My BMW E46 330i Sport

My BMW E46 330i Sport

Author
Discussion

philmots

4,630 posts

259 months

Monday 9th January 2012
quotequote all
oj121 said:
Sir_Dave said:
231bhp isnt too bad for a 19 year old tbh!!

Lovely cars, im on my 4th e46 now ...
Didnt say it wasnt a nice example. Just wanted to know why he settled on that car in particular as there is a lot out there that trumps them in different areas IMO
Because it's a really bloody nice all rounder...

Great car, my old 330 was nice.

Don't mess with it, either. Looks great as it is.

Celt

1,264 posts

191 months

Monday 9th January 2012
quotequote all
Nice car. Nice bit of tarmac by the looks of it to! Doesn't appear to be part of her royal highnesses highway!

P K Wright

364 posts

160 months

Monday 9th January 2012
quotequote all
That runway open to the public????

petrolveins

Original Poster:

1,780 posts

172 months

Monday 9th January 2012
quotequote all
Cheers guys, as for why I went for it. I just love BMWs and I wanted a more grown up car, but one that was good at cruising about whisper quiet sometimes and then go like the clappers when you want it to. This does just that. I wanted something with the modern safety features on such as DSC, especially seeing as it is my first RWD car. Also wanted something that looked good and was reliable. This ticked all the boxes. Look at my post history, I've test driven lots of things,TTs, XJ8s, RX-8s, S4s I've thought about old Volvos, MX-5s but the BMW just stood out to me. For a while I had it down to the RX-8 and the 330Ci, little reliability issues worried me about the Mazda, the lack of torque was very noticeable, poor fuel economy, and all the fuss with not shutting it down when Cold. I found the BMW just as enjoyable an experience to drive. That ultimately was what I was looking for, not the fastest or best handling car, but the one that gave me the most pleasure. The BMW won me over, just everything about it, it's the little things that BMWs do that others don't that just make the cars feel special to me.

As for why not the coupe, I did initially set out to get a coupe, but soon realised that I wanted a face-lift E46 and the Saloon was facelift 2 years before the Coupe so within my budget. Also some of the Coupes I saw were quite tired, then one day the Saloon appeared up in my list, it was cheaper than the coupe I was looking at, better spec, lower miles, FSH, never failed an MOT. I saw it and immediately fell in love. Also I prefer the looks to the Coupe and the added practicality is a big bonus. Also the fact that 330i Sport Saloons with manual gearboxes are quite rare. I've been lead to believe there are less of them than there are M3 CSLs.

Vixpy1

42,620 posts

263 months

Monday 9th January 2012
quotequote all
Very nice.

petrolveins

Original Poster:

1,780 posts

172 months

Monday 9th January 2012
quotequote all
Vixpy1 said:
Very nice.
Thanks, might have to get it on your rolling road sometime, seems rude not to seeing as I'm only round the corner. Just nervous to see how many horses it will have lost over the years. frown

dbdb

4,311 posts

172 months

Tuesday 10th January 2012
quotequote all
philmots said:
oj121 said:
Sir_Dave said:
231bhp isnt too bad for a 19 year old tbh!!

Lovely cars, im on my 4th e46 now ...
Didnt say it wasnt a nice example. Just wanted to know why he settled on that car in particular as there is a lot out there that trumps them in different areas IMO
Because it's a really bloody nice all rounder...

Great car, my old 330 was nice.

Don't mess with it, either. Looks great as it is.
They're an excellent car; good at many things and with no real weaknesses. It is easy to see why you bought one. I hope it is a good car for you and you enjoy it!

T16OLE

2,944 posts

190 months

Tuesday 10th January 2012
quotequote all
petrolveins said:
Just got my first car worthy of putting on here, it also happens to be my first proper car too, seeing as I shared my old Skoda with my Mum. Had it a few days now, still have to keep pinching myself that it's not a dream. Have been working hard for about a year to get it and pay the insurance, my own policy too.

Before you all look at my profile and ask, yes I am 19 and no the bank of Mum and Dad did not need visiting. It's such a satisfying feeling to have had a goal, worked hard and achieved it. It's been a long process, deliberating over how much to spend, what to get, what I can afford to run. But I couldn't be happier with the decision I've made.

