335d xdrive touring

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ub7rm

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OK so this probably isn't going to be the most balanced set of opinions but I'd welcome them none the less.

I've been gearing up to placing an order for a S4 BE Avant and then thought its a bit stupid not exploring other options before commiting to that sort of spend. So I've ended up booked in for a test drive of a 335d m sport xdrive touring. On paper seems to be pretty much on par with the S4 in terms of power but with much better mpg to boot. MPG isn't the b all and end all but if you can have both power and economy why not?

Still need to test drive both before making a decision but I'd be interested in hearing folks thoughts, particularly anyone who went from the same to Audi.
 
I went the other way. The way you are considering. I went from my 2012 A4 Avant TDI Quattro BE (177) to the 335d (albeit RWD E91). It was night and day. But then I was going from a 2.0 TDI to a 3.0 TDI with 2 turbos.

I got better fuel economy out of the 335d, it drove MUCH nicer, had better toys etc... BUT, the E91 was a bland looking machine. It looked ok, but not as nice as the A4. The interior was well enough put together, but there was something lacking between it and the A4 (probably the number of buttons to be fair). Although it did feel like nicer materials to me (in the 335d).

Now, bearing in mind I went from current gen A4 to previous gen 3 series. Although it wasn't strictly prev. gen at the time, the F30 was only JUST getting a release. But I have sinced traded the 335d for a 530d, and it is night and day again. I had looked at the F31 BMW, as I did fancy the 4wd and the 335d, but it just didn't do it for me. The lights were all wrong (although they are growing on me know, slightly), the "stuck on" screen (although that seems to be the way they are all going nowadays), it just wasn't for me, and I wanted something bigger anyway.

Now, I have just been speccing up a S4 BE Avant, as my student loan is almost paid off, so I fancied a toy (as well as the 530d, not as a replacement). And, to be honest, they are coming in around the same price as my 530d cost me new. Granted, it isn't going to be as fast as the S4 / 335d, and it is bigger, and doesn't have 4wd. But, it is a MUCH nicer place to sit than the others. I'd happily get an S4 as a "toy" car, but for everyday driving duties, the 530d is a hard motor to beat. 258 BHP, nice big boot, lovely place to sit etc...

I would have a look at them and try and get a test drive of one of them too. The price difference between my 530d and a 535d isn't a HUGE amount either, so it may be do-able, depending on ho in-depth your options list was on the S4.

Here are a couple pics though...


IMG_1715 by xs2man, on Flickr


IMG_1717 by xs2man, on Flickr


IMG_1718 by xs2man, on Flickr


IMG_1716 by xs2man, on Flickr


IMG_1726 by xs2man, on Flickr

Gotta love the black tail pipes...


IMG_1723 by xs2man, on Flickr

Interior is nice too...


IMG_1728 by xs2man, on Flickr


IMG_1727 by xs2man, on Flickr


IMG_1733 by xs2man, on Flickr


IMG_1731 by xs2man, on Flickr
 
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I gave the wife my A4 B8 2.0tfsi Dynamik quattro and changed to a F10 535D M Sport. I love it ! It has masses of torque and just lurches forward at motorway speeds.
 
Love the f11, i wanted one but couldn't afford as they are still rocking good money. (Drive absolutely nice and I dint think there's much out there than can compare in its range).
It's just short of xdrive (why didn't BMW put it in the 5 series aswell?)

Defiantly on the short list of next cars to buy now prices are not as high in the 2nd hand market.
 
I know what you mean, short of xdrive. But they would need to change the platform IIRC. I believe the bulkhead gets in the way on RHD models, which is also the reason that we don't get the M550d (the one with the 3 turbos and around 380 BHP).

Maybe on the next platform though, which should only be a couple years or so away. I was speaking to the salesman in a local dealership the other week (who sold me this car), and he said there was talk of it, but then said I wouldn't change my car just for 4wd. I laughed, and told him I changed from my 335d for an extra bag in the boot, 4wd is a game changer. Get it out, and I'll buy it. Especially if they bring out a M550d Xdrive.
 
