BMW 330d vs. BMW 335d: which is better?
Saloon cars are a speciality of BMW, and the 335d and 330d are two great examples. But which model comes out on top in our comparison?
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If you’re looking for an affordable luxury car, you won’t be alone in considering the BMW 3 Series, which is available with a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines.
The ultimate balance between top performance and fuel economy comes in the form of the 3.0-litre diesel you’ll find in the 330d and 335d models.
While both models are almost identical, some minor differences could affect how you live with your 3 Series.
Styling of the 330d vs. 335d BMW
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When taking a broader look at the entire 3 Series range, you’ll have a choice of trims, including SE, Sport, and M Sport.
Going for these large, powerful diesel engines limits your choice to M Sport trim, which is no bad thing.
Both cars get a sporty makeover with details borrowed from and inspired by the BMW M3, such as large alloy wheels, extra bits of sporty trim, and seats designed to offer you more support.
BMW stopped offering 3.0-litre diesel engines in its 3 Series when it launched the new version in 2019, so you’ll be looking at previous-generation models only.
Compared to Mercedes and Audi cars, BMW interiors can look a little more minimalist, but this doesn’t mean you have to do without car tech. The layout is designed to shift your focus to driving.
What are the BMW 335d and BMW 330d like to drive?
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Both use the same 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine, and it’s the one you’ll find in the brand’s much larger cars like the 5 Series, 7 Series, and X5.
Because the 3 Series is substantially lighter than those, it feels much quicker and can accelerate more quickly than many hot hatches.
The key difference is that the 330d uses one turbocharger, while the 335d is twin-turbocharged. This gives them 255hp and 308hp respectively.
It’s also worth mentioning that while they’re both available with an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive, you may be able to find some older 330d models with a manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive.
In reality, the four-wheel-drive system is best for transferring the power to the road and is more confidence-inspiring on twisty roads. There’s also the benefit of added traction in slippery or icy conditions.
Later versions of the 330d are good for 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds. Faster 335d models can get to 62mph in 4.9 seconds, which is just 0.1 seconds shy of a brand-new BMW M135i.
Interior and technology of the BMW 335d vs. 330d
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Even though the newest 330d and 335d models you can buy are several years old, now, you can still expect things like adaptive cruise control, driver assistance and safety kit, and an upgraded sound system.
The ‘iDrive’ infotainment system continues to be one of the best you can get in any car, and in these high-spec models, you get a larger display with more functionalities.
Space in the back is on-par with rivals like the Mercedes C-Class, but like that car, rear legroom suffers because of the hump in the floor required to deliver power to the back wheels.
BMW 330d vs. 335d: which has more boot space?
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Although they have different engines up front, they’re exactly the same car, so boot space doesn’t take a hit whichever model you pick.
There’s 480 litres of space, which is exactly what you’d find in a C-Class or Audi A4 of a similar age.
For reference, a family hatchback might have around 400 litres of space, and a mid-size SUV could have more than 500 litres of space.
It’s worth noting that the 3 Series is a saloon, which means getting large items in and out of the boot can be trickier than in a hatchback.
Used BMW 330 vs. used BMW 335d: reliability and safety
The BMW 3 Series is a reliable saloon with the backing of thousands of company car drivers and family buyers, and the brand often performs well in customer satisfaction surveys, too.
Remember, though, that replacing consumables on this premium car could cost more than on cheaper cars, including its tyres, which are slightly larger to handle the extra performance of the 3.0-litre engine.
Because these are diesels, you’ll have to take them on regular long trips to avoid problems with the DPF, but this is true of most other diesels, too.
What are the BMW 330d and 335d dimensions?
The 3 Series in question, which was built between 2012 and 2019, measures 4,624mm long, 2,031mm wide and 1,429mm tall.
The difference between it and other similar saloons is minimal, but if you’re coming from a hatchback, you might notice the extra length when trying to navigate tight car parks.
BMW 335d vs. BMW 330d: which should you buy?
While the 335d might sound more appealing with its much quicker acceleration time, the 330d is plenty quick enough and makes for an enjoyable drive. It also proves more economical in the real world, with drivers reporting more than 40mpg.
Unless you’re looking for something very fast, we think the 330d offers the perfect combination of everything you’d need in a 3 Series.