[Jon D]

I have a March '08 E92 330d M Sport which I've been extremely pleased with, but have often wondered how the 335d would compare performance-wise. To this effect I've been badgering my local dealer (Inverness), but he hasn't had anything with the twin turbo engine available for a test drive.

I like the look of the E92 facelift and am seriously considering a trade-in, but I'm not sure which engine to go for. On paper there's hardly anything between the 0-60 times, but that doesn't tell the whole story; if the throttle response is a bit quicker and there's more mid-range punch, that would certainly offset the reduced MPG for me.

Has anyone had experience of both variants and, if so, is there a significant difference?

Any advice appreciated - thanks,

Jon D.

[Em135eye]

Jon - not the coupes but driven both Touring 330d and own a 335d.

The performance figures aren't hugely different until you get to higher speeds. Then the extra oomph really starts to make a difference. I think the reason I like the 35d so much is that the smaller turbo almost totally eliminates any flat spots in the power delivery. The 330d is a bit limp until the turbo spins up - the 335d seems to have none of this.

You can easily chip a 330d to 335d power (almost) but again that delivery is just not the same.

You'll have to have auto but it's a brilliant 'box - and you'll have paddles if you want to intervene.

The 35d also weighs a wee bit more - but you don't notice it.

It's not a massive difference but it's enough to make the leap worthwhile - IMHO.

[BanziBarn]

I had the same problem getting a test drive in a 335d, never managed it in the end.

I've been over the moon with the 245 330d, I like the fact that it's the most up to date engine (335d engine soon to be replaced).

Dynamically the 330d should be better, smoother, more economical and, while having never heard a 335d my understanding is that it sounds better too. Mine certainly sounds awesome.

335d is obviously faster, but the 330d isn't a slouch. I've owned some fairly quick cars (civic type-r for example) and the 330 is much quicker than that. I've got a friend with and RS4 which is massivly fast, but I've never felt the 330 is too slow after being in something with 450bhp.
Not saying its anywhere near as fast as an RS, but in the real world I can't see me wanting more grunt.

Also, in these winter conditions, getting the power down with 245 hp is hard enough, let alone 289!

[Em135eye]

The 30d and 35d engines sound almost identical. But the 35d revs quicker and has a slightly harder "edge" when really pushed.

Dynamically you'd have to be a very very good driver to notice the very small weight difference.

I never have problems putting the power down - just be sensible and have some fun!

[Vinibs]

I have had both. Pre lci 335d touring & new lci 330d touring manual. I have to say allthough most people love the 35d i personally didn't. The gearbox really took the shine of it and i only got 33mpg av over 20k. The new 30d lci pulls much stronger allthough it is a manual and it has no lag after 1300rpm?
I think bmw might be a little economical with the 245hp bit as it does seem much more!

[e90abc]

Go for the 335d its the one to have by far.

[willhollin]

330d manual or 335d.

[red355]

having had my 335D for 40 months, i'd say go for a 335 but do try a petrol as well.
I've averaged 41 mpg with the big denzil, but I've also averaged less miles than I expected at just under 1000/month. So I probably should have saved some money on the purchase price with the cheaper 335i, and suspect i would enjoyed driving it more. I do find diesel even this one just err boring.
Overall motoring costs would have been probably neutral between 335d & i (unlike an M3 with its thirst for super-unleaded).

[Em135eye]

Originally Posted by Vinibs

I have had both. Pre lci 335d touring & new lci 330d touring manual. I have to say allthough most people love the 35d i personally didn't. The gearbox really took the shine of it and i only got 33mpg av over 20k. The new 30d lci pulls much stronger allthough it is a manual and it has no lag after 1300rpm?
I think bmw might be a little economical with the 245hp bit as it does seem much more!

That's just greedy!

[zltm089]

335d or 335i....just get the horses!!!....

[a1reader]

I've driven a 535d regularly and owned a 530d until recently, and there is a clear discernible difference, largely due to power delivery as previously mentioned. In addition at higher speeds, the greater power of the 35d comes in handy. However, the 30d engine was the smoother of the two and definitely more relaxed in town. Having said all that I am now in a 335i, and it is by far the most fun of the three. Good luck choosing

[BanziBarn]

Originally Posted by Vinibs

I think bmw might be a little economical with the 245hp bit as it does seem much more!

This had crossed my mind to be honest, becuase it doesn seem massivly faster than say a focus ST which in theory only has 20 hp less.

[Em135eye]

It seems that BMW may have been conservative on the 335d too. Plenty have dyno'd at over 300bhp and that 335i vs 335d test ages ago got consistent mid to high 5s to 60 instead of 6ish. The 335i also beat it's "official" times but not by as much.

What does a 330d take to get to 100? That test got 13.3 for a standard 335d. Pretty rapid.

