Discussion
Just after a little bit of advice really.
Mods: If this is in the wrong place, please move it
Looking at a facelift E46 330CI.
A couple of questions.
Is Bluetooth easy to retrofit, or would it be easier to buy an earpiece or something like that?
Is it easy to run an iPhone/iPod cable through to use as an AUX input?
I prefer the OEM look, so would rather try to get that working rather than using an aftermarket unit. Or would upgrading to a Sat Nav unit make it easier?
Are there any real issues to look out for? I've done some research and they seem okay, but I was wondering whether there was a preferred gearbox, or whether it's down to choice.
Anything specific I would look to look/listen for on a test drive?
The car:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271874290733?_trksid=p20...
Thanks all
Mods: If this is in the wrong place, please move it
Looking at a facelift E46 330CI.
A couple of questions.
Is Bluetooth easy to retrofit, or would it be easier to buy an earpiece or something like that?
Is it easy to run an iPhone/iPod cable through to use as an AUX input?
I prefer the OEM look, so would rather try to get that working rather than using an aftermarket unit. Or would upgrading to a Sat Nav unit make it easier?
Are there any real issues to look out for? I've done some research and they seem okay, but I was wondering whether there was a preferred gearbox, or whether it's down to choice.
Anything specific I would look to look/listen for on a test drive?
The car:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271874290733?_trksid=p20...
Thanks all
Ah yes, I was going through ebay looking for a red M3 Audi A5 and that popped up.
It might be a good idea to get something like an Andrive head unit-
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Android-4-2-2-Bluetooth-Ra...
You'll get the full screen, more modern sat nav, phone/bluetooth etc so everything is all in one.
It might be a good idea to get something like an Andrive head unit-
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Android-4-2-2-Bluetooth-Ra...
You'll get the full screen, more modern sat nav, phone/bluetooth etc so everything is all in one.
Mid to high 20's would be fair on average, You'd get over 30 on motorways, but the long term around town would be less, so expect 26-28mpg-ish for a ballpark.
The seat should tidy up pretty well with leather renovation stuff, and everything else is OK, looks decent enough condition from the pics, good colour, leather etc.
About the only thing missing would have been the factory fitted screen/nav, but if you get an andrive (and I believe there are other similar BMW OEM style headunits) you've got everything you need.
The seat should tidy up pretty well with leather renovation stuff, and everything else is OK, looks decent enough condition from the pics, good colour, leather etc.
About the only thing missing would have been the factory fitted screen/nav, but if you get an andrive (and I believe there are other similar BMW OEM style headunits) you've got everything you need.
I did both of the changes you mention on my 2000 330 Touring.
You can fit OEM bluetooth but costs can be horrendous so I installed the next best thing IMO which is a parrot CK3000 kit with connects2 wheel interface. The beauty of this is that the parrot unit itself is only needed for set up so it can be completely hidden (mine was tucked up above the glove box). For day to day use, you simply use the steering wheel buttons and voice dialing. The sound comes through the stereo, which will display 'phone' during a call. The mic can be hidden behind the rear view mirror. It's neat, cheap and invisible. There's an install guide here.
http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/diy_parrot_bl...
For the aux input, BMW can supply an OEM aux cable that will fit straight into the back of a standard CD head unit. The head unit needs to have been manufactured after 2003 if I recall so I simply picked one up from ebay and swapped it over. Once you fit the aux cable in the back you'll get an extra source labelled 'aux'. Again, cheap and easy and you can route cable wherever is convenient. If you want to go for full ipod control, look up intravee, though personally I'm not convinced that the E46 head unit is the best interface to use an intravee with.
You can fit OEM bluetooth but costs can be horrendous so I installed the next best thing IMO which is a parrot CK3000 kit with connects2 wheel interface. The beauty of this is that the parrot unit itself is only needed for set up so it can be completely hidden (mine was tucked up above the glove box). For day to day use, you simply use the steering wheel buttons and voice dialing. The sound comes through the stereo, which will display 'phone' during a call. The mic can be hidden behind the rear view mirror. It's neat, cheap and invisible. There's an install guide here.
http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/diy_parrot_bl...
For the aux input, BMW can supply an OEM aux cable that will fit straight into the back of a standard CD head unit. The head unit needs to have been manufactured after 2003 if I recall so I simply picked one up from ebay and swapped it over. Once you fit the aux cable in the back you'll get an extra source labelled 'aux'. Again, cheap and easy and you can route cable wherever is convenient. If you want to go for full ipod control, look up intravee, though personally I'm not convinced that the E46 head unit is the best interface to use an intravee with.
