RE: BMW 328Ci: PH Carpool
Discussion
I run a 2001 e46 325ci as a daily driver. Very happy with it. Had a few bills over the last five years but then pretty much no depreciation so I'm happy. Much prefer the look of the e46 inside and out compared to current models. Rust has been an issue - brake pipes had to be redone last year and the wheel arches are all showing signs of rust which is a common issue on these.
Paul.
Paul.
Not long had a 2005 330i convertible myself, one of the last made. It has cruise, and I'm a convert (first time I've had it).
I'm growing attached to it like you OP, I think the looks are a sweet spot in recent BMW design, most of the the newer ones look less pretty imho, and a lot of them more generic in design. Nicely engineered car too, and easy to work on, had an MG ZS previously (mainly Honda design), and it's better put together and easier to maintain than that was (easier to remove things and less chance of them breaking).
37mpg on a 70mph trip on cruise control is good, 6 speed gearbox helps (OBC figure only, but the OBCs are unusually quite accurate apparently, and I got about 500 miles on almost a full tank (14 gallons), so seems accurate enough). 15mpg on short trips is not so good (1 mile to work and back). It has decent power but not enough to get in trouble too easily. The M54 straight six makes a nice noise, beter with induction kit (previous owner fitted), but I hear it can overdrive the MAF sensors on the 330s so I took it off. I hear the 328s make a much better noise which must be great.
I get a lot of positive comments on mine, and it's totally standard looking. I want to get the wheels refurbed, was thinking gunmetal grey, but not so sure now, as there's nothing that sets off my d*ckhead radar as much as an A4, Passat or E46 which has different wheels than factory (colour or style), the lights played with, very darkly tinted windows, or with stickers on the windows, and I don't want to join that club (hope I haven't already with an E46 Convertible
).
I'm growing attached to it like you OP, I think the looks are a sweet spot in recent BMW design, most of the the newer ones look less pretty imho, and a lot of them more generic in design. Nicely engineered car too, and easy to work on, had an MG ZS previously (mainly Honda design), and it's better put together and easier to maintain than that was (easier to remove things and less chance of them breaking).
37mpg on a 70mph trip on cruise control is good, 6 speed gearbox helps (OBC figure only, but the OBCs are unusually quite accurate apparently, and I got about 500 miles on almost a full tank (14 gallons), so seems accurate enough). 15mpg on short trips is not so good (1 mile to work and back). It has decent power but not enough to get in trouble too easily. The M54 straight six makes a nice noise, beter with induction kit (previous owner fitted), but I hear it can overdrive the MAF sensors on the 330s so I took it off. I hear the 328s make a much better noise which must be great.
I get a lot of positive comments on mine, and it's totally standard looking. I want to get the wheels refurbed, was thinking gunmetal grey, but not so sure now, as there's nothing that sets off my d*ckhead radar as much as an A4, Passat or E46 which has different wheels than factory (colour or style), the lights played with, very darkly tinted windows, or with stickers on the windows, and I don't want to join that club (hope I haven't already with an E46 Convertible
).I ran an E46 330i x plate for 5 years.
It went wrong a lot, with lots of niggly endless issues. The arches rusted, the underneath rusted, it was plagued by vacuum leaks and the engine is smooth but has no torque, VANOS or otherwise. The build quality was shocking, I grew to think that if it wasn't something you could see or touch in the showroom it would be built from cheap tin and nasty plastic fixings. It was not a premium product, that is for sure!
However, it was very good on fuel for the power, easy to work on, fun to drive with a nice gear change and I thought it looked pretty good.
These cars are old now, surely the 330 is always the one to choose, given the negligible difference in running costs and insurance?
It went wrong a lot, with lots of niggly endless issues. The arches rusted, the underneath rusted, it was plagued by vacuum leaks and the engine is smooth but has no torque, VANOS or otherwise. The build quality was shocking, I grew to think that if it wasn't something you could see or touch in the showroom it would be built from cheap tin and nasty plastic fixings. It was not a premium product, that is for sure!
However, it was very good on fuel for the power, easy to work on, fun to drive with a nice gear change and I thought it looked pretty good.
These cars are old now, surely the 330 is always the one to choose, given the negligible difference in running costs and insurance?
Antj said:
leon9191 said:
I didn't think you could do the M50 manifold mod on the M54. Obviously you can on the M52 in the e36 but the e46 motors were revised quite a lot with the twin Vanos etc?
I sold my e36 323i saloon a few weeks ago and it was a huge mistake currently looking at an e36 coupe and an e30 touring to replace it, the touring would be my preference but as you say prices are getting up there a bit now!
