Brun

Pre LCI = 228 bhp / 369 ib/ft
LCI = 242 bhp / 384 ib/ft

Had no issues with mine for 36k miles but mine is a motorway queen which i think is a godsend to these engines as short low mph journeys will clog the dpf and lead to big bills.

Just done a 600 mile round trip last weekend on my private mway much of which was performed at 90-100mph plus a fair bit of stop / start city driving and it returned 43mpg.
I think on a steady run it would creep to the high 40's

As i mentioned earlier, i've stuck with the OE Bridgestone RE050's which at 255/35/18 on the rear and 225/40/18 on the front, cost £220-£250 a corner
I get it serviced at a German specialist but with the car deciding when it needs oil etc (20k miles for me), it's fairly cheap to keep.

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Cheers.

As I'm used to a small 3-pot TDI, I seldom do more than 65-70 on the queens highways anyway, so would possibly get good mpg returns. The only issue I do have when not doing a good run out is a short drive to work. I currently deliberately take a long way to get the car warmed up a bit more, but my polo was the last model before the dredded DPF came in. Again, I'd find a good specialist garage, have the bugger chopped out and get a cheeky remap for good measure. Not so short journeys are ok, hell I'll walk/ride to work if necessary, but it's there for cold/wet days and I'm not worrying about soot build-up.

If I didn't do quite long motorway runs regularly, a petrol option as Ditrchy suggested could be viable. But I think I'd really miss the torque of a turbo diesel when rolling.

bustaMOVEs

iTrader: (31)

The lci is 58 plate onwards, if your spending the cash, go for a lci IMO as it's had a few revised parts, inc suspension which is a big improvement over pre lci, led rear lights and ring front lamps with xenon in msprts. Not forgetting better mpg than the pre lci and won't date as quick as earlier one.
Auto boxes are reliable enough but never driven a bmw auto box but they have good reviews especially the new 7 speed one.
Turbos on them are quite common but you'd know that being a modern diesel.

The best bullet proof car has got to be the lci 3.0 petrol, folk rave about these, I was going to get one until I decided on the Quattro.

bustaMOVEs

iTrader: (31)

Also with the regards to the dpf delete, I wouldn't bother with the new mot laws, (needs to be visible for test) and maybe in future they may have a emmissions test for it?
People normally buy a shagged dpf and gutt them and fit prior to remap, this way they still have a good dpf if needed to replace

bustaMOVEs

iTrader: (31)

Another option with 4wd

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...3-9l?logcode=p

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Can anybody offer any major difference between the 330/335d apart from an extra turbo

2007 07/57 model probably. Nats gonna kill me

Cheers

Brun

Mpg

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

I've broadened my horizons (as I got bored of peeving at the same 22 cars in Autotrader ), and saw tge 330/335d models had a 6sp auto but with optional paddle shift. I'm not an auto fan BUT the paddles would give me enough 'control' and become an option to consider. My downfall was realising my budget would comfortably include these beasts in it.

There's a few 335d's with said paddle shifters and a couple 330d's. Reasonable miles and price too.

Choices, choices

Brun

Very rarely do I use my paddles - the novelty soon wears off and you will find yourself floating around in D all the time.
If it was an instant shift duel clutch gearbox then I would be inclined to use them but it's far from that!

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Can't be worse that my mates Micra 1.1 auto work hack

bustaMOVEs

iTrader: (31)

I do best when planning an overtake (dual wet clutch)

cuprajake

iTrader: (11)

Hope you have deep pockets for when the bmw breaks.

bustaMOVEs

iTrader: (31)

The 3.0d and 35d, some have oil pump failures in the x5s (same engine) cost a bomb to fix.
Otherwise a brilliant engine if lci

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

For a car worth 5 figures, I'm looking into a decent warranty to cover any eventuality like this mate

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Andy, I know what you are going to say, but have you looked at Vauxhalls at all?

At present they are offering 0% finance and a 100,000 mile warranty.

That's on a new car.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...1000?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...1000?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...1000?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...1000?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...hall?logcode=p

But you know my feelings: You now BOTH work very hard indeed, and have weathered the storm, so to speak.

Is it not time to get Nat through her test, rather than splash out on an expensive car you'll not want to/be able to insure her on?

It's what we had to do......I went from an Escort Mexico RS to a 1.3GL Escort MkIII so Rosie could drive it....we couldn't afford the insurance on the Mex, and too many insurers were saying no to an inexperienced driver.

Do it now....you know it makes sense.

Then look at a bigger/nicer car in a year's time when she's had a year's experience.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Read the post from Alan Jeffery....not worth the paper they are printed on, sorry.

