Why can't we have the 330xd?

shane55 · 02-20-2010, 03:32 PM

Just wondering why we can't have the 330xd/335xi in Ireland and the UK...I think they are great cars...and I would buy one!!

NFS · 02-20-2010, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shane55

Just wondering why we can't have the 330xd/335xi in Ireland and the UK...I think they are great cars...and I would buy one!!

Because BMW's are supposed to be rear wheel drive.

willhollin · 02-20-2010, 03:42 PM

Too costly to adapt the system to RHD.

E92westy · 02-20-2010, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willhollin

Too costly to adapt the system to RHD.

Audi seem to manage it, amongst others....

chris330D · 02-21-2010, 04:15 AM

I agree it does seem strange. The official line from BMW has been that it is too costly to do given the demand. As said above though, doesn't stop Audi. I seriously looked at the A4 Avant and the Quattro option was attractive.

Neil McRae · 02-21-2010, 06:10 AM

Well if we get regular winters like the one we're in BMW might have to change that policy. They have to do it for the X5 so doesn't make much sense that they don't do it for the 3 series. My wife seriously want to chop the Z4 in for a 4 wheel drive car after borrowing an Audi TT during the winter months.

G82Dude · 02-21-2010, 08:06 AM

Cost for one for production (how many countries have snow AND drive on the LHS)? It would also change the 50/50 weight distribution which is favoured in the UK.

However, there are rumours that the new 5 series might have 4 wheel drive in 12-15 months, but this is still being debated now...

Carrera RSR · 02-21-2010, 08:48 AM

Isn't the new X1 based on the 3 series platform. That comes in 2 and 4 wheel drive so the parts exist for RHD.

Steve A · 02-21-2010, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carrera RSR

Isn't the new X1 based on the 3 series platform. That comes in 2 and 4 wheel drive so the parts exist for RHD.

i was just going to say that the X1 is based on the 3er platform. dont think they have any excuse now.

G82Dude · 02-21-2010, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve A

i was just going to say that the X1 is based on the 3er platform. dont think they have any excuse now.

But it's not like it's a chassis with a body shell on top though is it? It would still require redesign (and money!) to convert the 4WD 3 series from LHD to RHD for what is essentially only the UK market?

Maybe they might do it when the current 3 is replaced. Can't see them doing it on the current car. Besides, it's just gone through it's mid-life crisis facelift and update!

Carrera RSR · 02-21-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uke92dude

But it's not like it's a chassis with a body shell on top though is it? It would still require redesign (and money!) to convert the 4WD 3 series from LHD to RHD for what is essentially only the UK market?

Maybe they might do it when the current 3 is replaced. Can't see them doing it on the current car. Besides, it's just gone through it's mid-life crisis facelift and update!

UK and commonwealth ....... Japan, Australia +NZ, Cyprus etc.

The floor pan and running gear would be shared on the 3 series and X1. Upper bodies are different

G82Dude · 02-21-2010, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carrera RSR

UK and commonwealth ....... Japan, Australia +NZ, Cyprus etc.

The floor pan and running gear would be shared on the 3 series and X1. Upper bodies are different

Still require them to spend money for a small market?

Excluding Japan (where BMW is not a large seller anyway), don't think they have too much snow/ice in Oz, NZ and Cyprus, which could affect the entire country like it does in the UK! Although NSW can be unpredictable! And most snow falls in mountaneous areas in NZ, where I guess a decent 4x4 would be the preferred solution. Likewise Cyprus I guess (presumably another small market too)...

dxb335d · 02-21-2010, 05:41 PM

I wouldnt buy one.

F31-340i · 02-21-2010, 05:51 PM

As said above, its due to the small potential UK market (some farmers and a few in scotland), against the cost of re-engineering for RHD. With all the snow we've had recently, the market maybe a bit bigger, but we just don't get snow as often as they do in e.g. Bavaria to make the market worth chasing. "Snow" will be out of fashion in the UK soon as we'll probably get next to none in the next few years.

The Audi comparison is interesting, but of course they have to do quattro in the UK for different reasons - otherwise all their cars would be FrontWD. Anyone fancy a FrontWD RS4, or FrontWD A4 3.0tdi for that matter? Not nearly as tempting as a quattro version is it? The Jaguar X-type had to have 4wd on bigger models for the same reasons. On the otherhand a RWD only M3 is never going to loose any customers.

The same is true for Merc with their 4Matic cars - though they have brought some of these into the UK as RHD in the past.

doughboy · 02-22-2010, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shane55

Just wondering why we can't have the 330xd/335xi in Ireland and the UK...I think they are great cars...and I would buy one!!

Why would you want one?

Heavy, expensive, slower, worse mpg and not even available in sport variants as it requires increased ride height.

Its more of a comfort / utility 4WD than a performance one.

As said, Audi do it else the only option would be front wheel drive...