E46 328i had same M52 mate as E36, M54 was the 325i and 330i in E46I sold my e36 323i saloon a few weeks ago and it was a huge mistake currently looking at an e36 coupe and an e30 touring to replace it, the touring would be my preference but as you say prices are getting up there a bit now!
I sold mine with 230K miles on it and didn't burn a drop of oil it was lovely. Shame the rest of the car it was attached to was rusting to buggery.
Edited by buggalugs on Monday 4th January 22:40
Thats a nice read of your ownership, i have a 325i manual and while ownership of an e46 6cyl can be frustrating at times, it's worth it for the drive. Although i can't help but think an auto may be a little dull? Issues with mine include window regulators, eating rear tyres, steering rack leaks, rust and other general niggles but the engine really is sweet (M54).
Edited by RG02GEE on Tuesday 5th January 08:59
Nice car and nice write up. I have always loved the E46 shape ( in fact most BMW'S!) After selling my E34 540 a few years ago I decided being without an old BMW was too much!
Two years ago I bought a low mileage 2003 330 convertible. I looked and drove dozens of cars and the difference between a good one and a bad one is so marked.
Mine was originally spec'd with just about every extra - Satnav, H&K stereo, heated leather seats, xenons, auto lights and wipers, Bluetooth, parking sensors front and rear etc. I opted for the auto as I thought it suited the car better as a cruiser. The only thing I would change is the colour, its a silver and I wanted a blue or red.
Its a third car and used mostly in the summer and for several European trips.
The only issue so far was the auto box went into limp home mode and the wheel of death light came on the dash. My local garage changed the gearbox oil and since then it has been fine.
Two years ago I bought a low mileage 2003 330 convertible. I looked and drove dozens of cars and the difference between a good one and a bad one is so marked.
Mine was originally spec'd with just about every extra - Satnav, H&K stereo, heated leather seats, xenons, auto lights and wipers, Bluetooth, parking sensors front and rear etc. I opted for the auto as I thought it suited the car better as a cruiser. The only thing I would change is the colour, its a silver and I wanted a blue or red.
Its a third car and used mostly in the summer and for several European trips.
The only issue so far was the auto box went into limp home mode and the wheel of death light came on the dash. My local garage changed the gearbox oil and since then it has been fine.
Great post OP !
I agree that the E46 coupe is one of BMW's "sweetspots", great looking car.
I bought a 330Ci of a work colleague in May 2014, it had done just over 100K and he was the 4th owner, but the car had clearly been looked after - and I intend it to stay that way!!
I've put on another 20K miles in the last 18 months, and find it very comfortable on the motorway, returns low 30's mpg overall despite me using the full accelerative potential of the vehicle whenever the mood takes me, and that on a quieter / twisty road is a good drive
Love:
The turbine smoothness of the engine
That mine is a manual
Unusual colour combination of light grey metallic exterior and light beige interior - it's really grown on me and I like the light and airy feel of the interior
Condition of mine (included the full toolkit and untouched first aid kit)
It's a fairly "under the radar" car
Looks of the car
That it was relatively cheap to buy (if I recall, about £3300)
Very practical for a coupe - fold down rear seat back allows for large items to be carried, the bootspace works for me (I use it as my "work car" and it frequently does trips to the airport with large suitcases etc), and the rear seats are normal human sized (rather than only for small children, like my Cerbera)
Dislikes:
I've upgraded from the original 17" alloys to the M Sport 18" alloys, and despite having four wheel alignment the car is much more sensitive to camber changes etc and there is a lot more "fidget" through the steering than with the 17" alloys
The traction control is too sensitive - seems to cut in quite early and saps power in particular on damp roads (but better that than backwards through a hedge, I suppose....)
Overall I am very happy with the car, and plan to keep it for a long while as my "everyday car". Just sometimes wish it was the E46 M3.....
On original 17" wheels:
On new 18" wheels:
I agree that the E46 coupe is one of BMW's "sweetspots", great looking car.
I bought a 330Ci of a work colleague in May 2014, it had done just over 100K and he was the 4th owner, but the car had clearly been looked after - and I intend it to stay that way!!