Thanks for all the advice from people here and elsewhere too with regards to getting the right car.

So here it is. My 2003 BMW E46 330i Sport Manual.











Went out yesterday and took the photos, pretty pleased with what I've got, but my mates a cracking photographer so when he has edited his I'll pop a few up. Haven't got any interior shots but its all black inside with the Alcantara sports seats and the carbon effect trim inserts. Has some nice factory options: the MV2 wheels, fully electric front seats with driver memory, and the Professional radio with the Harman/Kardon surround system which besides the horrifically expensive B&O systems is the best factory sound system I've listened to. Not that it needs one with that fantastic straight-6 roar. Such a pleasure to drive, and not as bad on fuel as I had thought. Averaging high 20s with a good mix of driving. Could not be happier with it. Picked it up with 70,500 on the clock so barely run in either. Hoping for many years of happy and enjoyable motoring in my Bavarian Beast. cloud9
Very nice, I also love my 330ci

oj121

1,548 posts

171 months

Tuesday 10th January 2012
quotequote all
petrolveins said:
Cheers guys, as for why I went for it. I just love BMWs and I wanted a more grown up car, but one that was good at cruising about whisper quiet sometimes and then go like the clappers when you want it to. This does just that. I wanted something with the modern safety features on such as DSC, especially seeing as it is my first RWD car. Also wanted something that looked good and was reliable. This ticked all the boxes. Look at my post history, I've test driven lots of things,TTs, XJ8s, RX-8s, S4s I've thought about old Volvos, MX-5s but the BMW just stood out to me. For a while I had it down to the RX-8 and the 330Ci, little reliability issues worried me about the Mazda, the lack of torque was very noticeable, poor fuel economy, and all the fuss with not shutting it down when Cold. I found the BMW just as enjoyable an experience to drive. That ultimately was what I was looking for, not the fastest or best handling car, but the one that gave me the most pleasure. The BMW won me over, just everything about it, it's the little things that BMWs do that others don't that just make the cars feel special to me.

As for why not the coupe, I did initially set out to get a coupe, but soon realised that I wanted a face-lift E46 and the Saloon was facelift 2 years before the Coupe so within my budget. Also some of the Coupes I saw were quite tired, then one day the Saloon appeared up in my list, it was cheaper than the coupe I was looking at, better spec, lower miles, FSH, never failed an MOT. I saw it and immediately fell in love. Also I prefer the looks to the Coupe and the added practicality is a big bonus. Also the fact that 330i Sport Saloons with manual gearboxes are quite rare. I've been lead to believe there are less of them than there are M3 CSLs.
Thanks for the detailed response. Hope you dont think I was having a pop as it appears some others may have. Enjoy your car buddy.

tjlazer

875 posts

173 months

Tuesday 10th January 2012
quotequote all
I've got the same car, great steer for the money. Congrats, much more practical than the coupe too. I recommend getting a nice heavy steel gear knob like the stormwerks model as it makes the shifts that much sweeter than the flimsy standard leather one, trust me it's a good investment and you can take it with you if change to a different beemer smile

Synchromesh

2,428 posts

165 months

Tuesday 10th January 2012
quotequote all
Fantastic bit of kit you've got yourself there. Love the facelift (or should I say LCI seeing as we're in Beemer-land) e46 and that blue is THE perfect colour. I'm also 19 and have been seriously thinking about getting one of these, but I don't think I'll be able to get one as nice as yours for my meagre budget. Mind if I ask how much you paid for it?

petrolveins

Original Poster:

1,780 posts

172 months

Tuesday 10th January 2012
quotequote all
Synchromesh said:
Fantastic bit of kit you've got yourself there. Love the facelift (or should I say LCI seeing as we're in Beemer-land) e46 and that blue is THE perfect colour. I'm also 19 and have been seriously thinking about getting one of these, but I don't think I'll be able to get one as nice as yours for my meagre budget. Mind if I ask how much you paid for it?
I paid £4300 for it. FSH, 70,000 miles, the options I mentioned, and it's never failed an MOT. HPI Clear. Had it AA Inspected too, gave it a clean bill of health. Pretty pleased with myself. biggrin

