E46 330d Touring
Discussion
I think I've finally identified the later E46 330d Touring as my next car.
I'd love something a little more grown-up and practical than my current Clio 197, but to keep the sharp responses and handling - hopefully a 330d will be a close as I can get from a compact estate...
Does anyone here own one or have any experience with these cars? I live about 300 yards away from a BMW specialist (Clayton Cars) and a short drive from Performance Direct in Bristol, who seem to specialise in top-spec E46s. Fait accompli, so it would seem!
I'm willing to spend £10k and over for the right car. I presume these cars can be re-mapped; any recommendations?
I'd love something a little more grown-up and practical than my current Clio 197, but to keep the sharp responses and handling - hopefully a 330d will be a close as I can get from a compact estate...
Does anyone here own one or have any experience with these cars? I live about 300 yards away from a BMW specialist (Clayton Cars) and a short drive from Performance Direct in Bristol, who seem to specialise in top-spec E46s. Fait accompli, so it would seem!
I'm willing to spend £10k and over for the right car. I presume these cars can be re-mapped; any recommendations?
I bought my wife a 197 which i loved. In fact it ws the same time i had my 997 GT3 and i was adamant that on my local twisty back roads i woundn't of been able to shake that little 197 off my tale in the GT3.
I can't tell you how a E46 330D will be compared to a 197 but my 335D is quite a different car in terms of enjoyment. The throw yourself in the corner treatment you can do in a 197 is just not possible in my 335D but i new that when i bought it and fell in love with the comfort/performace of all that torque.
If you like the performace of a standard 330D then after a remap it generally makes them feel 20% faster. Personally DMS is the company i would use but there are several companies that will all be similar in performace/cost.
I can't tell you how a E46 330D will be compared to a 197 but my 335D is quite a different car in terms of enjoyment. The throw yourself in the corner treatment you can do in a 197 is just not possible in my 335D but i new that when i bought it and fell in love with the comfort/performace of all that torque.
If you like the performace of a standard 330D then after a remap it generally makes them feel 20% faster. Personally DMS is the company i would use but there are several companies that will all be similar in performace/cost.
I tried a 2003 (204bhp) 330D Sport Touring a few years ago. It was an auto and didn't have any sensation of speed. If you're not a diesel-lover then you still have to persuade yourself that the tank range is worth the soundtrack. Personally I'd be looking at a 330i instead - petrol is well over 12% cheaper than diesel currently so the economy benefit isn't enormous.
I'm currently tooling around in a late 2000 (184bhp) model. I was using it with a view to buying it but I'm going to give it back tomorrow and walk away.
I was so looking forward to using it and thinking that it would be the ideal combination between performance and practicality but it has left me disappointed and I can't really put my finger on why.
It goes well, it grips well, it even sounds ok but the economy isn't as good as I thought, the luggage capacity is no better than my Focus hatchback, and the steering is too light (popular complaint of mine on alot of cars though). I have the manual version too and the change is a bit slack.
All the above can be addressed no doubt and a remap would yield most suitable results but to be honest I think it has cemented the fact that "modern" BMW's don't excite me like their older bretheren.
Admittedly a newer £10k car will probably feel quicker and tighter than the one I'm in, but it is enough to put me off looking at another one in the future, instead, for a more recent model, I would look towards the E39 530d as that was a superb drive.
To confuse you though, I would thoroughly reccomend the 330d touring as a crakcing used buy, just not for me sadly!
I was so looking forward to using it and thinking that it would be the ideal combination between performance and practicality but it has left me disappointed and I can't really put my finger on why.
It goes well, it grips well, it even sounds ok but the economy isn't as good as I thought, the luggage capacity is no better than my Focus hatchback, and the steering is too light (popular complaint of mine on alot of cars though). I have the manual version too and the change is a bit slack.
All the above can be addressed no doubt and a remap would yield most suitable results but to be honest I think it has cemented the fact that "modern" BMW's don't excite me like their older bretheren.
Admittedly a newer £10k car will probably feel quicker and tighter than the one I'm in, but it is enough to put me off looking at another one in the future, instead, for a more recent model, I would look towards the E39 530d as that was a superb drive.
To confuse you though, I would thoroughly reccomend the 330d touring as a crakcing used buy, just not for me sadly!
Basil Hume said:
I think I've finally identified the later E46 330d Touring as my next car.
