Janspeed

iTrader: (1)

Hi,

Anyone around who can say that the previous generation BMW 330d wagon is better than the new Generation 335d?

Would be interesting to hear some personal experiences?

Ta

Janspeed

iTrader: (1)

Not only performance, but comfort wise.

The last 3 series was ok in terms of space from what I have seen, cant say much about the new one.

NACRO

No but I can confirm that the E91 is better than the old model in every way other than the way it looks.

More economical, better to drive, quicker and more room. What more do you want?

The 335D I haven't driven but with all that power it obviously is.

Janspeed

iTrader: (1)

Even in terms of space?

NACRO

More space for rear passengers yes.

MattOz

Janspeed,

I've had the E46 330d Sport and the E90 330d M Sport. As NACRO says, the E90 is better in every respect, apart from 2. The look of the E90 is an acquired taste. I liked mine, but the E46 is arguably more handsome.

Secondly, the paint quality on the E90 is inferior. The orange peel is really quite bad. It's one of the things that's stopping me getting an E92 M3! I don't want that much orange peel on a car! LOL

However, the E90 is as big inside as my old E39 M5. It's about 2-3 inches bigger than the E46. Most notably in the footwell. The E90 is also more structurally rigid.

I can't comment on the 335d, but I've owned a 535d M Sport. I'm also assured that the 335d is more performant. This would mean that the 335d is a bit of a beast and more than has the legs over an E46 330d auto.

The E90 is a step forward. The only thing I'd change is the terrible runflat tyres.

Matt

TopBanana

The new 3 series is miles better than the old one, a really good car. The new 5 isn't as good in my opinion.

Janspeed

iTrader: (1)

Seems like the new paints that they use (most brands) have become worse and worse, mostly prolly due to $$$$$ savings and weight.

The new 3 series is not a looker like the last one, again I guess it is an acquired taste, but nonetheless the performance sounds interesting. But still the car seems small......

NACRO

A late model E46 330D is still a fine car and as everyone seems to agree much better to look at.

If you're worried about size though I wonder if either 3 series touring is a good choice. Neither are 'proper' estate cars really. I could just about fit a small fridge in the back of my E46 touring when I was moving house, pretty pathetic when you consider it was delivered in the back of someone's Clio.

If you just want something that's a bit more practical than the saloon then they're a great choice.

Flatcapdriver

Matt. Isn't the orange peel as much to do with the water based paints manufacturers are forced to use these days? Regarding RFTs - I admire BMW for sticking with them but the pace of development isn't going to persuade many punters as to the merits of them given the horrendously stiff sidewalls.

Andy M3

I found the 3.5 engine [TT] in the 5 series underwhelming - if it was out of my own back pocket, I wouldn't bother with it. 530/330d would be more than enough IMO.

MJW

Haven't sampled the 330d, but a friend of mine came round yesterday with a new 335d coupe. Very nice car, well equipped. Very spritely off the line, but once its rolling the torque is phenomenal despite the narrower power band than the petrol equivalent. He also managed 43 mpg on the way to mine in it too. I think the engine suits the lighter 3 series than the 5.
Like I say I can't really make a comparison with the 330d having not driven one but the 335 seems like a perfect compromise between performance and fuel consumption.

Matteeboy

Quick nerd point - It's still a 3.0 litre, just with twin turbos instead of one (as in the 730d,530d, X5 3.0D and 330d)

Andy M3

That's what TT meant

Matteeboy

Realised that BUT you did write 3.5 as opposed to 3.0.

See, I told you it was a nerd point

Andy M3

Indeed, but to continue the nerdness, I merely did that to define the two, I was even referring to a 5 series to confuse the matter ever more.

The 335i is a 3.5 though; right?

Matteeboy

Nope - 335i is also a 3.0 litre block with twin turbos but petrol.

No 3.5 litre BMW block currently in production.

I actually think BMW marketing need to give the single and twin turbos a separate name.


God I even bore myself sometimes!

Andy M3

lol

Janspeed

iTrader: (1)

So the Wagon is not really worth it?

My WRX Wagon is way more capable than I thought, puts many a Wagon looking sorry, !

Janspeed

iTrader: (1)

Have heard that some nutters remap their 335ds

Janspeed

iTrader: (1)

But is it worth getting the 335i or the 335d???

GCollier

I've got an E91 (touring) 335d M-Sport. It's a fantastic car and a joy to drive, with effortless ground covering ability, and in reality all the performance you'll ever need in a road car combined with 35mpg average fuel consumption.

In terms of space, there is more than enough room in the back for 2 child seats or 2 adults, but if travelling 5-up regularly you could probably do with something a bit bigger. Luggage space is pretty decent, but it is definitely more "lifestyle estate" than load-lugger - we also have a Mazda 5 MPV which has to take over if we have a particularly big load to carry.

Gary.

Janspeed

iTrader: (1)

Ah excellent info! That is the stuff!

Great pace, good space!

Janspeed

iTrader: (1)

Is the car good for tall drivers, space wise?

TopBanana

Why do you keep needlessly bumping this thread? Go and sit and one and find out.

Janspeed

iTrader: (1)

Thank for the advice, not.

That is why this section was at the bottom before, did not think it would get this bad again, this fast.......