2004 e46 BMW 330i Sport Touring 6 speed
Discussion
So on Friday, this happened:
2004 e46 330 Sport Touring with the later 6 speed box.
I'd been looking for something practical for work/family duties, capable of long motorway slogs but also able to entertain as required. I can't think of a better all rounder to be honest. I've enjoyed my e36 cab so I was looking at BMW tourers in general - e36s are too old, e91s too expensive, e39s too automatic... And then this came up. It's slightly leggier than I wanted (145k miles), but still feels very tight and pulls well. Spec is pretty good, no nav/heated seats/xenons but I can live with that.
Cosmetically it is OK - couple of bits of lacquer peel, ding on one front arch, and a spot of rust on one arch which apparently hasn't got any worse. A few little marks and scuffs, but it's a 13 year old car. Passes the "10 feet" test
I paid a little bit more than I had intended to, but the manuals are rare, and I'm hoping with a little work it will make a presentable and fun family workhouse for 4 or 5 years.
There are a few things that need addressing:
PDC doesn't work - one sensor doesn't tick so I'm going to swap that out with an LR Disco3 one which are apparently the same. Refreshingly it's the near side one so the bumper doesn't need to come off.
The glass tailgate doesn't stay up - I have a nasty feeling this is something to do with the hinges which have an integral spring. They're cheap on ebay, not sure how much hassle to change...
Rear washer pours water down the rear screen - hopefully just a pipe off inside the spoiler...
Load cover has seen better days - it works but the plastic handle is busted and the hardboard bit is snapped. It works but it's tatty. Don't really want to buy a new one as the interior is grey and it looks harder to source. Hopefully some araldite and a new bit of hardboard will sort!
Slight judder from brakes under medium to hard braking that I didn't notice on the test drive - hopefully nothing disc/pads won't sort. Pulls up fine.
The interior is pretty grimy. Started with a good hoover today but I think the carpet needs a proper shampoo. Leather needs a good clean too but it is just too cold today. Cleaned out the load area which looks like it's seen some use! Hoping a carpet shampooer is going to do the job but a little bit concerned as I don't want to make the the carpet too wet, especially as it will take an age to dry in this weather.
Couple of MOT advisories - rear ARB bushes, play in inner steering joints, and a small oil leak from the diff, hopefully just a seal.
Current plans are to sort the parking sensors/rear washer, give it a deep clean, and run it for a couple of months to see what comes up. Then get it in for a service and checkover - sort out the brakes and MOT advisories, and take it from there. Maybe get a nice double DIN touchscreen stereo, maybe a new pair of wings (to get rid of lacquer peel/wheelarch ding), and keep on top of the rust...
Early days as yet but really chuffed with it. Unfortunately now we have 6 cars on the drive so selling something is now a priority!
Will update with some photos once I have given it a proper wash and a clean!
2004 e46 330 Sport Touring with the later 6 speed box.
I'd been looking for something practical for work/family duties, capable of long motorway slogs but also able to entertain as required. I can't think of a better all rounder to be honest. I've enjoyed my e36 cab so I was looking at BMW tourers in general - e36s are too old, e91s too expensive, e39s too automatic... And then this came up. It's slightly leggier than I wanted (145k miles), but still feels very tight and pulls well. Spec is pretty good, no nav/heated seats/xenons but I can live with that.
Cosmetically it is OK - couple of bits of lacquer peel, ding on one front arch, and a spot of rust on one arch which apparently hasn't got any worse. A few little marks and scuffs, but it's a 13 year old car. Passes the "10 feet" test
I paid a little bit more than I had intended to, but the manuals are rare, and I'm hoping with a little work it will make a presentable and fun family workhouse for 4 or 5 years.
There are a few things that need addressing:
PDC doesn't work - one sensor doesn't tick so I'm going to swap that out with an LR Disco3 one which are apparently the same. Refreshingly it's the near side one so the bumper doesn't need to come off.
The glass tailgate doesn't stay up - I have a nasty feeling this is something to do with the hinges which have an integral spring. They're cheap on ebay, not sure how much hassle to change...
