Interesting morning at the BMW dealers....
09 February 2008, 09:01 PM
#1
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Interesting morning at the BMW dealers....
Firstly, I have to say, that it wasn't for me - I'm VERY happy with my Audi S4 Avant! 
My friend is looking to change from his immaculate 206 GTI to a 3 Series Coupe.
So, off we popped to the local BMW dealer - Cotswolds of Hereford (being named because of their professional and friendly assistance)
My role was purely supportive, however, due to my friend being deaf, I gladly took on the role of an intermediary!
He'd been looking at either a 320 or 330. Now on Pistonheads, the prices don't seem to be that different between the two models.
This trip was to test the two engines back to back. Granted, they are different cars and brand new compared to older models that will end up being bought.
Cotswolds were VERY accommodating - they set up a 320D Coupe manual to go and drive around the Herefordshire countryside at our own leisure.
Verdict? Well, compared to the 206, perceivably much slower, and softer (despite being kitted with the M-Sport pack).
This wasn't an issue though. My mate loved it. We were both pleasantly surprised at how quiet it was (yes, he's deaf, but he is able to hear some things!!), considering it being an oil-burner. And the build quality is first rate.
When we got back to the dealership, we had another go in a different Coupe - a 330Ci Convertible. It was Auto, with I-drive (Lol!!) with a flappy-paddle doo-whackey.
Verdict? Much "peppier", but my mate couldn't get on with the Auto box - he didn't find it involving enough, and always felt like he wasn't in control of it.
However, the aim was to compare the 2 engine sizes - yes, they weren't like for like, but the 320D was comparable to the 2.2L petrol. The 330 did make a difference.
The aim was that as the 3 Series Coupe is my mate's dream car. He'll be keeping it for a while (3 yrs +), so the 320 might get too boring, whereas the 330 might keep the interest a little bit longer.
He's still got some decisions to make, but today, with BMW's help has gone a long way to helping him out.
Personally my thoughts were mixed - wholly underwhelmed by the 320, and the 330. My previous experience of BMWs were of the M3, M5 and the 850 (ie the top end of the marque). The 330, considering its displacement, I thought was really slow - especially compared to my S4 (2.7 V6 Bi-Turbo), not that I thought it would be directly comparable, but certainly in the same ball park.
The build quality was excellent, as was the ride and handling - something the Audi is comparable to in all but the handling.
I did notice one thing - the passenger's electric window button: you need the arms of Mr Tickle to get to the button!!
All in all, a great couple of hours, with the assistance of a helpful dealer (yes, there are some!!)
He's still going to get them to look for a car, but in reality, he'll be looking at Pistonheads etc.
Just thought you might like to hear another perspective
Dan
My friend is looking to change from his immaculate 206 GTI to a 3 Series Coupe.
So, off we popped to the local BMW dealer - Cotswolds of Hereford (being named because of their professional and friendly assistance)
My role was purely supportive, however, due to my friend being deaf, I gladly took on the role of an intermediary!
He'd been looking at either a 320 or 330. Now on Pistonheads, the prices don't seem to be that different between the two models.
This trip was to test the two engines back to back. Granted, they are different cars and brand new compared to older models that will end up being bought.
Cotswolds were VERY accommodating - they set up a 320D Coupe manual to go and drive around the Herefordshire countryside at our own leisure.
Verdict? Well, compared to the 206, perceivably much slower, and softer (despite being kitted with the M-Sport pack).
This wasn't an issue though. My mate loved it. We were both pleasantly surprised at how quiet it was (yes, he's deaf, but he is able to hear some things!!
), considering it being an oil-burner. And the build quality is first rate.When we got back to the dealership, we had another go in a different Coupe - a 330Ci Convertible. It was Auto, with I-drive (Lol!!) with a flappy-paddle doo-whackey.
Verdict? Much "peppier", but my mate couldn't get on with the Auto box - he didn't find it involving enough, and always felt like he wasn't in control of it.
However, the aim was to compare the 2 engine sizes - yes, they weren't like for like, but the 320D was comparable to the 2.2L petrol. The 330 did make a difference.
