320d or 330d manual

popoff · 03-21-2006, 05:41 PM

Hi great forum you all have! I need help deciding between a 320d or 330d E91 yes I know the 330d is a lot better but is it really worth the extra outlay? I have test driven a 320d manual and 330d auto but my problem is I want a manual but cant find a dealer with a 330d manual to try, so, the question is, how dose the 330 drive with a manual change? And is the clutch any heaver than the 320’s?

shimshimhada · 03-21-2006, 05:44 PM

I'm guessing the clutch feels pretty much the same. I sat in a M3, and its clutch pedal weight wasn't that different from my 330i.

ibiza130bikes · 03-21-2006, 06:19 PM

Hi...I took delivery of a 330d E91 this month and having completed the break-in can happily report that things have bedded in very nicely. The clutch is not an issue at all, in addition my wife who drives it the most has no complaints at all.... Do recommend a couple of options that I neglected to order though...

these being:

Comfort Access
Electric Lumbar Support if you get bad back (does'nt come with support with electric seats)
Green sun sheild strip across top of windscreen or comfort windscreen

ibiza130bikes · 03-21-2006, 06:22 PM

As for the manual driving experience, I love it, having had a six speed box on a previous car which offers great control and relaxing cruising if you need it. 1st to 2nd can occasionally be a touch vauge to engage, but it is getting better with miles.... If you live in town though I would get an auto personally.

rss · 03-22-2006, 02:03 AM

I would suggest you widen your search. If you are trying to decide between them you really must drive both otherwise you'll always have that niggling feeling whether you made the right decision!

I've got the 320d E91 and it is more than enough for me at present, but my requirements are probably very different to yours (2 new family members arriving next month and a dog - so only sensible driving for me now!)

Quote:

Originally Posted by popoff

Hi great forum you all have! I need help deciding between a 320d or 330d E91 yes I know the 330d is a lot better but is it really worth the extra outlay? I have test driven a 320d manual and 330d auto but my problem is I want a manual but cant find a dealer with a 330d manual to try, so, the question is, how dose the 330 drive with a manual change? And is the clutch any heaver than the 320’s?

Paul330d · 03-22-2006, 02:21 AM

I had the same problem, only the other way around: I ordered the auto having tested the manual only. The clutch was ok, but I didn't like the long throw on the manual gear shift. Having said that the manual did feel more powerful than the auto when I eventually got to drive the Step' a couple of weeks ago.

davinet78 · 03-22-2006, 03:49 AM

im very happy with my 320d and it provides enough punch and top speed for my liking, the 330d is much faster and has much more power but im very happy with my car.

Broken1 · 03-22-2006, 06:38 AM

Here in South Africa, the 330d alot more expensive than a 320d.

I have a 320d and I am very happy with it, however, if I could comfortably afford a 330d - I would no doubt take it. Why not have more power? Why not have more torque? Why not have more standard features? If you can comfortably afford the car - with every option you want in it...

Oz · 03-22-2006, 07:32 AM

Definitely get the 330d if you can afford it! It's a no brainer!

JonMad · 03-22-2006, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oz

Definitely get the 330d if you can afford it! It's a no brainer!

That sums up what I'd say on this subject

Interesting point above about the long throw of the lever. It not too bad, and can be very quick, but then against my MX-5 most gear changes will feel a longer throw.

crazybones · 03-22-2006, 09:49 AM

I took delivery of my Le Mans Blue 330D M Sport last week. So far, I've done 500 miles, so am still having to take it gently. I was worried about choosing the manual in view of the diesel engine characteristics, but am now really glad that I did. According to the OBC, I've averaged 39.7 mpg so far - when I fill up, I'll work out how optomistic the OBC reads!

The engine pulls very strongly and is much smoother than the 4 cylinder. As I took the M sport, it's fitted with a shorter gear lever which is well weighted and operates smoothly. I was surprised how light the clutch action feels - it is no different to my old E90 325. Pull in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears is phenominal and feels quicker than the 330D auto that I test drove. However, you have to watch the revs and she revs very quickly and the rev limit when running her in is 3500 rpm. Blink and you'll miss it!

Hope this helps.