Rear washer pours water down the rear screen - hopefully just a pipe off inside the spoiler...
Load cover has seen better days - it works but the plastic handle is busted and the hardboard bit is snapped. It works but it's tatty. Don't really want to buy a new one as the interior is grey and it looks harder to source. Hopefully some araldite and a new bit of hardboard will sort!
Slight judder from brakes under medium to hard braking that I didn't notice on the test drive - hopefully nothing disc/pads won't sort. Pulls up fine.
The interior is pretty grimy. Started with a good hoover today but I think the carpet needs a proper shampoo. Leather needs a good clean too but it is just too cold today. Cleaned out the load area which looks like it's seen some use! Hoping a carpet shampooer is going to do the job but a little bit concerned as I don't want to make the the carpet too wet, especially as it will take an age to dry in this weather.
Couple of MOT advisories - rear ARB bushes, play in inner steering joints, and a small oil leak from the diff, hopefully just a seal.
Current plans are to sort the parking sensors/rear washer, give it a deep clean, and run it for a couple of months to see what comes up. Then get it in for a service and checkover - sort out the brakes and MOT advisories, and take it from there. Maybe get a nice double DIN touchscreen stereo, maybe a new pair of wings (to get rid of lacquer peel/wheelarch ding), and keep on top of the rust...
Early days as yet but really chuffed with it. Unfortunately now we have 6 cars on the drive so selling something is now a priority!
Will update with some photos once I have given it a proper wash and a clean!
Edited by NiceCupOfTea on Sunday 12th February 17:57
Good to see another E46 330i Touring 
Got a 2002 version myself, only a 5 speed but still potent.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
If you're in need of any help / tech pointers, can help there.
Got a 2002 version myself, only a 5 speed but still potent.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
If you're in need of any help / tech pointers, can help there.
HybridAero said:
Nice, estates very good looking and manual 330 is rare. How much did it set you back and what's the mpg like? Heard these are quite efficient.
I paid £3k - quite hard to price a manual given the rarity, but I understand that they wear the miles well so no reason it shouldn't crack 200k with preventative maintenance.Not sure about MPG, only done a couple of hundred miles so far, and mostly motorway cruising. Looks like I will get 400 or so from a tank, which was about £70. MPG is reading in mid-high 20s I think at the moment. TBH if I can average 25mpg I'm happy.
NiceCupOfTea said:
I paid £3k - quite hard to price a manual given the rarity, but I understand that they wear the miles well so no reason it shouldn't crack 200k with preventative maintenance.
Not sure about MPG, only done a couple of hundred miles so far, and mostly motorway cruising. Looks like I will get 400 or so from a tank, which was about £70. MPG is reading in mid-high 20s I think at the moment. TBH if I can average 25mpg I'm happy.
Looks like a good result OP. Not sure about MPG, only done a couple of hundred miles so far, and mostly motorway cruising. Looks like I will get 400 or so from a tank, which was about £70. MPG is reading in mid-high 20s I think at the moment. TBH if I can average 25mpg I'm happy.
I bought an E46 325ti Sport Compact in late 2014. Let my nephew drive it, so in March 2015 I had to find him one (only an SE, but a facelift with the 6-speed and sunroof). He loved it!
But in April 2016 he became a dad, so his Compact had to go!
Found him a 54 plate 325i Sport Touring in Imola Red - that is when we found out that the 6-speed only got fitted to the facelift 320ds, 330ds, 330is and 325i Compacts (not any other 325i bodystyle).
He isn't too bothered as it is still fun - he also has full leather and privacy glass and being a Sport it has the MV2 wheels.
But now it's got me thinking that a 330i Touring (ideally a facelift) would be a move up from my Compact!
BTW I don't commute with my 325 (being "retired"/"unemployed") but the OBC is showing 34.7 mpg (and 32.3 mph average speed) so a 30 mpg average shouldn't be difficult!
Not twins, maybe cousins (weird that they were both registered in Scotland, but both bought in Berkshire) !-
NiceCupOfTea said:
I paid £3k - quite hard to price a manual given the rarity, but I understand that they wear the miles well so no reason it shouldn't crack 200k with preventative maintenance.
