Real world MPG difference between Z4M and 335i 3 series

[Hark]

Need to start looking at a 4 seater car for end of the summer. :roll:

Was looking at a 3 series as a possibility. I've never owned a diesel and 335d with a remap looks a possibility, just not sure how I'll get on after the poke of the M.

Other option could be the 335i which looks pretty rapid.

Wondered if anyone had done a similar move and could share experiences.

 

[Boogle]

Can't comment on mpg, but if you're after a bit of poke the 335d will happily oblige. It may not have the raw hp, but it does have a lot more torque. Subjectively torque feels a LOT more powerful than hp until you start getting near the redline. Take one for a test drive.

 

[markos]

I'd agree with the above. I was seriously impressed with the pick-up and torque in a new 320d (courtesy car) when my E46 M3 was in the dealers... Loads of low down torque which I liked :evil: The previous owner of my M3 bought himself a 335d coupe and had it remapped and felt there was nothing between the performance of the two cars

 

[James_G]

I'm in the same position, but for different reasons. Don't need four seats, do need more comfort.

I test drove a 60 plate 335d saloon last week and in the real world it will easily kick a Z4M's ar*e. This is partly due to to the torque, partly because the auto box is very good (you know all the 335d are autos I'm sure) and partly because it doesn't bump it's way down the road with the DSP light flashing away. Of course on a smooth track a Z4M would similar walk the floor, but alas the roads aren't like that anymore.

Trouble is for all this real world performance, it was a bit too civilised for me (grumbly low rev diesel drone aside) and having previously test driven a 335i that's where I am likely headed. I'd expect economy to be 30mpg on regular unleaded to my Z4M's 25mpg on super, but I have no actual experience to back this up.

 

[aquazi]

There is a guy at work with a 335i and he claims he only gets 20mpg average, and max 30mpg on a motorway in his.

 

[KERMIT1970]

I drove both , then decided on the 335d ! The torque on 335d is fantastic pick up in sports mode is fun, this thing is as quick as a e46 m3 ! But I average 38mpg ! My car is standard not chipped, Yet ! Rear boots are nice and expensive as it is ! Lol

 

[James_G]

There is a guy at work with a 335i and he claims he only gets 20mpg average, and max 30mpg on a motorway in his.

Auto or manual?

 

[DrNick]

I am going to be a little controversial here in saying that you should look at the A5 cabrio.

A friend as looking for a 4 seater cabrio when the A5 was first coming out and we looked at the 3 series and the A5.

I was really disappointed by the BMW for the following reasons:

Both the cars I test drove had dreadful rattles from the roof (the salesman said it wasnt rattling, but it clearly was!)
The front seats were unsupportive (even the sports seats)
The rear seats were virtually unusable (not because of lack of leg room but because they are incredibly upright to get the roof in the boot - made them really uncomfortable)
the auto box was sluggish and so the car felt very heavy (drove the 330d and 330i)
the boot is tiny - even with roof up
there is a lot of buffeting (although as the salesman insisted on coming out, there was no wind break)

The A5 cabrio (s-line) in comparison:
is a true 4 seater - front seats are insanely confortable, and the rear seats are perfectly usable with sufficient leg room
has a very practical boot (both roof up and down) and seats fold flat making even more space
the acoustic hood (standard on s-line models) is beautifully refined - with it up you wouldnt know you here in a soft top, it is genuinely that quiet on the motorway
the hood can be lowered and raised at up to 30mph

I know it isnt rear wheel drive - but there is the quattro or even the S5 cabrio now...http://www.audi.co.uk/new-cars/a5/s5-cabriolet.html

Just my thoughts anyway

 

[Boogle]

Just my thoughts anyway

But what about the most important thing: Did anyone let you out at junctions?

 

[KERMIT1970]

335d don't come in cab form ,only sallon & coupe ! All are auto , manual gearbox can't take the torque ! As for the rears seats 4 adults very comfy and mines a coupe.

 

[aquazi]

There is a guy at work with a 335i and he claims he only gets 20mpg average, and max 30mpg on a motorway in his.

Auto or manual?

He has an Auto... but having been driven by him.. he drives like a Sunday driver... giving way to people and indicating.. not a true BMW driver :lol:

I'd imagine if you hoon it about in town you'd be getting less then that :?

 

[KERMIT1970]

Average 38 mpg ! Around town & short runs to work 15 miles a day ! 44mpg good run down to Silverstone a few weeks ago ! Steady 85/90 !

 

[ChawenHalo]

Have youo thought of an Alpina D3 Twin Turbo? 211Bhp and 45mpg (me hoofing it around for 2 days)

Honestly, best car in the world.

Those 6 pot oil burners use quite a lot of fuel, are very nose heavy, and back to back the basic 4 pot single turbo 320 is a much better drive, just lacks a bit of poke. No such problem with the Alpina. Sytners in a UK tend to have good 2nd hand offer.

Caché too.

 

[Daffy]

You guys are getting much higher MPG that almost everyone else I've talked to who has a 335d and the one I test drove for a weekend.

My personal experience, based on congested urban commuting and free flowing runs over 80mph:

Z4MC = 17.7mpg and 29mpg (currently owned)
335i = 14.7mpg and 33mpg (previously owned)
335d = 27.2mpg and 39mpg (3 day test drive)

I'd rather have a NA 3.0 petrol over a FI petrol or diesel, too much can and does go wrong.

 

[Darren M]

Z4MC = 17.7mpg and 29mpg (currently owned)
335i = 14.7mpg and 33mpg (previously owned)
335d = 27.2mpg and 39mpg (3 day test drive)

I'd rather have a NA 3.0 petrol over a FI petrol or diesel, too much can and does go wrong.

What he said. Worse car for reliability I have owned was a TD.
A torque monster but asthmatic diesel just cannot be compared to the sweet sounding high revving nature of a good petrol engine. In the case of the 335d Might be faster during day to day driving and return better mpg but come on, it's a rattly low revvving diesel and your gonna stink if you get any of that oily crap on your hands or clothes .
The MPG difference between a 335d and the Z4 M IMO isn't enough. If I was going to go the diesel route it would purely be for the economy so would have to be a 320d or ED, 68mpg might be worth putting up with a diesel for.

 

[KERMIT1970]

Had my 335 d for a year now , can't see me changing it for a long o
Long time ! Only giving you some very good advice ! Not a rattly monster ! Trust Me !