What engine for my E46.....
Discussion
So, I am selling my 3.0 Z4 and Suzuki Swift Sport to get a Dog Chariot. I have decided on a BMW E46 Touring but can't decide which engine to get.
I initially wanted the 3.0 petrol as it is the same engine as my Z4 and I love it! I'm now thinking I will try the 325i and see if there is much difference.
As for Oil Burners, I have not ruled them out and want to try the 330d and the 320d this week.
Anybody got any opinions? I'm assuming that the 6 cylinder engines will be fantastic but the 4 cylinder diesel a bit slow...
What sort of real world fuel consumption do people get with these engines?
I initially wanted the 3.0 petrol as it is the same engine as my Z4 and I love it! I'm now thinking I will try the 325i and see if there is much difference.
As for Oil Burners, I have not ruled them out and want to try the 330d and the 320d this week.
Anybody got any opinions? I'm assuming that the 6 cylinder engines will be fantastic but the 4 cylinder diesel a bit slow...
What sort of real world fuel consumption do people get with these engines?
I'm getting 29-30mpg from my 2003 E46 325i Touring (manual box) but that's with a roof rack permanantly fitted so I might get 1 or 2mpg more without it. In comparison I've only driven a 330 auto touring which didn't feel any faster than my 325 but I guess the manual will be quicker. I do like my Touring but I'm being forced to sell it next month due to a 5 year or newer rule at my new place of work 
Thanks for the replies.
I have had a couple of drives in a 330 Auto, still to try the Manual. I think from what you say that the fuel consumption won't be an issue.
I was happy with the Auto Box as it holds on to the gears enough to have some fun.
I'm only considering the M Sport as I think it looks so much better.
I think I will try a 325i and then a 320d before coming to a decision.
I have had a couple of drives in a 330 Auto, still to try the Manual. I think from what you say that the fuel consumption won't be an issue.
I was happy with the Auto Box as it holds on to the gears enough to have some fun.
I'm only considering the M Sport as I think it looks so much better.
I think I will try a 325i and then a 320d before coming to a decision.
It's the M Sport that I have (pic in profile) and it's worth getting one if you can. The suspension is firm but not overly so, the alcantara sports seats are comfy and supportive when pushing on and the overall look on 18" staggered MV1 or MV2 alloys is "just right" in my opinion.
I really don't want to sell mine but my wife prefers our Saab for family duties so the Beemer will have to go to make way for something newer.
Before buying the 325 I tried a 2001 320d and it just felt slow in comparison. I know they can be chipped but it just put me off so I opted for petrol.
I'm not sure how much research you've done but some things to look out for are......
Rust around the rear number plate, broken rear springs, working Harman Kardon sound system (if fitted) as the amp can go and is expensive to replace. Check that all the speakers are working.
Wishbone bushes sometimes need done evry 20k or so, front shock top mounts can wear (clunking can be heard and felt at low speeds), mine have started doing this.
The interior is hard wearing so there shouldn't be any rips or tears. My car has 134k on the clock and still looks almost new inside.
As far as running costs are concerned I've had the following done over 10,000 miles (starting at 124k).
2 rear shocks (Bilstein)
Front wishbone bushes
Front top mount bushes about to be done
Inspection 1 service
4 x tyres
Hope this helps
I really don't want to sell mine but my wife prefers our Saab for family duties so the Beemer will have to go to make way for something newer.
Before buying the 325 I tried a 2001 320d and it just felt slow in comparison. I know they can be chipped but it just put me off so I opted for petrol.
I'm not sure how much research you've done but some things to look out for are......
Rust around the rear number plate, broken rear springs, working Harman Kardon sound system (if fitted) as the amp can go and is expensive to replace. Check that all the speakers are working.
Wishbone bushes sometimes need done evry 20k or so, front shock top mounts can wear (clunking can be heard and felt at low speeds), mine have started doing this.
The interior is hard wearing so there shouldn't be any rips or tears. My car has 134k on the clock and still looks almost new inside.
As far as running costs are concerned I've had the following done over 10,000 miles (starting at 124k).
2 rear shocks (Bilstein)
Front wishbone bushes
Front top mount bushes about to be done
Inspection 1 service
4 x tyres
Hope this helps
thanks guys, great info for my search!
I will give the 330d a try and then see what I think. The oil burners seem to hold their value a bit more than the petrol models.
Sounds like the E46 M Sport suffers from many of the same faults as the Z4, think it could possibly be the same (ish) suspension
I will give the 330d a try and then see what I think. The oil burners seem to hold their value a bit more than the petrol models.
Sounds like the E46 M Sport suffers from many of the same faults as the Z4, think it could possibly be the same (ish) suspension
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