BMW F30 330D Touring Do Everything Long Term Car?
Discussion
In need of a family car now with a little one on the way. It'll have to be automatic for my partner to drive, have decent rear seat and boot space, ULEZ and be somewhat entertaining - everything is pointing me towards a F30 330D.
Question is I don't know if the diesel would be suitable for the type of driving we do - mostly trips into town with a 140 mile round trip every week or two. The concern is that a 330i won't provide the economy and thus ending up with a 320i which won't have the 6 cylinder smoothness.
Budget is around £15k and really don't wont to go over that.
Equivalent C class or Audi a better drive? Or have I missed out on something else completely?
Question is I don't know if the diesel would be suitable for the type of driving we do - mostly trips into town with a 140 mile round trip every week or two. The concern is that a 330i won't provide the economy and thus ending up with a 320i which won't have the 6 cylinder smoothness.
Budget is around £15k and really don't wont to go over that.
Equivalent C class or Audi a better drive? Or have I missed out on something else completely?
Welshbeef said:
OP
Go for a F11 530d that will do it even nicer and barely any price difference but spec and interior quality is a big step up
This! But then the 330D is probably a better steer...Go for a F11 530d that will do it even nicer and barely any price difference but spec and interior quality is a big step up
Never had any trouble with the previous owner doing 4x10-mile journeys a day with a weekly longer stint (but consumption was 8,5l/100km for shorter journeys, compared to 7l for mainly motorway usage).
Also the only 6-cyl petrol in the F30 is a 335i/340i as the 328i/330i is a 4-pot as well. The 35/40i a terrific powerplant TBH, would definitely try some man maths for the petrol 6-cyl with your usage... It will be ULEZ compliant for longer than the diesel when they decide to implement the next step in banning diesels
Edited by HelldogBE on Monday 11th April 13:24
I'd echo the 530d suggestion - my brother had a 3 series estate (think an earlier one than an F30 though), and he quite quickly chopped it in for a Superb when his first sprog came along as the 3 series just isn't that spacious. Doubtless you'll be told tales by PHers of how when they were young they, their parents, their 4 siblings and their 3 great danes would go on 6-week kayaking holidays to the south of France in a Fiat 500, so why do you need a 5-series? And they'd have a bit of a point - a 3-series estate would be no great hardship. It's just dead handy to be able to bung an unfolded buggy straight in the boot with room to spare which is more likely with the 5er, and when it comes to faffing with child seats it's just so much easier with a few inches extra room. And as another poster said they hardly cost any more than the equivalent 3-series so for the same money you may as well have the extra space.
If you are doing short journeys, a diesel is not going to get up to temp so the fuel economy is not going to be much/any better than a petrol and you potentially may have DPF issues.
Granted, you said you did a long journey every so often but you don't know what sort of journeys the car had previously so the DPF could be 80% duffed before you buy it and regular short journeys might tip it over the edge.
Plus a 330i F31 would be the 2.0T rather than the 3.0T straight six, the MPG difference won't be miles apart from the 320i as they share the same engine. If you want a petrol 3.0T Six in the F31 you need to look at the 340i which will be noticeably in terms of MPG difference.
With Petrol being 15-20p a litre cheaper than diesel currently, I would be getting the 330i in your position. Sure, its no the straight six engine but its the better option.
Granted, you said you did a long journey every so often but you don't know what sort of journeys the car had previously so the DPF could be 80% duffed before you buy it and regular short journeys might tip it over the edge.
Plus a 330i F31 would be the 2.0T rather than the 3.0T straight six, the MPG difference won't be miles apart from the 320i as they share the same engine. If you want a petrol 3.0T Six in the F31 you need to look at the 340i which will be noticeably in terms of MPG difference.
With Petrol being 15-20p a litre cheaper than diesel currently, I would be getting the 330i in your position. Sure, its no the straight six engine but its the better option.
We had a fleet of these and the 530d's at work (both rwd and xdrive).
The 330d is a great car, loved by most who drove them, they held up to the abuse our unit gave them and seemed reliable.
They are designed for high mileage, high speed use - are you going to give it the use it would need to stay healthy?
One of our tame workshop techs suggested he wouldn't own one unless he was doing 20k a year. They need to be used,its a big diesel engine and it will have issues if its bimbling around town.
I have a small human and wouldn't bother with a 3 and look at the 5 if it had to be a BMW. Depending on where you are rwd can be a concern in poor weather. The Xdrive system is very good.
If your open to other brand suggestions I would seriously look at the Skoda Superb (if the badge doesn't put you off). We test drove alot of cars when my Mrs was expecting to replace a small 3 Dr hatch and the Superb was the clear winner at our price point.