The aim was that as the 3 Series Coupe is my mate's dream car. He'll be keeping it for a while (3 yrs +), so the 320 might get too boring, whereas the 330 might keep the interest a little bit longer.
He's still got some decisions to make, but today, with BMW's help has gone a long way to helping him out.
Personally my thoughts were mixed - wholly underwhelmed by the 320, and the 330. My previous experience of BMWs were of the M3, M5 and the 850 (ie the top end of the marque). The 330, considering its displacement, I thought was really slow - especially compared to my S4 (2.7 V6 Bi-Turbo), not that I thought it would be directly comparable, but certainly in the same ball park.
The build quality was excellent, as was the ride and handling - something the Audi is comparable to in all but the handling.
I did notice one thing - the passenger's electric window button: you need the arms of Mr Tickle to get to the button!!
All in all, a great couple of hours, with the assistance of a helpful dealer (yes, there are some!!
)He's still going to get them to look for a car, but in reality, he'll be looking at Pistonheads etc.
Just thought you might like to hear another perspective
Dan
10 February 2008, 08:29 AM
#2
Interesting like you say...Hope your mate finds what he wants..
Did he not try 335d? with 282 bhp and 430 lbs/ft of torque at 2000rpm it maybe more to his liking.
If they put 2 turbo's on the the 330 it might be in the same "ball park" as yours,but without them,i dont think so
,but then that would be more like an RS4??
Maybe the 335 diesel would be more to your taste..And it is more of a direct comparison to yours..ie..6 cyl,twin turbo etc etc.. Plus your car is only about 20bhp down on the diesel too..
Did he not try 335d? with 282 bhp and 430 lbs/ft of torque at 2000rpm it maybe more to his liking.
If they put 2 turbo's on the the 330 it might be in the same "ball park" as yours,but without them,i dont think so
,but then that would be more like an RS4??Maybe the 335 diesel would be more to your taste..And it is more of a direct comparison to yours..ie..6 cyl,twin turbo etc etc.. Plus your car is only about 20bhp down on the diesel too..
Last edited by fatscoobfella1; 10 February 2008 at 08:35 AM.
10 February 2008, 09:27 AM
#4
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Agreed, but it's not for me - my next one will be an RS4
I was just surprised that 330 considering the engine size wasn't more grunty tbh.
Dan
I was just surprised that 330 considering the engine size wasn't more grunty tbh.
Dan
10 February 2008, 09:58 AM
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Seeing as we are praising dealerships can i just say that the service i received yesterday at Mercedes - Benz of Glasgow (Port Dundas) was brilliant. They couldnt have been anymore helpful. Well done guys 
10 February 2008, 02:27 PM
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What about a 320d with a remap?
I think they're about 177bhp as standard, so a remapped one would put out around 210bhp I would expect. That would certainly shift!
I've just had my A3 2.0 TDi remapped from 140bhp to 185bhp and it flies now!
I think they're about 177bhp as standard, so a remapped one would put out around 210bhp I would expect. That would certainly shift!
I've just had my A3 2.0 TDi remapped from 140bhp to 185bhp and it flies now!
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15 February 2008, 02:29 PM
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Interesting like you say...Hope your mate finds what he wants..
Did he not try 335d? with 282 bhp and 430 lbs/ft of torque at 2000rpm it maybe more to his liking.
If they put 2 turbo's on the the 330 it might be in the same "ball park" as yours,but without them,i dont think so,but then that would be more like an RS4??
Maybe the 335 diesel would be more to your taste..And it is more of a direct comparison to yours..ie..6 cyl,twin turbo etc etc.. Plus your car is only about 20bhp down on the diesel too..
Did he not try 335d? with 282 bhp and 430 lbs/ft of torque at 2000rpm it maybe more to his liking.
If they put 2 turbo's on the the 330 it might be in the same "ball park" as yours,but without them,i dont think so
,but then that would be more like an RS4??Maybe the 335 diesel would be more to your taste..And it is more of a direct comparison to yours..ie..6 cyl,twin turbo etc etc.. Plus your car is only about 20bhp down on the diesel too..
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