[dopper99]

I had this 430d GC M Sport sdrive loaner yesterday while mine was in for a suspension strut change. They apologised for it being filthy as I seemed to be swapped into it at the last minute, but I didn't care, just happy with a decent 6 cylinder for a change.

First interesting point to note is that you can spec 18" 398 orbit grey wheels which come as standard with NON run flats. And they come fitted with ........... Michelin Pilot Super Sports.

So you can imagine we're off to a good start with regards handling, comfort, grip, ride etc... without the awful run flats. The handling was very good with hardly any body roll with reasonably brisk cornering (but nothing too crazy). Very well balanced. But because it’s so comfortable, steady, sure and secure compared to the M you can’t help thinking it’s getting a bit boring after a while.

One thing that really surprised me was when I came to a stop the car would rock front to back several times, just slightly but noticeable. The first time it did this I thought it was an SE and had to double check the spec sheet!

However, being an sdrive with RWD proper M Sport suspension it handled much better than the SE sprung 335d I drove the other week. That 335d was ok up to a point then felt decidedly iffy when pushed.

Now the power delivery was similar to the 530d loaner I had, obviously, but maybe a little more pokey being a slightly smaller, lighter car. These diesels are very easy to drive fast around town at speeds below say 50mph. One flex of the foot and the pick up is there straight away due to the torque and I'm sure the guys that have moved from diesels to petrols have probably noticed this - you need to work petrols a bit. I’d still say even that 430d pulls you harder than the M3 (over a small rev range) … but its ONLY short lived. So it’s a short hard pull, then its gone, then change up gear and repeat. Took the wife out and when you floor it I noticed she was being yanked back in the seat so I could tell it was torquey’er. Or maybe its just the way the torque is delivered. It just "feels" quick due to the torque, even though it is nowhere near as quick as the M3.
I guess if you put the M3 in Sport+ throttle its pretty close in "pull", but I dont drive in that mode all the time.

The steering sadly to me felt so light and lifeless, like the 335d I drove. The M steering although heavier is far, far superior.

The ZF box is a peach, as always, and its nice to put it in reverse and it the car move straight away. With my M3 and the DCT box, when you put it in reverse there is a noticeable 2-3 delay until the car bloody moves (and this can feel like a lifetime sometimes when you're in a hurry)!!!!

But there is no doubt the M3 is much quicker once out on the open road, that 430d wouldn’t see which way the M3 went once you get over 50mph.

Still a really good car and I wouldn't knock it, just giving an honest opinion of the differences I felt while I had it.


But ... still glad to get back into mine at the end of the day

[Mr Burt]

Interesting that it came with non run flats.
Still think the 30d rear drive is the sweet spot of the 3 & 4 series diesel range. All the performance with a good blend of economy and non of the compromises that a 335d X drive gives you in the handling, suspension and drivetrain areas.
If I did high miles it would be the one for me.

[CazuaLLUK]

Originally Posted by Mr Burt

Interesting that it came with non run flats.
Still think the 30d rear drive is the sweet spot of the 3 & 4 series diesel range. All the performance with a good blend of economy and non of the compromises that a 335d X drive gives you in the handling, suspension and drivetrain areas.
If I did high miles it would be the one for me.

Totally agree.

[mcoops]

Thanks for posting this. Collecting my new 430d GC MSport in about 4 weeks, so this was timely!

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by mcoops

Thanks for posting this. Collecting my new 430d GC MSport in about 4 weeks, so this was timely!

Yes, you'll love it, its a great car. As said probably the only stand out thing that lets it down slightly is the steering. But that is only I own an M3 so its a direct comparison. If you never driven an M3/4 you'd never know any different!

But I'm really just being picky as there is not a lot wrong with this car at all and straight out the box, its probably better than a 335d to drive, both stock. The 335d needs ACS springs then its sorted car. Having said that the 430d was on MPSS which is one of the best tyres money can buy and 18s too which would improve comfort. I wouldnt like to drive it on the god-awful Bridgestone S001 run flats that BMW keep insisting on putting of most M Sports.

Of course you can PPK the 330d to near 335d performance and if it was me ordering one I'd get it fitted before collection. Seems a no brainer as warranty is intact.

[CazuaLLUK]

Originally Posted by dopper99

Of course you can PPK the 330d to near 335d performance and if it was me ordering one I'd get it fitted before collection. Seems a no brainer as warranty is intact.

You lot know how to word things, to make people spend more money

[mcoops]

Yeah the kids are already getting nothing more than a LEGO mini figure and a couple of satsumas this Xmas so I can afford the 430. Mind you if we skip the turkey and put the money in the MPPK fund I guess it'll get me there a bit sooner.

[F15CCT]

If it had non run flats what type of 'spare' did it carry? Just a can of glup and a pump?

[gatsojon]

Originally Posted by F15CCT

If it had non run flats what type of 'spare' did it carry? Just a can of glup and a pump?

I expect so. That's what I have in the M4 with those tyres.

[Rbrown]

Thanks to the OP for the write up. Very informative.

I am keen to try a 340i to see how it compares to my 330d. Would be really interested to see how they differ.

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by CazuaLLUK

You lot know how to word things, to make people spend more money

Haha....

I think if you drive a 320d (this is not directly aimed at you! ) you will find a 330d quite quick. But when you own an M3 then drive a 330d, you find it slow.
Hence my comment for the PPK.

[AlanQS]

Unless the 335d is an x-drive, it doesn't have SE suspension even if it is an SE. They all have m-sport suspension.

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by AlanQS

Unless the 335d is an x-drive, it doesn't have SE suspension even if it is an SE. They all have m-sport suspension.

I think you've been mis-informed, that's the kind of thing a dealer will say.

Well the 335d is only xdrive. And it's a fact all 3/4 series xdrives (regardless if its an M Sport) have SE springs. This is why they all sit higher.

Only sdrive M Sport models have M Sport springs, I think virtually everyone on here knows that.

[CazuaLLUK]

Originally Posted by dopper99

Haha....

I think if you drive a 320d (this is not directly aimed at you! ) you will find a 330d quite quick. But when you own an M3 then drive a 330d, you find it slow.
Hence my comment for the PPK.

I know man, since my car has been remapped I love it even more. I'd love to try these bigger engines though!

Does me absolutely fine, roll on a few years time when I go car shopping again.

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by CazuaLLUK

I know man, since my car has been remapped I love it even more. I'd love to try these bigger engines though!

Does me absolutely fine, roll on a few years time when I go car shopping again.

I think if you've a remapped 320d the 6 cylinder will feel a bit quicker that not that much quicker so dont expect a rocket ship! They do however feel a lot quicker than a standard 320d.
However, there's more to it than the power, the 6's are much smoother and nicer to drive and sound better. But they weigh more and use a tad more juice.

[mpawood]

I was able to delete run flats when speccing my 435d and it can on MPSS with a can to fill tyre and an electric pump

[tartan]

Originally Posted by dopper99

Haha....

I think if you drive a 320d (this is not directly aimed at you! ) you will find a 330d quite quick. But when you own an M3 then drive a 330d, you find it slow.
Hence my comment for the PPK.

Have you driven a MPPK on a 330d,just wondering if you thought it had a good difference in power delivery compared to stock.and was worth the price.

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by tartan

Have you driven a MPPK on a 330d,just wondering if you thought it had a good difference in power delivery compared to stock.and was worth the price.

No, haven't driven a MPPK. There is another thread on this at the moment.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1333282