The 330d is a great car, loved by most who drove them, they held up to the abuse our unit gave them and seemed reliable.
They are designed for high mileage, high speed use - are you going to give it the use it would need to stay healthy?
One of our tame workshop techs suggested he wouldn't own one unless he was doing 20k a year. They need to be used,its a big diesel engine and it will have issues if its bimbling around town.
I have a small human and wouldn't bother with a 3 and look at the 5 if it had to be a BMW. Depending on where you are rwd can be a concern in poor weather. The Xdrive system is very good.
If your open to other brand suggestions I would seriously look at the Skoda Superb (if the badge doesn't put you off). We test drove alot of cars when my Mrs was expecting to replace a small 3 Dr hatch and the Superb was the clear winner at our price point.
I've got a 330d f34 (3 series GT) and the boot is huge. Has been perfect for us (with 2 young kids). Can get prams etc in no bother.
Also I believe it has a longer wheel base than the rest of the range so there's plenty of room in terms of back seats as well.
Mine's a 66 plate so it's LCI, and it cost me £15k about 18 months ago with 60k on the clock.
Also I believe it has a longer wheel base than the rest of the range so there's plenty of room in terms of back seats as well.
Mine's a 66 plate so it's LCI, and it cost me £15k about 18 months ago with 60k on the clock.
We will definitely give some of these a test drive but by reading the responses it seems that the amount we drive and the type of journeys we make a diesel doesn't make too much sense.
So would a 320/328/330 (or equivalent 5 series) be better option thinking long term and fuel economy? Just looking for the best compromise. I've heard of timing chain issues on these cars so that's bit concerning.
Other makes are an option - we were originally going to lease a Skoda Scala to run alongside my Clio 197 but have no idea when that would turn up and don't really want to wait.
So would a 320/328/330 (or equivalent 5 series) be better option thinking long term and fuel economy? Just looking for the best compromise. I've heard of timing chain issues on these cars so that's bit concerning.
Other makes are an option - we were originally going to lease a Skoda Scala to run alongside my Clio 197 but have no idea when that would turn up and don't really want to wait.
navmangt said:
We will definitely give some of these a test drive but by reading the responses it seems that the amount we drive and the type of journeys we make a diesel doesn't make too much sense.
Just to be helpful by saying something different to everybody else, I wouldn't hesitate to get a diesel in your position. IMO the stuff you read about DPF problems on here is well overdone. You don't need to travel the length of the country every time you turn the key; 140 miles every few weeks will be fine. Plus it's not like petrol engines don't take time to reach their optimum operating temperature either - every car I've had with a largish petrol engine has been pretty dreadful on fuel for short journeys. Though they have their downsides a decent sized diesel - certainly one as good as that in a 30d - combined with a decent autobox, makes for a very good all-purpose car. navmangt said:
We will definitely give some of these a test drive but by reading the responses it seems that the amount we drive and the type of journeys we make a diesel doesn't make too much sense.
So would a 320/328/330 (or equivalent 5 series) be better option thinking long term and fuel economy? Just looking for the best compromise. I've heard of timing chain issues on these cars so that's bit concerning.
Other makes are an option - we were originally going to lease a Skoda Scala to run alongside my Clio 197 but have no idea when that would turn up and don't really want to wait.
Totally different car but what about a Skoda Octavia RS (petrol)?So would a 320/328/330 (or equivalent 5 series) be better option thinking long term and fuel economy? Just looking for the best compromise. I've heard of timing chain issues on these cars so that's bit concerning.
Other makes are an option - we were originally going to lease a Skoda Scala to run alongside my Clio 197 but have no idea when that would turn up and don't really want to wait.
The 2.0TSi has a wet clutch DSG so will be more reliable (compared to Skoda's with smaller petrol engines and dry clutches). The boot space and interior room is similar to a 5 series and it'll be a more nimble car and pleasurable drive for city driving and tight roads compared to a Superb or a 5-series which are barges...
I'd go for the E350cdi:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204084...
Facelift model with the 9 speed box:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112150...
These are great long term cars & are a good pick.
Also by going for the next size up will you need an estate? Becuase the boots in both the E/5 Series are big.
530d Luxury:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110138...
530 Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203163...
E350 AMG Line:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201211...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201191...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204084...
Facelift model with the 9 speed box:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112150...
These are great long term cars & are a good pick.
Also by going for the next size up will you need an estate? Becuase the boots in both the E/5 Series are big.
530d Luxury:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110138...
530 Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203163...
E350 AMG Line:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201211...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201191...
