330d Cab Vs 320d Cab

Ben Cole

Ben Cole

Ben Cole

Soldato
Joined
24 Feb 2003
Posts
3,151
Location
Porthcawl and Southampton
Thinking about getting a 3 series cab but want opinion on the merits of each.

Currently debating whether to buy e90 or save cash and go e46. Also I note that economy and insurance isn't that much better for the 320 over the 330?

Any real life testimony or opinion is welcomed.

Most miles will be covered on the motorway. 20k plus a year. What kind of touring figure do these cars really give?
 
Hxc said:
Any reason you want a diesel convertable to do motorway miles?
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Yes. Up until recently I've had 3 cars. One for family wheels that the wife mainly uses, a motorway hack and a sportscar for pure pleasure.

This seemed perfect but I slowly came to realise that actually I had 5 figures worth of car that was laid up 80% of the time doing nothing but still had the associated costs.


I came to the conclusion that I needed to compromise. I love convertibles but need efficiency. I've thought about many different approaches using 2/3 cars but keep coming back to the 3 convertible.
 
Everything you love about convertibles is ruined by the diesel engine. Therefore I will instead assume you will come to your senses and choose a Coupe instead.

Pre September 08 330d's have the old engine in and are therefore not a huge amount more economical than the petrol equivilents and at this age the 320d offers noticeable economy benefits. Post September 08 330d's gained the more powerful all new N57 engine which is usefully more economical than the petrol alternative and closes the gap between it and the 320d.
 
Kenai said:
I don't think there will ever be a type of car I understand less than diesel engined convertible.
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I was there once but needs must. I've had a 3 series petrol cab and loved it. I'll just have to put up with the noise and smell as part of the compromise.
 
Ben Cole said:
I was there once but needs must. I've had a 3 series petrol cab and loved it. I'll just have to put up with the noise and smell as part of the compromise.
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You'd be suprised how economical the newer N53 engined 3 Series are. The 330i has a combined mpg figure of about 36-37mpg in the cabrio. It's not miles off the 330d.

Not very reliable, mind.

If you are considering an E46, though, you'd get a cracking 330Ci for quite a lot less than the 330Cd. The saving buys a lot of fuel and again, it's not the worlds thirstiest of engines.
 
The E93 is much quieter on the motorway than an E46 cab, but are 330d E93s too expensive?
 
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[TW]Fox;19489022 said:
Everything you love about convertibles is ruined by the diesel engine. Therefore I will instead assume you will come to your senses and choose a Coupe instead.
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Not EVERYTHING I love about cabs is ruined by the diesel engine but I take your point.

I have thought about the coupe, if a really good deal came up I'd probably go for it.
You may also be right about coming to my senses as I haven't driven one yet.
It would be an option to buy the 330 petrol and use the purchase saving to supplement the fuel costs. The problem with that would be the more frequent fuel station visits which for me most definitely IS a factor.
 
[TW]Fox;19489048 said:
You'd be suprised how economical the newer N53 engined 3 Series are. The 330i has a combined mpg figure of about 36-37mpg in the cabrio. It's not miles off the 330d.

Not very reliable, mind.

If you are considering an E46, though, you'd get a cracking 330Ci for quite a lot less than the 330Cd. The saving buys a lot of fuel and again, it's not the worlds thirstiest of engines.
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Lol, see my post above that I was typing whilst you posted that.
 
Why would stopping in a petrol station a little more often sway you away from a car?!
Its not really time consuming unless you are doing it multiple times a day.
 
Morba said:
Why would stopping in a petrol station a little more often sway you away from a car?!
Its not really time consuming unless you are doing it multiple times a day.
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Range at combined MPG E93 330d: 550
Range at combined MPG E93 330i: 500

An extra 50 miles per tank from the 330d (Which has a smaller tank than a 330i).
 
[TW]Fox;19489183 said:
Range at combined MPG E93 330d: 550
Range at combined MPG E93 330i: 500

An extra 50 miles per tank from the 330d (Which has a smaller tank than a 330i).
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I think extra-urban figures would be more relevant.
 
mjt said:
I think extra-urban figures would be more relevant.
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They would.

[TW]Fox;19489183 said:
Range at combined MPG E93 330d: 550
Range at combined MPG E93 330i: 500

An extra 50 miles per tank from the 330d (Which has a smaller tank than a 330i).
Click to expand...

That's very interesting, thanks for that. It certainly gives me food for thought.






Morba said:
Why would stopping in a petrol station a little more often sway you away from a car?!
Its not really time consuming unless you are doing it multiple times a day.
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I know it sounds like nothing but trust me, it's a pain given my lifestyle. On times it feels like every second counts.
 
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