02-10-2024, 11:35 AM | #23 | |
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02-10-2024, 11:36 AM | #24 |
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Yes agreed, thanks everyone for the helpful advice I will just need to test drive models with and without extras and judge from there, I believe it will be a step up either way so can't go wrong!
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02-10-2024, 11:55 AM | #25 | |
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02-10-2024, 11:59 AM | #26 | |
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I also needed a hire car, due to repairs on the XF, and got a 318 - that I put just under 600 miles on (that was what got me looking at BMW again). The Dealer test-drive car was as close as they could find to my spec within their network - I insisted on trying out Adaptive Suspension - before final commit Back in 2001 - I had a 525 SE overnight as a test drive - bit of night driving was required to experience the HID headlights, that were a bit of a new thing back then - the car sold itself If a Dealer doesn't allow you to experience the vehicle - walk away. Regards, Mike. |
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02-10-2024, 12:13 PM | #27 | |
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Our roads are pretty bad - funny that people from all over UK now say the same thing. Sorry to say that aesthetics played a big part in the choice - larger rims simply look better. The increased chassis rigidity - Adaptive Suspension - Comfort+ coding all contribute to giving my 330i an overall better ride than my previous XF (except at very low speeds) - even with the run-flats. I always thought that when the tyres wear out - I would immediately change to go-flats - but I'm no longer certain given the above Regards, Mike. NOTE: I do NOT tail-gate other cars - I leave a sensible distance such that I can see and if possible avoid pot-holes on unfamiliar roads. Locally - I know where all the bad roads are |
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02-11-2024, 04:52 AM | #28 | |
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Straight cash if you have it as they will ruin you for a used car apr. Again up to you but I would go 330i, adaptive suspension is great, 19s look far better IMHO and you have a bit more power. |
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02-11-2024, 05:07 AM | #29 | |
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02-11-2024, 12:04 PM | #30 | |
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I bought the car 2nd hand, but when I was looking, if there were 50 330i's for sale nationally, there were probably 35 saloons and of the 15 estates, only 2 or 3 Pro's, so they're out there, but rare |
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02-11-2024, 12:12 PM | #31 |
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I think most cars got it with Pro, but for a while you could also select it as a standalone option. But then, at other times, it was only available as part of a pack.
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02-11-2024, 05:23 PM | #32 |
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I’d probably take an optioned 320 over a bare 330. The auto boxes are really good for masking any lack of torque, the power difference isn’t massive and they sound the same.
In the long term you’ll probably appreciate a better sound system, hud, adaptive suspension etc more than 60 hp. I understand why they use the model naming they do, but the 330 is more like a 325 in the spread between the 320 and the m340. |
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02-12-2024, 02:29 PM | #33 |
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OP, you have all the excellent advice you could ever wish to get from this thread; and only a test drive between comparably spec'd models will, in the end, decide it for you.
Ultimately, it depends on what you think you'll find most desirable, longer term, in a 3er: if it's about the drivetrain, then hunt down a 30i or even put the prospect of a 2019/20 M340i through the manputer and see what comes out, now that their prices are calming down. For me, the yearning to experience the torque and purr of a straight six, before they're consigned to electro-oblivion, was too strong for me to hang on to my 30i--nimble, infinitely capable, and pleasingly pokey though it was. (Logical matters to do with 'use criteria' never came into it!) However, if you know you're going to be more than content with interior tech, HUD, a decent chassis, responsive steering, and terrific fuel economy, then a nicely spec'd 20i would clearly be the more sensible decision. It just depends on how far being sensible correlates with your attraction to all that the 3 series range has to offer... Either way, though, you'll be gratified with your new ride.
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RoGo330i144.00 |
02-12-2024, 02:43 PM | #34 |
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I’ve never been able to really assess a car on a test drive. Because it all feels new, and because I’m concentrating on not trashing a vehicle that isn’t mine I find I’m not really able to assess stuff like the ride or responsiveness properly. I only really start to get the feel of a car after I’ve been driving it for a couple of weeks.
Just me, or do others find the same? |
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bmnut815.00 |
02-12-2024, 04:02 PM | #35 |
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I’d agree with that. You really need to try and get a car for, say a weekend, to get a real feel for it. Driving it in familiar surroundings even if you go through a tank of fuel, or a least fifty quid’s worth which would be a small price to pay as opposed to later regretting a purchase. The problem would likely be a dealer willing to ‘loan’ you a car for a weekend or even, in some cases, let you have an extended test drive. Preferably without a salesman with you babbling bullshit in your left ear throughout as well!
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The_Tok'Ra124.00 |
02-12-2024, 05:06 PM | #36 | |
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But then, I'm one of those folks that everyone assumes (from around the age of 13) Is most probably a "ne'er do well". They take one look at me and start with getting the liability paperwork out. LOL! Last edited by The_Tok'Ra; 02-13-2024 at 06:06 AM.. |
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bmnut815.00 |
02-12-2024, 06:29 PM | #37 |
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I think the 320i is probably the better buy at this point. They seem much better value and you'll get a much newer car than you would with a 330i.
If you are particularly interested in performance then the M340i is the obvious choice, if you're not then the 320i is absolutely fine. |
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02-20-2024, 11:00 AM | #38 |
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Having had a 320i in the past I would definitely go for the 330i.
The 330i is for sure the best all-round driver's car BMW has ever produced IMO! |
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02-20-2024, 11:12 AM | #39 |
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I currently drive a 21 330ix due to the 320i not being available in the US market as far as I'm sure. I love my car and wouldn't dream of getting a 320i with the decrease in HP. Does that mean the 320i is a bad car? No, if you want that little more agility and sportiness I'd go with the 330 but you can't go wrong with the 320. They are both capable sports sedans. In 3 years the only problems I've had with my 330 are just runflat replacements (I hate runflats) so far I have 37000 miles on the odometer (around 60000 KM). The b48 is very reliable in my eyes. As long as your taking car of the car I see no problems with owning it for 5 more years on top of whoever had it last. The M Sport comes with a stiffer suspension so if you want a more comfortable ride I'd get the 320 but if you like the stiff sportiness the 330i with the sport package is the way to go.
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02-20-2024, 11:15 AM | #40 | |
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