Aye the m550 is a real monster, (thought about the x5 one as they have it in that)
If the f11 came in x drive then I would defo buy it and even get myself in a bit of dept to buy it as I buy my cars for cash.
Had bmws before a I do like the engineering of them to drive as a daily/family car, so wouldn't hesitate in buying another, but 4wd is a must as few years ago with heavy snow we were stuck when we had an emergency (managed to cope, but with a bit of faffing)
 
I would love mine to be X-Drive too. I had a 2009 E50 535D before the Dynamik and that got stuck in the snow so i have bought a full set of winter tyres and wheels for my F10.
Im sure X-Drive will be on the 5 Series soon.
 
Also what year did the f10/11 have that newer steering wheel and new speedo (I assume it's a on/off feature) on the m sports?
 
Thats an optional extra to have the LCD dials and that steering wheel. Cannot remember what its called.
 
Thanks for the thoughts so far. I'm not sure I'd consider a Beemer without xdrive given where I live and the snow and all and I don't really need a car that big either.

Was supposed to have a test drive of the beemer on Thursday but they've sold the demo over the weekend. Salesman offered me a 320d but I think he's missed the point. Trying to see if I can get the S4 out on Thursday instead.
 
Bustamoves said:
Also what year did the f10/11 have that newer steering wheel and new speedo (I assume it's a on/off feature) on the m sports?
Click to expand...

Audi Dynamik said:
Thats an optional extra to have the LCD dials and that steering wheel. Cannot remember what its called.
Click to expand...

New steering wheel was with the LCI in September 2013. The Multi-Function Display (MFD) is a £500 (roughly) option, but absolutely makes the car. It's not an off / on thing though. When the car starts, it starts in Comfort mode, which is like a normal dial set-up, but you can change into Eco-Pro, Sport and Sport Plus. It's not just the dials that change though, it's the driving characteristics of the whole car.

I live in rural Angus, so have occasionally bad snow (of course, I realise the 'shire means you could live in some right remote areas too). I had winter tyres on my mapped 335d a few years back in the really bad winter and never got stuck once. Not once. And I bought a Range Rover in case the BMW got stuck. Never even used it, so sold it on. Now have winter wheels / tyres for the 5 and am not concerned at all.

Obviously missed the point with the 320d, yes. Was it Aberdeen BMW then? Sales guy Callum is who sold me my 5 series when he was in Dundee.
 
What are they like pulling away in the wet? Do they spin up easy. I guess the traction control helps a lot, but then slows you down.
 
I am extremely surprised by my 535D, it hardly ever wheel spins !
 
My audi just spins to easy, hence wanting 4wd. But maybe the bmws are an option.
 
They do spin don't get me wrong but not very often. I was pleasantly surprised as mine never spins. In my old E60 2009 535D before i drove the Dynamik, i got through the rear tyres in 13000. This 535D is on 13000 now and is not even half way through the tread yet. And in Winter i will just swap to winter tyres & wheels. Job done :)
What kind of Bmw are you after ?
 
Hi guys I have now 320d(184HP) msport,this year i bought a set of middle range winter tyres had no trouble at all,even with just the rear wheel drive.I live in rural county antrim traveling on ungrited roads,no hassle at all.
I should also say I really do like the car,a mate bought a new 330d its a total rocket ship.
 
xs2man said:
New steering wheel was with the LCI in September 2013. The Multi-Function Display (MFD) is a £500 (roughly) option, but absolutely makes the car. It's not an off / on thing though. When the car starts, it starts in Comfort mode, which is like a normal dial set-up, but you can change into Eco-Pro, Sport and Sport Plus. It's not just the dials that change though, it's the driving characteristics of the whole car.

I live in rural Angus, so have occasionally bad snow (of course, I realise the 'shire means you could live in some right remote areas too). I had winter tyres on my mapped 335d a few years back in the really bad winter and never got stuck once. Not once. And I bought a Range Rover in case the BMW got stuck. Never even used it, so sold it on. Now have winter wheels / tyres for the 5 and am not concerned at all.

Obviously missed the point with the 320d, yes. Was it Aberdeen BMW then? Sales guy Callum is who sold me my 5 series when he was in Dundee.
Click to expand...
I thought so as all the new 63 plates seem to have the fancy wheel hence me asking what year did they start as I do like it, finishes the interior off nicely (is it actually smaller than the older one?)
Did they make any other changes to this model compared to say a 2012 model?
 
If fuel consumption isnt an issue the I'd go for the S4 over the BMW. I'm a little biased though (B8.5 S4 Avant owner).

