330D E46 Info Required...

[BillyCabrio]

Hi all,

I'm looking to gather some information on the BMW 330D Auto E46 M Sport, just general stuff like spec, performance figures, fuel figures, running costs, engine reliability, bhp (IIRC their 208bhp??) - as i really don't know anything about BMW's.

I've seen one i like but am weary about what i don't know.

If anyone could point me in the right direction that would be great.

Cheers,

Paul

Edited by BillyCabrio on Friday 20th July 13:33

[MattOz]

Hi Paul,

330d's are as follows:

2000- March 2003 : 184bhp 288ft/lbs, 5spd box
2003 onwards : 204bhp 302ft/lbs, 6spd box

There was a facelift in 2002 that gave a slightly thicker steering wheel and change to the steering rack. It also introduced the slanty indicators on the front wings.

I've not had an auto, but have had 3 x E46 330d sports and they've all be brilliant.

What else, specifically, do you want to know?

Cheers
Matt

[P6UL K]

• User Name Changed From BillyCabrio to P6UL K**

Hi Matt,

Thanks for that mate. I spose i'm just finding it all a little daunting really..... The 330D i'd like over all is the 6 speed - is that the same for an auto?

Is the auto like a normal auto box? P, R, N, D, 3, 2, 1 and thats it or does it come with the semi-auto feature? Push the stick across for manual shifting?

Hmmmm and i spose running costs, servicing etc..... Just wanna be clear in my head that i know as much as i can before jumping in....

Paul.

Edited by P6UL K on Friday 20th July 16:06

[F355GTS]

Paul
Auto Box does have sport and manual modes, as you say push the stick across and move it forward/ back, having said that it's pretty slow to change that way and works well in Sport Auto with smooth reasonably fast shifts. redline is only 4.5k or so and I have thought a manual might be a bit busy with

[Dominic H]

I have a '53 auto 330d sport touring. I bought it following a trip to the Alps the go skiing in a mates identical car. I bought it privately from a fastidious keeper, extended the warranty and saved about 20% on the dealer price. I very occasionaly select the manual gearchange, but normally just leave it in D even when pressing on. On average I get around 370 miles to a tank, which includes a once a week 60 mile motorway run and loads of poodling around town.

I've had the car for a year and still enjoy driving it now. I would reccommend one whole heartedly. If I change mine I'd fancy a 535d sport auto.

Edited by Dominic H on Friday 20th July 17:13

[MattOz]

Hi Paul,

I should've read your post a bit more slowly! LOL

My 330d's have always averaged between 40 and 42 mpg. The later cars being more frugal. Autos tend to be about 4-6mpg thirstier for some reason. I usually got at least 500 miles from each tank (63 litres). To be honest if I didn't get 500 miles between fills, I'd suspect something was wrong. FYI, my current 535d will easily see 500 miles on every tank, but it has 7 litres extra capacity.

I've never spent more than £200 on a main dealer service. I supply my own oil each time, as BMW charge about £13 a litre and they take 6.7 litres.

My first 330d was an X plate and that split an inlet manifold. It was replaced under warranty. These inlet manifolds are plastic by the way.

My second 330d was great and I had no issues at all.

My 3rd 330d was the 6-spd facelift car and was the best of all the E46's I've had. It "swallowed" an inlet butterfly that resulted in a new piston, a new head and 24 valves, courtesy of BMW. The car ran even better when I got it back. Fantastic. Changed it for an E46 M3 and wish I'd not bothered.

E46's can chew front suspension bushes which result in a wishbone replacement. Springs can crack and need replacing. Gearbox's on early cars can stick over in the 5th gear plane occasionally. This is because the guide in the 'box is weak and wears out. The replacement part is a couple of quid, but the work involved can be up to £1k, so generally it's not worth it!

My last car had nappa leather, Sat Nav, Bluetooth, Harmon Karden etc etc and was probably the best all rounder I've ever had. Took it to the 'Ring 3 times and it loved it!

They're brilliant and I've done about 150,000 miles collectively in the three cars. I'm selling my 535d to part fund a house move, and I'm looking for another 6-spd E46 330d Sport to take its place. I can tell you that it won't feel like a compromise or downgrade in the slightest. They really are great.

Cheers
Matt

[Dominic H]

40mpg? I must have a lead foot.....

[Methane Bloke]

Had two e46 330d Sports, both good cars and no problems with either. Never managed over 40 MPG though (both were autos). Main dealer servicing was never too expensive either. Never had any serious warranty work as both cars were sold before 25000 miles on the clock.

Regards

Chris

[blaineuk]

my 330 did over 40 mpg arond town and easily did 55 on a run, was chipped to 220bhp, 5 or 6 speed don't think makes a lot of difference as you can leave it in a high gear with the torque and it will keep pulling

[Coupe'-Racing]

Hi

I've had my 2001 330d SE for over 3 years now - and its done 70K - and the trip computer shows 47mpg all the time unless I thrash it ( manual ).

The car is also really comfortable and a great tow car too.

Problems - well - there have been a few......