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

See your point Jeff, but Nat doesn't need her test and isn't really interested currently. Lifts and public transport are fine, and we'd need two cars anyway when she passes. Without explaining details on a public forum (you saw how it went circa 2008 - heart on sleeve etc), this is a 30th treat for me and whatever I buy can/would be sold straight away if circumstances change.

Re. the Vauxhall finance, the 0% is subject to status and my status isn't suitable due to those past financial problems mentioned before (when unemployed). So that's not an option, again I won't spill the details on a public forum.


Alan certainly knows what he's talking about, however, a workmate has had a bit of a lemon (1 series) for a year from Eddie Wrights. A £500 discounted warranty has paid off nearly 10 fold for various issues. I know from taking him to pick the car up with him several times. So although not discrediting what he says, I'll make an informed decision when the time is right.

Cheers.

bustaMOVEs

iTrader: (31)

Unless it's dealer extended warranty at a great cost, even then it's only limited to 100k.
Others are not worth it, I agree.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

You don't need two cars, except occasionally, when you fall back on the above.

Two DRIVERS, however is a godsend.

ScoobyJawa

335d is noticeably worse mpg than the 330. low to mid 30's for the 335. high 30's to low 40's for the 330. Chip the 330 to 335d power and it gets even better mpg than stock 330!!

Don't consider Audi if you care about power vs mpg vs tax, they are some way behind BMW's diesel engines.

cuprajake

iTrader: (11)

Shame the Audi 2.0tdi 170 is such a bad engine too.

bustaMOVEs

iTrader: (31)

As is the 120 too. The 3.0 tdi is the best one out of them, good mpg too

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

One last bump for this as I've been and picked up my new car today.

57 plate silver 3 series coupe 330d. 6sp manual too and it's very niiiice

I found it on Autotrader and kept tabs on it until I had an opportunity to go up to Durham and give it a good going over with a mechanic mate of mine.

ditchmyster

iTrader: (7)

Pics or it didn't happen.

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Just got to change the front brake pads/wear sensor this morning (I negotiated a healthy discount for this) and hopefully have a pic afterwards.

She's done Durham to Worksop to Scunthorpe so isn't spotless anymore, but this car is for driving.

I keep finding gadgets

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Good choice there Andy. I almost bought a 330 Petrol before getting my WRX.

They are quality cars.

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

And you'll soon the joys of trying to reset the warnings on the service display.

Can be done. Sometimes it'll reset fine, sometime it'll just say "no" (well, actually its says "OK" instead of "Reset?" and doesn't reset the mileage counter) - especially on pads. Don't ask me why, they just do that (mostly 1 series though, but the odd 3 and 5er also has a tissy). Even the Autologic has had a hard time resetting it.

Carnut

I assume you have come across this thread before (https://www.scoobynet.com/scoobynet-...e-diesels.html) but if not well worth a look IMO, not to sure about the start of the thread but the second half and towards the end is made for you. I know you're not after performance but Stu is getting 50mpg and 0-60 in 4.8, and your car may be lighter.

Anyway, good choice, just don't do what my friend did when he picked his up, fill the tank with petrol and go for a long drive.

Matteeboy

A MASSIVE difference in the two is the steering; in the 335d it's fully hydraulic assistance, the 330d is electric. The former is much weightier with good feedback and one thing I miss.

At some stage the 335d also had better brakes but I think they ended up being the same.

The extra turbo doesn't just make it quicker, it also makes the power delivery far more linear and smooth.

But you can't have a manual box which is a major pain for many and compared to the latest autos and semi autos, the box is pretty slow.

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Yep, had fun with this today. I didn't mind having a fiddle as I've gotten to know the procedures and a bit about the cars facilities etc.

The issue was a broken wear sensor, which I replaced for under £15. But the specific front brake light was reset but not another. And it thinks an exterior bulb is out somewhere which me and said mate couldn't find.

Not a problem as such so I'll give the trader a call tomorrow to make sure I can book it into a good garage for reading/resetting properly. If not, I'll politely ask for my fuel costs to drive upto them I'm sure it's something simple and the car drives beautifully regardless - discs/pads all round are virtually new!!

I'll have a good scan of that when I have a bit more spare time to digest, cheers Chris.

Aye, the 335d was very tempting but this one ticked the boxes with regards some sensibilities like mpg and my beloved manual box. It's had a couple of "squirts" today and is more than enough for me. The torque even on this is incredible and the straight 6 (even for a tractor) has a lovely tone to it when you press that start button.



But unfortunately like a **** I caught the n/s front wheel on a kerb today and it bugs me (as the wheels are immaculate). So there's probably a hopeful colour match and £70 gone Stupid boy, will teach me to be more aware of the Bimmer's width!