2015 330d xDrive Saloon
Discussion
After several problems with it I began searching for a replacement for my Golf R, and circumstances including just this week getting an offer accepted on a house meant I'd be looking at the 15-17k mark rather than the ~20k I had been previously because I always keep a 3 month rainy day fund and didn't want to dip into my investment pot. This ruled out the more recent hot hatches and decent examples of the Guilia Veloce or Jag XE S.
Considering I do fairly frequent long trips someone at the rugby club suggested a 3er diesel and seeing the performance and economy for the price it looked like a no brainer.
At my budget it was between a bare spec or slightly ragged 335d or a well optioned and clean 330. After test driving this 330d I decided to go for it, because it was clearly well looked after and drove much better than I expected. It's on 54k miles and cost just over 17k, which felt like a bargain for the quality of the car. The hype around the ZF8 is fully justified, I wanted to go back to a manual but this thing is fantastic.
It's not as fast as the Golf but I do prefer driving it. The driving position works much better for me (I'd cramp up a bit after an hour in the golf) and the torquey, smooth engine suits it perfectly. This one has a very good service record apart from being sat for two years with the previous owner, but after that interval it had a major service including fuel filter and brakes, as well as the EGR recall which was about 6k miles ago. It also has some fresh Eagle F1s all around which is always a good sign, mismatched/cheap tyres always puts me off a car!
It's had the option book fairly liberally chucked at it, with:
-Tanzanite Blue, absolutely awesome colour
-cream merino leather interior with wood effect trim
-pro nav
-Harman Kardon
-M Performance brakes, look great and have some serious stopping power
-sunroof
-splitter, side skirts and carbon mirrors which really lift it compared to other 3 Series IMO
First job is to fix the duff screenwash pump, which I'm making the garage I bought it from do as I only got it the other day! After that I won't really do anything for a while as we're getting stuff sorted for the house, but eventually I'm thinking of the AC Schnitzer spring kit to make it a bit less floaty and a remap or a race chip just to lift the performance.
Considering I do fairly frequent long trips someone at the rugby club suggested a 3er diesel and seeing the performance and economy for the price it looked like a no brainer.
At my budget it was between a bare spec or slightly ragged 335d or a well optioned and clean 330. After test driving this 330d I decided to go for it, because it was clearly well looked after and drove much better than I expected. It's on 54k miles and cost just over 17k, which felt like a bargain for the quality of the car. The hype around the ZF8 is fully justified, I wanted to go back to a manual but this thing is fantastic.
It's not as fast as the Golf but I do prefer driving it. The driving position works much better for me (I'd cramp up a bit after an hour in the golf) and the torquey, smooth engine suits it perfectly. This one has a very good service record apart from being sat for two years with the previous owner, but after that interval it had a major service including fuel filter and brakes, as well as the EGR recall which was about 6k miles ago. It also has some fresh Eagle F1s all around which is always a good sign, mismatched/cheap tyres always puts me off a car!
It's had the option book fairly liberally chucked at it, with:
-Tanzanite Blue, absolutely awesome colour
-cream merino leather interior with wood effect trim
-pro nav
-Harman Kardon
-M Performance brakes, look great and have some serious stopping power
-sunroof
-splitter, side skirts and carbon mirrors which really lift it compared to other 3 Series IMO
First job is to fix the duff screenwash pump, which I'm making the garage I bought it from do as I only got it the other day! After that I won't really do anything for a while as we're getting stuff sorted for the house, but eventually I'm thinking of the AC Schnitzer spring kit to make it a bit less floaty and a remap or a race chip just to lift the performance.
HazzaT said:
After several problems with it I began searching for a replacement for my Golf R, and circumstances including just this week getting an offer accepted on a house meant I'd be looking at the 15-17k mark rather than the ~20k I had been previously because I always keep a 3 month rainy day fund and didn't want to dip into my investment pot. This ruled out the more recent hot hatches and decent examples of the Guilia Veloce or Jag XE S.
Considering I do fairly frequent long trips someone at the rugby club suggested a 3er diesel and seeing the performance and economy for the price it looked like a no brainer.
