[theabbot]

I have decided that my next car will be a 4 series G C but do I go for a 440i or a 435 xDrive? I change my mind at least twice a day so I need help. Please point me in the correct direction.

Mike

[Chris330]

Had the same dilemma, the 435d is s great car, fast and accomplished...but in the end it was an easy decision as soon as I drove the 340i. I'm averaging 30.1mpg too. But the performance and the noise will make everything seem worthwhile!

[pdk42]

Made a similar decision when I traded my fairly new 330d xdrive for a 335i a year or so back. Never looked back. Lack of NVH and a much more satisfying power delivery make up for the poorer fuel consumption. I refer RWD to AWD too.

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by theabbot

I have decided that my next car will be a 4 series G C but do I go for a 440i or a 435 xDrive? I change my mind at least twice a day so I need help. Please point me in the correct direction.

Mike

Both are lovely cars but the question I would ask myself in your position is do I want or need X-Drive? If you do then it's the 435d, if not it's the 440i all the way IMO!

[Jack_is_Back]

Originally Posted by JNW1

Both are lovely cars but the question I would ask myself in your position is do I want or need X-Drive? If you do then it's the 435d, if not it's the 440i all the way IMO!

Simple as this. Unless you're doing loads of miles per year a 35d isn't going to save you much money on fuel.

[Ashway]

we traded my wife's 640D for a 435 Xdrive GC a couple of months ago and have no regrets, yes the cabin's not a plush but its a far more practical car and she likes the security of 4 wheel drive having had a scary moment in the 6. Its really good on fuel and power delivery is great.

For noise and absolute performance however we use my F80

[MashinBenzin]

440i all the way unless you need xDrive. If you live on a hill prone to snow, I'd still say 440i + a set of winter wheels.

The 435d is a great car, but the 40i engine has seemingly closed the running costs gap significantly.

My opinions aside...
Have you test driven a 440i? Give it a go and the engine will probably sell it to you. If it doesn't do so, then the 435d might be the right way to go for the edge in running costs.

[bodtwo]

Above 20/25k 435d, below 440i and if economy not an issue M3

[asif03]

Definitely 440i if you do less than 20k miles a year. So basically if you can afford it. I've got a 430d and as fast as it is, it just doesn't feel 'right' in a sexy, sporty coupe. I don't regret buying the diesel because at the time it was the right decision but I'm definitely hoping to get into a 40i engined car when I next change.

I feel diesels are perfect for a calm, relaxed drive. A 5 Series I reckon would be lovely with a 30/35d engine as it'd still have the pull but be a nice and relaxed drive. But a 4 Series in my opinion should really be a petrol if your circumstances allow.

As others have mentioned though, go for a test drive in one and that'll make your mind for you. You may just prefer the drive of the diesel.

[Ss66]

IMHO depends on the mileage you are doing,my choice was between the 435d and 440i,after driving the 440i ....an easy decision 440 all the way

[mpawood]

I wouldn't base it off of fuel economy. Difference isn't much and if your buying a car like that it shouldn't matter really.

435d is just ridiculous off the line, or pulling out of a junction. It's terrible around bends on the springs it comes with.

The 440i is slower on paper, but I'm guessing at higher speeds it would be quicker. It sounds way more awesome!

I have 435d GC and I love it, though I often wish it sounded like a petrol.

[TripleD]

I'd have the 435d as they tend to have better residuals.

[Ss66]

Originally Posted by TripleD

I'd have the 435d as they tend to have better residuals.

The GFV of the 435d and 440i were very close,not like the £1500 odd pound difference from new between the two

[Drek]

Originally Posted by Jack_is_Back

Simple as this. Unless you're doing loads of miles per year a 35d isn't going to save you much money on fuel.

Not really that simple, fuel economy isn't the only reason why people buy them. At this end of the scale it's just as much about the power and how it's delivered that matter to some people. Buying a new car is never a smart financial move (unless it's going to go up in value the second you drive it away) anyway so kidding yourself that you can save £X on fuel will be the clincher is a bit flawed really. When I bought my 335d, fuel economy was most definitely not a deal breaker.

[Ronstein]

Lots of deciding factors. Not sure how others drive, but I don't hang about and I find the xdrive is fine round bends for what I need. Grip is phenomenal in all weathers and the 35d power delivery is seamless. Standing start takes care of almost anything (including Porsche 911 4S's) Some like the sound of a petrol engine, but I have the HK option, so I can't hear the engine :-). Currently getting 49 mpg and I do 20k per year so I'm saving around £1300 on fuel a year based on 30mpg from the 40i engine.

[Ss66]

Originally Posted by Ronstein

Lots of deciding factors. Not sure how others drive, but I don't hang about and I find the xdrive is fine round bends for what I need. Grip is phenomenal in all weathers and the 35d power delivery is seamless. Standing start takes care of almost anything (including Porsche 911 4S's) Some like the sound of a petrol engine, but I have the HK option, so I can't hear the engine :-). Currently getting 49 mpg and I do 20k per year so I'm saving around £1300 on fuel a year based on 30mpg from the 40i engine.

Wow 49 mpg, I only get 40mpg tops and I don't boot it that often,so a difference of 7or 8mpg difference is neither here or there when making my choice for the 40i engine over the 35d engine

[Ronstein]

Originally Posted by Ss66

Wow 49 mpg, I only get 40mpg tops and I don't boot it that often,so a difference of 7or 8mpg difference is neither here or there when making my choice for the 40i engine over the 35d engine

Slightly special circumstances. Daily commute is a 50-mile round trip on the M4, M25 & through the M3 Roadworks so a steady 50 mph each way. Regular work trip is the 404 mile round trip to Manchester and I stick to 75mph as I need my license and the route contains random camera vans on bridges (M40) and unmarked cars on the M6 toll and M6 (unmarked Mineral Grey 5 series are a favorite)

Makes is all the more fun when I get the chance to boot it :-)

[black stig]

I was nailed on for a 35d.

Drove a 340i, smiled lots, did some maths, ordered a 440i GC.

Helps that I've just driven 2k miles in France with a 6 pot diesel (benz though so not quite as efficient as the BMW) and haven't seen sparkling economy. Any running cost premium for the petrol will I'm sure be worth it!

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by Ronstein

Currently getting 49 mpg and I do 20k per year so I'm saving around £1300 on fuel a year based on 30mpg from the 40i engine.

If you're getting a genuine 49mpg from a 35d my bet is you'd get way more than 30mpg from a 40i driven in the same way in the same conditions. In reality I don't think there's more than 5 or 6mpg between the two so 49mpg from the 35d would probably equate to over 40 from the 40i and hence the fuel cost difference would be much less than you suggest.

However, as others have said, basing a purchase decision on fuel saving when you're spending over £40k on a car seems a bit strange; for me the only reason to choose the 35d is a desire or need for X-Drive, other than that the 40i petrol wins hands-down IMO.

[Jack_is_Back]

Originally Posted by Drek

Not really that simple, fuel economy isn't the only reason why people buy them.

I think you misunderstood me, I was referring to the x-drive vs s-drive point from the post I quoted.

That and the power delivery as you mentioned.

Very little else really, the other stuff is emotional which some people care about a lot, and others don't.

[Drek]

Originally Posted by Jack_is_Back

I think you misunderstood me, I was referring to the x-drive vs s-drive point from the post I quoted.

That and the power delivery as you mentioned.

Very little else really, the other stuff is emotional which some people care about a lot, and others don't.

Sorry, you're right I misread your post!

[JustChris]

430D and PPK