Recommend me a 3 series Diesel
Discussion
I'm in the market for another Diesel (my Golf is a bit long in the tooth now) and really would like something more refined. Plus, a RWD would be nice.
So, a 320d or 330d will do I reckon. But which should I go for? Should I go manual or auto? TBH I can live with both, but what issues are there with both? That goes for the engine too. Obviously a six pot 330 would be nice, as I love love love torque. But I have no experience of BMW ownership so I need some info from those who have been there, etc.
Talking of issues, I hear swirl flaps (?) are an issue but can be removed. Exhaust manifolds cracking on 330's? Yes, this is the internet and there are some conflicting stories, so I am rely on the honesty of the PH massif to give me some guidance.
I know budget is probably the first question everyone will ask, so it is about 4k tops.
I am handy with the spanners so don't mind doing most work myself, apart from the jobs that need specialist equipment. The car will be used for social domestic and commuting purposes.
Many thanks in advance for helpful constructive replies.
Cad
So, a 320d or 330d will do I reckon. But which should I go for? Should I go manual or auto? TBH I can live with both, but what issues are there with both? That goes for the engine too. Obviously a six pot 330 would be nice, as I love love love torque. But I have no experience of BMW ownership so I need some info from those who have been there, etc.
Talking of issues, I hear swirl flaps (?) are an issue but can be removed. Exhaust manifolds cracking on 330's? Yes, this is the internet and there are some conflicting stories, so I am rely on the honesty of the PH massif to give me some guidance.
I know budget is probably the first question everyone will ask, so it is about 4k tops.
I am handy with the spanners so don't mind doing most work myself, apart from the jobs that need specialist equipment. The car will be used for social domestic and commuting purposes.
Many thanks in advance for helpful constructive replies.
Cad
An Auto 330d would be my choice and had one for 6 years and did over 150k miles in it, it was faultless to own although there are plenty of internet horror stories.
I also had a 520d manual and I didn't think the manual/diesel combination worked that well together, but i suppose there is less to go wrong with a manual.
I also had a 520d manual and I didn't think the manual/diesel combination worked that well together, but i suppose there is less to go wrong with a manual.
A quick look on A/trader suggests 4k£ will find a lot of SE trim cars if opting for 330 and E90 generation and not straying too far over 100k miles.
They may have sports seats added, they may have new/ revised suspension but SE seats/suspension isn't a ride/comfort package I rate; sports seats/ suspension ( M Sport trim) is much better so something to bear in mind when testing.
I hated the steptronic auto of that era when I tested 335is' so would say manual, though they may be rarer.
They may have sports seats added, they may have new/ revised suspension but SE seats/suspension isn't a ride/comfort package I rate; sports seats/ suspension ( M Sport trim) is much better so something to bear in mind when testing.
I hated the steptronic auto of that era when I tested 335is' so would say manual, though they may be rarer.
I had a 2013 330d xDrive Touring for 3 years. That's the 6-cyl turbo. engine. Personally, I tried the 2.0L diesel but it didn't work for me: not enough power. But that's a personal preference and no doubt will elicit lots of replies in disagreement.
The 6-cyl 3.0L turbo engine is a dream, especially if you're doing lots of motorway journeys and daily driving. I'd recommend against a manual with this engine - I just don't see the point as the engine and Sport Auto gearbox seems so well-matched. No problems at all and ran smooth as silk up to the 34K miles when I swapped.
I opted for 17" wheels and standard SE suspension, but this did turn out to be a bit soft - you could go for 18" although I wouldn't go 19" wheels. When I replaced the 3 I went for Adaptive Suspension on 18" wheels, which seemed much better. The xDrive was very good at putting down all that torque from the big 6-cyl but it's not dramatic - some prefer RWD. Also, on the 2013, xDrive keep the suspension at standard height.
In terms of interior, I loved the panoramic sunroof on the Touring - which transformed the interior, especially in the rear, making it much brighter. No problems in the summer - the thermal glass worked well. W went for full beige (Oyster) upholstery and contrary to accepted opinion, we never had problems keeping it clean, including oyster floor mats in the winter.
Average fuel consumption was 46mpg across a mix of motorway and short journeys.
Coming from a hatchback, we opted for the Touring because of the extra space it offers for load-carrying. With the back down I got my MTB in the back lying flat, no problem. But for 2 bikes, I'd look for a towbar-mounted carrier (it's feasible to get 2 bikes in, but a hassle if you're trying to protect the interior from scuffs etc.). I'd recommend just taking a look at a Touring to see if it suits you or not.
