Discussion
Smuler said:
Well, that last post is a difficult act to follow 
But perhaps cheekily, I'd say persevere and try find cleaner E46. Mine had only tiny rust @ 136k
But perhaps cheekily, I'd say persevere and try find cleaner E46. Mine had only tiny rust @ 136k
I still browse for really nice E46`s as I find them better looking and I prefer the more driver focussed interior too when compared to the E90 and I think getting hold of a really nice E46 is a very good shout 
Looking on autotrader think I am going for an M sport now as well as the other guy that commented, such good looking motors! Only thing concerning is the mileage that some of these have. Is spending 6k on a 100k mile car a good idea? Considering I'll be keeping it for 5/6 years. Everyone is saying the engine is bullet proof guess I just have to make sure it been serviced regularly etc?
cerb4.5lee said:
The Auto is a popular choice in the 330i and there are more about to purchase but some would argue that a sweet revving N/A engine should be mated to a manual gearbox.
Took an auto E90 330d to over 150k miles and never had an issue with the gearbox but lots of people change the oil in it around 90k miles even though its classed by BMW as sealed for life.
The N52 engine is a pretty solid unit in the 325i/330i so I wouldn't be put off at around 100k miles if the history is present and correct either dealer or recognised indy.
M sports have bigger wheels and sport suspension and different front and rear bumpers and sports seats as standard, spec wise varies as you can add plenty of options whether its SE or M sport and you can spec sports seats in the SE too.
I personally prefer the M Sport in the corners as the suspension is stiffer and there is less roll in the corners but the ride is harsh when mated to the run flat tyres and the SE rides far more compliant.
Just a very rough guide for you.
Thanks for that mate!! Its been very helpful!!Took an auto E90 330d to over 150k miles and never had an issue with the gearbox but lots of people change the oil in it around 90k miles even though its classed by BMW as sealed for life.
The N52 engine is a pretty solid unit in the 325i/330i so I wouldn't be put off at around 100k miles if the history is present and correct either dealer or recognised indy.
M sports have bigger wheels and sport suspension and different front and rear bumpers and sports seats as standard, spec wise varies as you can add plenty of options whether its SE or M sport and you can spec sports seats in the SE too.
I personally prefer the M Sport in the corners as the suspension is stiffer and there is less roll in the corners but the ride is harsh when mated to the run flat tyres and the SE rides far more compliant.
Just a very rough guide for you.
Im based in Doncaster and its proving quite a challenge to find anything in 70 mile range thats worth looking at.
Theres plenty if 318s and 320s but they are not a consideration for me.
Kev Gee said:
cerb4.5lee said:
The Auto is a popular choice in the 330i and there are more about to purchase but some would argue that a sweet revving N/A engine should be mated to a manual gearbox.
Took an auto E90 330d to over 150k miles and never had an issue with the gearbox but lots of people change the oil in it around 90k miles even though its classed by BMW as sealed for life.
The N52 engine is a pretty solid unit in the 325i/330i so I wouldn't be put off at around 100k miles if the history is present and correct either dealer or recognised indy.
M sports have bigger wheels and sport suspension and different front and rear bumpers and sports seats as standard, spec wise varies as you can add plenty of options whether its SE or M sport and you can spec sports seats in the SE too.
I personally prefer the M Sport in the corners as the suspension is stiffer and there is less roll in the corners but the ride is harsh when mated to the run flat tyres and the SE rides far more compliant.
Just a very rough guide for you.
Thanks for that mate!! Its been very helpful!!Took an auto E90 330d to over 150k miles and never had an issue with the gearbox but lots of people change the oil in it around 90k miles even though its classed by BMW as sealed for life.
The N52 engine is a pretty solid unit in the 325i/330i so I wouldn't be put off at around 100k miles if the history is present and correct either dealer or recognised indy.
M sports have bigger wheels and sport suspension and different front and rear bumpers and sports seats as standard, spec wise varies as you can add plenty of options whether its SE or M sport and you can spec sports seats in the SE too.
I personally prefer the M Sport in the corners as the suspension is stiffer and there is less roll in the corners but the ride is harsh when mated to the run flat tyres and the SE rides far more compliant.
Just a very rough guide for you.
Im based in Doncaster and its proving quite a challenge to find anything in 70 mile range thats worth looking at.
Theres plenty if 318s and 320s but they are not a consideration for me.
the manual 330i feels really good, really suits the car. the autobox is also pretty good though, but i preferred the manual. They are a lot rarer though.