Not sure about MPG, only done a couple of hundred miles so far, and mostly motorway cruising. Looks like I will get 400 or so from a tank, which was about £70. MPG is reading in mid-high 20s I think at the moment. TBH if I can average 25mpg I'm happy.
Sounds great, look after it and I reckon it'll hold on to most of its £3k.Not sure about MPG, only done a couple of hundred miles so far, and mostly motorway cruising. Looks like I will get 400 or so from a tank, which was about £70. MPG is reading in mid-high 20s I think at the moment. TBH if I can average 25mpg I'm happy.
Ah, lovely choice sir!
I wish i'd bought one 4/5 years ago instead of my 325ti. Couldn't find a good condition touring that wasn't far away, but found a compact very close by with low miles. But now I find myself longing for that extra load space.
The 330 touring has to be the best all round combo of: fun to drive, practical, smart, reliable, and doesn't cost the earth.
I wish i'd bought one 4/5 years ago instead of my 325ti. Couldn't find a good condition touring that wasn't far away, but found a compact very close by with low miles. But now I find myself longing for that extra load space.
The 330 touring has to be the best all round combo of: fun to drive, practical, smart, reliable, and doesn't cost the earth.
Quick update:
Parking sensor arrived - turns out it's £90 odd from BMW, but Land Rover Disco 3 is identical and half the price supposedly. Local LR dealer had them for £88, so turned to ebay where I got a genuine (well, in LR packaging) one for £25. Plugged it in and error beep has stopped and it seems to work normally, except the sensor on the other side doesn't seem to beep when you put a hand in front (although it is ticking). Will test in the "real world" but might just order another sensor. At least it partly works! The good news is that the bumper didn't need to come off for the outer ones.
Rear washer pipe plugged back in and works fine now. Had a look at the hinges on the glass tailgate and can't see anything obviously wrong with the springs or hinges. Is it supposed to raise and hold itself with the strength of the springs, or does it lock mechanically at the top?
Anything amiss there?
Parking sensor arrived - turns out it's £90 odd from BMW, but Land Rover Disco 3 is identical and half the price supposedly. Local LR dealer had them for £88, so turned to ebay where I got a genuine (well, in LR packaging) one for £25. Plugged it in and error beep has stopped and it seems to work normally, except the sensor on the other side doesn't seem to beep when you put a hand in front (although it is ticking). Will test in the "real world" but might just order another sensor. At least it partly works! The good news is that the bumper didn't need to come off for the outer ones.
Rear washer pipe plugged back in and works fine now. Had a look at the hinges on the glass tailgate and can't see anything obviously wrong with the springs or hinges. Is it supposed to raise and hold itself with the strength of the springs, or does it lock mechanically at the top?
Anything amiss there?
Also wanted to ask:
How easy is it to retrofit xenons and heated seats?
I suspect I know the answer to both - heated seats need all the wiring installing, and the pads are integral to the seat covers so it's not just finding some seats and swapping the covers over. And as for the xenons, I have headlamp washers but I understand the stock ones have auto leveling which means the sensors and wiring needs to be installed for that. I understand that they can be programmed to work with the built in manual level control, but is that legal/MOT pass?
I guess the answer is yes it is possible but is it worth it?
Also, in terms of audio, what is the best way forward. I don't have the HK system (is it actually worth having?). Considering one of the double DIN units, but is it worth having a separate amp and replacing speakers?
How easy is it to retrofit xenons and heated seats?
I suspect I know the answer to both - heated seats need all the wiring installing, and the pads are integral to the seat covers so it's not just finding some seats and swapping the covers over. And as for the xenons, I have headlamp washers but I understand the stock ones have auto leveling which means the sensors and wiring needs to be installed for that. I understand that they can be programmed to work with the built in manual level control, but is that legal/MOT pass?
I guess the answer is yes it is possible but is it worth it?
Also, in terms of audio, what is the best way forward. I don't have the HK system (is it actually worth having?). Considering one of the double DIN units, but is it worth having a separate amp and replacing speakers?
