bits and bobs - the results can be seen by following the gumball 2005 link. Or you can click here: BMW D3 0-200 km/h [UK car]
They are very capeable cars indeed.........
Andy,
Thats a later 204bhp car, and I think it's got the DMS upgrade and an uprated intercooler if I recall. Should be running 250bhp and 400+ft/lbs of torque. Mine is not quite that quick, but it's not far behind!
Matt