330D? Nah, too common. I'll take a 325D :-)

Meds · 03-25-2014, 10:27 AM

So, after months spent on this forum, bmw.co.uk, and Arval's website, I have finally managed to pull the trigger and ordered my F30.

I had the immense pleasure of having a 330D demo over the weekend (M-sport with Business Nav but without Adaptive Suspension, Xenons), and after driving it up and down the M25 and the M4, I decided, that if I did order this car, my license would be suspended within a few weeks (if not days), I have decided to go with the 325D instead (financials obviously played a big part in the decision).

So, the spec. is as follows:

F30 325D
Manual Transmission (loved the AT on the 330D but missed the feel of a manual)
M Sport Plus Pack
Alpine White (mainly because I'm cheap and didn't want to pay for EBII)
Coral Red/Black interior (Black too dark and Beige too blah...)
Professional Nav (could have lived with Business Nav but as the kids say these days, YOLO)
Comfort Pack (which gives me Storage Compartment Pack + 40/20/20 split folding rear seats and folding rear head rests)
Folding mirrors - 330D didn't have these and they're a b!tch to close manually!
Driver + Passenger electric lumbar support - 330D had it and me likey! :-)
Brushed aluminium trim with black high gloss finish

What I didn't order and why:

Adaptive Suspension - 330D didn't have it and drove like a dream. Plus, having read about some of the problems related to it, decided against it. Also, would have then had to spec Business Nav instead of Pro. Nav. And would much rather have the gadgets.

EBT - hoping it comes standard with Pro. Nav.

Adaptive Headlights - never wanted these. I know people rave about them but I feel they are a bit gimmicky.

Sliding armrest - really thought I would need this. But the 330D didn't have it and it was absolutely fine.

HUD - blah, as per Adaptive Headlights.

Heated Seats - hardly used them on my Alfa Romeo 159.

As it's a company car, not sure how much info. I'll have to be able to track it but will try my level best. I'm assuming it will come from Dick Lovett as they are the ones who provided the demo so will try and tap them up for any info. I may require.

Will try and keep this thread updated with progress.

Ciao

Meds

PS: time to start ordering the various bits and bobs (i.e. black grill, black exhaust tips, etc. etc.)

teaston · 03-25-2014, 10:42 AM

Good choice, if you want manual then that's the best engine you can get!

And i know what you mean about the 330d power, i now realise what a beast it is!

Sabo · 03-25-2014, 10:44 AM

Congratulations man, I never had the chance to drive a 325d but with the twin turbo and light weight engine I'm pretty sure it'be a great drive indeed. Nice spec as well but as you going for +package the visibility cost less then a couple of hundred which is really worth it.

Meds · 03-25-2014, 10:50 AM

Had the 330D come with a MT option, I would probably (read: definitely) have gone for it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by teaston

Good choice, if you want manual then that's the best engine you can get!

And i know what you mean about the 330d power, i now realise what a beast it is!

....,,,,..,,.. · 03-25-2014, 10:52 AM

Lovely spec and yes if it came in xdrive I would have one.

I have said similar about the 330 points machine lol.

I have adaptive (due to lighting pack), main reason was with msport + it made my monthly payments cheaper lol.

Same reasoning as you for adaptive.

They are a very rare beastie and plenty of power

Meds · 03-25-2014, 11:03 AM

I'll probably live to regret it. Wish the demo 330D had these so I could have experienced them in the flesh. Oh well, can't have it all! :-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saby

Congratulations man, I never had the chance to drive a 325d but with the twin turbo and light weight engine I'm pretty sure it'be a great drive indeed. Nice spec as well but as you going for +package the visibility cost less then a couple of hundred which is really worth it.

Alkidrew · 03-25-2014, 11:08 AM

Congrats and welcome to the club! As stated above, its a good choice as 200+bhp but a light engine so not as nose heavy.

Just drove back from the train station in sport mode and you still have to watch your speed if you want to keep your license clean!