I'd love something a little more grown-up and practical than my current Clio 197, but to keep the sharp responses and handling - hopefully a 330d will be a close as I can get from a compact estate...
Does anyone here own one or have any experience with these cars? I live about 300 yards away from a BMW specialist (Clayton Cars) and a short drive from Performance Direct in Bristol, who seem to specialise in top-spec E46s. Fait accompli, so it would seem!
I'm willing to spend £10k and over for the right car. I presume these cars can be re-mapped; any recommendations?
We have one in the family, been pretty reliable, the only fault has been Transmission failure which triggered a £1300 bill, it was an auto.I'd love something a little more grown-up and practical than my current Clio 197, but to keep the sharp responses and handling - hopefully a 330d will be a close as I can get from a compact estate...
Does anyone here own one or have any experience with these cars? I live about 300 yards away from a BMW specialist (Clayton Cars) and a short drive from Performance Direct in Bristol, who seem to specialise in top-spec E46s. Fait accompli, so it would seem!
I'm willing to spend £10k and over for the right car. I presume these cars can be re-mapped; any recommendations?
It may be up for sale towards the end of this month if you're interested.
I'm not convinced the 330d is better than the 330i for resale - any extra you get back later will be more than matched by what you save on buying it.
Don't go for a 325i over a 330i, though - there's virtually no economy difference, but quite a difference in the amount of torque produced.
The earlier 330d did have lighter steering than later ones. I think all 330is had the later rack though.
Don't go for a 325i over a 330i, though - there's virtually no economy difference, but quite a difference in the amount of torque produced.
The earlier 330d did have lighter steering than later ones. I think all 330is had the later rack though.
I owned a gorgeous 330d auto sport touring for two and a half years. Sold it earlier this year and whilst I miss it and it was a fantastic car in every way I wouldn't go for the diesel engine again. IMO a 330i would be much more rewarding and probably no more expensive to run. With spirited driving I used to get 33/34mpg. I'm now in a 728 auto and I'm getting 25mpg with similar routes and driving. Take into account the sheer mass of the seven and the fact that petrol is now considerably cheaper than diesel and the far sweeter engine and I'd say it's got to be the 330i.
SJobson said:
The earlier 330d did have lighter steering than later ones. I think all 330is had the later rack though.
Not quite, the 330i T didn't get the quicker, more feelsome rack introduced on the Compact till early part of '01. Prior to that they've got the lighter steering as on the 328i I've got an 04 330d Touring (auto) and love it. It's fast, comfortable and eats the miles. I do 400+ miles a week and average 36MPG.
It surprisingly quick off the start and the mid range pulling power is excellent. My previous car was an '05 Subaru WRX with a few tweaks (4.5 secs 0-60) and I thought this car would be dead boring after that, but it's not. As said before,you have to just remember it's a fast deisel family car rather than a sports car... it does this very well IMO (you can still have fun and get the tail out should you want to).
With regard to the petrol/diesel debate it's really all down to how many miles you do. Diesel 330's cost more than petrol but you get that back when (if) you sell it so it's all relative.
By the way, I'd recommend you try an auto. I'd never had one before this and I have to say that, other than when I get another out and out sports car, I won't be going back to manual any time soon!
It surprisingly quick off the start and the mid range pulling power is excellent. My previous car was an '05 Subaru WRX with a few tweaks (4.5 secs 0-60) and I thought this car would be dead boring after that, but it's not. As said before,you have to just remember it's a fast deisel family car rather than a sports car... it does this very well IMO (you can still have fun and get the tail out should you want to).
With regard to the petrol/diesel debate it's really all down to how many miles you do. Diesel 330's cost more than petrol but you get that back when (if) you sell it so it's all relative.
By the way, I'd recommend you try an auto. I'd never had one before this and I have to say that, other than when I get another out and out sports car, I won't be going back to manual any time soon!
mikey-r said:
I've got an 04 330d Touring (auto) and love it. It's fast, comfortable and eats the miles. I do 400+ miles a week and average 36MPG.
With regard to the petrol/diesel debate it's really all down to how many miles you do. Diesel 330's cost more than petrol but you get that back when (if) you sell it so it's all relative.
By the way, I'd recommend you try an auto. I'd never had one before this and I have to say that, other than when I get another out and out sports car, I won't be going back to manual any time soon!
