[g9icy]

Hi all, I've been lurking here for a while and decided to finally introduce myself.

I've recently upgraded from a '14 330d M Sport body/sus to a 67 435d GC M Sport (with adaptive) xDrive in CB, and unfortunately I'm a little bit unhappy with it at the moment, due to a few things.

1) The ride height! When I looked at equivalent cars in the show room, none of them had xDrive (they were 430d's) and though most people would hardly notice the difference, I'm finding it a bit annoying. The car just doesn't sit right! However I can now go over speed bumps without my spine being shattered so that's a plus...

2) So far the performance doesn't feel like a big step up from the 330d. I know its heavier but I didn't think it'd be that much different. In fact, it feels slower... I don't know if this is due to the fact that it only has 1k miles on it atm though. Thoughts?

3) Economy. I didn't think it would be such a big difference. I got 44mpg on average with the 330d and I'm getting 36 mpg doing the same trips now, so it's a fair big hit. If I was getting the performance I expected I wouldn't mind though.

4) Definitely feels less fun due to xDrive. I didn't get to test a 435d xDrive as they didn't have any, so I tested a 430d GC sDrive (I think) and a 335d xDrive, but the latter was brand new as well, so felt very stiff. Thinking back the 430d felt much better.

5) Wish I'd got a petrol for those sweet engine sounds.

Overall it's still a fantastic car, but I feel like I was duped a bit by the dealer. Lesson learned! I'm on a 4 year PCP so I can't really do much about it for a while.

However, I'm wondering if these issues are because it's not had a good run in yet. What do you think?

[KCH1984]

Welcome!

As you’ll see on here, there are multiple threads about fitting ACS (or similar) springs to improve the handling / looks of the xDrive cars. Based on the above, these sound like they should be your first purchase!

[g9icy]

Yep, I've read about ACS springs, but I'm a little worried due to it being on PCP and under warranty.

I am *very* tempted to do this, possibly with a black grille and nicer wheels with non-runflats. I really want the upgraded wheels my 3 series had back. (I forget the exact name of them)

[Theone88]

Originally Posted by g9icy

Yep, I've read about ACS springs, but I'm a little worried due to it being on PCP and under warranty.

I am *very* tempted to do this, possibly with a black grille and nicer wheels with non-runflats. I really want the upgraded wheels my 3 series had back. (I forget the exact name of them)

From my understanding ACS are the only BMW recommended springs (you can get them direct and fitted from BMW).

[TouringPleb]

My 335d F31 seemed to really loosen up around 9k miles. Economy certainly improved around then.

[Jeff123]

That car looks superb.

I think maybe you need to just drive it and forget the other issues. The MPG and performance will improve, but not for a few miles yet. Mine is the 3.0d drive and at 30k miles it feels really loosened up. These cars are limited to 155 mph and are among the fastest on the road. Most people just can't drive them as they were designed.

Regarding ride height and the gap at the top the wheel arch, as you say, there are advantages, such as going over kerbs and speed bumps. Also, getting in/out is easier. With yours being a dark colour the gap is less evident than a lighter colour.

Coming from an E90, i felt the steering was much too light on the F30 at first. Now, after a few months it actually feels perfect IMO.

[mikeoz]

I'm sure performance and mpg will get better once run in a bit.

[Ti Rich]

Interesting! I am in exaxtly the same situation as you having just come from a 14 330d to a 67 435d.

I agree with your comments 100%. I averaged 43mpg in the 330d but am getting 39 in the new car driving like a nun. Really see the difference on a long run where i am getting 10 to 12 mpg less under the same conditions.

I have done 3k miles now and it just doesn't feel quick at all. I too am hoping its just a tight engine and will improve.

The suspension is high BUT i would say it handles better. Certainly less body roll.

[g9icy]

Originally Posted by Theone88

From my understanding ACS are the only BMW recommended springs (you can get them direct and fitted from BMW).

Hmm, interesting. I might give them a call and ask what the deal would be with regards to swapping them back once PCP is over (if I don't keep the car).

My 335d F31 seemed to really loosen up around 9k miles. Economy certainly improved around then.

Ah! This was what I was hoping to hear. Perhaps I'll report back in a few months with an update.

That car looks superb.

It does, I find myself bumping into things when I get out of it from walking backwards so I can look at it.

at 30k miles it feels really loosened up.

My 330d was around 27k when I got it, so I suppose it'd had its run in time.

Interesting! I am in exaxtly the same situation as you having just come from a 14 330d to a 67 435d.

Weird! Sort of glad to know it's not just me feeling this, but also wish we weren't.

It really does seem like they're just run-in issues, so we'll see how things go.

As for the suspension... I did buy the GC for the practicality, and the reality is, I'm often driving over uneven back roads and fields, so I might have to live with it. But as Jeff123 says, with it being black(ish) it isn't as noticeable.

Thanks all, I'll post some pics soon, hoping to take it into North Wales next weekend and pose it.

[g9icy]

Oh and the wheels I like are the 19" M Star-spoke style 403Ms, I think they look great.

[Theone88]

Darker colour def makes the gap not as bad (but still not great!)

[g9icy]

I agree. Looks fantastic, and I think its only us lot on here that would notice anyway.

[Scottiedog]

I came from a remapped 318d f31 to a 435d GC and at first I was a little underwhelmed by the performance. Not to say it was a slow car by any means but I was just expecting a bit more.

Iv now hit 6k and only the other day whilst joining a motorway with my mate on his Yamaha mt09 behind I floored it in sport mode and thought shit this car can shift. I think as mentioned it takes a fare few thousand to loosen up properly.

I also found compared to the 318d the throttle does need to be floored to get all of the power whereas in the 318d and a few 4 cylinder diesels iv driven you only need 80% throttle to get full power if that makes sense.

Mpg wise I can get 53mpg plus on a 70mph run on a quiet motorway and I got 48mpg on a 2000 mile trip through Germany sitting at 80mph mostly with a few high speed runs and a 160mph squirt too. Car only had 2k on it at the time too.