Feedback on 320d Auto please?

Drifty · 09-23-2010, 04:59 PM

Hi everyone,

First time poster so please be gentle.

I'm in the proceess of researching/choosing my next company car (I need to order in the next few weeks) I currently have a Golf Mk.V GTI with DSG but now I'm pretty much settled on getting a 320d sport plus and I'm thinking about getting the auto. At the moment I'm spending a lot of time in traffic and I've got used to just letting the DSG do all the work.

I have arranged a 3 day test drive for a week of so, but I wanted to know if any of you could give me some thoughts/considerations on the BMW automatic gearbox when combined with a 320d.

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

many thx - D

toxicnerve · 09-23-2010, 06:08 PM

You're going to excite a lot of people for nothing with your thread title

Jon D · 09-23-2010, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toxicnerve

You're going to excite a lot of people for nothing with your thread title

Yes, that typo got me going as well

Drifty,
Other than a couple of short drives in the 4 cyl 3 and 5 series, I have no experience of the smaller engines. However, I can comment on the gearbox.
It's, by far, the best auto I've driven and, whilst it probably doesn't shift as quickly as a DSG unit, I reckon you'll be more than happy.
Shame you can't stretch to the 330d; go on - have a drive in one...

E92BSM10 · 09-24-2010, 01:27 AM

320d is great

Drifty · 09-24-2010, 02:27 AM

how to make a great cockup/impresion (delete as applicable!!!) sorry guys - yes 320d not 350d

If any moderators view this message - can you please rename the thread from 350 to 320? - thx

CHG · 09-24-2010, 02:33 AM

I have a 318d Auto, and went with the auto for the same reason as you!

Absolutely love it, and wouldn't swap it for the manual!

320D drives exactly the same as the 318D, albeit with a bit more power! You'll love it!

Drifty · 09-24-2010, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon D

Yes, that typo got me going as well

Drifty,
Other than a couple of short drives in the 4 cyl 3 and 5 series, I have no experience of the smaller engines. However, I can comment on the gearbox.
It's, by far, the best auto I've driven and, whilst it probably doesn't shift as quickly as a DSG unit, I reckon you'll be more than happy.
Shame you can't stretch to the 330d; go on - have a drive in one...

Cheers for the feedback, I may grab a short td in a 330d AU, but looking at the company car scheme I'll be slapped silly. We're going all eco friendly and levies being added on top of the lease costs on bigger cars.. :-(

My only experience of non-DSG auto's has been limited to old X type Jags and Scorpios when I used to borrow the father-in-law's car from time to time and they were very very forgettable - I know things have moved on a lot and BMW being BMW, I'm sure they would have something better

Drifty · 09-24-2010, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHG

I have a 318d Auto, and went with the auto for the same reason as you!

Absolutely love it, and wouldn't swap it for the manual!

320D drives exactly the same as the 318D, albeit with a bit more power! You'll love it!

Cheers mate - roll on next week so I can get my hands one for a few days.

xenon · 09-24-2010, 03:33 AM

Yes, test one obviously.

I hate the steptronic (or shitronic, as I call it) with a passion but many like it and you might be one of them.

(incidentally, I'm not starting the age-old and incredibly tedious arguments about manual v auto or that "only a manual can be a driver's car..." yawn, yawn, as I realise that autos have their place. I just think the BMW effort is a pile of toss. Audi can do it quite nicely.)

Em135eye · 09-24-2010, 03:52 AM

A 350d is out?! When?

Oh...

NathanJT · 09-24-2010, 05:20 AM

Barsteward!

That had my heart racing (and my bank account quivering).

Dave_3 · 09-24-2010, 05:22 AM

Not sure if the 320D uses the same style ZF box that the 335i, 330D (LCI model) and 335D use ?

Certainly on my experiences of the 320i/d they have a different feel to the Auto boxes compared to the ZF boxes. The 320i/d have the more usual torque converter feel, the ZF boxes are very direct.

Mmmm .... 350D, that would do nicely.

D.

E92westy · 09-24-2010, 07:56 AM

Now I usually prefer manuals, BUT, I had a 59 plate 320d auto as a loaner earlier this year and it was really nice, especially in DS mode.
I only 37mpg out of it tho'........

Jeff123 · 09-24-2010, 08:41 AM

The 320d auto is a fine car. Alright, it's not a 335d, but it depends on what you want from a car. I do most of my mileage on and around the M62 corridor and down to the midlands. There are just so few areas where you can actually put your foot down with any pleasure, without fear of speed cameras/police cars/radar traps/average speed checks/built-up areas etc.............

Even with 177bhp, the car feels fast to me.