BLITZ · 03-22-2006, 11:03 AM

Its worth spending a bit extra to buy the 330d, and a manual gearbox is very good in BMW's and wll save bit on economy.

popoff · 03-22-2006, 04:43 PM

Thanks for all the replies; nice to know you all like to help!!
I would like to say 330d but the cost off running one as company car is approx £70 a month more than a 320d or to put it another way, that’s the equivalent of over a full tank of fuel, say 600 miles a month of “free” motoring in the 320! But the pull off the extra “grunt” is pulling my heart towards it, good to hear that the clutch is no heaver than a 320’s as this was a concern too, and I wont need to change down as much anyway
with all the extra grunt on tap!

I doubt that there’s much in the mpg between them as the bigger engine will be less stressed even when pushing on. What real word mpg do you get from them?
Thanks all.

JonMad · 03-22-2006, 05:41 PM

320d - 41.5mpg average. Can't remember how much extra the 330d was for me (extra lease + extra CO2).

Cheers
Jon

thebigman · 03-23-2006, 06:14 AM

The weight of the clutch and gear change of the 320d and 330d seemed identical in those I have driven.

What I would say is that you really notice the extra weight of the six-cylinder engine over the front of the car, especially on twisty roads that pitch and dive. I also found the 320d to be more refined.

£70 extra is nothing for the extra performance the 330d offers. You know it makes sense!

vivekk · 03-23-2006, 01:55 PM

320d or 330d- fight it over at the first UK meet!

Viv

jjbirch · 03-23-2006, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vivekk

320d or 330d- fight it over at the first UK meet!

Viv

sure the 330d is gonna win the fight but is it gonna win the war as the 320d should go futher on a tank of fuel

popoff · 03-23-2006, 04:11 PM

Looks like it’s as hard a choice as I first thought 320d or330d, it’s trying to decide between cost & power, never easy, want the power but need to be realistic with the cost, how often can you use the extra grunt in the real world? But the “feel good” factor and less cog swapping has got too be worth it, Oh I want the 330D !!
Interesting to hear that the 4 pot is more refined, I would have expected it to be the other way around, but can see the point with the handling with the bigger 6 pot up front, but it should still be about 50/50 weight front to back.

Still cant find a dealer with a demo manual, all autos, as they keep telling me “we don’t want a manual on demo, nobody wants them” and oddly never seen a auto 320d on demo, strange things these demonstrators!

rss · 03-24-2006, 02:01 AM

If you do a search on BMW's site for approved used bmw there are a couple of 330d manuals on there - might be an idea to pose as a potential buyer for one of them in order to drive one!

Quote:

Originally Posted by popoff

Looks like it’s as hard a choice as I first thought 320d or330d, it’s trying to decide between cost & power, never easy, want the power but need to be realistic with the cost, how often can you use the extra grunt in the real world? But the “feel good” factor and less cog swapping has got too be worth it, Oh I want the 330D !!
Interesting to hear that the 4 pot is more refined, I would have expected it to be the other way around, but can see the point with the handling with the bigger 6 pot up front, but it should still be about 50/50 weight front to back.

Still cant find a dealer with a demo manual, all autos, as they keep telling me “we don’t want a manual on demo, nobody wants them” and oddly never seen a auto 320d on demo, strange things these demonstrators!

popoff · 03-24-2006, 12:19 PM

Pose as a customer looking at a second hand one, thats not nice, the pore old stealer, sorry dealer, what a cunning stunt, think I will have to do a search as sugested, thanks, not thought of of a second hand one thats if there is any, the only new one's I have found are 1 up north and 1 on the south coast.

- Paul - · 03-24-2006, 01:04 PM

320D 47-48 mpg - average trip 30 miles 2 city, 28 motorway.

beemer2 · 03-26-2006, 01:58 PM

Hi, i would go for a manual 320D or an Auto 330D. The auto box kills the economy on the 320D. My 330D auto is showing 36.6mpg average after only 1100 miles, It will improve a bit. You should get high 40`s out of the 320D manual wheras about 40 is right for the 320D auto.