Nice project, I have 2 E46s and they're my favourite of the 3 series by far.
As for Xenons, it can be a bit of a faff, as they'll need coding to remove the bulb check error, and the auto levelling, too. You're right and it can be done with the standard LCM in place.
Heated seats is also doable, and I've seen it done. It would be best to find an interior, they're not that expensive.
Inner rack joints is a relatively common thing on the E46 too - Only cure is a new rack so I've been told. Yours will have the purple tag rack though, best of the bunch for the E46.
As for Xenons, it can be a bit of a faff, as they'll need coding to remove the bulb check error, and the auto levelling, too. You're right and it can be done with the standard LCM in place.
Heated seats is also doable, and I've seen it done. It would be best to find an interior, they're not that expensive.
Inner rack joints is a relatively common thing on the E46 too - Only cure is a new rack so I've been told. Yours will have the purple tag rack though, best of the bunch for the E46.
Thanks for that - would xenons pass the MOT like that or do they need auto levelling? I want to go as stock as possible but I would like a car with decent lights. Maybe I should just look at upgraded bulbs...
Interior upgrade is an option, but a lot of faff changing all the lower dash and carpets, and touring interiors are going to be rare I would think...
Had hoped the steering parts were separate from the rack - will see what the garage say at service time...
Interior upgrade is an option, but a lot of faff changing all the lower dash and carpets, and touring interiors are going to be rare I would think...
Had hoped the steering parts were separate from the rack - will see what the garage say at service time...
NiceCupOfTea said:
Quick update:
Parking sensor arrived - turns out it's £90 odd from BMW, but Land Rover Disco 3 is identical and half the price supposedly. Local LR dealer had them for £88, so turned to ebay where I got a genuine (well, in LR packaging) one for £25. Plugged it in and error beep has stopped and it seems to work normally, except the sensor on the other side doesn't seem to beep when you put a hand in front (although it is ticking). Will test in the "real world" but might just order another sensor. At least it partly works! The good news is that the bumper didn't need to come off for the outer ones.
Rear washer pipe plugged back in and works fine now. Had a look at the hinges on the glass tailgate and can't see anything obviously wrong with the springs or hinges. Is it supposed to raise and hold itself with the strength of the springs, or does it lock mechanically at the top?
Anything amiss there?
The glass window should just be supported by the springs, there's no mechanical lock when it's openParking sensor arrived - turns out it's £90 odd from BMW, but Land Rover Disco 3 is identical and half the price supposedly. Local LR dealer had them for £88, so turned to ebay where I got a genuine (well, in LR packaging) one for £25. Plugged it in and error beep has stopped and it seems to work normally, except the sensor on the other side doesn't seem to beep when you put a hand in front (although it is ticking). Will test in the "real world" but might just order another sensor. At least it partly works! The good news is that the bumper didn't need to come off for the outer ones.
Rear washer pipe plugged back in and works fine now. Had a look at the hinges on the glass tailgate and can't see anything obviously wrong with the springs or hinges. Is it supposed to raise and hold itself with the strength of the springs, or does it lock mechanically at the top?
Anything amiss there?
Looks nice that.
I've got one pretty similar on an 03 plate, it's just about to tick onto 200k so mileage doesn't seem too much of an issue on these.
Mine has the HK audio, it's OK, nothing special. The Chinese double din units are pretty awful though.
The inner steering joints are seperate to the rack, but they're covered by rubber boots meaning the garage wouldn't be able to differentiate wear in the joints from wear in the rack.
I've got one pretty similar on an 03 plate, it's just about to tick onto 200k so mileage doesn't seem too much of an issue on these.
Mine has the HK audio, it's OK, nothing special. The Chinese double din units are pretty awful though.
The inner steering joints are seperate to the rack, but they're covered by rubber boots meaning the garage wouldn't be able to differentiate wear in the joints from wear in the rack.
I found the E46's lights poor compared to Xenons but these were satisfactory, especially taking into account the cost and effort (a bit fiddly though) https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00NMEEV9W/ref...
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