BMWSKI · 03-25-2014, 11:22 AM

Well done for pulling the trigger. FYI, the adaptive lights are not gimmicky

Meds · 03-25-2014, 11:22 AM

I just hope it sounds as nice as the 330D (it won't).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brigand

They are a very rare beastie and plenty of power

pedroF31 · 03-25-2014, 11:26 AM

Welcome to the 325d club ! Couldn't live without the bum warmers myself but otherwise a lovely spec ! Have to say that the adaptive lights are very impressive on unlit and winding country roads.

Meds · 03-25-2014, 11:28 AM

It would have been a couple of extra £ per month but then, where do you draw the line? If it gets really cold next winter, will stick a hot water bottle down! ha!

Quote:

Originally Posted by pedroF31

Welcome to the 325d club ! Couldn't live without the bum warmers myself but otherwise a lovely spec !

d4springer · 03-25-2014, 12:02 PM

Sounds like a great car, especially being white! I don't have adaptive suspension in mine but I don't think it's really necessary in an S Drive (assuming yours is S Drive?) the suspension is firm and you cannot make it softer, the adaptive version is more often specified in the X Drive cars.

You should have ordered the sliding arm rest though, only a true enthusiast has a sliding arm rest!

teaston · 03-25-2014, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alkidrew

Congrats and welcome to the club! As stated above, its a good choice as 200+bhp but a light engine so not as nose heavy.

Just drove back from the train station in sport mode and you still have to watch your speed if you want to keep your license clean!

I don't think the 330d is nose heavy at all! It feels much lighter, nimbler and better balanced than my E90 320d!

ciscopete822 · 03-25-2014, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teaston

I don't think the 330d is nose heavy at all! It feels much lighter, nimbler and better balanced than my E90 320d!

+1

330d is nose heavy but only when compared against Boxter S or other mid-engine car

....,,,,..,,.. · 03-25-2014, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d4springer

Sounds like a great car, especially being white! I don't have adaptive suspension in mine but I don't think it's really necessary in an S Drive (assuming yours is S Drive?) the suspension is firm and you cannot make it softer, the adaptive version is more often specified in the X Drive cars.

You should have ordered the sliding arm rest though, only a true enthusiast has a sliding arm rest!

Is that where the slippers go?

Always wondered what sliding arm rest was for....

Rich9600 · 03-25-2014, 12:32 PM

Great choice! I sometimes wonder if I'd have been better with the 325d. My 330d is awful on diesel on a short run. Couldn't get a 325d on test, so choice was made... Such a shame I was 'forced' into a 330d

Adaptive lights and suspension have great merits on rural roads.

However, probably not as much use on busy urban ones.

Good luck with the wait...

chiark · 03-25-2014, 12:44 PM

Lovely! I almost did the same as I was pretty much of the "automatic? WHEN I'M NEAR DEATH AND ONLY THEN" brigade, but the one that converted me was the 330D. If it couldn't convert you, then you're not for converting

.

I've come from a 911. The 330D feels like it's got a ton of bricks in the front of it in comparison.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off for another drive

F30AM · 03-25-2014, 01:36 PM

You could have opted for a 4cyl Petrol like the 328i. I saw one yesterday parked in front of my house with its engine idling. At first I thought it was a Diesel. Goodness me, it was as noisy as a Diesel.

TouringPleb · 03-25-2014, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pedroF31

Welcome to the 325d club ! Couldn't live without the bum warmers myself but otherwise a lovely spec ! Have to say that the adaptive lights are very impressive on unlit and winding country roads.

Definitely wouldn't get leather without the heaters. Although this winter wasn't particularly cold they were very worthwhile whilst waiting for the heating to kick in.

DazC · 03-25-2014, 02:12 PM

Hope you enjoy the car.

Though id have went for heated seats. Used mine a good few times already!