The 6-cyl 3.0L turbo engine is a dream, especially if you're doing lots of motorway journeys and daily driving. I'd recommend against a manual with this engine - I just don't see the point as the engine and Sport Auto gearbox seems so well-matched. No problems at all and ran smooth as silk up to the 34K miles when I swapped.
I opted for 17" wheels and standard SE suspension, but this did turn out to be a bit soft - you could go for 18" although I wouldn't go 19" wheels. When I replaced the 3 I went for Adaptive Suspension on 18" wheels, which seemed much better. The xDrive was very good at putting down all that torque from the big 6-cyl but it's not dramatic - some prefer RWD. Also, on the 2013, xDrive keep the suspension at standard height.
In terms of interior, I loved the panoramic sunroof on the Touring - which transformed the interior, especially in the rear, making it much brighter. No problems in the summer - the thermal glass worked well. W went for full beige (Oyster) upholstery and contrary to accepted opinion, we never had problems keeping it clean, including oyster floor mats in the winter.
Average fuel consumption was 46mpg across a mix of motorway and short journeys.
Coming from a hatchback, we opted for the Touring because of the extra space it offers for load-carrying. With the back down I got my MTB in the back lying flat, no problem. But for 2 bikes, I'd look for a towbar-mounted carrier (it's feasible to get 2 bikes in, but a hassle if you're trying to protect the interior from scuffs etc.). I'd recommend just taking a look at a Touring to see if it suits you or not.
Edited by msej449 on Thursday 28th December 16:28
I had an 04 plate E46 320td with the M47 engine for 3 years and sold it at 44,000 miles with no problems.
Then I replaced it with a 57 plate 123d with the N47 engine that I had for 6+ years and in 81K miles I only had a new battery at 4 years and a starter motor at 6 years - and I'd put those down to the stop/start nonsense!
I had a chat with my local BMW Indy a month ago as I was thinking of looking for a 330d Touring.
It seems the 330d fitted to E46s and early E9*s was the M54, which is essentially an M47 with 2 more cylinders. M47 and M54 engines have the swirl-flap issues, but they are easily blanked. The M54s in early E9*s had plastic swirl-flaps so even if they do get ingested they don't cause catastrophic damage, but E9*s do have a DPF (E46s didn't) so that is another potential problem.
The later 320ds with the N47 engine can have serious cam-chain issues, and that is an expensive problem as the chain is on the back of the engine so it's an engine out job! Plus some early N47s had the drive cog as an integral part of the crankshaft so it can mean a new crank as well, in which case it's well over a £5K fix at a main agent! Someone on here scrapped his 120d when his cam-chain failed - you can google "N47 Cam-chain issues" to get more info. That is largely why I sold my 123d while it was still healthy!
The later 330ds that had the N54 engine had the same cam-chain arrangement but I'm told don't suffer chain issues nearly as often - maybe it is a stronger chain!
After all he said I went off the idea of a diesel, but if was still looking I'd probably look for any 320d or 330d with one of the "M" engines although I'd consider a 330d with the N54.
Good luck with whatever you do decide to go for.
Then I replaced it with a 57 plate 123d with the N47 engine that I had for 6+ years and in 81K miles I only had a new battery at 4 years and a starter motor at 6 years - and I'd put those down to the stop/start nonsense!
I had a chat with my local BMW Indy a month ago as I was thinking of looking for a 330d Touring.
It seems the 330d fitted to E46s and early E9*s was the M54, which is essentially an M47 with 2 more cylinders. M47 and M54 engines have the swirl-flap issues, but they are easily blanked. The M54s in early E9*s had plastic swirl-flaps so even if they do get ingested they don't cause catastrophic damage, but E9*s do have a DPF (E46s didn't) so that is another potential problem.
The later 320ds with the N47 engine can have serious cam-chain issues, and that is an expensive problem as the chain is on the back of the engine so it's an engine out job! Plus some early N47s had the drive cog as an integral part of the crankshaft so it can mean a new crank as well, in which case it's well over a £5K fix at a main agent! Someone on here scrapped his 120d when his cam-chain failed - you can google "N47 Cam-chain issues" to get more info. That is largely why I sold my 123d while it was still healthy!
The later 330ds that had the N54 engine had the same cam-chain arrangement but I'm told don't suffer chain issues nearly as often - maybe it is a stronger chain!