03-21-2006, 05:41 PM	#1
popoff New Member 1 Rep 9 Posts Drives: E91 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Leics uk iTrader: (0)	320d or 330d manual Hi great forum you all have! I need help deciding between a 320d or 330d E91 yes I know the 330d is a lot better but is it really worth the extra outlay? I have test driven a 320d manual and 330d auto but my problem is I want a manual but cant find a dealer with a 330d manual to try, so, the question is, how dose the 330 drive with a manual change? And is the clutch any heaver than the 320’s?
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03-21-2006, 05:44 PM	#2
shimshimhada Brigadier General 442 Rep 4,838 Posts Drives: Portal Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portal iTrader: (2)	I'm guessing the clutch feels pretty much the same. I sat in a M3, and its clutch pedal weight wasn't that different from my 330i.
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03-21-2006, 06:19 PM	#3
ibiza130bikes New Member 3 Rep 11 Posts Drives: E91 330d SE Touring Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Hi...I took delivery of a 330d E91 this month and having completed the break-in can happily report that things have bedded in very nicely. The clutch is not an issue at all, in addition my wife who drives it the most has no complaints at all.... Do recommend a couple of options that I neglected to order though... these being: Comfort Access Electric Lumbar Support if you get bad back (does'nt come with support with electric seats) Green sun sheild strip across top of windscreen or comfort windscreen
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03-21-2006, 06:22 PM	#4
ibiza130bikes New Member 3 Rep 11 Posts Drives: E91 330d SE Touring Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	As for the manual driving experience, I love it, having had a six speed box on a previous car which offers great control and relaxing cruising if you need it. 1st to 2nd can occasionally be a touch vauge to engage, but it is getting better with miles.... If you live in town though I would get an auto personally.
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03-22-2006, 02:21 AM	#6
Paul330d Torque junky 115 Rep 1,688 Posts Drives: Remapped e90 330d Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: France (UK expat) iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330d [0.00] 2005 Fiat Panda 4x4 [0.00]	I had the same problem, only the other way around: I ordered the auto having tested the manual only. The clutch was ok, but I didn't like the long throw on the manual gear shift. Having said that the manual did feel more powerful than the auto when I eventually got to drive the Step' a couple of weeks ago. __________________ www.greenkeepers.fr - spécialiste des tondeuses à gazon hélicoïdales atco qualcast ransomes lawnflite
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03-22-2006, 03:49 AM	#7
davinet78 Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,832 Posts Drives: bmw e90 320d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gibraltar(europe) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 bmw 320d E90 [0.00]	im very happy with my 320d and it provides enough punch and top speed for my liking, the 330d is much faster and has much more power but im very happy with my car. __________________ e90 320d,arktis,lumber support, hifi speaker, alarm, dakota beige, 162 18", xenon with washer spray,window chrome trimmings, professional radio, 6 cd changer wood trimmings 6 speed manual.
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03-22-2006, 06:38 AM	#8
Broken1 Addict 203 Rep 2,074 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 40i M-Sport Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	Here in South Africa, the 330d alot more expensive than a 320d. I have a 320d and I am very happy with it, however, if I could comfortably afford a 330d - I would no doubt take it. Why not have more power? Why not have more torque? Why not have more standard features? If you can comfortably afford the car - with every option you want in it...
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03-22-2006, 07:32 AM	#9
Oz Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2004 X5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wayne, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Definitely get the 330d if you can afford it! It's a no brainer! __________________ 2006 330i Steptronic/Alpine White/Black Leather/Burl Walnut Trim/Premium Package/iDrive/Heated Seats/Winter: STYLE 159 Blizzak LM-22 RFT/Summer: TBD 2004 X5 Steptronic/Alpine White/Grey Leather/Poplar Trim/Premium Package/Heated Seats/iPod Adapter
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03-22-2006, 09:49 AM	#11
crazybones Lieutenant 262 Rep 513 Posts Drives: 718S Boxster, Tesla Model Y Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I took delivery of my Le Mans Blue 330D M Sport last week. So far, I've done 500 miles, so am still having to take it gently. I was worried about choosing the manual in view of the diesel engine characteristics, but am now really glad that I did. According to the OBC, I've averaged 39.7 mpg so far - when I fill up, I'll work out how optomistic the OBC reads! The engine pulls very strongly and is much smoother than the 4 cylinder. As I took the M sport, it's fitted with a shorter gear lever which is well weighted and operates smoothly. I was surprised how light the clutch action feels - it is no different to my old E90 325. Pull in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears is phenominal and feels quicker than the 330D auto that I test drove. However, you have to watch the revs and she revs very quickly and the rev limit when running her in is 3500 rpm. Blink and you'll miss it! Hope this helps.