Alkidrew · 03-25-2014, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TouringPleb

Definitely wouldn't get leather without the heaters. Although this winter wasn't particularly cold they were very worthwhile whilst waiting for the heating to kick in.

It's strange. I've had leather seats in cars for last twenty years without heating and find it absolutely normal, whereas people on here say its a must. I guess it's what you are used to.

My parents have electric blankets in bed but I don't. Maybe that's the case here.

chiark · 03-25-2014, 02:20 PM

SPEAK UP YOUNG MAN, STOP MUTTERING!
I did go for heated seats. The heated back is brilliant...

03-25-2014, 10:27 AM	#1
Meds Lieutenant 73 Rep 564 Posts Drives: F30 328i M Sport + Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Watford (displaced Yank!) iTrader: (0)	330D? Nah, too common. I'll take a 325D :-) So, after months spent on this forum, bmw.co.uk, and Arval's website, I have finally managed to pull the trigger and ordered my F30. I had the immense pleasure of having a 330D demo over the weekend (M-sport with Business Nav but without Adaptive Suspension, Xenons), and after driving it up and down the M25 and the M4, I decided, that if I did order this car, my license would be suspended within a few weeks (if not days), I have decided to go with the 325D instead (financials obviously played a big part in the decision). So, the spec. is as follows: F30 325D Manual Transmission (loved the AT on the 330D but missed the feel of a manual) M Sport Plus Pack Alpine White (mainly because I'm cheap and didn't want to pay for EBII) Coral Red/Black interior (Black too dark and Beige too blah...) Professional Nav (could have lived with Business Nav but as the kids say these days, YOLO) Comfort Pack (which gives me Storage Compartment Pack + 40/20/20 split folding rear seats and folding rear head rests) Folding mirrors - 330D didn't have these and they're a b!tch to close manually! Driver + Passenger electric lumbar support - 330D had it and me likey! :-) Brushed aluminium trim with black high gloss finish What I didn't order and why: Adaptive Suspension - 330D didn't have it and drove like a dream. Plus, having read about some of the problems related to it, decided against it. Also, would have then had to spec Business Nav instead of Pro. Nav. And would much rather have the gadgets. EBT - hoping it comes standard with Pro. Nav. Adaptive Headlights - never wanted these. I know people rave about them but I feel they are a bit gimmicky. Sliding armrest - really thought I would need this. But the 330D didn't have it and it was absolutely fine. HUD - blah, as per Adaptive Headlights. Heated Seats - hardly used them on my Alfa Romeo 159. As it's a company car, not sure how much info. I'll have to be able to track it but will try my level best. I'm assuming it will come from Dick Lovett as they are the ones who provided the demo so will try and tap them up for any info. I may require. Will try and keep this thread updated with progress. Ciao Meds PS: time to start ordering the various bits and bobs (i.e. black grill, black exhaust tips, etc. etc.)
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03-25-2014, 10:42 AM	#2
teaston Banned 10995 Rep 32,881 Posts Drives: X3 M40d Join Date: May 2012 Location: The High Seas iTrader: (1)	Good choice, if you want manual then that's the best engine you can get! And i know what you mean about the 330d power, i now realise what a beast it is!
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03-25-2014, 10:44 AM	#3
Sabo Lieutenant 62 Rep 565 Posts Drives: F21 M140i Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Warwickshire iTrader: (0)	Congratulations man, I never had the chance to drive a 325d but with the twin turbo and light weight engine I'm pretty sure it'be a great drive indeed. Nice spec as well but as you going for +package the visibility cost less then a couple of hundred which is really worth it.
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03-25-2014, 10:52 AM	#5
....,,,,..,,.. General 6733 Rep 20,651 Posts Drives: xxxx Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: xxxx iTrader: (0)	Lovely spec and yes if it came in xdrive I would have one. I have said similar about the 330 points machine lol. I have adaptive (due to lighting pack), main reason was with msport + it made my monthly payments cheaper lol. Same reasoning as you for adaptive. They are a very rare beastie and plenty of power
