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2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) Local Forums UK 24h test drive if 330d xdrive tourer- my thoughts

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      11-24-2019, 02:10 PM   #1
Tengocity
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24h test drive if 330d xdrive tourer- my thoughts

We are considering replacements for my wife's Merc C250d estate, main requirements being reasonably economical, decent performance, long distance comfort, and estate functionality. Having had a few 3 series tourers over the years it's probably the best "all-rounder" there is.
It was also interesting to try this back to back with my new 330e, and there were actually more difference thank I'd expected.

The car we had was well specced with a few packs. The Diesel engine is classic bmw 6 pot diesel, smooth and refined, plenty of surge when you give it some throttle. Not so enjoyable to use in urban traffic as the 330e, but has such an easy turn of pace on the motorway, that would eat up long journeys.

In terms or driving dynamics there were some clear differences to the 330e- the MSport adaptive suspension on this car is definitely firmer. Not harsh, just firmer, especially at the rear. Not sure how much is about it being a tourer, or whether the 330e has been given a softer set up generally.

This makes for noticing a bit more in the way of drains and potholes, and the runflats can be felt a lot more in this car. In terms of handling prowess they seemed quite similar.

Where this car came into it's element was on Saturday night driving from London back home to Oxfordshire in the heavy rain. A very easy car to drive fast with utmost confidence and ease.

Economy seemed good, around 40mpg, which is good considering the driving I was doing. Nowhere near the 330e, it it would do this easily over a much longer journey of course.

It's a car we could easily see ourself buying when the deals are better. It would suit us perfectly and a good combo with the 330e.

A M340d would be even better but the salesman says it doesn't look like it's going to come to the UK now.
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      11-24-2019, 02:35 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tengocity View Post
We are considering replacements for my wife's Merc C250d estate, main requirements being reasonably economical, decent performance, long distance comfort, and estate functionality. Having had a few 3 series tourers over the years it's probably the best "all-rounder" there is.
It was also interesting to try this back to back with my new 330e, and there were actually more difference thank I'd expected.

The car we had was well specced with a few packs. The Diesel engine is classic bmw 6 pot diesel, smooth and refined, plenty of surge when you give it some throttle. Not so enjoyable to use in urban traffic as the 330e, but has such an easy turn of pace on the motorway, that would eat up long journeys.

In terms or driving dynamics there were some clear differences to the 330e- the MSport adaptive suspension on this car is definitely firmer. Not harsh, just firmer, especially at the rear. Not sure how much is about it being a tourer, or whether the 330e has been given a softer set up generally.

This makes for noticing a bit more in the way of drains and potholes, and the runflats can be felt a lot more in this car. In terms of handling prowess they seemed quite similar.

Where this car came into it's element was on Saturday night driving from London back home to Oxfordshire in the heavy rain. A very easy car to drive fast with utmost confidence and ease.

Economy seemed good, around 40mpg, which is good considering the driving I was doing. Nowhere near the 330e, it it would do this easily over a much longer journey of course.

It's a car we could easily see ourself buying when the deals are better. It would suit us perfectly and a good combo with the 330e.

A M340d would be even better but the salesman says it doesn't look like it's going to come to the UK now.
I have a 330i tourer with adaptive and it is firmer than the saloon which I had for a week as a tester that was a 330i with adaptive. Not a problem but it is one thing I noticed.
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      11-24-2019, 03:38 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnBarny View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tengocity View Post
We are considering replacements for my wife's Merc C250d estate, main requirements being reasonably economical, decent performance, long distance comfort, and estate functionality. Having had a few 3 series tourers over the years it's probably the best "all-rounder" there is.
It was also interesting to try this back to back with my new 330e, and there were actually more difference thank I'd expected.

The car we had was well specced with a few packs. The Diesel engine is classic bmw 6 pot diesel, smooth and refined, plenty of surge when you give it some throttle. Not so enjoyable to use in urban traffic as the 330e, but has such an easy turn of pace on the motorway, that would eat up long journeys.

In terms or driving dynamics there were some clear differences to the 330e- the MSport adaptive suspension on this car is definitely firmer. Not harsh, just firmer, especially at the rear. Not sure how much is about it being a tourer, or whether the 330e has been given a softer set up generally.

This makes for noticing a bit more in the way of drains and potholes, and the runflats can be felt a lot more in this car. In terms of handling prowess they seemed quite similar.

Where this car came into it's element was on Saturday night driving from London back home to Oxfordshire in the heavy rain. A very easy car to drive fast with utmost confidence and ease.

Economy seemed good, around 40mpg, which is good considering the driving I was doing. Nowhere near the 330e, it it would do this easily over a much longer journey of course.

It's a car we could easily see ourself buying when the deals are better. It would suit us perfectly and a good combo with the 330e.

A M340d would be even better but the salesman says it doesn't look like it's going to come to the UK now.
I have a 330i tourer with adaptive and it is firmer than the saloon which I had for a week as a tester that was a 330i with adaptive. Not a problem but it is one thing I noticed.
Interesting... and good to know, thanks.
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      11-25-2019, 02:07 AM   #4
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Hey,

The m340d is coming in March, dealer confirmed it, and I also saw the flow chart that shows it.

Big trouble with the m340d (and I have a 335d!) is I think they are going to be bloody expensive, marry that with the weak 3 series residuals and it’s not looking very affordable. For a while at least I guess...