At my budget it was between a bare spec or slightly ragged 335d or a well optioned and clean 330. After test driving this 330d I decided to go for it, because it was clearly well looked after and drove much better than I expected. It's on 54k miles and cost just over 17k, which felt like a bargain for the quality of the car. The hype around the ZF8 is fully justified, I wanted to go back to a manual but this thing is fantastic.
It's not as fast as the Golf but I do prefer driving it. The driving position works much better for me (I'd cramp up a bit after an hour in the golf) and the torquey, smooth engine suits it perfectly. This one has a very good service record apart from being sat for two years with the previous owner, but after that interval it had a major service including fuel filter and brakes, as well as the EGR recall which was about 6k miles ago. It also has some fresh Eagle F1s all around which is always a good sign, mismatched/cheap tyres always puts me off a car!
It's had the option book fairly liberally chucked at it, with:
-Tanzanite Blue, absolutely awesome colour
-cream merino leather interior with wood effect trim
-pro nav
-Harman Kardon
-M Performance brakes, look great and have some serious stopping power
-sunroof
-splitter, side skirts and carbon mirrors which really lift it compared to other 3 Series IMO
First job is to fix the duff screenwash pump, which I'm making the garage I bought it from do as I only got it the other day! After that I won't really do anything for a while as we're getting stuff sorted for the house, but eventually I'm thinking of the AC Schnitzer spring kit to make it a bit less floaty and a remap or a race chip just to lift the performance.
Looks a great car; the M Performance brakes are superb Considering I do fairly frequent long trips someone at the rugby club suggested a 3er diesel and seeing the performance and economy for the price it looked like a no brainer.
At my budget it was between a bare spec or slightly ragged 335d or a well optioned and clean 330. After test driving this 330d I decided to go for it, because it was clearly well looked after and drove much better than I expected. It's on 54k miles and cost just over 17k, which felt like a bargain for the quality of the car. The hype around the ZF8 is fully justified, I wanted to go back to a manual but this thing is fantastic.
It's not as fast as the Golf but I do prefer driving it. The driving position works much better for me (I'd cramp up a bit after an hour in the golf) and the torquey, smooth engine suits it perfectly. This one has a very good service record apart from being sat for two years with the previous owner, but after that interval it had a major service including fuel filter and brakes, as well as the EGR recall which was about 6k miles ago. It also has some fresh Eagle F1s all around which is always a good sign, mismatched/cheap tyres always puts me off a car!
It's had the option book fairly liberally chucked at it, with:
-Tanzanite Blue, absolutely awesome colour
-cream merino leather interior with wood effect trim
-pro nav
-Harman Kardon
-M Performance brakes, look great and have some serious stopping power
-sunroof
-splitter, side skirts and carbon mirrors which really lift it compared to other 3 Series IMO
First job is to fix the duff screenwash pump, which I'm making the garage I bought it from do as I only got it the other day! After that I won't really do anything for a while as we're getting stuff sorted for the house, but eventually I'm thinking of the AC Schnitzer spring kit to make it a bit less floaty and a remap or a race chip just to lift the performance.
The ACVS springs are the ones to go for; they're well thought of over on the UK F3x Bimmerpost forums
Ref remap; get it done by a proper tuning company/rolling road etc rather than a 'chip' and if they offer it; get the ZF8 mapped too
Just needs the alloys refurbing in a bright silver now
Pica-Pica said:
Once the screen wash pump (filter blocked?) is fixed, stick to BMW screen wash!
As a side note: my 335d, with ‘66 plate on 50k, only gets an offer of £15k on WBAC.
I think it's a failure of the pump itself as I can't hear it even trying to operate, it's silent when I pull the stalk.As a side note: my 335d, with ‘66 plate on 50k, only gets an offer of £15k on WBAC.
Brakes look like M Sport Plus (370mm vented 2-piece disk with blue callipers front, 345 rear) rather than M Performance (370mm dimpled and grooved 2-piece disk with red, orange or yellow calipers front, 345 rear) but the only difference is the disk and pad design and the colour. I recent swapped my F30 onto the dimpled and grooved disks and M Performance pads and they're absolutely ace (though make an odd flutter noise on hard braking).
