But a lot less power one suspects, and that's what really counts...

 

Uh oh he's off, earwig oh again

 

In these situations, i usually go with area under the curve, acceleration = power under the curve.

 

Weight has a big effect on acceleration.

 

If you want the car as a daily driver/commuter you don't need the twin turbo diesel. Dan's got the 535d and I've got the 530d (I.e. the single turbo) and I can work my way through traffic with the minimum of fuss. They are good engines. Mine's just coming up to 60k after 17 months and no problems/no complaints.

 

I know i always have a turd before i get in the car

 

After can be good too.

soulcrew's V8 can have that effect.

 

Why not get a 330d? Yes, the performance won't be as good, but it won't be slow, and will return better economy, which seems to be something you're keen on.

 

I have a tuned 335i E92 coupe SE.
You are right on the money with the 35D engine, £500 of software alone gets some big gains.
The 335d is only available in AUTO.
M-sport is just a trim option, but secondhand the premium ovedr the SE is diluted and most seem to like the styling better.

I think with good map you should see more than 38mpg on a run - More like 43-45 mpg from the diesel if you are careful.

Look for iDrive, if nothing else the resale will be easier - most people want the toys.
Its cheap to run, rear room is excellent and better than any similar coupe I have been in even new ones this month.
Boot space is good and bigger than you think too, but look for folding rear seats, I believe standard on the premium models anyhow.
Auto lights/wipers/heated leather/iDrive/dimming mirrors/biXenons are essentials IMO and most will have these.

Car has no really big issues I know of, its pretty solid - moreso than the petrol N54 engines.
Turbos soild and reliable, and performance/cost from the 330d make it a no brainer IMO.

Known issues on all the E9x chassis seem to lie with 1. Electric steering lock faults (£1k) and ABS controller/DSC module failures (fix a/v now from BB Reman for £500 or so).
I am at 80k now and have not seen these issues, but a few do.

Chassis is good, runflats spoil the ride and can be swapped out for regular tyres once finished.
Its a heavy car so check the brakes are in order, the inner edges of the front tyres are not trashed, and the service log is current.
Try buy one with waranty from BMW that you can transfer.

Or just buy the big petrol - early cars down to £11k now!

Get on over here and ask for a car:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=117

Steve

 

Thanks Steve - great info

How does the petrol compare in terms of reliablity? Any big known issues with the petrol engines or again pretty solid?


Thanks
Rich