Buying a 330ci
Discussion
Hi Folks, I am going to buy a 330ci and wondered if anyone had info on what to look out for? The car has done 70k with fbsh on a 51 plate and looks clean, i know a bit about cars when it comes to looking to see if the car has had paint work etc but not much about bmw's. Are there any major faults with the 330ci. Thanks.
The water pump is a common failing and also the radiator otherwise the engines are pretty robust.
Also chech the handbrake, they are pretty poor in general but when you take for a test drive gentle put the handbrake on and check for noise, any unusual sound and the handbrake shoes are gone which can sometimes damage the discs, meaning new shoes, discs and pads.
If all ok then go for it, they are a great machine
Also chech the handbrake, they are pretty poor in general but when you take for a test drive gentle put the handbrake on and check for noise, any unusual sound and the handbrake shoes are gone which can sometimes damage the discs, meaning new shoes, discs and pads.
If all ok then go for it, they are a great machine
The stats and water pumps are a common failure around the 80k mark. But owing to their positioning they are quite an easy job and not a remarkably expensive job. Most people get them done as a preventative measure anyway. When the water pump goes it will just squeel as the bearing goes but as long as it doesn't totally fall apart and get driven into the red and beyond the engine will be fine.
Apart from that, just check for knocks and clunks from the suspension, front and rear, as well as the prop when engaging drive/changing gear. Also check the heater blower works on all speeds, and that the airbag light comes on and goes off when you turn the key (alot of them have had the bulb removed instead of getting to the root of the problem)
Apart from that, just check for knocks and clunks from the suspension, front and rear, as well as the prop when engaging drive/changing gear. Also check the heater blower works on all speeds, and that the airbag light comes on and goes off when you turn the key (alot of them have had the bulb removed instead of getting to the root of the problem)
Martyn D said:
The water pump is a common failing and also the radiator otherwise the engines are pretty robust.
Also chech the handbrake, they are pretty poor in general but when you take for a test drive gentle put the handbrake on and check for noise, any unusual sound and the handbrake shoes are gone which can sometimes damage the discs, meaning new shoes, discs and pads.
If all ok then go for it, they are a great machine
Handbrake shouldn't be poor. If it is, it's knackered. As you have alluded to, they contain a drum within the disc. Also chech the handbrake, they are pretty poor in general but when you take for a test drive gentle put the handbrake on and check for noise, any unusual sound and the handbrake shoes are gone which can sometimes damage the discs, meaning new shoes, discs and pads.
If all ok then go for it, they are a great machine
As others have said, front suspension is weak.
I have just sold my 330ci sport coupe, 51 plate 85,000 mls, i done over 20,000 mls in the last 3 years,i put rear discs and pads on it for the first mot, then 4 new tyres for the second mot, it went straight thru the last mot with no advises..
I had no problems at all in 3 years i never spent a penny on it apart from the consumables mentioned, i did the service my self, all i hear on this forum when anyone wants advice is ,,,, the rear subframes fall out !!!! the front bushes fall out!!!! apart from the drivers door seal comming un-glued the car was brilliant,,, get one you wont regret it.
I had no problems at all in 3 years i never spent a penny on it apart from the consumables mentioned, i did the service my self, all i hear on this forum when anyone wants advice is ,,,, the rear subframes fall out !!!! the front bushes fall out!!!! apart from the drivers door seal comming un-glued the car was brilliant,,, get one you wont regret it.
For those who aren't already on or don't know about it check this site out : http://forum.e46fanatics.com/
They're from the other side of the pond so maybe E46zone is more suitable but there is a wealth of knowledge on both sites.
They're from the other side of the pond so maybe E46zone is more suitable but there is a wealth of knowledge on both sites.
*George* said:
There is a good full buyers guide to the e46 330ci in one of the BMW magazines this month if that’s any help.
Give us a hint George; which mag?I will also be looking for a 330ci next spring. Shame the colour options are on the whole rather drab - silver/grey/black/blue + variations on the same. I see the odd red one advertised but they are few and far between it would seem.
Edited by bluetone on Wednesday 28th October 08:13
Just replaced all four tyres on my 330. Went for Falken 452 from Camskill following many positive comments on here. Cost me a shade under £400 including fitting by a local tyre and exhaust centre. Tyres themselves delivered very promptly and have been very pleased with them so far.
Oil service at local indy recently cost me £160.
Replacement rear discs (Brembo), pads and handbrake shoes at same indy £260.
Replaced front discs (drilled and grooved jobbies) and pads (red stuff) myself recently - £200 in parts and a couple of hours on the drive tinkering time to fit.
Out of interest it seems road tax is going up to £245 from next April.
Oil service at local indy recently cost me £160.
Replacement rear discs (Brembo), pads and handbrake shoes at same indy £260.
Replaced front discs (drilled and grooved jobbies) and pads (red stuff) myself recently - £200 in parts and a couple of hours on the drive tinkering time to fit.
Out of interest it seems road tax is going up to £245 from next April.
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