Winter tyres on a RWD is better than summers on a 4WD for definite, so stick with the decent RWD BMW and buy some winter tyres, better all round IMO.

HighlandPete · 02-22-2010, 10:30 AM

I'm sure BMW see it as a very small market, remember it would need technical support, spares, etc.. Past experience with a 5-series version were a very rare sight in the UK.

Plus of course, until this winter, I'm not sure many have even thought about it, let alone be serious.

With the UK view of fitting winter tyres, over the past years, I'm sure BMW have other priorities.

HighlandPete

Dave_3 · 02-22-2010, 10:43 AM

330xd is available here .... and I have NEVER seen one on the road where I live.

But the fact that everybody switches to dedicated winter tyres during the winter months regardless of the weather means it isn't really called for. In the mountains they use proper 4x4 machinery with good ground clearance.

D.

NFS · 02-22-2010, 01:47 PM

BMW's are rear wheel drive.

4wd BMW's are the work of the devil. Especially the X6M.

beemerbird · 02-22-2010, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doughboy

Why would you want one?

Heavy, expensive, slower, worse mpg and not even available in sport variants as it requires increased ride height.

Its more of a comfort / utility 4WD than a performance one.

As said, Audi do it else the only option would be front wheel drive...

Winter tyres on a RWD is better than summers on a 4WD for definite, so stick with the decent RWD BMW and buy some winter tyres, better all round IMO.

Simply be nice to have the choice imo then people can have either or.

Down to cost again for sport variants - others manage it ie. 911's. My mpg is better than a certain other V8 engine.

Not just winter though is it. It rains here a lot. I've yet to see anyone really pushing a RWD car in the wet on the road. I don't notice when I'm driving an AWD car BUT I do notice when I drive a RWD car I have to back off unless the roads are bone dry and warm otherwise I'm sure I'd stuff it in a hedge. But then I do all my driving on UK roads and not a race track. Look what happens in the wet in British Touring Cars.

Thing is take average joe public. Two blokes I know were after either a 5 Series or an A6 (diesels). Both plumped for the A6 - why - these blokes are not driving enthusiasts but I still told them the 5 Series will probably be the better drive overall, but they went on the interior looks, sound system and the quattro.

When I went to the Shetlands a few years ago I got sick of the site of quattro Audis.

Jules6 · 02-22-2010, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NFS

BMW's are rear wheel drive.

4wd BMW's are the work of the devil. Especially the X6M.

NFS · 02-22-2010, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beemerbird

Simply be nice to have the choice imo then people can have either or.

Down to cost again for sport variants - others manage it ie. 911's. My mpg is better than a certain other V8 engine.

Not just winter though is it. It rains here a lot. I've yet to see anyone really pushing a RWD car in the wet on the road. I don't notice when I'm driving an AWD car BUT I do notice when I drive a RWD car I have to back off unless the roads are bone dry and warm otherwise I'm sure I'd stuff it in a hedge. But then I do all my driving on UK roads and not a race track. Look what happens in the wet in British Touring Cars.

Thing is take average joe public. Two blokes I know were after either a 5 Series or an A6 (diesels). Both plumped for the A6 - why - these blokes are not driving enthusiasts but I still told them the 5 Series will probably be the better drive overall, but they went on the interior looks, sound system and the quattro.

When I went to the Shetlands a few years ago I got sick of the site of quattro Audis.

Don't care ... let them buy Audi's.

BMW is supposed to be about driving pleasure and that means RWD. Anything else is indecent.

Unfortunately, BMW went off chasing market share, so now the 'difference' between them and Audi has narrowed and all sorts of rubbish products are available.

They should go back to the old system. A choice of:

1. Big engine or small engine
2. Big car or small car
3. Double headlights
4. Rear Wheel Drive

I'm not interested in prestige, comfort, exclusivity or badges.

I want a saloon car, which feels as much like a sports car as possible. That's what BMW is SUPPOSED to be about.

HighlandPete · 02-23-2010, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NFS

I'm not interested in prestige, comfort, exclusivity or badges.

I want a saloon car, which feels as much like a sports car as possible. That's what BMW is SUPPOSED to be about.

Seems BMW don't share the same values then. "JOY" anyone?

I had a phone call, to share in a BMW marketing survey, when I bought my car. "Great" I thought "a chance to share my views of the car". Were they interested in my views of the car as a machine? No way. It was all about what having a BMW did for me as a person, feelings of success, suit my image, how it fitted into my peer group, etc., etc.

I'd have willingly passed comment on the design, engineering, run-flat tyres, what I'd like to see improved, etc., but no chance.