Tanzanite is my favourite F30 colour, and I continue to believe the M Performance kit on the F30 saloon looks the absolute business.
The spring kit probably won't make a massive difference to the floatiness, the problem is the dampers really. Bilstein B8 or Koni Active Red/FSD dampers on standard springs will make a much bigger difference. B8s are a bit firmer/sportier, Koni a bit more pliant but both miles better than the OE BMW ones. For you, the benefit of springs will mostly be addressing the 4x4 ride height that the xDrive cars left the factory with
Tanzanite is my favourite F30 colour, and I continue to believe the M Performance kit on the F30 saloon looks the absolute business.
The spring kit probably won't make a massive difference to the floatiness, the problem is the dampers really. Bilstein B8 or Koni Active Red/FSD dampers on standard springs will make a much bigger difference. B8s are a bit firmer/sportier, Koni a bit more pliant but both miles better than the OE BMW ones. For you, the benefit of springs will mostly be addressing the 4x4 ride height that the xDrive cars left the factory with
Edited by HM-2 on Monday 10th July 17:08
HM-2 said:
Brakes look like M Sport Plus (370mm vented 2-piece disk with blue callipers front, 345 rear) rather than M Performance (370mm dimpled and grooved 2-piece disk with red, orange or yellow calipers front, 345 rear) but the only difference is the disk and pad design and the colour. I recent swapped my F30 onto the dimpled and grooved disks and M Performance pads and they're absolutely ace (though make an odd flutter noise on hard braking).
Tanzanite is my favourite F30 colour, and I continue to believe the M Performance kit on the F30 saloon looks the absolute business.
The spring kit probably won't make a massive difference to the floatiness, the problem is the dampers really. Bilstein B8 or Koni Active Red/FSD dampers on standard springs will make a much bigger difference. B8s are a bit firmer/sportier, Koni a bit more pliant but both miles better than the OE BMW ones. For you, the benefit of springs will mostly be addressing the 4x4 ride height that the xDrive cars left the factory with
Correct, they are the M Sport Plus ones! And yeah, it looks the mutt's nuts with the bodykit. The Bilsteins sound interesting, I do need to drive into farms and down crap roads for work occasionally so too much lowering would risk ripping the splitter offTanzanite is my favourite F30 colour, and I continue to believe the M Performance kit on the F30 saloon looks the absolute business.
The spring kit probably won't make a massive difference to the floatiness, the problem is the dampers really. Bilstein B8 or Koni Active Red/FSD dampers on standard springs will make a much bigger difference. B8s are a bit firmer/sportier, Koni a bit more pliant but both miles better than the OE BMW ones. For you, the benefit of springs will mostly be addressing the 4x4 ride height that the xDrive cars left the factory with
Edited by HM-2 on Monday 10th July 17:08
HazzaT said:
HM-2 said:
Brakes look like M Sport Plus (370mm vented 2-piece disk with blue callipers front, 345 rear) rather than M Performance (370mm dimpled and grooved 2-piece disk with red, orange or yellow calipers front, 345 rear) but the only difference is the disk and pad design and the colour. I recent swapped my F30 onto the dimpled and grooved disks and M Performance pads and they're absolutely ace (though make an odd flutter noise on hard braking).
Tanzanite is my favourite F30 colour, and I continue to believe the M Performance kit on the F30 saloon looks the absolute business.
The spring kit probably won't make a massive difference to the floatiness, the problem is the dampers really. Bilstein B8 or Koni Active Red/FSD dampers on standard springs will make a much bigger difference. B8s are a bit firmer/sportier, Koni a bit more pliant but both miles better than the OE BMW ones. For you, the benefit of springs will mostly be addressing the 4x4 ride height that the xDrive cars left the factory with
Correct, they are the M Sport Plus ones! And yeah, it looks the mutt's nuts with the bodykit. The Bilsteins sound interesting, I do need to drive into farms and down crap roads for work occasionally so too much lowering would risk ripping the splitter offTanzanite is my favourite F30 colour, and I continue to believe the M Performance kit on the F30 saloon looks the absolute business.
