330d - when did the spec change?

[NDT]

can anyone tell me when the power went up and the gearbox went from 5 to 6 speed?

thinking about a second hand one, so any other thoughts appreciated....

N

[ScoobyZoom]

April / May this year sir.


be careful though as with any model change there are always a few straggling "old spec" cars about for a while. email me any you find if you like i'll check them for you as its hard unless you go drive them all!

>> Edited by ScoobyZoom on Friday 24th October 18:48

[XM5ER]

Get an older one and stick a tuning box in, 220BHP and 500Nm, plus better MPG by all accounts.

[MattOz]

N,

I'm onto my 3rd 330d Sport now and it's the 6-spd 204 bhp version. Absolutely fantastic and certainly gruntier than the 184 bhp model.

Miles per gallon are actually up due to longer 6th gear (approx 36mph/1000 rpm) and the overall gearing is longer.

I'd recommend either version to be honest, but go for as late a model as possible. You can get a 5 spd car for between £22k and £29k dependent on spec etc. I'd go for a sport as its looks are more appealing and the ride and handling are infintiely better than the slightly sloppy SE models. And you get nicer seats in the Sport! LOL

Either way you get about 40mpg and enough performance to put a grin on your face. The new ones have a servicing deal from UK dealers, although servicing is reasonable anyway.

With my first 330d, I paid just over £400 for 43500 miles worth of motoring and that included a set of pads. This was with my local main dealer, and I did not have any special discounts. It would've been cheaper if I'd supplied my own oil.

Try one and see if you like it.

Matt

[NDT]

thanks chaps
not sure I can run to a new one... might try to find a year old one and miss a bit of depreciation instead...

after two Subarus then an Elise I'm looking for a quick diesel, and it's between the 330d, and Audi A4 V6 diesel, the PD150 Golf.
Any thoughts?

[NDT]

XM5ER said:

Get an older one and stick a tuning box in, 220BHP and 500Nm, plus better MPG by all accounts.

do you know whether this is detectable at services?
obviously I'd like to keep the warranty....

[XM5ER]

They are a plugin/out item, and hence undetectable. Unless you forget to remove it. Have a look on the bmwland.co.uk forum there have been loads of topics on these over the last month.

I'll be getting a 330d touring myself in a few months and will certainly be getting a chip.