[Banksy]

I can honestly say that today has been one of the most exciting days of my life, having collected a new 335d M Sport Touring this afternoon. The day started with a trip up to the dealer, quick chat with the detailer who was allowed to use their facilities and carry out his work in one of the indoor cleaning bays (Tom at All that Gleams, Guildford - absolutely brilliant job). Had a quick look at the car of course and finalised paperwork. The smell of the inside of a new car is infectious!

4 hours later returned for quick run through of controls etc and off i went into the sunset, literally. Have been driving about most of the day since with a massive grin on my face. This car is EPIC.

Spec;

Mineral Grey/Black Dakota
M Sport Plus with Vis Pack.
Adaptive M Sport suspension.
Interior Comfort Pack
Heated front seats.
Enhanced Bluetooth.
Pro Nav.
Brushed Alu trim with black gloss finisher.
Black M Sport grills.
5 year service pack.

For the last 10 years i have been driving nothing else, other than my VW Golf 2.0 TDI Sport, MKIV - an absolute gem in it's own way and a car which I'll be keeping for a very long time.

Before that i only had one other car; my parents old Mitsubishi Lancer estate, can't remember the model but you get the jist - this puts into context just how special this BMW feels; absolutely everything about it is mind blowing.

Had a few runs up and down the A3 today and some of the surrounding B roads and the power on tap is simply staggering in an unrelenting way and that is without really nailing it too hard. Also the engine note is hugely addictive and I agree with what other have said about it; more growly than the 330d and so undiesel like.

Interior quality is very very good and i am loving the aluminium trim which has a nice amount of texture/detail to it. Haven't had a chance to fully play with all of the toys but on that front, I have noticed that the Pro Nav screen quality is superb and miles better than the previous version on one of the test cars I had.

Loving the steering well and overall the cabin is a very nice place to be.

Finally, the colour. Mineral Grey is very very different to what you see in the photos; it's complex and has a bluish 'Dolphin' coloured tint to it in sunlight but as dusk emerges it becomes very stealthy. Hard to explain without seeing it in the flesh but it goes nicely with the 403s, black gloss grill and SP glass.

Vis Pack - only realised right at the end of my drive that the headlight dial to the right of the steering wheel has to be set to auto, as well as pressing the button on the left stick for this to work. Doh! More playing with that tomorrow then.

Here are some photos..

[Apl440i or 335d?]

Sweeeeeeet!

[DazC]

Lovely mate. Enjoy!

[DaveA]

Glad you are enjoying your car.

Interesting point about the pro nav screen look being better than the previous version. Now I have my new car, I would agree with you that the interface has been tweaked and looks better in general except that I thought the maps on the older version (18 months ago) looked somewhat crisper before than they do now… I don't think the screen is different, just the software..

I've no idea why this softer appearance might be but I noted it in the loan car I had, as well, so it's not a fault..

But, overall, the system is smoother and, in many other areas, looks somewhat better than the old....

[pedroF31]

Well congratulations ! It looks a GREAT car ! Also, I really respect someone who is not fickle with their cars and cherishes them like you have your Golf.

[Rich9600]

Wow, you sound chuffed and rightfully so. That looks fantastic! Thanks for the superb description of Mineral Grey, I'm extra glad to have ordered my own in it now!

Great pictures of a beautiful car! Enjoy!

[zooberoo]

Superb choice of car, options and colour. Oh, and fantastic photos.

I came from a ten year old Volvo diesel estate so can appreciate what you say about the jump in performance - it’s impossible to describe.

Enjoy it!

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Sir, you are right, that is absolutely epic!

Glad Barons did well for you - great place.

Now, important stuff - change your profile '...on order..' not longer works!!!

Congrats.

[JustChris]

Superb mate, great car!

[Apl440i or 335d?]

Originally Posted by MarkG335

Sir, you are right, that is absolutely epic!

Glad Barons did well for you - great place.

Now, important stuff - change your profile '...on order..' not longer works!!!

Congrats.

Was it Barrons in Farnborough? I was in there today and saw what looked like a F31 under a blanket ready for reveal? Might have been yours?

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Originally Posted by Apl335d

Was it Barrons in Farnborough? I was in there today and saw what looked like a F31 under a blanket ready for reveal? Might have been yours?

I had planned to drop in too... just as well I didn't, sounds like a busy day!

[Apl440i or 335d?]

Originally Posted by MarkG335

I had planned to drop in too... just as well I didn't, sounds like a busy day!

I was just dropping off the spare key to the E92 I part exchanged. But they did look busy, yes!

[Proftinkerpot]

Stunning car and definitely a sleeper in a touring and in mineral grey. Health to drive Banksy.

[Banksy]

Originally Posted by Apl335d

Was it Barrons in Farnborough? I was in there today and saw what looked like a F31 under a blanket ready for reveal? Might have been yours?

Hindhead. Can't thank them enough, real pleasure to deal with. Very busy place today!

[F30AM]

It looks like a monster!
Live by the sword, die by the sword.

[PrinceBarin]

Always nice to read about someone enjoying / appreciating the thrill of 'new car day'

Gorgeous car too, thanks for the pics and have a great weekend!

[Tengocity]

Looks very nice indeed- good to see more 335d tourers on the go!

[RichardM]

Looks fantastic and much better without the Xdrive badge. Did you have your detailer remove it?

[Banksy]

Thanks guys. Yeah the x-drive badge was removed by the detailer.

[Finnie]

Lovely car, lovely spec. Another nice set of photos which give a realistic view of the stance which isn't as sky high in reality as a lot of people make out.

[Wo-Wo]

Looks stunning!

[M4dski11z]

Lovely motor mate