The auto box is also OK. Most journeys you find yourself just trundling along in traffic - but without the constant gear changes.

scotgc · 09-24-2010, 09:22 AM

I have a 325d step/auto, its superb, wouldnt consider a manual again unless it was an M3 / 335. I had a 120D manual a few years back and felt that the clutch was quite heavy in traffic.

chrisbin · 09-24-2010, 09:48 AM

320d is a great combination. Auto helps add refinement to a 4 cylinder diesel imo.

xenon · 09-24-2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisbin

Auto helps add refinement to a 4 cylinder diesel imo.

Interesting point.

The ones I've driven suffered too much from transmission slam. My mate even got an engineer from ZF to go out in his, who sort of stared at his feet and admitted they were all like that.

JR · 09-24-2010, 10:53 AM

Had three 320d Autos ,two e92,s and currently an e90 loved them all, tried a manual box again ,but opted for auto again and with the new 320d putting out 184bhp & more torque there is plenty of power
Bob

Drifty · 09-24-2010, 02:23 PM

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Just found out the dealer arranging the multiday td can't provide anything until the end of Oct

So, going into my local dealership tomorrow to see if I can take one out for a razz to get the feel - i really want to get my order in within the next two weeks.

The engine and transmission are the first hurdle... as for the extras.... well I've been going around that little dance for a while now.

SteveF1 · 09-28-2010, 01:22 PM

I have the 320d manual and although its nice I actually prefer the auto box. Its only since having mine in the garage and testing out loan cars that I've come to the conclusion that auto is the way forward and so much easier in most day to day traffic. It takes most of the stress from stop/start traffic and due to it being so smooth on the 320D its effortless at what it does.

My next car will be an auto for sure.

firebod · 09-28-2010, 03:03 PM

good combo, I wasn't sure when we bought it but have got to like it now.

sattapaal · 09-30-2010, 11:33 AM

im also looking at buying an auto.

definitely the way forward, really surprised that most of the diesel cars are manual.

09-23-2010, 04:59 PM	#1
Drifty New Member 1 Rep 6 Posts Drives: Golf GTI Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Feedback on 320d Auto please? Hi everyone, First time poster so please be gentle. I'm in the proceess of researching/choosing my next company car (I need to order in the next few weeks) I currently have a Golf Mk.V GTI with DSG but now I'm pretty much settled on getting a 320d sport plus and I'm thinking about getting the auto. At the moment I'm spending a lot of time in traffic and I've got used to just letting the DSG do all the work. I have arranged a 3 day test drive for a week of so, but I wanted to know if any of you could give me some thoughts/considerations on the BMW automatic gearbox when combined with a 320d. Any info will be greatly appreciated. many thx - D Last edited by Drifty; 09-24-2010 at 05:19 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

