GTi v BMW 228i

[ffrank]

Is a tuned GTD genuinely faster than a standard 330d? I remember having a play with one and the gap he pulled was immense lol. I thought, no way would I catch that, even if mine was mapped - standing start or rolling.

The 330d's vary from 240 to 260+bhp I think? 400lb ft? Tuned GTD (DTUK box in my case), is around 240bhp and 370lb ft - but it's maybe 150kg lighter?

Won't beat the rear wheel drive from the traffic lights, but once rolling it should be pretty close. Last 330d I beat was a 330d GT - which is heavier than the saloon. We left a roundabout on to a motorway at 30mph, he pulled away up to about 60 (I was in 3rd gear, so might have been closer if I was in 2nd to 50) but I still caught him and slowly passed once in 4th gear.

The one you saw could always have been tuned too, a friend had a 335D mapped, and that was pretty quick!

Once you start comparing tuned versus standard then you just widen the options to anything versus anything. Its not just about performance and much as i love my GTi PP, the 330d is a better all rounder - yes its more expensive, but you get more. The choice is whether you want to spend more to get those additional attributes or not. Some will and some wont - hence we don't all drive the same car!

Ian

True, but it seems reasonable to compare a tuned GTD/GTI to a car that costs 10k more - on a GTI forum :p I'm not saying I wouldn't have a 330 or 335, but my response was to am1w and his opinion that the 330d is in another performance league to the GTD/GTI.

[drisser]

Funnily enough the dealer also has a 335D X drive in stock I am guessing there will be a good deal on it..

They are really trying to sell me this Black 330 D X drive hence throwing the kitchen sink at the discount.. I do find the looks a bit boring, but there is no denying it is a good all rounder, especially with 4WD and If I could shave some more £ of the price to get it under £33k, brand new with low rate finance that would be a cracking deal, no denying that.

dont know what the dealers are like round you but the ones i tried didnt seem to be having to work too hard to shift the pre facelift pre reg stock that they hard and consequently were not interested in doing a deal - their values on my part ex were less that WBAC values too!

Ian

Ian, guess my local dealer is a lot more helpful and keen to get me out of an Audi.  They have not only offered a good deal on a stock car but basically spent a day ringing round trying to find something similar in estoril blue, to the point they have said they can get a 2wd 330d, X drive 330d, or a 320d X drive for me all with pretty much the same deal - a net £10k as near as dammit total discount from £43k down to just over £33k for the 330D's and from £38k down to £30k for a 320D.  All high spec cars

[drisser]

Oh and by the way none of these are pre reg - all brand new...

[Booth11]

Just been talking to a friend who has just chopped his lease Mk7 GTD in a year early for a BMW 330D xDrive.  Said he took one out for a test drive a while back and was totally wowed by it, the GTD's days were numbered from that point on.  Only spoke very briefly so not sure what kind of deal he got but knowing his frugal nature it would have to be pretty good.

He's specced Mineral Grey exterior with red upholstery, which sounds a great combination.  Not sure what other options he's gone for but imagine he kept it fairly basic to keep the lease cost down, he's not one for loads of toys.  He's picking it up this weekend and I will no doubt get to have a nosy around it at some point soon.  It's not a car I would go for myself (too big and not a lover of saloons) but interested to see what it's like in the flesh.

[isleaiw]

Ian, guess my local dealer is a lot more helpful and keen to get me out of an Audi.  They have not only offered a good deal on a stock car but basically spent a day ringing round trying to find something similar in estoril blue, to the point they have said they can get a 2wd 330d, X drive 330d, or a 320d X drive for me all with pretty much the same deal - a net £10k as near as dammit total discount from £43k down to just over £33k for the 330D's and from £38k down to £30k for a 320D.  All high spec cars

Glad to hear it, I was so hacked off with my dealer (we already have two Minis from them!) that I went and bought an A6 instead - 3.0 TDi Quattro. Not as sporty as the 3 series but a better cruiser (which was more my priority) and better monthly cost.....

Good luck with your search. I wouldnt want a black car either - we already have one and thats enough!

[drisser]

Just been talking to a friend who has just chopped his lease Mk7 GTD in a year early for a BMW 330D xDrive.  Said he took one out for a test drive a while back and was totally wowed by it, the GTD's days were numbered from that point on.  Only spoke very briefly so not sure what kind of deal he got but knowing his frugal nature it would have to be pretty good.

He's specced Mineral Grey exterior with red upholstery, which sounds a great combination.  Not sure what other options he's gone for but imagine he kept it fairly basic to keep the lease cost down, he's not one for loads of toys.  He's picking it up this weekend and I will no doubt get to have a nosy around it at some point soon.  It's not a car I would go for myself (too big and not a lover of saloons) but interested to see what it's like in the flesh.

Interesting he did that.. I must admit, when I first put my foot down I was like.. whoooaah that is quick, and with the 8 speed auto, its totally seemless power.  All the cars I have looked at have the M sport + pack, prof nav and heated seats as a minimum, all estoril blue with either black or oyster leather.

I will be buying with a big deposit anyway so just looking at getting the lowest possible list price on a car - then BMW are also chucking in £2,250 deposit contribution on the 3 litre models on top, which brings you down to a £10k discount.  Definitely a lot of car for the money and I have my fiat coupe turbo for weekend fun so really need a fast, frugal cruiser that can excite when needed - there actually arent too many of those around at reasonable price... always come back to looking at VW Golf, Audi A3, BMW 3 series... just the 3 series with that spec and engine is a lot more for your money.

[am1w]

Glad you are going to join the BMW fraternity. The Bimmermost UK Forum is a fantastic place and great fun. You will enjoy this fabulous car and a fantastic forum.

Our first two 330d M Sports were Suoermans (EBII + Coral Red leather); the present one is in Mineral Grey with Coral Red leather.

Enjoy the addictive whoosh with that amazing Diesel torque when you put your foot down and leave most cars for dead!

Brilliant choice. Congratulations.

[drisser]

haven't actually decided yet 

will be calling in Saturday to see if I can make the dealer really choke - If I can secure extended warranty / servicing and a bit more part ex it will be hard to say no..

[monkeyhanger]

haven't actually decided yet 

will be calling in Saturday to see if I can make the dealer really choke - If I can secure extended warranty / servicing and a bit more part ex it will be hard to say no..

Have you asked for his first-born too? 

Every little helps, they can always say no when there's nothing left to give, but keep trying until you reach that point.

[ffrank]

Enjoy the addictive whoosh with that amazing Diesel torque when you put your foot down and leave most cars for dead!

Brilliant choice. Congratulations.

Sounds dreamy!