Edited by Gad-Westy on Tuesday 19th May 17:22
It bugs me a little too, but the car looks like a great example. I've also been looking at this one.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-330CI-manual-/321736...
both look tidy, the black one is a little newer with less miles.
Are there any common faults to look for?
Do these have similar subframe issues to the M3?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-330CI-manual-/321736...
both look tidy, the black one is a little newer with less miles.
Are there any common faults to look for?
Do these have similar subframe issues to the M3?
oil consumption it's terrible, vanos seals, rust everywhere, heater hedgehog/resistor
Lower arms that last 5 mins cracked rear floor area,failing pressure sensors on the master cylinder causing lights on dash and faults
Thermostat housings and coolant hose ends that fall aprt due to cheap plastic. Rads that blow out at there ends
They are a money pit that's for sure I have a love hate relationship with mine if I could find a small estate I like it would be long gone by now
Lower arms that last 5 mins cracked rear floor area,failing pressure sensors on the master cylinder causing lights on dash and faults
Thermostat housings and coolant hose ends that fall aprt due to cheap plastic. Rads that blow out at there ends
They are a money pit that's for sure I have a love hate relationship with mine if I could find a small estate I like it would be long gone by now
Edited by loose cannon on Tuesday 19th May 18:44
looks to be a very nice example and being red it looks great (rare colour).
check if he is the original 1 owner from new or if he is just selling it on.
the standard stereo and speaker in this model are shockingly bad so its worth upgrading if you want Bluetooth.
MPG is not good on these the last 330 sport we had I could get 28 mpg on long trips (eg London to Edinburgh with cruise set to 80).
Normal mixed driving (my wife commuting) it averaged 23 mpg.
Rust is the big problem on these it starts on the front wings, boot-lid and front edge of the bonnet, this one looks very clean though.
Also be aware the ride on the 18" alloys is terrible not a good motorway car long trips you become very aware of the bumps / joins in the surface.
check if he is the original 1 owner from new or if he is just selling it on.
the standard stereo and speaker in this model are shockingly bad so its worth upgrading if you want Bluetooth.
MPG is not good on these the last 330 sport we had I could get 28 mpg on long trips (eg London to Edinburgh with cruise set to 80).
Normal mixed driving (my wife commuting) it averaged 23 mpg.
Rust is the big problem on these it starts on the front wings, boot-lid and front edge of the bonnet, this one looks very clean though.
Also be aware the ride on the 18" alloys is terrible not a good motorway car long trips you become very aware of the bumps / joins in the surface.
I've a saloon, not a coupe.
They rust like you wouldn't believe. I've got rust starting on the back arches and a little just under the boot lid. It's had new front wings whilst the previous owner had it.
I've drive mine spiritedly and average about 20mpg. 70/30 town/motorway.
Like the other chap, Im at around 600 miles/litre in oil too, and it likes the good stuff. I've changed a few parts to try and slow usage down but I've just accepted that it just uses s
t loads of oil.
Parrot kit is the cheapest way to get Bluetooth, and it's probably the most oem looking too, I couldn't face putting an aftermarket H/U in mine, they look so out of place.
That car could possibly have the ability to simply plug and aux into the back of it, can't tell without taking the stereo out I believe.
It's expensive, and it isn't fun. But I love mine.
They rust like you wouldn't believe. I've got rust starting on the back arches and a little just under the boot lid. It's had new front wings whilst the previous owner had it.
I've drive mine spiritedly and average about 20mpg. 70/30 town/motorway.
Like the other chap, Im at around 600 miles/litre in oil too, and it likes the good stuff. I've changed a few parts to try and slow usage down but I've just accepted that it just uses s
t loads of oil.Parrot kit is the cheapest way to get Bluetooth, and it's probably the most oem looking too, I couldn't face putting an aftermarket H/U in mine, they look so out of place.
That car could possibly have the ability to simply plug and aux into the back of it, can't tell without taking the stereo out I believe.
It's expensive, and it isn't fun. But I love mine.
loose cannon said:
fatboy b said:
Last decent looking BMW made imo. Subframe issues on the 328, and mine was one of the first to have it. Sorted under warranty no probs. Facelift 330 not a problem
Total rubbish my m8's 330ci 05 plate had a new rear floor 2 years ago under warranty Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff