330i E46 - looking for a car, what options should I look out

[buzzer]

At long last I have decided what I really want... a BMW 330i. My ideal would be:-

Automatic
Leather
not silver
preferably no sunroof


I will be looking for an early one, What other options should I look out for while I am looking for the right car?

There seems some real bargains out there at the moment as these just don't appear to sell very well, especially the Auto's! Some have been for sale for months!

Edited by buzzer on Tuesday 28th June 16:55

[Vee]

Look for a facelift sport (51 onwards)
Sport has staggered wheels and tyres aren't cheap so check them carefully.
Both mine had xenons which were brilliant.
Nappa leather is much nicer than the standard montana
Harmon Kardon is not great but better than the standard system
Don't pay extra for satnav, not worth it at all on these
Avoid the SSG option at all costs (and sellers who claim it is SMG. This was M3 only and never offered on the normal 330\325s)

[Jw Vw]

Are you after a saloon?

This is what I would be after if I was going for an early model.

M-Sport alloys, FSH, leather, are a must for me with the 3-Series.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2524870.htm

I would personally look for one 2003 facelift onwards though.

[buzzer]

Vee said:

Look for a facelift sport (51 onwards)
Sport has staggered wheels and tyres aren't cheap so check them carefully.
Both mine had xenons which were brilliant.
Nappa leather is much nicer than the standard montana
Harmon Kardon is not great but better than the standard system
Don't pay extra for satnav, not worth it at all on these
Avoid the SSG option at all costs (and sellers who claim it is SMG. This was M3 only and never offered on the normal 330\325s)

Thanks guys,

xenons would be good, along with the Nappa leather...

Sound system not fussed as I am tone deaf!!

Good point on the Sat Nav... I would prefer one without.

It needs to be a normal Automatic

Just a matter of finding the right car now, no rush!

[ghibbett]

I have a 2005 330i Sport Saloon Auto w/o sunroof, FBMWSH, only 37k, but unfortunately it's silver. Oh well.

Options wise, I actually think the HK is quite good . Leather is a must, as are Xenons. However I do wish I had heated seats in mine.

[buzzer]

Good point, heated seats would be good as well, not a deal breaker though.

In fact, the only deal breaker would be a manual and the silver... oh and a car that stinks of smoke! I will never buy a smokers car again!

Edited by buzzer on Tuesday 28th June 22:06

[mekondelta]

Any thoughts on the Steptronic transmission on these? Like OP, I fancy an 330i auto (a Touring) but wondered if it is worth holding out for one over a standard auto?

[ghibbett]

Steptronic Auto as opposed to 'normal' Auto??

I thought the only options were:
Automatic
SSG
Manual

[mekondelta]

ghibbett said:

Steptronic Auto as opposed to 'normal' Auto??

I thought the only options were:
Automatic
SSG
Manual

This is an example...

autotrader link

[rpm1969]

I would buy a post 2001 model - they revised the steering in 2001 which was a noticeable improvement.
If you buy an SE, then sports seats are a good option to have.

[CypherP]

There are plenty of M sport models to be had out there. I'd definitely agree on a post 2001 model. I have a 2003 325ci with pretty much all the options you have listed. No standard sat-nav, nice smooth auto box, cream leather with dash accents, MV2 alloys. I still haven't tired of driving it and being my first auto I've owned (bought for commuting mainly), I have to say I really enjoy it.

Nice to be able to shift up and down when it suits you, or just leave it in Drive and let it do its thing. I'm particularly fond of how responsive the kick-down is with these as well.

[Sir_Dave]

Watch for rust on the front wings & rear arches.

Especially on pre-'03 cars.

Other than that, the 330i is fairly bomb proof, although the auto's sometimes give up the ghost at 130k or so.

[Jobbo]

mekondelta said:

ghibbett said:

Steptronic Auto as opposed to 'normal' Auto??

I thought the only options were:
Automatic
SSG
Manual

This is an example...

autotrader link

All the automatics have the steptronic function.

[mekondelta]

Jobbo said:

All the automatics have the steptronic function.

Thank you! It's mentioned on some car listings and not others hence the confusion.