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03-25-2014, 11:08 AM	#7
Alkidrew Captain 61 Rep 949 Posts Drives: F31 325d M Sport GS Join Date: May 2013 Location: Surrey iTrader: (0)	Congrats and welcome to the club! As stated above, its a good choice as 200+bhp but a light engine so not as nose heavy. Just drove back from the train station in sport mode and you still have to watch your speed if you want to keep your license clean!
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03-25-2014, 11:22 AM	#8
BMWSKI Lieutenant Colonel 167 Rep 1,919 Posts Drives: E63 AMG Saloon :) Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bucks iTrader: (0)	Well done for pulling the trigger. FYI, the adaptive lights are not gimmicky
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03-25-2014, 11:26 AM	#10
pedroF31 First Lieutenant 26 Rep 304 Posts Drives: BMW F31 325d Luxury Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Welcome to the 325d club ! Couldn't live without the bum warmers myself but otherwise a lovely spec ! Have to say that the adaptive lights are very impressive on unlit and winding country roads.
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03-25-2014, 12:02 PM	#12
d4springer Major 512 Rep 1,404 Posts Drives: F80 M3 CP SS/SO Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Scotland, UK iTrader: (0)	Sounds like a great car, especially being white! I don't have adaptive suspension in mine but I don't think it's really necessary in an S Drive (assuming yours is S Drive?) the suspension is firm and you cannot make it softer, the adaptive version is more often specified in the X Drive cars. You should have ordered the sliding arm rest though, only a true enthusiast has a sliding arm rest! __________________ Current - F80 M3 CP SS/SO \| M Performance Extras Prev - F30 330D M Sport \| White \| M Performance Kit \| Various Extras Prev - E92 330D M Sport \| Black \| Highline Older - E46 330i \| Silver \| AC Schnitzer, E36 328i Coupe \| White
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03-25-2014, 12:32 PM	#16
Rich9600 Colonel 741 Rep 2,511 Posts Drives: i4 M50 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Great choice! I sometimes wonder if I'd have been better with the 325d. My 330d is awful on diesel on a short run. Couldn't get a 325d on test, so choice was made... Such a shame I was 'forced' into a 330d Adaptive lights and suspension have great merits on rural roads. However, probably not as much use on busy urban ones. Good luck with the wait... __________________ Driving i4 M50 (G26) Previous 340i Touring MSport (F31)
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03-25-2014, 12:44 PM	#17
chiark Lieutenant 14 Rep 459 Posts Drives: F31 330D 2014 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Yorkshire iTrader: (1)	Lovely! I almost did the same as I was pretty much of the "automatic? WHEN I'M NEAR DEATH AND ONLY THEN" brigade, but the one that converted me was the 330D. If it couldn't convert you, then you're not for converting . I've come from a 911. The 330D feels like it's got a ton of bricks in the front of it in comparison. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off for another drive
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03-25-2014, 01:36 PM	#18
F30AM Major General 706 Rep 5,021 Posts Drives: F30 330d M Sport sDrive Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: London, UK iTrader: (0)	You could have opted for a 4cyl Petrol like the 328i. I saw one yesterday parked in front of my house with its engine idling. At first I thought it was a Diesel. Goodness me, it was as noisy as a Diesel. __________________ Previous: Superman 330d sDrive M Sport + Toys Present: Red Tornado Golf 7R 5 Dr, DSG + Toys
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03-25-2014, 02:12 PM	#20
DazC Colonel 905 Rep 2,651 Posts Drives: M4 Comp Pack Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 M4 Comp Pack [0.00]	Hope you enjoy the car. Though id have went for heated seats. Used mine a good few times already!
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03-25-2014, 02:20 PM	#22
chiark Lieutenant 14 Rep 459 Posts Drives: F31 330D 2014 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Yorkshire iTrader: (1)	SPEAK UP YOUNG MAN, STOP MUTTERING! I did go for heated seats. The heated back is brilliant...
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