I've had my share of diesels, but for me the way that the S4 drives is incredible. The supercharger gives instant throttle response and the noise that the engine makes is fantasic.

Incidentally I looked at a 335i Touring when I was chosing but the S4 won outright. I know it's not 4WD, but I wanted a petrol and not a diesel. It's a shame they don't do a 335i xDrive Touring, but the cabin just wasn't as good as the S4 and it didn't seem as quick.
 
opelfruit said:
If fuel consumption isnt an issue the I'd go for the S4 over the BMW. I'm a little biased though (B8.5 S4 Avant owner).

I've had my share of diesels, but for me the way that the S4 drives is incredible. The supercharger gives instant throttle response and the noise that the engine makes is fantasic.

Incidentally I looked at a 335i Touring when I was chosing but the S4 won outright. I know it's not 4WD, but I wanted a petrol and not a diesel. It's a shame they don't do a 335i xDrive Touring, but the cabin just wasn't as good as the S4 and it didn't seem as quick.
Click to expand...
They do.
Tbh I do actually find the bmw is a better drivers car to an audi, the audi is somewhat a bit num, good for cruising and putting foot down in a straight line but bmws are more rewarding to drive IMO. (Btw I have an audi ATM)
 
I had a sit and look around the new Lexus IS300h over the weekend, I do really like it, and will book a test drive at some point, although I do still like the big 6 cylinders diesels.
 
I have had it with Audi's reliability and poor customer service on all 3 of them i have owned, therefore i doubt i will buy another one.
I like the build quality of the Bmw and as you said it does feel like a drivers car.
I fell in love with the 535d the second i left the forecourt. The engine somewhat purrs, activate Sport mode and the engine feels as if its on standby and ready to race as the revs increase and the steering become tighter. 313 Bhp & 630nm with a twin-turbo 8 speed gearbox 0-60 in 5.5 and 50 mpg combined did it for me.
The big fat leather seats and adaptive drive make it comfortable & smooth ride on long journeys.
Im really glad i bought this car, It is a good un, i guess i will be keeping it a while :icon_thumright:
 
Last edited:
Bustamoves said:
They do.
Tbh I do actually find the bmw is a better drivers car to an audi, the audi is somewhat a bit num, good for cruising and putting foot down in a straight line but bmws are more rewarding to drive IMO. (Btw I have an audi ATM)
Click to expand...


No they don't. The petrol xDrive's are 320i's, the rest are diesels. I'm 99% sure they don't do a 335i M-sport Touring xDrive.
 
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No they don't do a 335i M-Sport touring xDrive. Yet...
 
Bustamoves said:
I thought so as all the new 63 plates seem to have the fancy wheel hence me asking what year did they start as I do like it, finishes the interior off nicely (is it actually smaller than the older one?)
Did they make any other changes to this model compared to say a 2012 model?
Click to expand...

There are a few. Xenons and sat nav are standard on the LCI, although it's the basic sat nav with the "postage stamp" sized screen. But if you opt for the pro nav (which I got thrown in with the 3.0 Diesel), you get the big iDrive controller with touchscreen so you can "write" postcodes into the system. Other differences were subtle though. LED lights won (rear cluster) and lost (fogs), etc...

Audi Dynamik said:
I have had it with Audi's reliability and poor customer service on all 3 of them i have owned, therefore i doubt i will buy another one.
I like the build quality of the Bmw and as you said it does feel like a drivers car.
I fell in love with the 535d the second i left the forecourt. The engine somewhat purrs, activate Sport mode and the engine feels as if its on standby and ready to race as the revs increase and the steering become tighter. 313 Bhp & 630nm with a twin-turbo 8 speed gearbox 0-60 in 5.5 and 50 mpg combined did it for me.
The big fat leather seats and adaptive drive make it comfortable & smooth ride on long journeys.
Im really glad i bought this car, It is a good un, i guess i will be keeping it a while :icon_thumright:
Click to expand...

I do LOVE my 530d, and I just will not buy another new diesel Audi as they can be terrible on fuel. Some people seem to do well with them, but the last 2 B8 A4's I had, both 2.0 TDI's got 40 mpg (B8 143) and 37 mpg (B8.5 177) combined with my driving style. Compared with 38 mpg in my mapped 335d (340 bhp) and now around 41 mpg in my 530d with 258 bhp.