Synchromesh

2,428 posts

165 months

Tuesday 10th January 2012
quotequote all
petrolveins said:
I paid £4300 for it. FSH, 70,000 miles, the options I mentioned, and it's never failed an MOT. HPI Clear. Had it AA Inspected too, gave it a clean bill of health. Pretty pleased with myself. biggrin
Sounds like a steal. It'll do you proud!

mig25_foxbat2003

5,426 posts

210 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
petrolveins said:
Synchromesh said:
Fantastic bit of kit you've got yourself there. Love the facelift (or should I say LCI seeing as we're in Beemer-land) e46 and that blue is THE perfect colour. I'm also 19 and have been seriously thinking about getting one of these, but I don't think I'll be able to get one as nice as yours for my meagre budget. Mind if I ask how much you paid for it?
I paid £4300 for it. FSH, 70,000 miles, the options I mentioned, and it's never failed an MOT. HPI Clear. Had it AA Inspected too, gave it a clean bill of health. Pretty pleased with myself. biggrin
Did you take a stripy jumper and a bag marked 'swag'? You've robbed that! Great car for the money.

DanielJames

7,543 posts

167 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
petrolveins said:
I paid £4300 for it. FSH, 70,000 miles, the options I mentioned, and it's never failed an MOT. HPI Clear. Had it AA Inspected too, gave it a clean bill of health. Pretty pleased with myself. biggrin
BARGAIN.com/welldonemate!

petrolveins

Original Poster:

1,780 posts

172 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
Yeah Parkers price guide said about £5300 is what I should pay. But in all fairness it's not perfect. The airbag light comes on and off intermittently, so I'm suspecting loose connection somewhere. Common problem I know. Also it needs one new parking sensor, so those don't work, and I need to get a new key for it. But touch wood mechanically it seems all good. Oh and I need to replace the front badge and possibly give the wheels a refurb at some point. Currently I'm sorting out the airbag light, ordering a new key, and some BMW plates for it. Pleased as punch though. biggrin

DanielJames

7,543 posts

167 months

Wednesday 11th January 2012
quotequote all
petrolveins said:
Yeah Parkers price guide said about £5300 is what I should pay. But in all fairness it's not perfect. The airbag light comes on and off intermittently, so I'm suspecting loose connection somewhere. Common problem I know. Also it needs one new parking sensor, so those don't work, and I need to get a new key for it. But touch wood mechanically it seems all good. Oh and I need to replace the front badge and possibly give the wheels a refurb at some point. Currently I'm sorting out the airbag light, ordering a new key, and some BMW plates for it. Pleased as punch though. biggrin
Sounds familiar, my parking sensors are hit and miss and the airbag light likes to flash with passengers..

BMW electronics ey!!

markc123

50 posts

157 months

Thursday 12th January 2012
quotequote all
Nice car. I just picked up my first ever bmw - a 2002 330Ci. Mine was 3k - lots of car for the money.

More miles than yours and needs front control arms to get the handling back to what it once was.

I better go get some photos of mine and start a thread :-).

Waugh-terfall

18,488 posts

199 months

Sunday 15th January 2012
quotequote all
Tom, these things are as common as muck! Another mate has just put a deposit on exactly the same, but the 2.2!! hehe

Edited by Waugh-terfall on Sunday 15th January 20:10

Clivey

5,108 posts

203 months

Sunday 15th January 2012
quotequote all
Waugh-terfall said:
Tom, these things are as common as muck! Another mate has just put a deposit on exactly the same, but the 2.2!! hehe

Edited by Waugh-terfall on Sunday 15th January 20:10
Speaking. biggrin

But I'm 23 with a mortgage to pay, so the 3.0-litre was just a step too far at the moment (maybe in a couple of years thumbup ). The one I've put a deposit on is the same age, slightly darker in colour and has 62k on the clock. What sold it though was how immaculate it is - the interior really is spotless.

OP: Yours also looks great from what I can see. Hopefully the niggles can be fixed with you still saving on the book price. Good luck! beer