[The_Tok'Ra]

Hello all,

Been reading these forums for quite some time, great forum!.

I'm looking to trade in my old trusty daily driver (2014 2.0 TDI Skoda Octavia Elegance). I'm a bit of a fan of diesels due to their great efficiency and torque compared to petrol engines, though the rattle noise of that VW 4 pot diesel, is a bit annoying for sure.

I'm looking at buying a used 2019 or 2020 car either a 320d, or a silky smooth 330d, but here is my issue / question. Since the start of 2020, my annual mileage has dropped quite a lot, I'm now doing sub 6k a year as I rarely use the car at the weekends, and my daily Mon - Fri commute is only a 15 to 20 minute drive each way of mixed urban and A roads.

I've never had any issues with the DPF in my Octavia getting choked up and not completing DPF cleaning though, so maybe I'd be OK.

Can anybody advise how long it takes for a modern G20/ G21 diesel engine to properly heat up?, and therefore, for carbon deposits to start being burned off....

I'd consider a 330i or a 320i, but I have to drive in pretty bad snow at times, so I'd want an xdrive model, and neither of the petrol cars seem to be available with xdrive, not in the UK anyway. If fact I've read that the 330d and 330i and now not available to order new at all in the UK as of April this year :-/

Any and all advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks!!

Regards

[Beemer5to3]

At that mileage, definitely a petrol! The 330i is a fantastic balance of power and economy, but don’t rule out the M340i if budget allows - I can easily see 40mpg in my 840i, and the engine is such a tower of power (peak torque from 1,900 RPM) and it’s so smooth.

[Charlie (Wessex)]

When I last had a diesel car 5 years ago, it would be about 9 miles to get up to working temp. Looking at oil temps in the 40i, that's more like 2 miles.

I have a pickup - VW Amarok - that I go around the farm in, which involves a lot of slow driving rather than distance, and that gets up to working temp after 10/15 minutes.

[The_Tok'Ra]

I'd love to go M340i, particularly the MHT one, but that's just a bit out of my reach, plus insurance goes a bit nuts when you even mention the word "M" LOL! But yeah, that seems to be the only way to get an xdrive petrol car now.

I'd say my commute was only about 7 miles each way. I'm not going to be heating up that engine enough then. Hummm!

Oh!, I should also mention, I prefer the practicality of a touring over the saloon, but there are a lot less of them out there in the used market, even more so these days!

[The_Tok'Ra]

Originally Posted by Charlie (Wessex)

When I last had a diesel car 5 years ago, it would be about 9 miles to get up to working temp. Looking at oil temps in the 40i, that's more like 2 miles.

I have a pickup - VW Amarok - that I go around the farm in, which involves a lot of slow driving rather than distance, and that gets up to working temp after 10/15 minutes.

I was thinking about what you said aboiut the 40i. I wonder how much of that difference in mileage for the engine to heat up is to do with the active vents on the grille stopping the cold air from entering the engine bay until the engine has warmed up??

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by The_Tok'Ra

I'd say my commute was only about 7 miles each way. I'm not going to be heating up that engine enough then. Hummm!

7 miles for a I6 diesel is not going to get it up to temperature in winter. You really need enough mileage to get some heat soak. 10 -15 miles is not giving you much 'heated' time.

Petrol is a better proposition and a smaller I4 petrol (330i) even better for short trips.

[Seaford]

Originally Posted by The_Tok'Ra

Hello all,

Been reading these forums for quite some time, great forum!.

I'm looking to trade in my old trusty daily driver (2014 2.0 TDI Skoda Octavia Elegance). I'm a bit of a fan of diesels due to their great efficiency and torque compared to petrol engines, though the rattle noise of that VW 4 pot diesel, is a bit annoying for sure.

I'm looking at buying a used 2019 or 2020 car either a 320d, or a silky smooth 330d, but here is my issue / question. Since the start of 2020, my annual mileage has dropped quite a lot, I'm now doing sub 6k a year as I rarely use the car at the weekends, and my daily Mon - Fri commute is only a 15 to 20 minute drive each way of mixed urban and A roads.

I've never had any issues with the DPF in my Octavia getting choked up and not completing DPF cleaning though, so maybe I'd be OK.

Can anybody advise how long it takes for a modern G20/ G21 diesel engine to properly heat up?, and therefore, for carbon deposits to start being burned off....

I'd consider a 330i or a 320i, but I have to drive in pretty bad snow at times, so I'd want an xdrive model, and neither of the petrol cars seem to be available with xdrive, not in the UK anyway. If fact I've read that the 330d and 330i and now not available to order new at all in the UK as of April this year :-/

Any and all advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks!!

Regards

I’m not really the right person to answer specifics as I hate diesels with a passion. Noisy, performance falls off a cliff at relatively low revs and diesel way more expensive. Plus having cycled in central London for years I can confirm that they do, despite previous manufacturer claims, churn out all sorts of crap.

