My first BMW - replacing a 1.3cdti vauxhall corsa

[scotty02uk]

I have recently purchased a 2001 BMW 330CI. This is my first fast car and i am impressed with the whole package. Lovely engine power and noise, great handling and looks, and its future proof - big boot and roof racks available. The only down side is she likes a drink, im averaging 23mpg lol which will take some getting used to , will have to stop taking the long way round to all my destinations...or not lol

[soad]

Nice - looks tidy. Big thumbs up from me.

[Scott330ci]

23mpg is a bit heavy.

I am doing about 27mpg town driving.

[Defcon5]

Scott330ci said:

23mpg is a bit heavy.

I am doing about 27mpg town driving.

Given he has just got it and he used to have 1 1.3 derv I would hazard a guess he is mashing the loud pedal to the floor at every opportunity

[scotty02uk]

This is true its a bit addictive!, does anyone know if the BMC air intakes are any good for these models? - would like to improve the engine noise if possible, and also what is an ideal boot spoiler for the coupes,all advice appreciated

[Andeh]

An ideal boot spoiler is no boot spoiler IMO.

[Scott330ci]

scotty02uk said:

This is true its a bit addictive!, does anyone know if the BMC air intakes are any good for these models? - would like to improve the engine noise if possible, and also what is an ideal boot spoiler for the coupes,all advice appreciated

BMC aren't great for these.

Buy yourself a simota Carbon induction kit

http://mstyle.co.uk/acatalog/BMW_3_E46_SIMOTA.html

You can find videos on youtube. I have one on mine, its immense.

[scotty02uk]

Thanks scott, il look into that, and that website was just what i was looking for. Not going for a "silly" spoiler just something that will keep the style close to BMW design, the AC schnitzer one looks good, seen one on a neighbours 325 - but didnt know who made it.

[monza 16v]

I can recommend the Milltek with decat.

[ncbbmw]

scotty02uk said:

what is an ideal boot spoiler for the coupes,all advice appreciated

If you must have boot spoiler fit the one off the M3, the genuine part from BMW is readily available and only about £100.00 plus painting, its sticks on with tape so only takes 10 minutes to fit.

[Vvroom]

Well done!

I got a 2004 325ci in Feb and love it. Wish I'd found a 330 in the same condition and spec though.

[wackojacko]

Looks great

[shalmaneser]

try the Dave F induction kit - sounds very nice indeed, and a (genuine) horsepower gain.

[scotty02uk]

After some researching i have decided to keep the exhaust/induction standard, as power gains are not really worth it. Someone recommended bypassing the exhaust butterfly valve which i have tried, and it now sounds much nicer,in the lower rev range, well worth doing if you want increase the sound without replacing the whole exhaust. I have been told this may affect the power delivery at low revs - but have not really noticed much of a difference - has anyone else tried this?. Now to start saving for the M3 boot lip spoiler.

[Windymiller]

23?! Owch. My M3 used to do about that, and I wasn't too light on the loud-pedal either.

Though it dropped to 11 on track

[Fartgalen]

What do you mean by 'future proof' ?

[Fastra]

Fartgalen said:

What do you mean by 'future proof' ?

I think he means that, given the new models are not a million miles away from this, every day people it looks like a much newer BMW than it actually is.

[bazking69]

Futureproof? Have you tried getting in and out of the back of an E46 Coupe?

[shalmaneser]

bazking69 said:

Futureproof? Have you tried getting in and out of the back of an E46 Coupe?

yes?

[scotty02uk]

well although its almost a 10 year old car, the looks are timeless, and you can fit everything you need in the back, with plenty of leg room, and if you need extra storage for holidays etc, just bung a box on the roof rack. I havnt had an probs getting in and out of it - probably because i dont like parking it near other vehicles, and always look for a nice car parking space right at the back lol.