I drove them again today Simon, because I just cannot decide between them. They both have their virtues and maybe I need to choose the 35d because it would be easier to sell (and replace with the X50i) if I decide to do so later.

The problem areas boil down to..

335d

- I don't like the initial sound of the engine under load (although its fine once it reaches mid-range)
- I don't like the sound of the engine when driving slowly and on light throttle
- the throttle response feels quite remote, and unlike a big V8 there's little sense of the torque available until you dig deep with the throttle
- there's nothing I actually 'like' about the diesel engine. I appreciate the torque and how relaxed the power delivery is, but I'm coming from petrol engines that deliver more torque and considerably more power, so I'm not won over by the novelty of the diesels initial punch
- I didn't like filling up with diesel (no wonder fuel stops need to be far apart)
- there's just no drama when starting it up, nothing to ignite the interest of a petrol-head (that's just such an alien concept to me)

335i

- sometimes there just doesn't feel enough torque and I don't like 'having to' rev the engine to make decent progress
- the noise when fully extended could be a little tiring on a longer journey


I guess I still don't accept diesels as being the answer to our motoring needs, a torquey petrol engine would be much more appealing but future resale is obviously better with the diesel and the moderate gain in fuel efficiency does help to limit petrol station visits.

After a lot of miles in both cars I find myself concluding that neither has got it right, but that the diesel version is the more complete solution and therefore is the natural choice from a 'rational' standpoint. But what a miserable reason that would be to choose a car!

I feel like the kid who's been offered either a chocolate or vanilla ice cream and then asks "have you got anything else?"

__________________