[g9icy]

... and (controversial opinion time!) prefer my 435d in every way except sound!

I was a little bit dissapointed to be honest. I find that my 435d gives me such a great feeling of low down pull I missed it.

I'm sure the 440i would be just as much fun on the twisties, but certainly not worth swapping mine for one.

With regards to the sound of the 440i, that start up is lovely, but once it's being driven I couldn't really hear it.

I think my next (petrol based) upgrade needs to be something with more torque than what I'm used to.

So I'm using this revelation as justification to get an M next.

[goodbyalfa]

Originally Posted by g9icy

... and (controversial opinion time!) prefer my 435d in every way except sound!

I was a little bit dissapointed to be honest. I find that my 435d gives me such a great feeling of low down pull I missed it.

I'm sure the 440i would be just as much fun on the twisties, but certainly not worth swapping mine for one.

With regards to the sound of the 440i, that start up is lovely, but once it's being driven I couldn't really hear it.

I think my next (petrol based) upgrade needs to be something with more torque than what I'm used to.

So I'm using this revelation as justification to get an M next.

How long was your test drive?
I tested a 440i (vs my then 330d) over ~30 minutes in a accompanied drive and first impressions was the low down shunt just wasn't there. I left slightly disappointed to be honest. When I spoke with my dealer contact a day later I expressed this and we agreed to run one over a longer period.
I then had one for a whole day on my own and got to "explore" the engine and 440i a little more. Once you re-learn how to drive it (petrol vs diesel), it is a) far faster than the diesel and b) FAR more smile inducing. It's a different drive for sure, but in no way would I swap back to the d in a hurry!

[RickLS7]

In no way is a 440i far faster than the aforementioned 435D, a fraction quicker to a 100mph perhaps but hardly 'far faster'.

[Steven1077]

The B58 has a huge amount of low down grunt for a petrol engine and once you get the revs up it goes like a bat out of hell, the 435D is in a word boring to drive, maybe you just like boring?

[doncarlyon]

What probably happened here is that you didnt adapt to driving a petrol again... Diesel power delivery is very lazy in comparison.

[g9icy]

I wish I could have had a longer drive on some better roads, so maybe you're right.

And I don't get why people keep claiming the 435d is boring, I find it far from boring.

Hey ho, each to their own.

[meds1976]

Never driven one; heck, not even sat in one but i'd buy a 440i in a heartbeat! Was actually interested in one at Berry's but alas, it's been reserved

[goodbyalfa]

Originally Posted by g9icy

I wish I could have had a longer drive on some better roads, so maybe you're right.

And I don't get why people keep claiming the 435d is boring, I find it far from boring.

Hey ho, each to their own.

Warm it up, slot it in sport mode then gun the throttle.
It really is an amazing engine when singing, with oodles of mid range and a top end...

[djcowlin]

What he said. Sport mode, stick to left, admire the soundtrack and the near-instantaneous gear changes as you leap forward.

[Skyhigh]

Originally Posted by doncarlyon

What probably happened here is that you didnt adapt to driving a petrol again... Diesel power delivery is very lazy in comparison.

Exactly. Classic symptom of transition from Diesel to Petrol. Once you recalibrate your driving you would never go back to a tractor engine, irrespective of how much kick it has at low RPMs

Just drive one a bit longer and come back here to say you are still disappointed.
And yes... it is faster, not to mention in combination with MPPSK. And the sound.... oh the sound...

[nascot]

It took me a while to adapt my driving after leaving a 330d and getting in to a 440i. The first thing to get used to was a much higher revving engine!

[Skyhigh]

I have 2 petrol cars, but occasionally drive a family diesel car (manual transmission). My initial thoughts when I start driving it are always the same - as soon as I go beyond 2500/3000 rpm - "Oh dear, this car doesn't work!" And then I remember it is a diesel

[Abzynthe]

B58 vs N57 thread.
If we were all the same, it would be a boring place.

[bwrlane]

Been there. Last year, I swapped my F31 330d for an F31 340i with MPPSK. MPPSK delivers more torque than stock and was fitted as new so have never driven one without.

For a while, like you, I found the 340i lacking in low down shove, something where the 6cl diesels shine.

But it’s really about expectations and driving style. Once your expectations are recalibrated, you no longer miss it.

Eg in my 330d I could have fun around the B roads just surfing the torque at 2000rpm. In my 340i on the same route, I’d want to keep the engine spinning at 4000rpm.