If you want a 330d Touring, I'd be looking to spend another couple of grand or so in order to get one in good condition from a reputable dealer, like this one
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202182...
As you might have realised, your usage might be more suited to something petrol powered. If you really need to keep it under £15k, then your only option is really a 320i Touring
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202042...
As a wildcard option, what about a PHEV? This Mercedes C350e isn't quite as fun to drive as a 3 series, but might be better suited to your usage profile, should be very cheap to run if you can charge it up at home, and has good performance too
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203314...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202182...
As you might have realised, your usage might be more suited to something petrol powered. If you really need to keep it under £15k, then your only option is really a 320i Touring
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202042...
As a wildcard option, what about a PHEV? This Mercedes C350e isn't quite as fun to drive as a 3 series, but might be better suited to your usage profile, should be very cheap to run if you can charge it up at home, and has good performance too
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203314...
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12413042
A bit over budget- 2015 335i £17499
£17,400 but when I’ve looked at the photos it’s actually a 335d
A bit over budget- 2015 335i £17499
£17,400 but when I’ve looked at the photos it’s actually a 335d
Having gone through 3 iterations of 3 series I went looking for a 5 a couple of years back. We ended up with a 330d. As with many others our car use profile has changed massively in the last 2 years with much rarer long journeys. According to the Carly app the DPF is managing just fine.
Others obviously mentioned looking at the F11 and obviously you should. It's quieter, feels better put together and the spec tends to be better. We found though that the 3 (for a family bus) is just a bit more fun to drive plus it's about 30cm shorter and that makes car park spaces a little easier if it's in town a lot.
Oh and here is a review that aligns with the thread title. https://www.greencarguide.co.uk/car-reviews-and-ro...
Others obviously mentioned looking at the F11 and obviously you should. It's quieter, feels better put together and the spec tends to be better. We found though that the 3 (for a family bus) is just a bit more fun to drive plus it's about 30cm shorter and that makes car park spaces a little easier if it's in town a lot.
Oh and here is a review that aligns with the thread title. https://www.greencarguide.co.uk/car-reviews-and-ro...
I was in the same dilemma 3 or a 5, ended up with a F11 520d, would have loved the 3L but budget meant that wasn’t an option (small person had just arrived)
my reason for going for the 5 was down to specs. the 5 comes with leather, heated seats, parking sensors and nav all as standard, where as the 3 these were generally optional extras and was having to study pictures/ specs to see what they actually had.
my brother is a BMW mechanic, so I don’t know what the running costs would be if i had to use a main dealer/ indi garage, but so far so good for me. parts can be sourced for reasonable prices online, so far i’ve only had routine servicing/ consumables (brakes/ tyres). fuel consumption i’m getting 650 average out of a tank (50/50 mix of in town/ motorway) going up over 700 on a road trip/ going to see family/ motorway journey.
had the car 18 months now and zero complaints. it just does what i need/ want it to do. you can hustle along if you really want too, but remember it is a 2ton family bus, but goes plenty fast enough to have fun/ get in trouble. I’ve not even thought of replacing it, as it just what I need with minimal fuss
my reason for going for the 5 was down to specs. the 5 comes with leather, heated seats, parking sensors and nav all as standard, where as the 3 these were generally optional extras and was having to study pictures/ specs to see what they actually had.
my brother is a BMW mechanic, so I don’t know what the running costs would be if i had to use a main dealer/ indi garage, but so far so good for me. parts can be sourced for reasonable prices online, so far i’ve only had routine servicing/ consumables (brakes/ tyres). fuel consumption i’m getting 650 average out of a tank (50/50 mix of in town/ motorway) going up over 700 on a road trip/ going to see family/ motorway journey.
had the car 18 months now and zero complaints. it just does what i need/ want it to do. you can hustle along if you really want too, but remember it is a 2ton family bus, but goes plenty fast enough to have fun/ get in trouble. I’ve not even thought of replacing it, as it just what I need with minimal fuss
Just to close out the thread I ended up getting, rightly or wrongly, a Giulia. The 5 series, especially in touring form, was just too large for the wife to drive confidently. The 3 series was OK but finding one with correct spec and decent condition for the budget was proving more difficult (didn't get a chance to drive the 6 cylinder). But just fell in love with the Giulia's exterior and interior styling and the way it drives just feels better.
Slight compromise getting stuff in and out but I think we'll get used to it with time. I'm sure if I drove a 6 cylinder BMW that it might have been a harder decision but atm I'm loving the Alfa.
Slight compromise getting stuff in and out but I think we'll get used to it with time. I'm sure if I drove a 6 cylinder BMW that it might have been a harder decision but atm I'm loving the Alfa.
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