I've put on another 20K miles in the last 18 months, and find it very comfortable on the motorway, returns low 30's mpg overall despite me using the full accelerative potential of the vehicle whenever the mood takes me, and that on a quieter / twisty road is a good drive
Love:
The turbine smoothness of the engine
That mine is a manual
Unusual colour combination of light grey metallic exterior and light beige interior - it's really grown on me and I like the light and airy feel of the interior
Condition of mine (included the full toolkit and untouched first aid kit)
It's a fairly "under the radar" car
Looks of the car
That it was relatively cheap to buy (if I recall, about £3300)
Very practical for a coupe - fold down rear seat back allows for large items to be carried, the bootspace works for me (I use it as my "work car" and it frequently does trips to the airport with large suitcases etc), and the rear seats are normal human sized (rather than only for small children, like my Cerbera)
Dislikes:
I've upgraded from the original 17" alloys to the M Sport 18" alloys, and despite having four wheel alignment the car is much more sensitive to camber changes etc and there is a lot more "fidget" through the steering than with the 17" alloys
The traction control is too sensitive - seems to cut in quite early and saps power in particular on damp roads (but better that than backwards through a hedge, I suppose....)
Overall I am very happy with the car, and plan to keep it for a long while as my "everyday car". Just sometimes wish it was the E46 M3.....
On original 17" wheels:
On new 18" wheels:
Leins said:
^^^ Make sure your tyres are matching front/rear Mike. 18" MVs are notorious for causing issues with certain combinations of mixed brands
Nice looking E46 btw, think it's Silver Grey - the best colour IMO
Thanks for the tip, Leins.Nice looking E46 btw, think it's Silver Grey - the best colour IMO
The tyres are new matching set of Continental Sport Contact 5, 225/40 R18 fronts and 255/35 R18 rears.... so it's not a worn or mismatched set.
I kept the 17" wheels and fitted them with a set of winter tyres, Good year Untrgrip (225/25 R17 all round) - I want to keep moving / on the blackstuff through winter!!
I've been running my Sapphire Black E46 330ci Sport auto for over 11 years now & love it to bits. Just in the process of buying a replacement so will be moving it on soon if anyone is interested?
26 or so stamps in the service book, done every 6 months. 191k on the clock but been really well looked after. Great cars.
26 or so stamps in the service book, done every 6 months. 191k on the clock but been really well looked after. Great cars.
quavey said:
Nice to see a pre-facelift SE with orange corners! Its quite pleasing these days!
She looks good and long may it continue to give you driving pleasure. I've owned (and still own) many different BMW's but I've never had an E46, although driven plenty, and been tempted many more times! I keep eyeing up 330ci's to make into a track car. Your euro trip looks fantastic I cant wait till our little boy is older and we can get back to doing them again!
One modification I might suggest, totally reversible and undetectable until being driven enthusiastically is to fit a good quality induction kit with a proper heat shield etc. Although it won't give you a huge amount of power it will release the wonderful induction noise of that straight 6. I had one on my E36 323i and also on the M3 Evo and what a noise! Best thing is that at light throttle it can't be detected so there is no downside.
I do also recall the E46 328i having a vacuum controlled flap in the back box, there was once a mod to take that pipe of to give you "both barrels" all the time and put a cap over the end of the pipe to stop a vacuum leak. Please correct if that is from something else.
I have the OEM performance airbox on my 325i and it does sound pretty raspy, certainly a bit more noise on WOT than others I've been in - I don't have the vacuum flap in the exhaust though, they're both open all the timeShe looks good and long may it continue to give you driving pleasure. I've owned (and still own) many different BMW's but I've never had an E46, although driven plenty, and been tempted many more times! I keep eyeing up 330ci's to make into a track car. Your euro trip looks fantastic I cant wait till our little boy is older and we can get back to doing them again!
One modification I might suggest, totally reversible and undetectable until being driven enthusiastically is to fit a good quality induction kit with a proper heat shield etc. Although it won't give you a huge amount of power it will release the wonderful induction noise of that straight 6. I had one on my E36 323i and also on the M3 Evo and what a noise! Best thing is that at light throttle it can't be detected so there is no downside.
I do also recall the E46 328i having a vacuum controlled flap in the back box, there was once a mod to take that pipe of to give you "both barrels" all the time and put a cap over the end of the pipe to stop a vacuum leak. Please correct if that is from something else.
Completely agree about the lovely 6 cylinder engine. I bought a low mileage e36 328i recently; just because I was bored after 9 years driving diesels. Despite the fact that my E60 525d is a nice car I just love driving the e36 because the drivetrain is so smooooooooth.
Here are some pictures, but having decided that ambers would be better the front indicators are now reverted to the originals - I just don't have any photos of it like that. It's only done 33,000 miles and been garaged from new
Here are some pictures, but having decided that ambers would be better the front indicators are now reverted to the originals - I just don't have any photos of it like that. It's only done 33,000 miles and been garaged from new
rlg43p said:
Completely agree about the lovely 6 cylinder engine. I bought a low mileage e36 328i recently; just because I was bored after 9 years driving diesels. Despite the fact that my E60 525d is a nice car I just love driving the e36 because the drivetrain is so smooooooooth.