However, I question the benefit of 4wd unless you are prepared to swap tyres for the winter..even the best 4x4s aren’t amazing with the wrong tyres in bad conditions (albeit better than 2wd). If you really need 4wd personally I don’t think the 3 Series is the right choice.

As above I endorse the 330i, I had one for a couple of years and I really enjoyed it. Also as above I have graduated to an 840 and the economy is superb (high 20s/low 30s running around, 44.7mpg on a 200 mile motorway run this week with cruise set at 70).

All personal opinions!

[Seaford]

Also is the 330d also a four pot (as is the 330i) or a six pot?

[Soul_Glo]

The rule of thumb is the engine should spend more time above temperature than below.

A 320d should be up to temp within 15 minutes. You then need another 15-20 minutes to keep things good.

For a short trip gasoline would give a cleaner burn. Things run hotter so that works out better if your one way commute is no more than 30 minutes.

[330Stevie]

Originally Posted by The_Tok'Ra

I'd love to go M340i, particularly the MHT one, but that's just a bit out of my reach, plus insurance goes a bit nuts when you even mention the word "M" LOL! But yeah, that seems to be the only way to get an xdrive petrol car now.

I'd say my commute was only about 7 miles each way. I'm not going to be heating up that engine enough then. Hummm!

Oh!, I should also mention, I prefer the practicality of a touring over the saloon, but there are a lot less of them out there in the used market, even more so these days!

My insurance reduced by a couple of pounds when I traded my 330d in for my M340i…..

[330Stevie]

Originally Posted by Seaford

Also is the 330d also a four pot (as is the 330i) or a six pot?

Six pot. Not in production now tho in LCi guise

[siwatkins]

I used to have a 435D Xdrive, and now an M440i. The diesel was good but never loved its sound. But it was dog slow to warm up - 12 miles in winter would just see it get to operating temperature as I pulled into work. I never had DPF issues as presumably it sorted itself in longer trips. The M440i is up to temp after 3-4 miles. And is rather more sonorous AND more economical over shorter trips, and on a long run only gives up around 10-15% economy depending how I drive. And the B58 has bags of power/torque anywhere in the rev range. I wouldn’t bother with a diesel for my low annual mileage now and not sure why I bought the diesel last time apart from then the diesel was slightly quicker 0-60, than with the petrol. The reverse is true in the current models,

[The_Tok'Ra]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! I really do appreciate all your posts.

I also have a 52 plate 325Ti Compact Sport. Had it from new, lovely little car with it's 6 pot 2.5L engine, but these days it only comes out for 6 months of the year when the weather is better. It only has 13K on the clock, so I like to look after it.

Anyway, when it was used all year round, I did find it pretty hellish, when the roads got icey, and snowy.

I wish the UK got the 330i G21 with XDrive, but... we don't...

I'm surprised to read that a M340i could have a lower insurance premuim than a 330d. I'll find one (a M340i) and run the reg plate to see what I get quoted. Can't hurt... But I'm struggling to find a 340i Touring at a price I could aford. A well spec'd one anyway... I do like my toys. Comfort package is a must have for those cold winter mornings when it's -5°c

Back to the diesel temps..... I've never had an issue with the DPF in my old 2.0 TDI Octavia. and I would be happy to take a diesel car for a run at the weekends if that's what it would take to keep it happy.

The whole point of changing car for me is that the Octavia is getting on a bit, sounds like a tractor and is as exiting to drive as a night in the cells.

I'm reminded of that every time I get back into it after driving the 325Ti. LOL!!

EDIT:- Insurance quote for 320d 69 plate, lower spec £511. (6K cheaper than the 330d) 330d 69 plate, well spec'd car £566. Quote for lower spec M340i 70 plate. £699 Both similar value. Hummmm!

[Seaford]

Originally Posted by The_Tok'Ra

Thanks for all the feedback guys! I really do appreciate all your posts.

I also have a 52 plate 325Ti Compact Sport. Had it from new, lovely little car with it's 6 pot 2.5L engine, but these days it only comes out for 6 months of the year when the weather is better. It only has 13K on the clock, so I like to look after it.

Anyway, when it was used all year round, I did find it pretty hellish, when the roads got icey, and snowy.

I wish the UK got the 330i G21 with XDrive, but... we don't...

I'm surprised to read that a M340i could have a lower insurance premuim than a 330d. I'll find one (a M340i) and run the reg plate to see what I get quoted. Can't hurt... But I'm struggling to find a 340i Touring at a price I could aford. A well spec'd one anyway... I do like my toys. Comfort package is a must have for those cold winter mornings when it's -5°c

Back to the diesel temps..... I've never had an issue with the DPF in my old 2.0 TDI Octavia. and I would be happy to take a diesel car for a run at the weekends if that's what it would take to keep it happy.

The whole point of changing car for me is that the Octavia is getting on a bit, sounds like a tractor and is as exiting to drive as a night in the cells.

I'm reminded of that every time I get back into it after driving the 325Ti. LOL!!