The msport is more than just seats, wheels and suspension. The setering wheel is a lot nicer, it has a factory fitted short shifter on the manual and although this not my be a biggie, you get the black roof lining which i much prefer. i brelieve you also get bigger brakes on the msport, but dont quote me on that
The msport is more than just seats, wheels and suspension. The setering wheel is a lot nicer, it has a factory fitted short shifter on the manual and although this not my be a biggie, you get the black roof lining which i much prefer. i brelieve you also get bigger brakes on the msport, but dont quote me on that
nitrodave said:
the manual 330i feels really good, really suits the car. the autobox is also pretty good though, but i preferred the manual. They are a lot rarer though.
The msport is more than just seats, wheels and suspension. The setering wheel is a lot nicer, it has a factory fitted short shifter on the manual and although this not my be a biggie, you get the black roof lining which i much prefer. i brelieve you also get bigger brakes on the msport, but dont quote me on that
Yeah I think the M sport is the way to go. Is the M sport worth spending 6k on with 97k miles on the clock compared to an SE with 60k miles though?The msport is more than just seats, wheels and suspension. The setering wheel is a lot nicer, it has a factory fitted short shifter on the manual and although this not my be a biggie, you get the black roof lining which i much prefer. i brelieve you also get bigger brakes on the msport, but dont quote me on that
Pazzify said:
Yeah I think the M sport is the way to go. Is the M sport worth spending 6k on with 97k miles on the clock compared to an SE with 60k miles though?
For me the sports seats/suspension make the M Sport the only choice. Seats, primarily. If these are not essential for you, then no way, go for the lower mileage. Pazzify said:
Thanks, it does make sense. Think I'll arrange a text drive for an M sport and SE and see what I prefer.
Yes, that's best. It's not my experience, but I think someone earlier in the thread said some SE's were specced with sports seats and maybe it's possible that some people did the opposite. I have certainly heard of M Sport suspension deletes. Therefore, when assessing the cars get their VINs and go to BMW Archive.org and check out exactly what you are getting. although for seats, the pictures should be enoughSmuler said:
Oh how I wish we had bargains like that down south! Think I will just go for the M-Sport, don't mind the 90k miles if it been regular serviced etc may see if I can bump the price down as well.don't let mileage put you off, the e9x soaks up the miles. mine has 115k and feels fantastic.
other things that just occurred to me which i dont think has been mentioned about the msport is that you get different bumpers and side skirts and also on the e92 at least the window trim is gloss black instead of chrome
other things that just occurred to me which i dont think has been mentioned about the msport is that you get different bumpers and side skirts and also on the e92 at least the window trim is gloss black instead of chrome
cerb4.5lee said:
No worries buddy, funnily enough I got both my 330i and old 330d from Doncaster, agree with you that there are many 318/320`s to choose from and the 325/330`s are more rare and I don't blame you holding out for the latter.
I was originally going to go for ana E46 but after some thought i think i might try and hold out for an E90 msport or low milage SE.Did you buy the 330s from a dealership in donny or private?
Kev Gee said:
cerb4.5lee said:
No worries buddy, funnily enough I got both my 330i and old 330d from Doncaster, agree with you that there are many 318/320`s to choose from and the 325/330`s are more rare and I don't blame you holding out for the latter.
I was originally going to go for ana E46 but after some thought i think i might try and hold out for an E90 msport or low milage SE.Did you buy the 330s from a dealership in donny or private?
Good luck in your search for either a E46/E90 as they both make a cracking all round car I think.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
So this car just popped up, however a little wary with what been done, looks like they done the exhaust unless you can buy them like this standard? Is best to avoid modified BMW's?
So this car just popped up, however a little wary with what been done, looks like they done the exhaust unless you can buy them like this standard? Is best to avoid modified BMW's?
Looks a bit naff,immho, cos twin tail pipe is for 335s; so a wannabe maybe 
Edit, I obviously didn't see as much detail on my phone: this is actually quad exhaust so attempts to replicate a M3
Plus that M badge is a bit tacky.
But unless you want warranty, don't personally see modified as that bad. Might signify an enthusiast who really cares for car.
Alternatively, does it have to be a saloon?
http://www.sytner.co.uk/car-search/5110126-bmw-3-s...
Edit, I obviously didn't see as much detail on my phone: this is actually quad exhaust so attempts to replicate a M3
Plus that M badge is a bit tacky.
But unless you want warranty, don't personally see modified as that bad. Might signify an enthusiast who really cares for car.
Alternatively, does it have to be a saloon?
http://www.sytner.co.uk/car-search/5110126-bmw-3-s...
Edited by Smuler on Thursday 12th November 09:23
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