Hmm - pondering 330D or 330i?

[scorcher]

By the time I get my next car, probably in Spring 2006, I won't be doing as many miles as I currently do per week (around 250) as I'll be living a mile or so from my gallery, but the wife will be using the car instead to run the little 'un around.

Would go for an X5 if I could afford it, but realistically can only afford £18kish, as i'd want to mod it of course! Don't want another 5 even in Touring form as I like a total change.

Thing is there seem to be quite a few high spec 330d Tourings - my bro has got a 530D and loves it, but it still sounds and smells like a diesel from the outsie, although doesn't feel like one from the inside.

Can I be convinced to get a diesel? Seems very easy to chip it with a DMS, Tunit or Van Aaken box, but would a GruppeM fit / make a difference/ make a better noise? Can I get a non diesel looking exhaust? Would ideally go for a m3 / CSL front and possibly quad exhaust on a Touring - gotta be a bit different.

Or should I stick with my heart and get a 330 petrol? And if so why?

Pros and cons please fellas!

[Matt H330]

No problem putting a petrol exhaust on a dog, if it fits. I know a number of people who have done it on other cars. As for the benefits though, I suspect all cosmetic. I have found in the main that the 330d's are more expensive so I would have thought you could get a newer 330i for the same sort of money.

[Lucky Bob]

E46 330i & Ci have started to drop their values, 330d & cd are stronger, in terms of performance tuned diesels in this model have greater torque, as you have mentioned DMS, they had or still do have 330cd tuned (about a grand) which can keep up with an M3, ok only to about 65mph, and if your going to have a facelift model no gearbox worrys as it's 6-speed

I have to agree with you they are a bit smelly on the outside, sorry close call.

[Two_Stripes]

if you're thinking running costs more for petrol, I've just got a 330i and if in no rush I can get 41 mpg at about 60 ish whereas my old e36 325 tds used to get about 42 mpg at 70mph. Factor in the fact that petrol is currently about 4-5p cheaper per litre and fuel costs are about the same for me.

[mystic sport]

330ds are great but they will never have the superb sound that a 3.0 straight six makes when having its butt kicked through the twisties. The torque was nice when I test drove one but I like peak power that a strong petrol engine offers, it just didn't flick the switches, and it was slower than I thought - too much press hype for me.

[Lucky Bob]

I Think that if your looking to tune either engine your going to get more performance per £ with the diesel, sure you can go SC with the petrol engine, but thats go to be £4.5 - 5K ? Just the way is see it, and I don't have a derv motor.

[photek]

IMHO the ONLY advantage of the diesel is that the fuel consumption is lower.

Other than that, I can't feel any pleasure driving this kind of car. To each their own, but I would never trade my 3.0l petrol engine for a 3.0l diesel, even if it's faster when properly chipped.

[Two_Stripes]

Oh I don't know, even on my old 325 tds it was pretty cool when the big turbo kicked it, pretty addictive...

[scorcher]

I'd go diesel + chip if I could afford an X5, but much more likely will be a 330 sport touring petrol - thanks for the help fellas!

Heart definitely says PETROL :D

[lee330sport]

Yeah the 330 will always win over the 330d for me.Even a DMS mapped one is only as quick as a 330. Ants 305bhp diesel still got its ass kicked by Teddy's M3. As mystic sport put it, too much press and over protective owner hype.

You just cant beat the sound of the straight 6 petrol's though.
535d is a different story.:D

[Two_Stripes]

535d - oh yeah different story

335d when it comes along next year - different planet!