Maybe a little bit too mad. I'm only thinking of the 335d because the odd deals on right now make it cheaper than the 330d.

Nothing wrong with a little madness, it's a fine line to being a genius! I've had a very bad year with one thing and another and find myself thinking like you. I've come to the conclusion that if you can afford something you want and it's not going to cause financial difficulties as a result, then why not? We're here only once and a treat, albeit expensive one, is justified now and again!

I didn't get the 335d test drive I wanted due to lack of car availability AGAIN so settled for a rwd 330d saloon. I didn't get chance to maximise my time with it, where can you on the road in all honesty, but the few times I stretched her legs, as it were, she was AWESOME! The power was phenomenal and very smooth, the engine noise just sensational. Came up behind a bloke in an older 1.8T Audi A3 who saw me coming and was tonking on.....next opportunity, quick down shift on the paddles and she went past like a hot knife through butter!

Edited 29 February, 201610 yr by Chubbs

If I'm honest I think you are mad. A 335d or whichever BMW you are thinking of is a nice car don't get me wrong. But: I'd say, spend the money on plenty of holidays and make plenty of memories with your lad.

JRJG

I agree you should spend money on experiences rather than materialistic possessions as this makes the individual more rounded and fulfilled but now and again a good splurge on something ones desires is good too.....its just finding a good balance!

Edited 29 February, 201610 yr by Chubbs

To be fair, for a car enthusiast, driving something special is an experience. That 335d motor is very special, huge torque from not far above idle and really rapid response.

To be fair, for a car enthusiast, driving something special is an experience. That 335d motor is very special, huge torque from not far above idle and really rapid response.

Fair point, but just saying a balance is good. I'd have one tomorrow!

It's probably not the best time to try and get a decent test drive either at the mo, as the dealers are flat out with the new reg plate delivery's. At least I hope they are

Heh got a 335d test drive book for the 4th.

 

Mazda is a nice car but not really floating my boat.

 

Local BMW dealer has 5 335ds at what look to be reasonable prices. We'll see if they just try to take the mickey on trade ins.

 

Would have popped round earlier but they pretty much shut down for 4 days.

Look forward to your impressions. 

Be interesting to get your opinion!

Oh well bought it.

 

I planted my foot and left part of my brain behind I think.

 

Ok the car. Clearly brutally fast. 309hp 313hp isn't going to hang around. Deffo faster than the 330d but I think the 330d rwd would actually suit some people better.

 

335d is less nimble and softer than the 330d. Bit floatier in corners and on undulating narrow roads.

 

But on a better wider road it wouldn't matter as much. I think it is true that the xdrive cars ride a bit higher and that might not suit driving purists. 

 

There were a couple of advantages. full throttle from a standstill at a junction no spin at all, no drama but the acceleration was more than I've had on anything with 4 wheels. 0-80 in 6-7 sec would seem quite possible.

 

335d quieter and more refined on better roads. Road noise was much less than the 330d (that might have had M-sport wheels / suspension can't remember).

 

Deal was nothing special. This was their 'sale' so they just take out the their negotiating space up front. Did get a bit more off so that the sales manager didn't look too pleased but I'd made the offer to buy if they upped the trade in offer £500, and walk if they didn't.  I would have as well.

 

Got to put my plate on retention to trade in so that's in process.

 

Unfortunately noticed I'd forgotton to update my address on my V5 so I'm being a bit sneaky and having docs sent to old address (mail redirection still on) since it's 3-5 days for the V5 for the plate change but 6 weeks for a change of address. I'll change the address when the V5 for the beemer comes through.

Edited 4 January, 20179 yr by Aspman

Excellent choice. Have a friend who's just bought a 435D. great car :) i should add i don't think she has ever been over 60 mph in any car she has owned previously :D 

Edited 4 January, 20179 yr by Lady Elanore

Thought you might :D  The power figure is pretty impressive for a diesel, but its the 465lb/ft that gets your attention! Have to say, I found the more supple setup of the Xdrive version better at dealing with body control, it doesn't get knocked off line like the rest of the 3 series range.

http://usedcars.johnclarktaysidebmw.co.uk/showroom/3-Series/3.0TD-313bhp-335d-xDrive-M-Sport/Dundee/3743950-605954074-3497070.aspx?srcmdc=se_ce_re_

 

Thar she is.

 

Would have liked to drop the rear seats, would have liked brown leather. But to get that I'd have to buy new.

 

Does have the pro nav which means the bigger display and the 335d is quite well specced by default.

http://usedcars.johnclarktaysidebmw.co.uk/showroom/3-Series/3.0TD-313bhp-335d-xDrive-M-Sport/Dundee/3743950-605954074-3497070.aspx?srcmdc=se_ce_re_

 

Thar she is.

 

Would have liked to drop the rear seats, would have liked brown leather. But to get that I'd have to buy new.

 

Does have the pro nav which means the bigger display and the 335d is quite well specced by default.

Aspman,

You got there in the end. Enjoy the new motor.

Cracking choice sir, enjoy the car. I'm a big fan of the big six diesels

Link is dud now,  they've taken the car off the site.

 

Looks like this -

 

Fantastic choice, a real world road weapon you have right there!

 

Enjoy and welcome to the Bavarian brotherhood! :p

These were in the boot. I've a feeling I used to know what they're for but no idea now?

 

Front wings.

Or put them in my letter box.

Rare added extra, make sure to top the indicator fluid up, my BMW has a really small tank :P

In an older form the 335 d described as unholy... enjoy the new found overtaking opportunities. Will make short work of the highlands touring routes.

I believe when you put your foot down the Xdrive system rotates the Earth under you.

I believe when you put your foot down the Xdrive system rotates the Earth under you.

 

 

...unless Chuck Norris is running in the opposite direction 

a few will know this.... xdrive funny #101. Bridgestone tyre testing day, bit of fast ( 80mph ) yawn on the oval at rockingham, followed by a bit of offroad/all terrain school bus xc90 driving ( impressive what that school bus can do ) then a bit of inner track testing in some volvos back to back with dunlop tyres, followed by SKID PAN in 3 series BMW's.. happy days. except i thought the wet tyres must of been magic because it definitely didn't do what I expected... I was on my second run to learn these were xDrive bmw's... on preview loan... so I gave it some more and left confused.

 

So xDrive maywell be able to keep the earth turning... easier to find than unobtainium :D

V5 through. Get car on Thursday  :clap:

Insurance company just stiffed me for an extra £100 for 6 months. Knew that was coming  :dull:

 

Off to get the spare out the Mazda. That'll be getting flogged.