[red-max]

Top Gear magazine (Feb 2007, Issue 162, p80) has a mini review of the 335d SE Coupe, and it's a mixed review. Basically they love the engine but hate the car it's in ;-(

Following on from Clarkson's review in the Times, they don't like the Coupe's styling, but go further to criticise the ride, blaming the runflats for delivering a "pummelling" on uneven roads. They reckon the paddles are a "waste of time" but praise the "stunningly well-sorted auto-box".

So they conclude that the engine and transmission are very good, but the ride, handling and steering are bad. Oh, and the car is very expensive - "an eye-watering £35,475 with cloth seats and single slot CD player". The result is 12/20.

My opinion: I think they're not too far off the mark actually, and this is a refreshing change from all the overly enthusiatic reviews that the 335i has been getting. It's interesting that they decided to praise the engine and transmission - this being Top Gear I expected them to slag off the diesel and auto box. Being critical of the ride and handling was a surprise to me, since I thought it was the same as the 335i, which every other journo seems to think is fantastic. I thought it was just me, coming from a 530d SE with non-runflats, who found the sports suspension and runflats a bit harsh. Perhaps it really is what you're used to - a couple of guys on this board coming from M3s have said that the 335i is a much better daily driver. I'd love to try one with non-runflats though - I'm even tempted to convert mine, but worry about not having a spare wheel.

[BMWer]

Yes, I was warned of the harshness of the RFTs before placing my order. However, I found the ride with my current 18" with RFTs to be acceptable, maybe a little firm, but never uncomfortable compared with my previous E46 330i Sport.

[mjh93sa]

Did you read the X3 review on the opposite page? They could have swapped the cars over and you would hardly notice.

It seems that the motoring press have a series of things they just have to say about each marque. For BMW they have to hate:

The modern styling
RunFlats
iDrive
Standard equipment levels
Cost

Then, because the engines have received all sort of awards and accolades they have to love them.

To be honest, having test driven an E90 Msport I would have to say it is too stiff a ride for my taste, but then so was the E46 Sport. Having more recently driven a 1series on RFT's in SE trim (courtesy car) it was fine.

Of course it doesn't help that British roads are just falling apart. When they are into patching sections of road weekly instead of doing the job properly you know the system doesn't work!

[RockIt]

I find the runflats a bit jittery on poor surfaces, but overall the ride is fine for me...and I specified the sports suspension. But I've changed from an RX8 with a pretty firm suspension and ride anyway, so I suppose I'm used to the odd knock.

I do find that TG and other car mags often have a stock response to various marques, as suggested by mjh93sa.

[Z4 Beemer]

Originally Posted by RockIt

I do find that TG and other car mags often have a stock response to various marques, as suggested by mjh93sa.

I was speaking to a motoring journalist in Canada recently who actually said pretty much the same thing... that he found some of TG's comments (particularly JC's) quite bias at times (especially towards certain manufacturers).

[NFS]

Originally Posted by red-max

Top Gear magazine (Feb 2007, Issue 162, p80) has a mini review of the 335d SE Coupe, and it's a mixed review. Basically they love the engine but hate the car it's in ;-(

Following on from Clarkson's review in the Times, they don't like the Coupe's styling, but go further to criticise the ride, blaming the runflats for delivering a "pummelling" on uneven roads. They reckon the paddles are a "waste of time" but praise the "stunningly well-sorted auto-box".

So they conclude that the engine and transmission are very good, but the ride, handling and steering are bad. Oh, and the car is very expensive - "an eye-watering £35,475 with cloth seats and single slot CD player". The result is 12/20.

My opinion: I think they're not too far off the mark actually, and this is a refreshing change from all the overly enthusiatic reviews that the 335i has been getting. It's interesting that they decided to praise the engine and transmission - this being Top Gear I expected them to slag off the diesel and auto box. Being critical of the ride and handling was a surprise to me, since I thought it was the same as the 335i, which every other journo seems to think is fantastic. I thought it was just me, coming from a 530d SE with non-runflats, who found the sports suspension and runflats a bit harsh. Perhaps it really is what you're used to - a couple of guys on this board coming from M3s have said that the 335i is a much better daily driver. I'd love to try one with non-runflats though - I'm even tempted to convert mine, but worry about not having a spare wheel.

Bizzarre that the runflats have come back into the equation for the 3 series. They were heavily criticised on the e60, but everything I read suggested that they were not an issue on the e90 because it had always been designed for them.

My experience backs that up. The ride in my car is very firm, but it is also a lot less jarring than it was in my e46 m-sport coupe with non-runflat tyres.

[picus]

Just take the run flats off and carry a fix a flat.

[booforty]

I must say the ride with 18's, sports suspension and run-flats is just astonishing. I expected mine to be a back breaker but even my grandparents have commented how comfortable the ride is (I wasn't redlining it that time!)

[Colonel'K]

I tried both 335s, and found the suspension to be a little on the jiggly side- but it really depended on the particular road surface I was on at the time. Eventually decided on the 330, the suspension was good and a little more forgiving on the potholed and rutted roads we have round here.

Now, if only I loved in Germany near one of those nice, smooth autobahns

Hmm, I wonder if BMW would do a 335i with Standard suspension instead

[shtfrginger]

Originally Posted by Colonel'K

I tried both 335s, and found the suspension to be a little on the jiggly side- but it really depended on the particular road surface I was on at the time. Eventually decided on the 330, the suspension was good and a little more forgiving on the potholed and rutted roads we have round here.

Now, if only I loved in Germany near one of those nice, smooth autobahns

Hmm, I wonder if BMW would do a 335i with Standard suspension instead

Maybe not in the Coupe (it was designed to be a sports car) but they do in the Saloon. Try an E90 335i /d SE With 161 17" wheels it not only looks good but it is composed and soaks up the bumps just like it should do

[Mike UK]

I have to say the e90 looks better in person than in pictures. Overall I don't like the styling of the car, but it doesn't matter to much if your the driver, as you won't have to look at it when your driving.