Discussion
So... Looking to move on from the impreza in the new year, and think i would quite like a 330.
Known issues?
Economy?
Insurance?
Worth getting mapped?
And any other stuff i need to know.
Looking at 51 ish plates, 80k miles ish and as much history as i can find. Other than that i'm not sure what to look out for.
Used to have an e36 but never driven an e46.
Known issues?
Economy?
Insurance?
Worth getting mapped?
And any other stuff i need to know.
Looking at 51 ish plates, 80k miles ish and as much history as i can find. Other than that i'm not sure what to look out for.
Used to have an e36 but never driven an e46.
Not driven one but some say the drive-by-wire throttle is a bit laggy, and that the steering is dead too, both issues improved on later cars.
I'm interested in what you think of them, would like to upgrade from my E36 328 at some point but I'm a bit worried the E46 will feel a bit dead and numb after the E36.
I'm interested in what you think of them, would like to upgrade from my E36 328 at some point but I'm a bit worried the E46 will feel a bit dead and numb after the E36.
I love mine- this one is auto and touring.. Great package at brilliant prices. Had a saloon version a few years back. Steering is fine, and I have no complaints re throttle lag. Other daily driver is a 944 S2; I like responsive!
Drive a few, buy on condition and spec, they are capable of very high miles if looked after.
Drive a few, buy on condition and spec, they are capable of very high miles if looked after.
I had a facelift one
Fuel economy was about 28-30 MPG
Insurance was about £600 with Admiral for a 29yr old + my partner, kept on a drive in a good post code.
Its a nice drive, its quickish but doesnt really feel quick. Very easy to drive quickly so you have to be going quite quick before it gets exciting. Makes a nice noise when you put your foot down.
In the end I changed mine for an Elise 111R for a bit more driver involvement. Obviously a very different car though, not really a like for like swap but I have 2 other more practical cars (including another 3 series) so the 330ci didnt really fit
Fuel economy was about 28-30 MPG
Insurance was about £600 with Admiral for a 29yr old + my partner, kept on a drive in a good post code.
Its a nice drive, its quickish but doesnt really feel quick. Very easy to drive quickly so you have to be going quite quick before it gets exciting. Makes a nice noise when you put your foot down.
In the end I changed mine for an Elise 111R for a bit more driver involvement. Obviously a very different car though, not really a like for like swap but I have 2 other more practical cars (including another 3 series) so the 330ci didnt really fit
Had Both a manual and auto 330ci. Get the manual if you can, but they are thinner on the ground than the autos. Quick-ish cars but you will feel a bit cocooned and sometimes you won't feel that speed. A testament to the engineering behind them. Insurance is group 17 and economy is impressive for the size of the engine in manual mode (27 around town and 36mpg at a steady 80mph on the motorway. Knock 4-5mpg off those figures for the auto though. I thought the auto was dull to drive and dire on fuel tbh.
I had a 2001 330i for a year before I got my S2000.
Was a lovely car, I didn't get that great economy as most of what I do is short urban trips and I like to put my foot down so averaged about 23-24mpg round town. I did however get 37mpg on a relaxed motorway journey so they can do economy.
The steering was very light and not the most feelsome but not bad by any means.
The standard stereo is rubbish!!
Expected much better on that sort of car
Kinda miss it really, if I had the money I'd have kept it and have the S as my weekend toy.
Was a lovely car, I didn't get that great economy as most of what I do is short urban trips and I like to put my foot down so averaged about 23-24mpg round town. I did however get 37mpg on a relaxed motorway journey so they can do economy.
The steering was very light and not the most feelsome but not bad by any means.
The standard stereo is rubbish!!
Expected much better on that sort of car
Kinda miss it really, if I had the money I'd have kept it and have the S as my weekend toy.
Just to add to earlier comments, the pre facelift (pre March '03 I think) manual models had some stupid anti- stall software going on. It was most felt when the car was warm and I tried to do a quick three point turn. The revs. would be all over the place as the car struggled to make sense of what I was trying to do.
Apparently this can be sorted by a simple remap (I don't know the details of that though unfortunately). If you take one for a test drive, look for this. I used to get some very quizzical looks from passer byers....
Apparently this can be sorted by a simple remap (I don't know the details of that though unfortunately). If you take one for a test drive, look for this. I used to get some very quizzical looks from passer byers....
They don't feel as fast as they are, the build in power is very linear through the rev range.
You won't get a kick in the backside like a turboed car but it does keep pulling progressively harder all the way to the red line.
Common weak points are the cooling system and suspension bushes. If you google 'e46 cooling system' plenty will come up.
You won't get a kick in the backside like a turboed car but it does keep pulling progressively harder all the way to the red line.
Common weak points are the cooling system and suspension bushes. If you google 'e46 cooling system' plenty will come up.
I have just litteraly brought a 330 coupe, and at the moment I just love it.
Mine is a 2003 facelift with the auto box.
Economy wise I am doing about 22mpg but I went for a decent run this morning and managed 35mpg, although I must add that they are the computer figures so they may be a bit optimistic!
Overall I am extremly happy with my purchase
Mine is a 2003 facelift with the auto box.
Economy wise I am doing about 22mpg but I went for a decent run this morning and managed 35mpg, although I must add that they are the computer figures so they may be a bit optimistic!
Overall I am extremly happy with my purchase
m444ttb said:
Much nicer to drive on 17's than the 18's.
Are they?I have 17" winter wheels + tyres on just now but when the 18s were on the handling and grip was fantastic, very planted.
Couldn't comment fairly between the two because of the winter tyres but I'd struggle to believe it would be better in the 17s all else equal.
i own a Impreza WRX and a 330d.. the 330d isnt exciting car as the impreza, but however very refined and a better Daily driver.
Smooth engine,quiet and best of all; a lot of torque from the bottom compared to impreza.
I know this thread is about 330 but the d version isnt too far away from the petrol version.
Smooth engine,quiet and best of all; a lot of torque from the bottom compared to impreza.
I know this thread is about 330 but the d version isnt too far away from the petrol version.
S3000 said:
i own a Impreza WRX and a 330d.. the 330d isnt exciting car as the impreza, but however very refined and a better Daily driver.
Smooth engine,quiet and best of all; a lot of torque from the bottom compared to impreza.
I know this thread is about 330 but the d version isnt too far away from the petrol version.
Neither will be as exciting, however, I suspect the 'i' is somewhat more fun than the 'd'.Smooth engine,quiet and best of all; a lot of torque from the bottom compared to impreza.
I know this thread is about 330 but the d version isnt too far away from the petrol version.
mrtea said:
I have just litteraly brought a 330 coupe, and at the moment I just love it.
Mine is a 2003 facelift with the auto box.
Economy wise I am doing about 22mpg but I went for a decent run this morning and managed 35mpg, although I must add that they are the computer figures so they may be a bit optimistic!
Overall I am extremly happy with my purchase
Where did you bring it?Mine is a 2003 facelift with the auto box.
Economy wise I am doing about 22mpg but I went for a decent run this morning and managed 35mpg, although I must add that they are the computer figures so they may be a bit optimistic!
Overall I am extremly happy with my purchase
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