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by Vinibs

I have had both. Pre lci 335d touring & new lci 330d touring manual. I have to say allthough most people love the 35d i personally didn't. The gearbox really took the shine of it and i only got 33mpg av over 20k. The new 30d lci pulls much stronger allthough it is a manual and it has no lag after 1300rpm?
I think bmw might be a little economical with the 245hp bit as it does seem much more!

My sentiments exactly

Firstly, a lot of people think the slight hesitation at pull off is turbo lag when in fact it is the auto transmission that causes the delay

The AT with torque convertor really does blunt the 335d's performance slightly and the 330d actually feels more immediate when applying power and at pull-off. No delay whatsoever with the 330d 6MT version in normal driving conditions.

Secondly, the new 330d engine has a variable vane turbo which changes geometry with revs, like having a small and large turbo all in 1. The new 335i engine is also moving to the new single variable turbo format in February.

Then there is Efficient Dynamics. This is not only fuel saving. For example, ED has an intelligent alternator that engages and charges the battery only when the engine is on overrun and the brakes applied. This means that the engine has no alternator sapping power during acceleration.

Finally there's a weight differential between the 2 cars, the AT, twin turbo config and cast iron engine block of the 335d adding about 30Kg. If you consider how a passenger makes a noticable difference to performance, then 30kg is significant

When taken all together, the torque convertor, weight differential and efficient dynamics soak up a lot of the difference between the 2 cars, reflected in the 0-60 times

Given that I much prefer MT over AT, the new LCI 330d was a fairly obvious choice for me.

This will of course change when the 335d gets the new 306hp 3L twin turbo motor from the 740d, although no announcements have been made in that regard.

[NFS]

Originally Posted by willhollin

330d manual or 335d.

Exactly right.

If you want a manual get the 330d. If not get the 335d

[BanziBarn]

Problem is, if you want a used one, trying to find a manual 330d LCI is virtually impossible.

So, I gave up on the manual dream but still went for the 330, partly because there were more available than 335ds, but also because it's cheaper to run.

Being a performance car lover, but new to BMW I initially assumed that the 335d would be the only choice, but at that stage it didn't really click that even the slower models are still really fast....the 330d is faster than a lot of performance hatches like the Golf GTI, and perhaps even as fast as an R32, so when you look at it like that I'm sure you would be happy with either one.

[Vinibs]

I must say having owned both the main differance i noticed was the weight of the car. My manual lci330d seems more nimble and really does put the sport in Msport (My 30d has no extras whatsoever even cloth seats) the 335d was more cruiser more Jag like if that make sence?
the statement i agree with is how much the auto box blunts the performance. Take it from me its around 10% inefficient on the manual and that comes of the 286hp from the 35d, yes i know you will say the box locks up in direct top but how long does it take to get to top gear and thats - 10% power on drop downs when overtaking! Now the new dual clutch tranie being offered is a different mater.

[Em135eye]

So vinibs - how come the 335d gets such good performance figures and beat a manual 335i around Bruntingthorpe then? You make it sound like it's seriously flawed - it's not.

The 335d box takes some getting used to (only just making the most of it) but once you suss it and know when to rely on auto and when to intervene, it's very quick. In fact it's one of the best autos out there. For overtaking, make sure it's in sport, drop a cog via the paddles and floor it. The change is as quick as all but the nimblest of manual shifts. Just don't rely on auto - there's that hesitation every time.

I suggest you just prefer your 330d and so it's clouding your judgement of the 335d.

Banzi - I had an R32 - the 335d is much quicker so a 330d is definitely at least as quick.

[BanziBarn]

Originally Posted by 335diesel

Banzi - I had an R32 - the 335d is much quicker so a 330d is definitely at least as quick.

Interesting to know!

I drove a manual LCI and wasn't that impressed with the performance. To me, the auto feels much quicker - I know it's not quicker so not quite sure why this was. I suppose it could have been that the manual was 3-up, so was carrying an extra 13 stone of salesman.

But still, there can't be much in it.

[dxb335d]

Mine felt fuck-slow last nigth with 3 heffers in it (well Not you Jack) LOL

[Vinibs]

Please don't get me wrong i was of the opinion the 335d was the the best/fastest, all things to all men. I know i bought one, but as the original post asks whats the differance? For me i was not that impressed it did nothing wrong but for the 20k i did in it, it did not light my fire. I changed it for a 08 130i which really handled and gave me that conected drive.The 330d as stated with no extras (ne) weight feels very similar to it. Sorry just more involving.

[dxb335d]

Thats fair enough mate. If i want a connected drive. Ill drive a Noble or Caterham.

I want a quick road car. The 335d fits the bill which a 330 or 130 couldnt fit.