Saying that, after driving the 330d I would be more than happy with that engine.
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      11-25-2019, 04:17 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tengocity View Post
We are considering replacements for my wife's Merc C250d estate, main requirements being reasonably economical, decent performance, long distance comfort, and estate functionality. Having had a few 3 series tourers over the years it's probably the best "all-rounder" there is.
It was also interesting to try this back to back with my new 330e, and there were actually more difference thank I'd expected.

The car we had was well specced with a few packs. The Diesel engine is classic bmw 6 pot diesel, smooth and refined, plenty of surge when you give it some throttle. Not so enjoyable to use in urban traffic as the 330e, but has such an easy turn of pace on the motorway, that would eat up long journeys.

In terms or driving dynamics there were some clear differences to the 330e- the MSport adaptive suspension on this car is definitely firmer. Not harsh, just firmer, especially at the rear. Not sure how much is about it being a tourer, or whether the 330e has been given a softer set up generally.

This makes for noticing a bit more in the way of drains and potholes, and the runflats can be felt a lot more in this car. In terms of handling prowess they seemed quite similar.

Where this car came into it's element was on Saturday night driving from London back home to Oxfordshire in the heavy rain. A very easy car to drive fast with utmost confidence and ease.

Economy seemed good, around 40mpg, which is good considering the driving I was doing. Nowhere near the 330e, it it would do this easily over a much longer journey of course.

It's a car we could easily see ourself buying when the deals are better. It would suit us perfectly and a good combo with the 330e.

A M340d would be even better but the salesman says it doesn't look like it's going to come to the UK now.
Interesting, I also had the G21 330d x drive for 24hours this weekend and found it a nice place to be. I'll be doing a brief write up on a comparison to my F31 just for interest.

2 biggest things I didn't like..1) front end grilles & 2) digital dash.

Car was well spec'd most options ticked, but quite a few you could really do without.
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      11-25-2019, 05:00 AM   #6
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Hi Tengocity,

Just wondering whether you felt that the 330d was a significant step up from the C250 D?
There seem to be lots of good deals on C class at the moment but I'm happy to pay for the G21 if it is a major improvement. Cheers!
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      11-25-2019, 08:12 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drykoke View Post
Hi Tengocity,

Just wondering whether you felt that the 330d was a significant step up from the C250 D?
There seem to be lots of good deals on C class at the moment but I'm happy to pay for the G21 if it is a major improvement. Cheers!
The C250 Merc is a 4 pot 2.1litre engine - the 330d is a 6 pot 3 litre engine that's a major improvement in my book. I used to have a C350d which was a V6 diesel & changed it for a 330d and that was a good improvement, so would suggest that your answer is yes.
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      11-25-2019, 08:19 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by springer222 View Post
Hey,

The m340d is coming in March, dealer confirmed it, and I also saw the flow chart that shows it.

Big trouble with the m340d (and I have a 335d!) is I think they are going to be bloody expensive, marry that with the weak 3 series residuals and it’s not looking very affordable. For a while at least I guess...

Saying that, after driving the 330d I would be more than happy with that engine.
That is great to hear! Why do you think they're going to be particularly expensive? I am sure the deals will come if you can be patient.

Whilst I would prefer the M340d I wonder if the 330d would be a better choice for us. Main reason being that with the 330e being a company car it makes sense of us to use that wherever possible, save putting the miles on our own car. If my own car is too nice to use then it's just too tempting! I am also prone to modifying, so suspect I'd end up with MPerformance kit and all sorts if I got a M340d, where I'd probs just leave the 330d as standard.

Similarly, if I bought a 340i I can imagine that the M4 would get used even less too! Though that's mainly because it makes me drive like a hooligan and the wife doesn't like that for some reason..
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      11-25-2019, 08:20 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alscoob View Post
Interesting, I also had the G21 330d x drive for 24hours this weekend and found it a nice place to be. I'll be doing a brief write up on a comparison to my F31 just for interest.

2 biggest things I didn't like..1) front end grilles & 2) digital dash.

Car was well spec'd most options ticked, but quite a few you could really do without.
I wasn't sure about the digital dash for first day or two, but now I think it's excellent. Really wouldn't want to go back, especially if I didn't have a HUD.
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      11-25-2019, 08:24 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drykoke View Post
Hi Tengocity,

Just wondering whether you felt that the 330d was a significant step up from the C250 D?
There seem to be lots of good deals on C class at the moment but I'm happy to pay for the G21 if it is a major improvement. Cheers!
Much much better. I am not really a fan of 4 pot diesels in any car though. This one was a necessity as my wife does 110 miles to and from work each day just now, and a 4 pot diesel is unbeatable for long commutes like that.. She is looking to change job to one closer to home, and as soon as she does we will probably change car.

So the engine is incomparably better - smoother, quieter, more refined, more performance, wider power band.

I don't like how the C class handles either. Manages to be soft and wallowy, whilst still not that good at absorbing sharp intrusions, so worst of both worlds. Ours is a 2017 car, so not the newest infotainment, and it's so illogical to use compared to the BMW idrive system.
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      11-25-2019, 08:34 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tengocity View Post
I wasn't sure about the digital dash for first day or two, but now I think it's excellent. Really wouldn't want to go back, especially if I didn't have a HUD.
Guess it's like most things, the more you look at it the better is seems to get. I sort of got used to it by the end of the weekend, but ended up looking at the digital readouts for mph (HUD & dash) rather than the needles. Does make the F3x look dated though.
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