How to tell the difference between E46 330d 184 / 204 BHP?

[Byard]

Since you can't rely on the data that autotrader or eBay provides, I was wondering if there are any cosmetic changes between the two BHP versions as i'm really struggling to distinguish the difference between the 2! Thanks

Iv'e already read through http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... which just confused me

[Byard]

Any help?

[Byard]

All 330d made up until March 2003 had the lower 184bhp engine I believe. Feel free to correct me though.

[philmots]

Came with the facelift... All coupe and cab are 204hp. Saloons are both. The 204hp will have the newer type wheels although a lot put these on the older models.

Manuals will be a 6 speed not 5.

Look on the heater panel, the temp and fan controls will be up and down on the facelift as opposed to side to side. I suppose this could be changed too.

I've had a 330cd, it was very responsive. More so than a friends 184hp. Try both and see how the feel.

[Byard]

Thanks for that info.

Is it 110% if it has a 6 speed box it will be the 204bhp version?

Edited by Byard on Tuesday 12th April 10:10

[soda]

Check the documents, 184 engine is 2926cc and the 204 is 2993cc. Emmisions are also different but can't recall the figures.

[mrmr96]

This website will help if you know the VIN:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do
Check the engine code it comes up with: N57 = 184bhp or N57N = 204bhp

Or, if you have the logbook then you can check the CC's:
184bhp engine is 2926cc and the 204bhp enigine is 2993cc(299 something anyway)

Credit for the info to guys on this thread: http://www.track-days.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[mrmr96]

Byard said:

Thanks for that info.

Is it 110% if it has a 6 speed box it will be the 204bhp version?

Edited by Byard on Tuesday 12th April 10:10

No, I believe there was some crossover.