After all he said I went off the idea of a diesel, but if was still looking I'd probably look for any 320d or 330d with one of the "M" engines although I'd consider a 330d with the N54.
Good luck with whatever you do decide to go for.
+1 for a 3.0 with an auto box, I had an e46 330d with a manual and the gearbox just didn't seem to suit the engine at all, that car was a 5 speed, I'm imagining the closer ratios of a 6 speed would be much better suited? As said though, BMW's with bigger, high torque engines have always suited autoboxes imo.
Regarding running costs, the tax is higher on a 3.0 but the difference in fuel costs is negligible unless you're hoofing the 3 litre everywhere which isn't really possible without getting into trouble very quickly!
Regarding running costs, the tax is higher on a 3.0 but the difference in fuel costs is negligible unless you're hoofing the 3 litre everywhere which isn't really possible without getting into trouble very quickly!
We (the mrs) have a M47 320d, manual in 2007 vintage. It's a decent motor but I'd suggest it's more workhorse like rather than 'set your world alight'. If you can get a 6 cylinder then I'd go for one, with an auto box, the manual isnt all that tbh.
That's not to say I dont like ours, the 2.0 is goes well enough and cheeky remap will help with a little more poke. It's cheap to run and seems pretty robust, looks nice and drives well. I done south Italy in 2 very long days, arrived feeling semi human still. It sips fuel and has no DPF to worry about which was a big plus point for us.
That's not to say I dont like ours, the 2.0 is goes well enough and cheeky remap will help with a little more poke. It's cheap to run and seems pretty robust, looks nice and drives well. I done south Italy in 2 very long days, arrived feeling semi human still. It sips fuel and has no DPF to worry about which was a big plus point for us.
Thank you for the replies and info gentlemen. Very helpful and honest which is what I need.
I'd definitely prefer the auto 330d. Coming from having Golfs for the past 6 years, I'm used to having boot space for large things, so a saloon is out, which is a shame as I'd prefer that size. So the practicality of a touring is the way to go.
I've heard the horror stories about the swirl flaps and also the 2 solenoids in the auto box deteriorating and not doing it any favours. Those I can replace easily if I find one that is still ok. They need to be changed around the 100k mark apparently.
I have found only one 330d touring for under 4k, but it has a tow bar fitted and a slightly conspicuous description. But that could just be a sign of the times...
Any more info and opinions greatly appreciated and welcome. Or if anyone comes across a decent one that's for sale and it's a 'goodun', beer tokens will find their way to you
Regards
I'd definitely prefer the auto 330d. Coming from having Golfs for the past 6 years, I'm used to having boot space for large things, so a saloon is out, which is a shame as I'd prefer that size. So the practicality of a touring is the way to go.
I've heard the horror stories about the swirl flaps and also the 2 solenoids in the auto box deteriorating and not doing it any favours. Those I can replace easily if I find one that is still ok. They need to be changed around the 100k mark apparently.
I have found only one 330d touring for under 4k, but it has a tow bar fitted and a slightly conspicuous description. But that could just be a sign of the times...
Any more info and opinions greatly appreciated and welcome. Or if anyone comes across a decent one that's for sale and it's a 'goodun', beer tokens will find their way to you
Regards
Are you looking for an E91? There are not many sub 4K. The gearbox solenoids are not a common failure item. My E46 auto box died at 220k and had the new solenoids, so I converted it to a manual. Swirl flaps are easy to remove and blank.
If you want an E46 here’s one:
(No idea of its provenance, however looks ok)
If you want an E46 here’s one:
(No idea of its provenance, however looks ok)
I bought a mapped de-DPF'd E92 330d manual earlier this year after my E36 M3 got stolen. According to the receipt it's got 305bhp and a massive amount of torque. I have no reason to disbelieve it because it's amazing! I truly think it's the best all-round car anybody could possibly need. Not only is it properly fast it's also good on fuel, I can easily get 40mpg pottering round and recently had a speedy 300 mile round trip to see family and got 47mpg! If you came and drove my 130,000 miler I'm pretty sure you'd be smitten. They do have swirl flaps but as you say you're handy with the spanners they're pretty straight forward to remove for not a lot of outlay. I got a kit off amazon, can't remember the cost but wasn't a fortune and took about 2 hours taking my time to do.
I love this car so much I'm seriously considering spending a large wedge on an LSD which it definitely needs with this amount of torque. The traction control light easily flashes in 3rd in the wet!
Don't hesitate, buy today.......you won't regret it.