HighlandPete

02-20-2010, 03:32 PM	#1
shane55 First Lieutenant 32 Rep 336 Posts Drives: BMW 330d M-Sport Auto Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: IRL iTrader: (0)	Why can't we have the 330xd? Just wondering why we can't have the 330xd/335xi in Ireland and the UK...I think they are great cars...and I would buy one!! __________________ Sapphire Black* Darklines* Black Dakota Leather* Heated Seats* Professional Navigation* Xenons* High Beam Assist* Hi-Fi* USB Audio* DAB* BMW Assist* Sun Protection Glass
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02-20-2010, 03:42 PM	#3
willhollin Major General 271 Rep 9,914 Posts Drives: VW T5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcestershire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 330d SE [10.00] 2010 Transporter T5 ... [0.00]	Too costly to adapt the system to RHD. __________________
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02-21-2010, 04:15 AM	#5
chris330D Major 38 Rep 1,135 Posts Drives: F31 335d Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sussex, UK iTrader: (0)	I agree it does seem strange. The official line from BMW has been that it is too costly to do given the demand. As said above though, doesn't stop Audi. I seriously looked at the A4 Avant and the Quattro option was attractive.
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02-21-2010, 06:10 AM	#6
Neil McRae BMW Motorsport 243 Rep 2,227 Posts Drives: BMW ///M4 F82 / BMW ///M5 F10 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Surrey iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M5 CP [0.00] 2015 BMW M4 [10.00]	Well if we get regular winters like the one we're in BMW might have to change that policy. They have to do it for the X5 so doesn't make much sense that they don't do it for the 3 series. My wife seriously want to chop the Z4 in for a 4 wheel drive car after borrowing an Audi TT during the winter months. __________________ -- Neil J. //McRae -- Alive and Kicking -- neil at DOMINO.ORG --///M ARMY M5 CP Alpine White -- M2 LBB -- M4 DCT CP Alpine White
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02-21-2010, 08:06 AM	#7
G82Dude - 294 Rep 2,612 Posts Drives: M4CMxD Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	Cost for one for production (how many countries have snow AND drive on the LHS)? It would also change the 50/50 weight distribution which is favoured in the UK. However, there are rumours that the new 5 series might have 4 wheel drive in 12-15 months, but this is still being debated now... Last edited by G82Dude; 02-21-2010 at 11:39 AM..
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02-21-2010, 08:48 AM	#8
Carrera RSR Colonel 75 Rep 2,937 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Location: Location: iTrader: (1)	Isn't the new X1 based on the 3 series platform. That comes in 2 and 4 wheel drive so the parts exist for RHD.
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02-21-2010, 05:41 PM	#13
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 1011 Rep 29,344 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	I wouldnt buy one. __________________ 997.2 GT3
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02-21-2010, 05:51 PM	#14
F31-340i Colonel 161 Rep 2,475 Posts Drives: BMW 340i Touring Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: ... iTrader: (1)	As said above, its due to the small potential UK market (some farmers and a few in scotland), against the cost of re-engineering for RHD. With all the snow we've had recently, the market maybe a bit bigger, but we just don't get snow as often as they do in e.g. Bavaria to make the market worth chasing. "Snow" will be out of fashion in the UK soon as we'll probably get next to none in the next few years. The Audi comparison is interesting, but of course they have to do quattro in the UK for different reasons - otherwise all their cars would be FrontWD. Anyone fancy a FrontWD RS4, or FrontWD A4 3.0tdi for that matter? Not nearly as tempting as a quattro version is it? The Jaguar X-type had to have 4wd on bigger models for the same reasons. On the otherhand a RWD only M3 is never going to loose any customers. The same is true for Merc with their 4Matic cars - though they have brought some of these into the UK as RHD in the past.
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02-22-2010, 10:30 AM	#16
HighlandPete Lieutenant General 6550 Rep 15,857 Posts Drives: BMW F11 535i Touring Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Scotland, Highland Region iTrader: (0)	I'm sure BMW see it as a very small market, remember it would need technical support, spares, etc.. Past experience with a 5-series version were a very rare sight in the UK. Plus of course, until this winter, I'm not sure many have even thought about it, let alone be serious. With the UK view of fitting winter tyres, over the past years, I'm sure BMW have other priorities. HighlandPete
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02-22-2010, 10:43 AM	#17
Dave_3 Brigadier General 658 Rep 3,447 Posts Drives: G22 M440D Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: CH / SCO iTrader: (0) Garage List 1973 Escort RS2000 MK1 [10.00]	330xd is available here .... and I have NEVER seen one on the road where I live. But the fact that everybody switches to dedicated winter tyres during the winter months regardless of the weather means it isn't really called for. In the mountains they use proper 4x4 machinery with good ground clearance. D. __________________ Escort Mk1 RS2000 (2.1 2x44IDFS, BVH, Kent FR32, 5spd, 180 BHP) : M440D ¦ Previously : F32 435D : F32 430D M Sport sDrive, 335D E92 2006
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02-22-2010, 01:47 PM	#18
NFS Major General 292 Rep 9,218 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	BMW's are rear wheel drive. 4wd BMW's are the work of the devil. Especially the X6M.
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