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03-22-2006, 11:03 AM	#12
BLITZ Second Lieutenant 25 Rep 223 Posts Drives: E34 525i M-Technik Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Its worth spending a bit extra to buy the 330d, and a manual gearbox is very good in BMW's and wll save bit on economy.
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03-22-2006, 04:43 PM	#13
popoff New Member 1 Rep 9 Posts Drives: E91 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Leics uk iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the replies; nice to know you all like to help!! I would like to say 330d but the cost off running one as company car is approx £70 a month more than a 320d or to put it another way, that’s the equivalent of over a full tank of fuel, say 600 miles a month of “free” motoring in the 320! But the pull off the extra “grunt” is pulling my heart towards it, good to hear that the clutch is no heaver than a 320’s as this was a concern too, and I wont need to change down as much anyway with all the extra grunt on tap! I doubt that there’s much in the mpg between them as the bigger engine will be less stressed even when pushing on. What real word mpg do you get from them? Thanks all.
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03-22-2006, 05:41 PM	#14
JonMad Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 235 Posts Drives: 320d SE;Mazda MX-5 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hampshire, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 1990 Mazda MX-5 [0.00] 2005 BMW 320d [0.00]	320d - 41.5mpg average. Can't remember how much extra the 330d was for me (extra lease + extra CO2). Cheers Jon
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03-23-2006, 06:14 AM	#15
thebigman Private First Class 5 Rep 126 Posts Drives: E90 320d SE Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	The weight of the clutch and gear change of the 320d and 330d seemed identical in those I have driven. What I would say is that you really notice the extra weight of the six-cylinder engine over the front of the car, especially on twisty roads that pitch and dive. I also found the 320d to be more refined. £70 extra is nothing for the extra performance the 330d offers. You know it makes sense!
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03-23-2006, 01:55 PM	#16
vivekk THE Viv 184 Rep 4,743 Posts Drives: 330i SE Join Date: May 2005 Location: the North, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 BMW e90 330iSE [0.00]	320d or 330d- fight it over at the first UK meet! Viv __________________ [TiAg ▪ Dakota Black ▪ Active steering ▪ Sports suspension ▪ 162s ▪ Sports seats ▪ Al trim ▪ Bi-Xenons ▪ F&R PDC ▪ NavPro ▪ Voice control ▪ Bluetooth ▪ 6CD Logic7]
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03-23-2006, 04:11 PM	#18
popoff New Member 1 Rep 9 Posts Drives: E91 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Leics uk iTrader: (0)	Looks like it’s as hard a choice as I first thought 320d or330d, it’s trying to decide between cost & power, never easy, want the power but need to be realistic with the cost, how often can you use the extra grunt in the real world? But the “feel good” factor and less cog swapping has got too be worth it, Oh I want the 330D !! Interesting to hear that the 4 pot is more refined, I would have expected it to be the other way around, but can see the point with the handling with the bigger 6 pot up front, but it should still be about 50/50 weight front to back. Still cant find a dealer with a demo manual, all autos, as they keep telling me “we don’t want a manual on demo, nobody wants them” and oddly never seen a auto 320d on demo, strange things these demonstrators!
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03-24-2006, 12:19 PM	#20
popoff New Member 1 Rep 9 Posts Drives: E91 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Leics uk iTrader: (0)	Pose as a customer looking at a second hand one, thats not nice, the pore old stealer, sorry dealer, what a cunning stunt, think I will have to do a search as sugested, thanks, not thought of of a second hand one thats if there is any, the only new one's I have found are 1 up north and 1 on the south coast.
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03-24-2006, 01:04 PM	#21
- Paul - Major General 695 Rep 7,308 Posts Drives: see above. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Yorkshire, UK iTrader: (5) Garage List 2005 320D SE [10.00] 2005 645 [9.00]	320D 47-48 mpg - average trip 30 miles 2 city, 28 motorway. __________________ My Photos
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03-26-2006, 01:58 PM	#22
beemer2 New Member 7 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 330D Touring, Titanium Silver Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northumberland, England iTrader: (0)	Hi, i would go for a manual 320D or an Auto 330D. The auto box kills the economy on the 320D. My 330D auto is showing 36.6mpg average after only 1100 miles, It will improve a bit. You should get high 40`s out of the 320D manual wheras about 40 is right for the 320D auto.
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