[Thrakos]

I'm looking for some input...

I currently drive an '09 328i xdrive - love the car but it seems my commute is going to increase by about 60kms/day (15 min drive to a 40 min drive each way) so I am contemplating of getting an 09 335d (just under 80k kms; AT)

Aside from the obvious savings in fuel (main drive), what should I look out for? I would think that longevity would be increased due to it being a diesel and the drive train a 2wd rather than awd...

Any mechanical things to keep an eye on? I know zip about diesels so I wouldn't even know where to start...

Any thoughts / input will be appreciated.

T

[Vreimann]

Originally Posted by Thrakos

I'm looking for some input...

I currently drive an '09 328i xdrive - love the car but it seems my commute is going to increase by about 60kms/day (15 min drive to a 40 min drive each way) so I am contemplating of getting an 09 335d (just under 80k kms; AT)

Aside from the obvious savings in fuel (main drive), what should I look out for? I would think that longevity would be increased due to it being a diesel and the drive train a 2wd rather than awd...

Any mechanical things to keep an eye on? I know zip about diesels so I wouldn't even know where to start...

Any thoughts / input will be appreciated.

T

If the increase is highway only, you may want to look into the 2013/14 328xi and the diesel. Both cars get similar economy with the edge going to the diesel but the AWD is nice on the 328. I have been logging mileage for both and on highway at similar speeds the 328xi and 335D are close in economy.

So far no issues on either car.

[Thrakos]

Really... hardly noticeable difference between AWD and Diesel? That is curious... though that would leave me in a better position with play money for mods on my xi

[WreckerX5d]

If over a small time the added MPG pays for the difference in price, then yes, a diesel is more cost effective. The 335d is a great driving car, the low end power makes city driving and highway passing a breeze. If I drive normal highway (65-75mph) and not asshole highway (78-80+ with passing a lot), I get about 37-38mpg. This also included hills.

[MrPig]

Originally Posted by Vreimann

I have been logging mileage for both and on highway at similar speeds the 328xi and 335D are close in economy.

What? You're doing something wrong. I can get 800-1000km on a tank if I don't play around too much and go no more than 10-15 over the limit. If a 328xi can do that I will eat my hat.

[Thrakos]

What would I have to look out for on a 335d? ..reliability (bear in mind I don't have the budget to upgrade to a 10 or up - they are expensive here, so it'll be an '09)...? Rougher ride when compared to the 328xi (it rides comfortably and quiet on the highway..)?

[Apogee]

I just switched over from the 335xi to a 335d, i am happy I made the changeover. I love the massive tq in this vehicle and the gas millage is excellent. It has more tq than an M3 which is respectable I would say. I haven't experience any issues neither, car drives like new every time I get in it.

[austinla335d]

Originally Posted by Apogee

I just switched over from the 335xi to a 335d, i am happy I made the changeover. I love the massive tq in this vehicle and the gas millage is excellent. It has more tq than an M3 which is respectable I would say. I haven't experience any issues neither, car drives like new every time I get in it.

The 335i also has more torque than an M3. Just saying.

A 328 to a 335d is going to let you love driving again. The smoothness of the throttle and that massive heavy torque under your foot at all times is a winner.

On a cool day when it's just you in the car the pull is insane. I'm using a JBD which helps but it's a kick in the pants for sure.

[MrPig]

Originally Posted by Thrakos

What would I have to look out for on a 335d? ..reliability (bear in mind I don't have the budget to upgrade to a 10 or up - they are expensive here, so it'll be an '09)...? Rougher ride when compared to the 328xi (it rides comfortably and quiet on the highway..)?

It rides like any other e90 (assuming you get the sport package); rattles and all. In terms of road noice, that'll depend on your tires. There's almost no exhaust noise, the engine at low RPM is quiet you don't hear the typical diesel ratatatatatatatatat. Mash your gas pedal and the car simply takes off with a nice, manly growl (after 2.5k rpm). The d is a total Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Quiet and composed when you drive it like an adult. Wild and angry when you hoon it around.

I can't comment on the reliability. My '11 has had 0 issues. Don't have the infamous belt squeel. Didn't even need to do the battery cabel recall. Only time it has been at the dealer was for an oil change and a software update. I had scheduled an appointment because my iDrive crapped out, but 30 minutes after I scheduled said appointment, the CIC reset itself and I haven't had an issue since.

Luck of the draw, I guess. Even if you get an '09, I'd still look for a CPO for that peace of mind, though. Considering what kind of range these things can get, you can expand your search to out of province (just not QC).