EDIT:- Insurance quote for 320d 69 plate, lower spec £511. (6K cheaper than the 330d) 330d 69 plate, well spec'd car £566. Quote for lower spec M340i 70 plate. £699 Both similar value. Hummmm!

Car insurance is a mystery to me…I went from a 328GT to a 330i and the premium went down….then from the 330i to an 840i which was worth twice as much and massively more powerful…and the premium went down again!

I suppose it’s about the only benefit of getting older….

[The_Tok'Ra]

Originally Posted by Seaford

Car insurance is a mystery to me…I went from a 328GT to a 330i and the premium went down….then from the 330i to an 840i which was worth twice as much and massively more powerful…and the premium went down again!

I suppose it’s about the only benefit of getting older….

Yeah, Insurance is a mystery to me too. I'm 47, but although the area I live in is OK, I did notice a considerable jump in my premium back when I moved out of my parents place and bought my own home, but then again, that's a nicer, posher area. It does not help that I have a "community housing" home directly across the road from me. Used to have a little old lady in there but when she died, they let "trouble" move in, the police are never way from their door, I'm sure it's impacted the value of my home, and my insurance premiums

[Charlie (Wessex)]

Originally Posted by The_Tok'Ra

I was thinking about what you said aboiut the 40i. I wonder how much of that difference in mileage for the engine to heat up is to do with the active vents on the grille stopping the cold air from entering the engine bay until the engine has warmed up??

Not sure much TBH. Basing that on the Golf R that I had prior that also took 2-3 miles to get oil up to working temp. These miles are on a C road doing 40ish.

[The_Tok'Ra]

Originally Posted by Charlie (Wessex)

Not sure much TBH. Basing that on the Golf R that I had prior that also took 2-3 miles to get oil up to working temp. These miles are on a C road doing 40ish.

Yeah, that's a fair point. I'm surprised that knowbody had suggested I buy a 330e Xdrive. In many ways, that may suit my needs. UK energy prices might be sky high st the moment, but I think they will come down again in a few moths time.

That said, I'm not sold old the 330e. Seems like you are etheir lugging around a heavy battery and getting 23 mpg, or lugging around the extra weight of the 2L engine, and getting signifficatantly less range out of the electric motors than you'd otherwise get with a full EV, and I'm not keen on a full EV either. I don't really understand these hybrid cars at all. The 48V MHT cars I get, they make sense to me.

[Charlie (Wessex)]

Don't know much about the 330e....and TBH never really like telling people what car they should buy as never aware of circumstances, needs, desires etcetc.

Reading this, it's got some compromises I wouldn't like. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-re...s-330e-hybrid/

Life is about compromises, and we all have different ones that we are happy or not to make. One thing also to bear in mind, is that the 330e has a 40l petrol tank, compared to 59l in other models.

[The_Tok'Ra]

Originally Posted by Charlie (Wessex)

Don't know much about the 330e....and TBH never really like telling people what car they should buy as never aware of circumstances, needs, desires etcetc.

Reading this, it's got some compromises I wouldn't like. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-re...s-330e-hybrid/

Life is about compromises, and we all have different ones that we are happy or not to make. One thing also to bear in mind, is that the 330e has a 40l petrol tank, compared to 59l in other models.

Life is indeed all about making compromises, one way or another. And I'm 100% sure if I was a company car driver, then the 330e is what I'd go for, for the BIK.

[The_Tok'Ra]

Hey guys,

Sorry to resurrect this old thread I started back in February, but it seemed a bit easier than starting from scratch again.

Since my last post I've basically spent the last 6 months looking for a 330i (as recommended due to my low annual mileage) in the right colour (Oxide Grey) with the right spec, but have some up with nothing.

I can find 330d's in the right colur and spec without too much bother, so I'm on the verge of just buying one of those, despite my low annual mileage and buying a OBD2 tool andthe Bimmerlink app too keep an eye on the soot bulid up and force a DPF regen while taking the car on a run if and when needed too.

Can anybody confirm that Bimmerlink will work with the G21 series of cars, and if both or either of these two OBD2 devices will work OK with Bimmerlink. They "seem" too, but I'd like to be sure before I purchase anything..

https://www.bmdiag.co.uk/unicarscan-...h-obd2-adapter

https://www.bmdiag.co.uk/bmdiag-wifi...coding-adapter

Thank you!!

Regards

[AP]

Another thing to consider is the war on diesels in the U.K. and you may find that I’m the not too distant future you may be penalised via ulez type zones or paying more for parking just because you are a diesel
Just something else to consider

I’d personally petrol though for that mileage and journey distance

[The_Tok'Ra]

That's a fair point, I do not currently live in a ULEZ zone, but you never know. I believe all the current G20 / G21 series meet Euro 6 Has there any been hints of that changing?

The other thing I need to consider is that while I've spent the last 6 months looking for another car, my old Skoda's rear arches are starting to rust as the paint is really starting to bubble up around the arches where they meet the bumper now, it will not make another winter without needing attended too, and that would be more money I won't get back. :-/ If I can trade it in soon, before it gets really noticeable......