The spring kit probably won't make a massive difference to the floatiness, the problem is the dampers really. Bilstein B8 or Koni Active Red/FSD dampers on standard springs will make a much bigger difference. B8s are a bit firmer/sportier, Koni a bit more pliant but both miles better than the OE BMW ones. For you, the benefit of springs will mostly be addressing the 4x4 ride height that the xDrive cars left the factory with
Edited by HM-2 on Monday 10th July 17:08
HazzaT said:
HM-2 said:
Brakes look like M Sport Plus (370mm vented 2-piece disk with blue callipers front, 345 rear) rather than M Performance (370mm dimpled and grooved 2-piece disk with red, orange or yellow calipers front, 345 rear) but the only difference is the disk and pad design and the colour. I recent swapped my F30 onto the dimpled and grooved disks and M Performance pads and they're absolutely ace (though make an odd flutter noise on hard braking).
Tanzanite is my favourite F30 colour, and I continue to believe the M Performance kit on the F30 saloon looks the absolute business.
The spring kit probably won't make a massive difference to the floatiness, the problem is the dampers really. Bilstein B8 or Koni Active Red/FSD dampers on standard springs will make a much bigger difference. B8s are a bit firmer/sportier, Koni a bit more pliant but both miles better than the OE BMW ones. For you, the benefit of springs will mostly be addressing the 4x4 ride height that the xDrive cars left the factory with
Correct, they are the M Sport Plus ones! And yeah, it looks the mutt's nuts with the bodykit. The Bilsteins sound interesting, I do need to drive into farms and down crap roads for work occasionally so too much lowering would risk ripping the splitter offTanzanite is my favourite F30 colour, and I continue to believe the M Performance kit on the F30 saloon looks the absolute business.
The spring kit probably won't make a massive difference to the floatiness, the problem is the dampers really. Bilstein B8 or Koni Active Red/FSD dampers on standard springs will make a much bigger difference. B8s are a bit firmer/sportier, Koni a bit more pliant but both miles better than the OE BMW ones. For you, the benefit of springs will mostly be addressing the 4x4 ride height that the xDrive cars left the factory with
Edited by HM-2 on Monday 10th July 17:08
They offer superb braking and not that dusty at all
Once my F31 is out of its extended BMW warranty I'll be refreshing the suspension (mines RWD, not xDrive); thinking either the Birds kit or Bilstein B12 kit... Don't want to lower it a lot at all; the front needs lowering a touch, the rears about spot on already... Typical BMW!
I’m a fellow Tanzanite Blue 330d xDrive owner!
I echo your comments, it’s a great car and the ZF 8sp is a perfect compliment to the car. I’ve done over 20k miles in mine now and it sits at just over 96,000 miles. My example is not as well optioned as your car but it has enough and the “basic” infotainment can be upgraded if I choose to. I am envious of the wood trim as the is a rare option on the F30.
The only recommendations that I’d make is to buy a Bimmercode to code out/in some features. I’ve coded in a digital speedo, deactivated the stop/start and a few other bits and with your professional nav, you would likely be able to activate/code more features. Also, I’d get the gearbox serviced by a ZF approved gearbox specialist. BMW say they’re sealed for life but will sell the service kit and ZF recommend having the gearbox serviced at 60/70k. It’s preventative maintenance but worth doing.
Enjoy!
d_a_n1979 said:
Just needs the alloys refurbing in a bright silver now
Yes, I’d do this. Not that I am biased but silver wheels compliment the Tanzanite blue so well in my opinion. d_a_n1979 said:
It's easy enough to source the OEM grooved & dimpled discs and their corresponding pads; exactly what I've done on my F31
They offer superb braking and not that dusty at all
Once my F31 is out of its extended BMW warranty I'll be refreshing the suspension (mines RWD, not xDrive); thinking either the Birds kit or Bilstein B12 kit... Don't want to lower it a lot at all; the front needs lowering a touch, the rears about spot on already... Typical BMW!