Turbo - diff failure - split inlet maniflod - front wishbones and bushes - torn prop coupling , rear trailing arm bushes - juddering clutch - warped front discs - drivers front window regulator - wiper motor - front and rear dampers ( poss age related ) plus loads of other smaller items.

Would I change it - ?

No - they drive well and go like the wind - you will always have to remind yourself its a diesel - but I would get a newer one.

Watch your tyre choice - it can make the car feel nervous if the choice is wrong ( see other threads ).

Guess my car was a bad one - but I still want it - or another - the engine is a dream.

Go for it

Coupe' Racing

[Olf]

How much are you thinking of spending? This info will help us help you!

[P6UL K]

Thanks all for your replys, they've been very helpful.

I'm thinking of getting a 52/03/53 plate car, from the few i've seen i'd prob be looking to spend around £13-£14k.

Also the fella that emailed me about his convertable BMW, many thanks but its a little outta my price range + i want a tin top.

Does anyone know if the 330D M Sports comes in 3 door as well as the normal 4/5 door?

[Olf]

P6UL K said:

Thanks all for your replys, they've been very helpful.

I'm thinking of getting a 52/03/53 plate car, from the few i've seen i'd prob be looking to spend around £13-£14k.

Also the fella that emailed me about his convertable BMW, many thanks but its a little outta my price range + i want a tin top.

Does anyone know if the 330D M Sports comes in 3 door as well as the normal 4/5 door?

If running costs are a concern I suggest you don't go for a car with the 18" wheels. They don't do much for ride quality and cost a packet to replace. The car looks perfectly respectable on 17" wheels.

[Apache]

blaineuk said:

my 330 did over 40 mpg arond town and easily did 55 on a run, was chipped to 220bhp, 5 or 6 speed don't think makes a lot of difference as you can leave it in a high gear with the torque and it will keep pulling

Tell us more about the chip, Mrs A is looking to replace her chipped Passat with a 330d

[Dominic H]

Apache said:

blaineuk said:

my 330 did over 40 mpg arond town and easily did 55 on a run, was chipped to 220bhp, 5 or 6 speed don't think makes a lot of difference as you can leave it in a high gear with the torque and it will keep pulling

Tell us more about the chip, Mrs A is looking to replace her chipped Passat with a 330d

Ask Dino D about his 330d, it's chipped to 255mph! Fantastic!

Dino D said

Just saw your other post here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I did similair mileages to you and bought a 330i sport saloon and converted it to LPG.

In a nutshell:
no noticeable performance drop (still clocked 255mph but slightly less torque than high octane petrol but didn't really matter on the 330)
Loss of spare wheel-well is a pain but if you fit run flats or keep tyre weld you don't need the spare.
LPG is a problem if there are no pumps near you house but on all major routes filling up was not a problem.

I had all the joy of owning a 'proper' 3 series with less than 330d running costs. Plus I was 'green'!

Just an idea....If you need more info on LPG just let me know- i did loads of research before getting the car and gconverting it.

[P6UL K]

Dominic H said:

Apache said:

blaineuk said:

my 330 did over 40 mpg arond town and easily did 55 on a run, was chipped to 220bhp, 5 or 6 speed don't think makes a lot of difference as you can leave it in a high gear with the torque and it will keep pulling

Tell us more about the chip, Mrs A is looking to replace her chipped Passat with a 330d

Ask Dino D about his 330d, it's chipped to 255mph! Fantastic!

Dino D said

Just saw your other post here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I did similair mileages to you and bought a 330i sport saloon and converted it to LPG.

In a nutshell:
no noticeable performance drop (still clocked 255mph but slightly less torque than high octane petrol but didn't really matter on the 330)
Loss of spare wheel-well is a pain but if you fit run flats or keep tyre weld you don't need the spare.
LPG is a problem if there are no pumps near you house but on all major routes filling up was not a problem.

I had all the joy of owning a 'proper' 3 series with less than 330d running costs. Plus I was 'green'!

Just an idea....If you need more info on LPG just let me know- i did loads of research before getting the car and gconverting it.

Surely you mean 255BHP??!

[Dominic H]

Probably....Unless he lives near a very big hill.

[blaineuk]

Apache said:

blaineuk said:

my 330 did over 40 mpg arond town and easily did 55 on a run, was chipped to 220bhp, 5 or 6 speed don't think makes a lot of difference as you can leave it in a high gear with the torque and it will keep pulling

Tell us more about the chip, Mrs A is looking to replace her chipped Passat with a 330d

it was done when i got the car, but had my audi a4 done last week and the chap can also do bm's to the same spec as mine was.

[P6UL K]

I've been looking at the 530's as well now from the same sort of age/year..... Are they much more car than the 3 series other than their size? They seem to be priced the same.

With the 330 and the 530's is the M Sport the one to go for or is there a high spec'd model i should be looking at?

Edited by P6UL K on Monday 23 July 01:13

[Apache]

Could anyone advise of advantages or disadvantages between 2000, 2001,2003 etc?