Are e46 330i tourings with manual gearboxes rare?

[hornetrider]

Here's a nice low mileage example with only 55k.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-BMW-3-Series-3-0-33...

[philmots]

hornetrider said:

Here's a nice low mileage example with only 55k.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-BMW-3-Series-3-0-33...

That's expensive though, regardless of miles.. Also not the later and much more desirable 6 speed model.

[hornetrider]

Shows what I know

This doesn't seem too bad either, to be fair. A little up on miles but seems relatively well cared for, with a decent LPG system to boot.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-03-E46-BMW-3-Series...

Oh, and it's 6 speed

[Clivey]

philmots said:

That's expensive though, regardless of miles.. Also not the later and much more desirable 6 speed model.

I don't consider that to be "expensive" at all when compared to other offerings for similar money. - A good 330Ci (coupe) can still fetch £9k, which I would've paid earlier this year if I'd have found the right one.

As will everything; they're worth what someone's willing to pay.

[th85]

Got to agree with the comments on the noise from the 330i. Picked an auto saloon up yesterday for family duties and impressed with it. Didn't really see any manuals though.

[Fox-]

Clivey said:

A good 330Ci (coupe) can still fetch £9k

Presumably only if it has several grands worth of bearer bonds in the glove compartment?

[Motoruk]

Bit late here and just joined the forum, but I can also confirm 330i manual Tourings are rare. Although I've had 2 of them.I had a 2002 and I now have a 2004 car. The 2002 had the 5 speed gearbox, 2004 has the 6 speed. The 6 speed is much better and the economy (cruising in top gear) is very good over the 5 speed.

For me its the ultimate car, room for the kids and stuff in the boot, quick, smooth, looks great and the economy is not crazy. If you don't have one yet, get one! they are awesome!

Also, in between these I had a 325i. I just couldn't stop pining for that 3.0 engine and noise so had to go the 330 again.

I'm afraid I managed to write the 2002 manual off in a hail storm, so theres one less on the road! and I intend to keep my 2004 car as its so hard to find them.

Anyway, probably talking to the ether now on this thread, but thought I would post I love my manual touring so much!!

2002 330i Manual - Written off! Gutted!


Still makes my wince now!


2002 325i Auto - Lovely car with great spec but not a 330



2004 330i Manual - My current daily drive

[petrolveins]

I hate this thread. I really miss my 330i Saloon, always wanted a 330i Touring, and with my 540i about to go I've a gap that needs filling. Every time I see one I find myself pining for one. Just the perfect all rounder.

[RichardM5]

I love to see the hail stone that did that much damage!!

[FurtiveFreddy]

I would also agree to hold out for a 330 instead of going for a 325.

I bought a 2001 330i Sport Tourer a couple of years ago from another PH'r and although I've had to spend a fair bit on it and it still has a couple of problems, there isn't much I'd want to swap if for which wouldn't cost a lot more up front.

With heated leather seats, winter tyres and climate control which goes up to 32 degrees, I much prefer it in this weather to our other almost-new 320d.

About the only thing I would consider changing it for is my mate's 2001 M5, which is also a great car and getting fairly rare now.

[Motoruk]

RichardM5 said:

I love to see the hail stone that did that much damage!!

Ha, yes, that would be like an iceberg! Hail storm in May in Devon, road was like an ice rink in seconds, 9 car pileup. You might be able to see another victim in the background. RIP 330!

[PBridgey]

I'm also on the look out for a 330i touring with a manual box and in petrol, can't seem to find one anywhere!

[Barvaux928]

may sound ridiculous, but advantage of 325i's is that you can put 16" wheels on them! especially for winter tyres interesting, or if you wanna go for low unsprung weight!

haven't driven a 325i yet though, for me it would have enough power, i just like the handling feel of all these older bmw's, be it E36, E46, E34...

bought a 2001 FL 330i saloon man. (5 speed) a year ago, was actually an impulse buy

advantage of Saloon (without the optional folding seats) is that it's stiffer than the Coupe (always with folding seats) and the Touring, the Touring is heaviest of course, but like many, i also prefer the looks of the Coupe and the Touring over the Saloon!

things to replace when you find one: cooling system, control arms, silent blocs, dampers (of course) etc., well lots of info on E46fanatics.com, this is also a good info-page:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index.php?title=BMW...

[Bimmer75]

I have just bought an E46 330i SE tourer with the 6 speed manual, I've been looking for a 330i sport tourer in manual for ages and stumbled across it, are the SE's rare in manual? as I've not seen another

[Matt_N]

Nice looking manual FL 325i Sport Tourer:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...