Here are some pictures, but having decided that ambers would be better the front indicators are now reverted to the originals - I just don't have any photos of it like that. It's only done 33,000 miles and been garaged from new
That's a nice looking e36!Here are some pictures, but having decided that ambers would be better the front indicators are now reverted to the originals - I just don't have any photos of it like that. It's only done 33,000 miles and been garaged from new
rlg43p said:
Completely agree about the lovely 6 cylinder engine. I bought a low mileage e36 328i recently; just because I was bored after 9 years driving diesels. Despite the fact that my E60 525d is a nice car I just love driving the e36 because the drivetrain is so smooooooooth.
Here are some pictures, but having decided that ambers would be better the front indicators are now reverted to the originals - I just don't have any photos of it like that. It's only done 33,000 miles and been garaged from new
Stunning. I have a 325i coupe in the same colour as yours and I love mine. Unfortunately mine has covered rather more than your 33,000 miles (now on 188,500) and it shows. Rust everywhere. One day I plan to have it restored. Yours reminds me what mine used to look like when I bought it at four years old and only 24,000 miles.Here are some pictures, but having decided that ambers would be better the front indicators are now reverted to the originals - I just don't have any photos of it like that. It's only done 33,000 miles and been garaged from new
SuperHangOn said:
A straight, original E36 or E46 6 pot coupe is becoming a rare beast. Look after it!
A low mileage 330ci clubsport was selling in a UK dealer for £20,000 last year 
Loved the E46 coupes. Had 5 of them in all over the space of about 10 years.
I would completely agree with the other poster who said the difference between a good example and a bad example is night and day. And in my personal opinion the E46 facelift coupe sport is the best looking car BMW have produced in about 25 years
This car is a Williams edition version, 1 of 26. Came with different interior and different exhaust system.
Changing to an E92 also makes you realise how superior the interior is on the E46 too.
Edited by daveco on Wednesday 6th January 09:42
daveco said:
A low mileage 330ci clubsport was selling in a UK dealer for £20,000 last year
Loved the E46 coupes. Had 5 of them in all over the space of about 10 years.
I would completely agree with the other poster who said the difference between a good example and a bad example is night and day. And in my personal opinion the E46 facelift coupe sport is the best looking car BMW have produced in about 25 years
This car is a Williams edition version, 1 of 26. Came with different interior and different exhaust system.
Changing to an E92 also makes you realise how superior the interior is on the E46 too.
They had the white leather with the Williams badge and stripes on? What was different about the exhaust? BMW Performance one dealer fitted?Loved the E46 coupes. Had 5 of them in all over the space of about 10 years.
I would completely agree with the other poster who said the difference between a good example and a bad example is night and day. And in my personal opinion the E46 facelift coupe sport is the best looking car BMW have produced in about 25 years
This car is a Williams edition version, 1 of 26. Came with different interior and different exhaust system.
Changing to an E92 also makes you realise how superior the interior is on the E46 too.
Edited by daveco on Wednesday 6th January 09:42
Antj said:
leon9191 said:
I didn't think you could do the M50 manifold mod on the M54. Obviously you can on the M52 in the e36 but the e46 motors were revised quite a lot with the twin Vanos etc?
I sold my e36 323i saloon a few weeks ago and it was a huge mistake currently looking at an e36 coupe and an e30 touring to replace it, the touring would be my preference but as you say prices are getting up there a bit now!
E46 328i had same M52 mate as E36, M54 was the 325i and 330i in E46I sold my e36 323i saloon a few weeks ago and it was a huge mistake currently looking at an e36 coupe and an e30 touring to replace it, the touring would be my preference but as you say prices are getting up there a bit now!
Never really a fan of the E46 328i. It always felt like a new car with an old engine. I test drove one before buying a 330i and was glad I chose the latter.
Not the trouble free experience of the OP though. Nothing major but plenty of niggles that despite me doing all the work myself still added up to 4 figures and that was before I got round to sorting the cooling system that appeared to be made from chocolate. Fast enough though (once I got the fault codes read and changed a cam position sensor) and ok on fuel. Gear change had the common 'sticky lever until warmed up' problem but aside from that it drove well. Comfortable and well equiped, I did enjoy driving it, until I wrote it off that is...
Not the trouble free experience of the OP though. Nothing major but plenty of niggles that despite me doing all the work myself still added up to 4 figures and that was before I got round to sorting the cooling system that appeared to be made from chocolate. Fast enough though (once I got the fault codes read and changed a cam position sensor) and ok on fuel. Gear change had the common 'sticky lever until warmed up' problem but aside from that it drove well. Comfortable and well equiped, I did enjoy driving it, until I wrote it off that is...
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