Looking to buy a 06 330i, anything to look out for?!
Discussion
iSore said:
The other thing is the ABS unit. Unlike the old E46 that had external screw in DSC sensors, the DSC valves are built into the block. If they go (or the ECU fails), it's a 2 grand repair unless you can find a good used one - the breakers know how rare they are and charge accordingly. A new ABS unit is about £1800 plus VAT, fitting and coding. Having dealt with BBA Reman before about these, they've said a lot of them cannot be fixed.
So make sure it runs like a watch and the ABS light does what it should.
This is not quite as dramatic as iSore makes out in my experience. We have a 56 plate manual 330i, lovely car once the run flats are removed (although still a little too crashy for my liking). Engine is peachy. Regarding the DSC hydro unit, ours failed as many do. However, contrary to iSore's experience, it was not necessary to replace it as ours was rebuild with new pressure sensors for about £250 with a lifetime warranty iirc (the company was ecu-testing, now quite a large organisation I believe). OK, so after labour to remove/refit you are looking at around £400, but it isn't catastrophic. HTHSo make sure it runs like a watch and the ABS light does what it should.
enjoy that silky six and I love the light ivory leather as it really lifts the interior, enjoy picking it up. 
Current 330i isn't - it's a four cyl turbo 2 litre. The 318i is a three cyl Mini engine. 340i is a 3 litre six, but still has turbos nailed to it. Probably with MSales piped engine sound effects as on the M5.
The Ultimate Driving Machine?
Remember that every time you hit 4,000 rpm
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The Ultimate Driving Machine?
Remember that every time you hit 4,000 rpm
Buy 'em now, while stocks last.
csampo said:
This is not quite as dramatic as iSore makes out in my experience. We have a 56 plate manual 330i, lovely car once the run flats are removed (although still a little too crashy for my liking). Engine is peachy. Regarding the DSC hydro unit, ours failed as many do. However, contrary to iSore's experience, it was not necessary to replace it as ours was rebuild with new pressure sensors for about £250 with a lifetime warranty iirc (the company was ecu-testing, now quite a large organisation I believe). OK, so after labour to remove/refit you are looking at around £400, but it isn't catastrophic. HTH
True, but not much use if the actual ECU has failed. Another fault is the motor in the block unit itself. BMW have brought the cost of hydro units and ECU's down to a few hundred for the 4 cyl stuff but, as yet, not the sixes. But overall they are a great car - they have less issues than the E46, never rust and are just better cars. The 330i manual is a tremendous car.
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