50 mpg combined is a bit unrealistic though for a 535d. It is "possible", in theory, on a motorway at slow speeds (I did see it once on a 12 mile stretch of dual carriageway, at 60, with no hills, in my 335d), but for actual combined driving, I'm guessing 37-40 mpg is more realistic, based on my experience of my 335d and 530d.
 
Yeah it doesn't achieve 50 mpg combined but that is used a good line so it is still a high amount - the percentage to get the real figure if you get me :laugh:
Did you feel a big difference when mapping the 335d ?
Eventually im going to get mine done like this: BMW-M-Performance-5er-F10-Tuning-Zubehoer-Genf-2013-01
Click on the pictures to enlarge them.
I have already installed the M Performance side stripes.
 
I like the CF trim, might actually go for that. Expensive, but what a difference.

I also like the steering wheel, but it looks dated now. I prefer the style of my wheel, but would like the alcantara and flat bottom.

As for the remapping. Night and day. REALLY night and day. I only had the car a few days before slapping the map on, so didn't really notice it a HUGE amount then, as the car was so new anyway. But took it off again a few days before trading it in, and it was VERY noticeable. The car felt sluggish and struggling to breath. I'm sure it was still pumping out the 280-odd BHP it was meant to, but it was a 50-odd BHP drop, so not nothing. It really is a weapon when that engine is mapped.

The 530d would be mapped already, if they had cracked the ECU so it was possible.
 
CF = Carbon Fibre

I clocked that, but it's not enough power upgrade for the money. Only 30 BHP for £1700? Okay, you get brakes and an intercooler, but the AC Schnitzer upgrade gives you 306 BHP (or a 50 BHP increase). Okay, it cost £1k more, but it's a much better number, bringing the 530d up to spec with the current 535d rather than the previous one. Neither are flash mapped either, both requiring a new ECU / ECU piggy-back. I'm sure it wont be too long before a flash map is available.

The AC Schnitzer for the 535d looks great though. 360 BHP. That'll make it a proper weapon.
 
Wouldn't it be allot cheaper and allot easier just to get a tuning box ? Such as DTUK.
 
Not really sure I want to put a tuning box in a £50k car though. Obviously it would be cheaper than the AC Schnitzer set-up (with is probably little more than a tuning box in all fairness), but it's not a route I'm interested in. Would prefer a proper map. And I am willing to wait for it.
 
I have heard very good reviews of the expensive ones though, e.g DTUK
 
Yeah, I have heard very good reviews too. I'm still hesitant to actually put it on my car. On the other hand, it wont show up on the ECU as a flashed ECU, so would have it's advantages.

They don't seem to list it for my engine yet, might contact them about it.
 
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It's the F11 530D yeah, but not that 245 PS engine. Mines is the 258 PS engine that's same as in the xdrive on their site, but obviously no xdrive. So don't know if it'll be compatible. Will have to call them I guess.
 
BMW talk on an Audi forum? Sacrilege surely? :laugh:

I had an E90, give me so much bother so it did kinda put me off the brand.

Although when it came to changing my Saab, aesthetics wise, BMW and Audi were the only brands that appealed to me.
 
Yeah give them a call xs2man see what they say, it probably will be compatible or may need tweaking slightly.
Bmw talk on here :laugh: that's what i was thinking.
Really Brennan ? You must of have a dodgey one, Ive had a few Bmw's in the past and none have gave me bother they have been fantastic, i have had 3 Audi's and i have had trouble with every one of them which has now put me off them.
 
Hi xs2man,

We are forum sponsors and provide both tuning boxes and remapping services. We can certainly help you with a tuning box if you would like to contact us. All of our tuning boxes are traceless and therefore leave no history on your ECU. They can also be installed and removed easily by you personally, usually in a matter of minutes. A large majority of the vehicles we tune are high end/new cars. Take a look at our Facebook page where you can find feedback on our products and services and photos and details of some examples of the vehicles we have tuned recently - https://www.facebook.com/tdituning

Please feel free to contact us on 01245 924 400 even if it's just for some general tuning advice.

Kind regards,

The TDI-Tuning Team

Diesel Tuning | Diesel Engine Tuning | TDI Tuning
 
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