E46 330i or 330d (184hp)

[willmagrath]

When the time comes to sell my Fabia vrs tdi, I really want to get an e46 3 series! But I can't for the life of me decide what kind. The power and the soundtrack of a 330i beckons me but after my fabia's torquey and very economical diesel, the 330d (45hp down on the petrol) seems the best idea, but I just don't think it's fast enough, does anyone know how bad/reasonable the petrol is on fuel?? I really can't decide!! Discuss.....

[willmagrath]

Oh and I'll have about 4k to spend, meaning a good 204hp 330d is not really on the cards....or is it??

[jasesapphy]

You will get a e46 204 330d

It's much better than the 184 and remap to 250/470 makes it very nice

[willmagrath]

The Crack Fox said:

The auto box option will ruin fuel economy and blunt the fun of the drive, IMO.

My manual, petrol 330ci sport averaged 30 MPG over about 20k miles of ownership and I didn't hang about. You'd have to do mega miles to recoup the costs of a diesel to make the cost/clatter worthwhile IMO.

That's not too bad, also the extra running costs of diesel (turbos, injectors, dmf's) would even it out. Yeah I'd definitely have a manual thanks!

[orangesrule]

willmagrath said:

That's not too bad, also the extra running costs of diesel (turbos, injectors, dmf's) would even it out. Yeah I'd definitely have a manual thanks!

Remember the petrol has a DMF too! but yes, personally i'd rather an ageing petrol than an ageing diesel car.

[VinceM]

I had a 330Ci that made 30mpg without trying although mine was a manual.

[LargeD]

330ci here, averaging over 30mpg over 15k without driving particularly economically.

The only thing is oil use, but I'm told that's normal for these and just needs keeping an eye on.

Nice car if a little bit dull in normal driving as you'd expect. When pressing on with everything turned off it is surprisingly good.

[jasesapphy]

I do agree on ageing diesels

A remapped diesel will see off a 330