Changing to 330d from mx5

MSIMX5 · 10-10-2018, 07:04 AM

Hi all,

I currently own a Mk3 2.0 mx5 which I adore and love. ( I plan on selling it to a friend so as not to lose contact with it). However I'm desperate for something faster, more practical and fuel efficient. I've got my heart set on an e90 330d as it gives a good blend of the qualities I require. Currently looking around the 5k mark for an 07 ish car with around 100k miles.

Wondering about reliability and maintenance costs as the MX5 has been brilliant in that department.

If anyone has any advice, tips or information that would assist me, in terms of years to get/avoid or things to look or watch out for that would be much appreciated.

Much appreciated.

Lewis.

neilvan · 10-10-2018, 09:00 AM

As someone who has both an E90 and a Miata I can tell you its a different world.

The MX5/Miata is simple and reliable. Bmw will not nearly be that. More repairs, more stuff in it and much higher cost for parts.

Both cars are fun to drive but just in different ways. Sports car vs a sporty sedan.

The Bmw is was more practical and suited better for a daily driver without losing the fun aspect in which you bought the Miata for.

All in all it would be one of the better ways to go. Just because of the brand; costs will be higher.

Fritzer · 10-10-2018, 01:46 PM

Had to do a double take on the 5k figure before I realized you were in the United Kingdom!

As for the 330d, we never got them in the states, we had the 335d only. I'm guessing that the 330d has a similar variant of the M57 engine. Some have single turbos and some have TwinScroll.

Only thing I can recommend with these E90 diesels is buy the latest year model you can find or afford. From what I understand there were a significant amount of issues with the earlier models. Look for a detailed service history as well, as long as it was well maintained you really should not have many issues with the car. There are many plug in tunes for the E9x diesels and they have tremendous torque! Around 500nm if I recall correctly. I think you guys might also have the E91 diesels over there, which is a super cool car!

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilvan

The Bmw is was more practical and suited better for a daily driver without losing the fun aspect in which you bought the Miata for.

Yes, they both have the glorious 50/50 handling! BMW is just heavier, probably better mileage with the diesel, but more practical!

juld0zer · 10-13-2018, 01:34 AM

Your left hand will have a much easier life with the 330d.
I have an NC MX5 too and it has hardly any torque. If the gearbox wasn't so slick it would be a painful thing.

I will miss the communicative steering and predictable brake and mechanical LSD though.

I've picked up an E87 130i as replacement

MSIMX5 · 10-24-2018, 07:14 AM

Sounds good, thanks for the responses. Anyone else with any pearls of wisdom regarding the 330d. DPF scares me a bit !!

10-10-2018, 07:04 AM	#1
MSIMX5 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: Mk3 MX5 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Wales iTrader: (0)	Changing to 330d from mx5 Hi all, I currently own a Mk3 2.0 mx5 which I adore and love. ( I plan on selling it to a friend so as not to lose contact with it). However I'm desperate for something faster, more practical and fuel efficient. I've got my heart set on an e90 330d as it gives a good blend of the qualities I require. Currently looking around the 5k mark for an 07 ish car with around 100k miles. Wondering about reliability and maintenance costs as the MX5 has been brilliant in that department. If anyone has any advice, tips or information that would assist me, in terms of years to get/avoid or things to look or watch out for that would be much appreciated. Much appreciated. Lewis.
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10-10-2018, 09:00 AM	#2
neilvan Major 858 Rep 1,364 Posts Drives: 09 E90 335i M-Sport 6MT RWD Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW E61 530xi [0.00] 1993 Mazda Miata [0.00] 2009 BMW E90 335i [0.00]	As someone who has both an E90 and a Miata I can tell you its a different world. The MX5/Miata is simple and reliable. Bmw will not nearly be that. More repairs, more stuff in it and much higher cost for parts. Both cars are fun to drive but just in different ways. Sports car vs a sporty sedan. The Bmw is was more practical and suited better for a daily driver without losing the fun aspect in which you bought the Miata for. All in all it would be one of the better ways to go. Just because of the brand; costs will be higher.
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10-13-2018, 01:34 AM	#4
juld0zer Lieutenant Colonel 482 Rep 1,600 Posts Drives: Prev 135i 7DCT, Now 130i 6sp Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: 2153 iTrader: (0)	Your left hand will have a much easier life with the 330d. I have an NC MX5 too and it has hardly any torque. If the gearbox wasn't so slick it would be a painful thing. I will miss the communicative steering and predictable brake and mechanical LSD though. I've picked up an E87 130i as replacement
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10-24-2018, 07:14 AM	#5
MSIMX5 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: Mk3 MX5 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Wales iTrader: (0)	Sounds good, thanks for the responses. Anyone else with any pearls of wisdom regarding the 330d. DPF scares me a bit !!
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