How are the 235/45 -18 front and rears going? Looks a sensible set up, single wheel and tyre size all round.They offer superb braking and not that dusty at all
Once my F31 is out of its extended BMW warranty I'll be refreshing the suspension (mines RWD, not xDrive); thinking either the Birds kit or Bilstein B12 kit... Don't want to lower it a lot at all; the front needs lowering a touch, the rears about spot on already... Typical BMW!
ETA, I’ve just re-read and see you have RWD. But 235s may be even more justified on an X-drive.
Edited by Pica-Pica on Tuesday 11th July 13:07
Pica-Pica said:
d_a_n1979 said:
It's easy enough to source the OEM grooved & dimpled discs and their corresponding pads; exactly what I've done on my F31
They offer superb braking and not that dusty at all
Once my F31 is out of its extended BMW warranty I'll be refreshing the suspension (mines RWD, not xDrive); thinking either the Birds kit or Bilstein B12 kit... Don't want to lower it a lot at all; the front needs lowering a touch, the rears about spot on already... Typical BMW!
How are the 235/45 -18 front and rears going? Looks a sensible set up, single wheel and tyre size all round.They offer superb braking and not that dusty at all
Once my F31 is out of its extended BMW warranty I'll be refreshing the suspension (mines RWD, not xDrive); thinking either the Birds kit or Bilstein B12 kit... Don't want to lower it a lot at all; the front needs lowering a touch, the rears about spot on already... Typical BMW!
ETA, I’ve just re-read and see you have RWD. But 235s may be even more justified on an X-drive.
Edited by Pica-Pica on Tuesday 11th July 13:07
A comfier, smoother ride too and the turn in feel is much better. Just feels more planted and great on windy B roads
Dealer had the car for an hour to tell me something I already knew (it's a pump failure). They're getting an original part from BMW to replace it so hopefully resolved this week.
Was able to give it a proper go in sport+ on the way back, needs to be in manual to get the best out of the engine but it's the strongest 255 horses I've ever felt in a car. My old Focus ST made similar power and this would comfortably pull away. Feels about as fast once moving as a standard Golf R
Was able to give it a proper go in sport+ on the way back, needs to be in manual to get the best out of the engine but it's the strongest 255 horses I've ever felt in a car. My old Focus ST made similar power and this would comfortably pull away. Feels about as fast once moving as a standard Golf R
Great cars, 330d, bought new in 2014, 170,000 mile in and no issues, nice drive down to Goodwood this week…..
Tanzanite, merino extended leather and only change made was AC springs and exhaust when new,
Was a bit apprehensive changing from manual but the gearbox is great…..
Ignore the BHP, it’s the torque that is great, made for A class road commuting
Enjoy..
Tanzanite, merino extended leather and only change made was AC springs and exhaust when new,
Was a bit apprehensive changing from manual but the gearbox is great…..
Ignore the BHP, it’s the torque that is great, made for A class road commuting
Enjoy..
Edited by tighnamara on Tuesday 11th July 15:35
Edited by tighnamara on Tuesday 11th July 15:35
Lotusgone said:
When choosing your car, did you also try 2WD 3-series? I would be interested in your impressions of the X-drive in comparison.
I actually didn't, there was a RWD for similar money but white and didn't have as good a specI had my first proper run in it tonight, 60 miles up to my girlfriend's. Really comfy on the motorway and on the few miles of twisty bits at the end I was able to push on a bit. Sports+ feels much more rear biased, and it's a very easy car to chuck round corners. In the wet I'm sure it would be able to get some decent angles.
I bashed the splitter leaving a music festival car park, replacement from carbon factory all sorted!
Other than that, now I'm 1500 miles in it's probably the best car I've owned even if it's not as fun to drive as my Fords or as ballistic as the Golf R. Fuel economy nosedives if you only run it around town though!
After the house move is out the way I'm going to be about 25 minutes from Darkside Developments in Barnsley so it might be on its way there for a bit of fettling soon.
Settled in as the workhorse now it's been on a few site visits. It's not a car with much soul, but the engine feels nice and beefy and I always look forward to a good trip out in it.
Is the N57 more characterful than the EA888? I think it probably is to be honest, it's more laid back but I'm really enjoying just squeezing the throttle and letting it shove the car along.
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