[Skyhigh]

May I ask an OT question which I always wondered about...:

Especially when it comes to the higher end configurations (like 35d / 40i) given their inevitably higher price, why does one go for a 3 series instead of the superior (in my opinion) 4 series (which is also more suitable for a performance engine...)?
I don't think the price difference between say 340i and 440i is particularly big?

[NotGotABimmer23]

Originally Posted by Skyhigh

May I ask an OT question which I always wondered about...:

Especially when it comes to the higher end configurations (like 35d / 40i) given their inevitably higher price, why does one go for a 3 series instead of the superior (in my opinion) 4 series (which is also more suitable for a performance engine...)?
I don't think the price difference between say 340i and 440i is particularly big?

Superior in what way? Obviously there is the 2 door vs 4 door question, which immediate rules out the normal 4 if you need 4 doors, then it's 3 vs 4gc and it's all down to personal taste. The touring is definitely more practical than the GC and the saloon is 150kg lighter, so superior in every way from a driving dynamics point of view.

[Skyhigh]

Comparing to GC of course.
Aesthetics aside - significantly lower CG, better suspension, better aerodynamics, automatic big-size tailgate....
Performance-wise - superior in every way.
Equal 0-100 km/h for 340i and 440i according to the German tech specs.

(Don't get me wrong, I am not defending a choice, just honestly wondering. Pricetag aside, it looks like a no-brainer (unless one has very tall kids...))

[RIKO_440i]

Originally Posted by g9icy

With regards to the sound of the 440i, that start up is lovely, but once it's being driven I couldn't really hear it.

Quite ?? I think you didn’t drive it sports mode then lol
And if it had mppsk the you would definitely hear it

[DaveH28]

Each to their own..
I've had a 440i for 3 years, loved it and yes it's quick..

I now have a 335d and still drive the 440i for a month while waiting to VT.

I love the smoothness of the 440i and lack of diesel clatter.. but I am left so many times wishing there was more low down.. there is obviously no comparison when the revs are up..
But the 335d is just easier to drive in everyday traffic.. lazy driving..
For me the 440i should never have come out the factory without mppsk..

I went for 335d to get the estate..
The f30 would never suit personally..
GC was very practical, but fancied the touring again.. and chavving it up a bit with 437ms and m performance bits..

I've even been looking at active sound exhausts.. fake or not. They sound really good.. used to be an Audi 3lt bitdi with it .. sounded like a burbly V8..

[Quantox]

Originally Posted by Skyhigh

Exactly. Classic symptom of transition from Diesel to Petrol. Once you recalibrate your driving you would never go back to a tractor engine, irrespective of how much kick it has at low RPMs

Just drive one a bit longer and come back here to say you are still disappointed.
And yes... it is faster, not to mention in combination with MPPSK. And the sound.... oh the sound...

Exactly correct, the MPPSK takes it to a higher level and I couldn't go back to the SE suspension and heavy front end of the xdrive. The 440 GC on adaptive susp., with MPPSK is an absolute delight to drive.

Cheers

Q

[NotGotABimmer23]

Originally Posted by Skyhigh

Comparing to GC of course.
Aesthetics aside - significantly lower CG, better suspension, better aerodynamics, automatic big-size tailgate....
Performance-wise - superior in every way.
Equal 0-100 km/h for 340i and 440i according to the German tech specs.

(Don't get me wrong, I am not defending a choice, just honestly wondering. Pricetag aside, it looks like a no-brainer (unless one has very tall kids...))

Suspension is the same, significantly lower CG? Would need to see some proof of that. Aerodynamics, maybe, but outweighed by the significant weight difference. Tailgate is more practical on the gc than the saloon granted. I do like the GC and would probably have one over the saloon, but you are paying a few grand for what is basically the same car carrying the equivalent of an extra 2 passengers all the time which can only hurt performance, mpg, handling etc.

[Skyhigh]

But that't the point - despite the obvious similarities, it is a different car, especially performance-wise. I don't know about the weight difference, but they specify the same 0-100 acceleration for both.

And the CG - google it - the lowest CG on any BMW model (at least when the 4 came out, maybe still)

E.g.
"But the 4 Series isn’t just a 3 Series Coupe. They made some changes here and there. The styling is different, the 4 Series is wider and has a longer wheelbase, the powertrains have been updated and the car sits lower, giving it the lowest center of gravity in BMW’s lineup."
https://jalopnik.com/bmw-4-series-ja...ide-1739273149

Does anyone know what the approximate price difference was, for equally speced 4 vs. 3? Just curious.