[F32Fleet]

The diesel is made to be driven at high rates of speed (70+ mph). If the car is going to spend most of its time at lower speeds (100km/hr) and city traffic I would keep the 328.

Dirty little secret about BMW'S is that they're still primarily designed for the Autobahn. Especially the big I6's.

[Jffeijao]

Once Diesel, you'll never think buying another gasoline engine in your life.
Instant and ridiculous torque levels, with fuel economy as a bonus.

It is like a gorgeus girl that only talks when you ask.

[Hoooper]

only thing I can think of to watch out for is carbon buildup, but the only way you would know is if you drive a bunch of them and then drive one that has bad buildup, it would be noticeably slower. Ride and reliability on the rest of the vehicle will be very much the same as any other e90. Personally I wouldnt hesitate to make the change but thats all about the power/speed of the vehicle, since youre coming from a 328 it might not be as important. What kind of fuel consumption do you get currently?

[Thrakos]

I use the trip computer and usually run 9.6L/100km (combined 24mpg?) - 90% highway / 10% city; though that will also change to about 80/20..

[dzlmoose]

Originally Posted by Jffeijao

Once Diesel, you'll never think buying another gasoline engine in your life.
Instant and ridiculous torque levels, with fuel economy as a bonus.

It is like a gorgeus girl that only talks when you ask.

Omg this is an amazing line.

[Hoooper]

well in that case you might get a pretty significant mileage increase if you cant keep your foot out of it most of the time. At 80/20 as long as you arent the kind of person who thinks the first person to the next red light wins and you dont cruise 150 km/h on the freeway I would expect 32+ mpg (7.35l/100km)

[Thrakos]

90% of the time I cruise at 70mph so that should work out just fine...fuel efficiency being dealt with (I knew it was better, but was taken aback by the comment that they are about equal..)

I'm more concerned about mechanical issues that may arise with a diesel; there are no 320ds here, only 335ds and yes, the torque is nice but it's my dd and I'm more about comfort and a quiet cabin than how quickly I can get to the next red light in the city or up to 70mph on the highway.

[Vreimann]

Originally Posted by MrPig

What? You're doing something wrong. I can get 800-1000km on a tank if I don't play around too much and go no more than 10-15 over the limit. If a 328xi can do that I will eat my hat.

I was logging both cars at a nice 140-150km/hr travel speed.

335d at 7.2l/100km
328XI at 7.6l/100km

If you change the speeds well then things change, but the 2liter twin turbo motor will surprise a few with the 8 speed transmission. For just tooling around the city freeways and regular city driving, I prefer the 328xi. For long trips I prefer the 335D.

[MrPig]

Oh, you're talking about the F30. I was like 'what sorcery is this if he gets diesel mileage out of an 3.0L i6'.

Having said that, kind of an unfair comparison, there. Especially since newer cars are out of his budget.

[Sweattdogg]

Originally Posted by MrPig

Oh, you're talking about the F30. I was like 'what sorcery is this if he gets diesel mileage out of an 3.0L i6'.

Having said that, kind of an unfair comparison, there. Especially since newer cars are out of his budget.

Great point. I get 30mpg city and have hit 40mpg without ac. All with 425tq. Game over for the 335d.

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by Thrakos

... there are no 320ds here, only 335ds and yes, the torque is nice but it's my dd and I'm more about comfort and a quiet cabin than how quickly I can get to the next red light in the city or up to 70mph on the highway.

Actually, the new F30/F31 328d is a relabeled 320d; gets 45mpg. Kind of pricey because it's new, though.

[Vreimann]

Originally Posted by MrPig

Oh, you're talking about the F30. I was like 'what sorcery is this if he gets diesel mileage out of an 3.0L i6'.

Having said that, kind of an unfair comparison, there. Especially since newer cars are out of his budget.

I wouldn't be so sure about the budget. We got the 328xi because the payments were less than a VW Golf.

We have the stripped down version called the classic which has all the parts we wanted for a city/ commuter type car and the financing being offered was very good.

[MrPig]

Originally Posted by Vreimann

I wouldn't be so sure about the budget. We got the 328xi because the payments were less than a VW Golf.

We have the stripped down version called the classic which has all the parts we wanted for a city/ commuter type car and the financing being offered was very good.

Curious. On vw.ca a Golf Highline is listed at 27,095, while a 328xi sedan starts at 35,995. TDI highline gets bumped to 30,795 (with DSG). GTI Wolfsburg is at 32,775. You must've got an amazing deal (on whatever that Classic trim is) because taking cost of ownership into account, the Golf would still be cheaper.