This was my experience too. Great mile-eater, but cumbersome in town, but generally reliable and enjoyable. I'd consider another one if my circumstances dictated.With regard to the petrol/diesel debate it's really all down to how many miles you do. Diesel 330's cost more than petrol but you get that back when (if) you sell it so it's all relative.
By the way, I'd recommend you try an auto. I'd never had one before this and I have to say that, other than when I get another out and out sports car, I won't be going back to manual any time soon!
Awesome car.
Have the 330d Touring Sport, only problem with it is the suspension around town, it is horrible ! But generally it is very nice on the motorway, very responsive. I got 41 mpg ( manually calculated ) driving on the M1 at around 85 mph.
Unless you are doing some serious mileage, I would lean towards the petrol.
You can also get some ipod gear if you have one. Dice Silverline will cost around 120 and gives you full control from steering wheel etc etc. Intravee costs 200 but has the most oem interface. dension icelink is another but isn't that good I hear.
They all hook up to the cd changer in the back replacing it. So the car thinks that your ipod is the cd changer.
oh and the auto is a must
it's just so much easier to drive and relax in. I used to do my commute in a manual but now that I have the Auto it has changed everything. Oh and traffic isn't a pain anymore either 
Bonuses imo are: sat nav, xenons, heated seats, nappa leather, m sport and electric seats.
Have the 330d Touring Sport, only problem with it is the suspension around town, it is horrible ! But generally it is very nice on the motorway, very responsive. I got 41 mpg ( manually calculated ) driving on the M1 at around 85 mph.
Unless you are doing some serious mileage, I would lean towards the petrol.
You can also get some ipod gear if you have one. Dice Silverline will cost around 120 and gives you full control from steering wheel etc etc. Intravee costs 200 but has the most oem interface. dension icelink is another but isn't that good I hear.
They all hook up to the cd changer in the back replacing it. So the car thinks that your ipod is the cd changer.
oh and the auto is a must
it's just so much easier to drive and relax in. I used to do my commute in a manual but now that I have the Auto it has changed everything. Oh and traffic isn't a pain anymore either Bonuses imo are: sat nav, xenons, heated seats, nappa leather, m sport and electric seats.
I have a 2004 330d (204) Sport Touring with leather, nav, gangsta glass etc. (forgot to add it's a manaul, quite hard to find at the time).
I got it for its combination of RWD, thrust, bike carrying capacity and economy. And it hasn’t disappointed.
I had a Leon Cupra TDI before it and the BM’s better driving position, handling and power through a wider rev range is very noticeable. The VAG tdi engines have oodles of low down boost, then die quite badly further up, the 330d doesn’t and is quicker and more satisfying to drive (not going to pretend it's a petrol though). The carrying capacity is actually pretty similar, just slightly longer and with a flat tailgate which is useful.
I can vouch for the fact they do 150… indeed my mates Tuscan blew it’s engine overtaking me at it's top end (not in UK I'll add). They aren't that quick 0-60, but are pretty strong in the mid to upper range. The very latest 330d is very rapid everywhere.
Downsides are that it seems like a heavier car when driving it, the stock stereo is woeful (had to install a P&P amp) and the alloys are easier to scuff. Plus 255 Pilot Sport 2’s are expensive and it won't take chains, had to buy snow socks.
Otherwise, recommended.
I got it for its combination of RWD, thrust, bike carrying capacity and economy. And it hasn’t disappointed.
I had a Leon Cupra TDI before it and the BM’s better driving position, handling and power through a wider rev range is very noticeable. The VAG tdi engines have oodles of low down boost, then die quite badly further up, the 330d doesn’t and is quicker and more satisfying to drive (not going to pretend it's a petrol though). The carrying capacity is actually pretty similar, just slightly longer and with a flat tailgate which is useful.
I can vouch for the fact they do 150… indeed my mates Tuscan blew it’s engine overtaking me at it's top end (not in UK I'll add). They aren't that quick 0-60, but are pretty strong in the mid to upper range. The very latest 330d is very rapid everywhere.
Downsides are that it seems like a heavier car when driving it, the stock stereo is woeful (had to install a P&P amp) and the alloys are easier to scuff. Plus 255 Pilot Sport 2’s are expensive and it won't take chains, had to buy snow socks.
Otherwise, recommended.
Edited by 0836whimper on Monday 5th January 14:42
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