BMW 320d or 320i?

[Kos]

Just had a debate with friends on whether the better car to buy is 320d or 320i with 5k worth of options... Need to see what you ppl think and why. (European point of view). Remember you will be paying alot at the pumps for
the petrol.

 

[Vette Boss]

Petrol still. Diesel, I don't this is quite upto the level of response and smoothness of petrol yet, though it is more economical and has more torque, it's still not as refined.

BMW does make good diesels though, so I would probably try both.

 

[Ultra_Kool_Dude]

I am biased against diesel - so I vote petrol.

But don't take my word for it -> do a test drive. 8)

"Don't take my word for it" -> Does anyone remember this from "Reading Rainbow"? :lol:

 

[SL65]

I vote petrol Diesel has higher list price, sounds like tractor, doesnt feel as good to use and it has black smoke come out of it when you put your foot down.

Oh yeh and also, like Jeremy always sez, it makes you look like a cheapscate!

I also agree with VetteBoss, BMW make good diesels

 

[Lilleput]

My little brother bought a 320i from 89' and it goes really well, havent driven a bmw disel but the sound just does not go with a car like that, its for vans and trucks..

 

[Leppy]

Petrol.

Because even though you get better fuel economy, diesel pollutes more in places with large amounts of sun light (ie Australia).

Diesel emissions are photo-reactive (ie reacts with sunlight).

 

[vanMould]

I'd buy a petrol and then convert it to E85.

 

[Buba]

If you would ask me about 330i vs. 330d, it couldn't be more obvious... Petrol all the way...

But in the entry class, the diesel should deliver more punch, especially in every day use... The small straight sixes lack a bit of torque, I think.
Both cars are no rocketship, so I might as well go for the cheap one, at least it is to run. (Based on my 20000km a year I drive. When you drive less, the petrol will be the cheaper one anyway...)

My point: Revving a petrol engine is only real fun if it revvs fast...

Buba

 

[flyingfridge]

Petrol Petrol Petrol. With diesel you have 'Nothing Nothing Nothing HORSEPOWER Time for a gear change.' With peterol you have smooth delivery and a willing engine that will boogie when you want to boogie.

 

[Kebab gud]

if its is E90 i say diesel..

 

[Buba]

You quoted Jezza well, but he is simply not right on this subject... I have never driven a Jag Diesel, but if anything a diesel has more low down power due to its increased torque...

Buba

 

[Militant-Grunt]

if its is E90 i say diesel..

completely agree with kebab, if its the E90 then go with the disel, a lot more torquey, and good fuel economy..

 

[hajj]

Yeah which 3series are you talking about? If it's the new one with the 2liter 4cylinder engines the answer is easy. The 320d it has more power, more torque and is more economical. It will beat the 320i everywhere, might not be as smooth though.
If you are talking about the old 3series (E36) get the 320i: great straight6 engines and more horsepowers, but less economical.
For the new one the answer is clear 320d

 

[flyingfridge]

I haven't driven the new BMW diesels admittedly, but I have driven others, and Jeremy is right when it comes to diesels. You do have a lot of nothing then the power comes and then nothing again. Sure you have the torque, but torque is nothing without power. Diesel engines feel like politicians compared to petrol, they are always feeding you bs and couldn't lie straight at night ( gotta love being metaphorical!). If you are a performance driver in any way, the petrol engine has to be it without doubt. They just have much more of a free spirit. Even if the petrol engine is slower in a straight line than the diesel, still go for petrol. You'll have more flexibility and it'll put a far bigger grin on your face.

 

[Mischief007]

Diesel, diesel, diesel. Because I prefer it .

 

[Buba]

Come on, nobody is a "performance driver" (funny expression... Tell girls you are one when meeting them... Its gonna be great...) all the time... Or not any longer than a year (If you're on the edge 24/7 you are bound to die...)

Did you drive any european diesel engines? If yes, its ok and I just disagree with you...

Buba