I love this car so much I'm seriously considering spending a large wedge on an LSD which it definitely needs with this amount of torque. The traction control light easily flashes in 3rd in the wet!
Don't hesitate, buy today.......you won't regret it.
nomis36 said:
I bought a mapped de-DPF'd E92 330d manual earlier this year after my E36 M3 got stolen. According to the receipt it's got 305bhp and a massive amount of torque. I have no reason to disbelieve it because it's amazing! I truly think it's the best all-round car anybody could possibly need. Not only is it properly fast it's also good on fuel, I can easily get 40mpg pottering round and recently had a speedy 300 mile round trip to see family and got 47mpg! If you came and drove my 130,000 miler I'm pretty sure you'd be smitten. They do have swirl flaps but as you say you're handy with the spanners they're pretty straight forward to remove for not a lot of outlay. I got a kit off amazon, can't remember the cost but wasn't a fortune and took about 2 hours taking my time to do.
I love this car so much I'm seriously considering spending a large wedge on an LSD which it definitely needs with this amount of torque. The traction control light easily flashes in 3rd in the wet!
Don't hesitate, buy today.......you won't regret it.
Hope I can find a good example. Sounds like you have! What colour is it?I love this car so much I'm seriously considering spending a large wedge on an LSD which it definitely needs with this amount of torque. The traction control light easily flashes in 3rd in the wet!
Don't hesitate, buy today.......you won't regret it.
Mine is by no means a minter having spent most of it's life in London but tidy enough and drives absolutely perfectly. It's an SE not sport which normally for a BMW is a big no no as far as I'm concerned but I think the E92 is such a classic timeless coupe design it doesn't need the fussier sport bumpers, if anything I sort of prefer the SE as long as all the other sport stuff such as wheels, suspension and seats are spec'd which in my case were.
As for the colour, it's one thing I don't particularly like, it's Monaco blue which is VERY dark to the point of usually looking black. I would have preferred a lighter blue so it looks blue or black so it actually is black. The only time it looks nice is when it's clean and in direct bright sunlight.
Good luck finding one you really want but be prepared to compromise a little bit. You won't regret it I don't think as I'm very specific about how a car should feel and drive and I love the E92 for doing both perfectly. I've had some mildly interesting cars over the years including a nearly new focus st250 but non of them had the balance, usable power and handling in one package like the E92 and probably all the E9x range.
Sound smitten? Yes I suppose I am! https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/imgs/9.gif
As for the colour, it's one thing I don't particularly like, it's Monaco blue which is VERY dark to the point of usually looking black. I would have preferred a lighter blue so it looks blue or black so it actually is black. The only time it looks nice is when it's clean and in direct bright sunlight.
Good luck finding one you really want but be prepared to compromise a little bit. You won't regret it I don't think as I'm very specific about how a car should feel and drive and I love the E92 for doing both perfectly. I've had some mildly interesting cars over the years including a nearly new focus st250 but non of them had the balance, usable power and handling in one package like the E92 and probably all the E9x range.
Sound smitten? Yes I suppose I am! https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/imgs/9.gif
helix402 said:
Are you looking for an E91?
Not really. If that's what that is in the ad you suggested. The next shape on is what I'm after at least.I have seen one for £3700 but I'm beginning to think there's something wrong with it as it's very competitively priced and hasn't sold yet.
I've had a E46 330d and a E91 330d. Currently run an F31 330d. All have been excellent cars. The 3 litre diesel in each model has been significantly smoother and more powerful than the 2 litre. I've also had two 5 series 3 litre diesels. I've never had problems with any of them, but have always bought approved-used from BMW dealers. I guess mileage and how the car has been maintained will be critical.
My dad has ordered a new 3 series and will be selling his e46 330d M sport touring. He’s had it for 14 years and it’s done 79k. It’s 02 model year. Massive spec including electric heated, memory seats, BMW’s early factory sat nav, folding mirrors, sunroof, auto lights etc. It’s silver with black leather and pretty mint. It’s silver with black leather.
A neighbour has first dibs on it but if he changes his mind I’ll be advertising it here. I drove it 200 miles on New Years Eve with the cruise set to 70mph and I was surprised how good on fuel it was. Very poky as well. He has had no problems with it during his ownership. Nice cars in my experience.
A neighbour has first dibs on it but if he changes his mind I’ll be advertising it here. I drove it 200 miles on New Years Eve with the cruise set to 70mph and I was surprised how good on fuel it was. Very poky as well. He has had no problems with it during his ownership. Nice cars in my experience.
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