09-23-2010, 06:08 PM	#2
toxicnerve Colonel 97 Rep 2,834 Posts Drives: E92 335d M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	You're going to excite a lot of people for nothing with your thread title
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2010, 01:27 AM	#4
E92BSM10 Brigadier General 49 Rep 3,608 Posts Drives: E92 320D M-Sport Highline Join Date: May 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	320d is great
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2010, 02:27 AM	#5
Drifty New Member 1 Rep 6 Posts Drives: Golf GTI Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	how to make a great cockup/impresion (delete as applicable!!!) sorry guys - yes 320d not 350d If any moderators view this message - can you please rename the thread from 350 to 320? - thx Last edited by Drifty; 09-24-2010 at 02:33 AM.. Reason: Thread title cockup!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2010, 02:33 AM	#6
CHG Lieutenant 22 Rep 530 Posts Drives: A Variety of 4 Wheeled Things Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Around the UK iTrader: (0)	I have a 318d Auto, and went with the auto for the same reason as you! Absolutely love it, and wouldn't swap it for the manual! 320D drives exactly the same as the 318D, albeit with a bit more power! You'll love it!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2010, 03:33 AM	#9
xenon Major General 1405 Rep 8,095 Posts Drives: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	Yes, test one obviously. I hate the steptronic (or shitronic, as I call it) with a passion but many like it and you might be one of them. (incidentally, I'm not starting the age-old and incredibly tedious arguments about manual v auto or that "only a manual can be a driver's car..." yawn, yawn, as I realise that autos have their place. I just think the BMW effort is a pile of toss. Audi can do it quite nicely.) __________________ Ian Current: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Previous: 2018 A6 Avant S-Line MMI+, 2014 F31 320d M-Sport, 2013 F10 520d M-Sport, 2011 F10 530d M-Sport, 2008 320i M-Sport Coupe, 2002 325i, 2001 318i valvetronic, 1998 318i, 1996 525i, 1990 Porsche 944S2
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2010, 03:52 AM	#10
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	A 350d is out?! When? Oh...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2010, 05:20 AM	#11
NathanJT Techie Geek 37 Rep 681 Posts Drives: 330d M Sport Manual Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Derby, UK iTrader: (0)	Barsteward! That had my heart racing (and my bank account quivering). __________________ 330d M-Sport \| Sapphire Black \| Black Dakota \| Nav Pro \| iDrive \| Bluetooth \| PDC \| Xenons \| Hot Seats \| Tracker \| Blacklines
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2010, 05:22 AM	#12
Dave_3 Brigadier General 652 Rep 3,445 Posts Drives: G22 M440D Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: CH / SCO iTrader: (0) Garage List 1973 Escort RS2000 MK1 [10.00]	Not sure if the 320D uses the same style ZF box that the 335i, 330D (LCI model) and 335D use ? Certainly on my experiences of the 320i/d they have a different feel to the Auto boxes compared to the ZF boxes. The 320i/d have the more usual torque converter feel, the ZF boxes are very direct. Mmmm .... 350D, that would do nicely. D. __________________ Escort Mk1 RS2000 (2.1 2x44IDFS, BVH, Kent FR32, 5spd, 180 BHP) : M440D ¦ Previously : F32 435D : F32 430D M Sport sDrive, 335D E92 2006
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2010, 07:56 AM	#13
E92westy Lieutenant 32 Rep 549 Posts Drives: F20 118d Sport Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Staffs. iTrader: (2)	Now I usually prefer manuals, BUT, I had a 59 plate 320d auto as a loaner earlier this year and it was really nice, especially in DS mode. I only 37mpg out of it tho'........ __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2010, 08:41 AM	#14
Jeff123 Jeff 319 Rep 1,451 Posts Drives: 330d M Sport x-drive F30 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Yorkshire iTrader: (0)	The 320d auto is a fine car. Alright, it's not a 335d, but it depends on what you want from a car. I do most of my mileage on and around the M62 corridor and down to the midlands. There are just so few areas where you can actually put your foot down with any pleasure, without fear of speed cameras/police cars/radar traps/average speed checks/built-up areas etc............. Even with 177bhp, the car feels fast to me. The auto box is also OK. Most journeys you find yourself just trundling along in traffic - but without the constant gear changes.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2010, 09:22 AM	#15
scotgc Captain 244 Rep 696 Posts Drives: 440i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Falkirk iTrader: (0)	I have a 325d step/auto, its superb, wouldnt consider a manual again unless it was an M3 / 335. I had a 120D manual a few years back and felt that the clutch was quite heavy in traffic.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2010, 09:48 AM	#16
chrisbin Colonel 112 Rep 2,333 Posts Drives: 640i MSport Coupe Join Date: May 2005 Location: S.Wales, UK iTrader: (1)	320d is a great combination. Auto helps add refinement to a 4 cylinder diesel imo. __________________ Current: F13 640i MSport, e85 Z4 3.0i Previous - Alpina D3 BiTurbo E90 LCI Manual, 320d M Sport E92 Auto, 330i M Sport E92 courtesy of BMW UK....320i M Sport E92 Auto, 320d SE E90 Manual.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2010, 10:53 AM	#18
JR Private First Class 17 Rep 134 Posts Drives: f45 218i SE active tourer auto Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Leyland,Lancs iTrader: (0)	Had three 320d Autos ,two e92,s and currently an e90 loved them all, tried a manual box again ,but opted for auto again and with the new 320d putting out 184bhp & more torque there is plenty of power Bob
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2010, 02:23 PM	#19
Drifty New Member 1 Rep 6 Posts Drives: Golf GTI Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Thanks everyone for the feedback. Just found out the dealer arranging the multiday td can't provide anything until the end of Oct So, going into my local dealership tomorrow to see if I can take one out for a razz to get the feel - i really want to get my order in within the next two weeks. The engine and transmission are the first hurdle... as for the extras.... well I've been going around that little dance for a while now.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-28-2010, 01:22 PM	#20
SteveF1 Captain 27 Rep 626 Posts Drives: BMW 320D M Sport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Manchester iTrader: (0)	I have the 320d manual and although its nice I actually prefer the auto box. Its only since having mine in the garage and testing out loan cars that I've come to the conclusion that auto is the way forward and so much easier in most day to day traffic. It takes most of the stress from stop/start traffic and due to it being so smooth on the 320D its effortless at what it does. My next car will be an auto for sure.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-28-2010, 03:03 PM	#21
firebod Private First Class 7 Rep 109 Posts Drives: E91 320d edition M sport Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: sussex iTrader: (2)	good combo, I wasn't sure when we bought it but have got to like it now.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2010, 11:33 AM	#22
sattapaal Private First Class 1 Rep 167 Posts Drives: BMW 330d SE Saloon Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Ickenham, London iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 330d SE [0.00]	im also looking at buying an auto. definitely the way forward, really surprised that most of the diesel cars are manual.
	Appreciate 0 Quote