E46 330 advice/opinions
Discussion
I was hoping some of you guys might he able to give me some advice about the 330 petrol coupe or four door..
I'm looking to use it as an everyday car and occasional drift/track car (only when my my track car is broken) ..
I don't need 4 doors so am guessing the coupe would be best?
Can anyone tell me the difference between the CI and sport models?
Should I only consider the sport model or are there any others that would he as good for the odd trackday?
For around 3k it would seem I could get a pretty decent one... Would consider getting it lpg'd too if I really like it and want to keep it...
Thanks all
I'm looking to use it as an everyday car and occasional drift/track car (only when my my track car is broken) ..
I don't need 4 doors so am guessing the coupe would be best?
Can anyone tell me the difference between the CI and sport models?
Should I only consider the sport model or are there any others that would he as good for the odd trackday?
For around 3k it would seem I could get a pretty decent one... Would consider getting it lpg'd too if I really like it and want to keep it...
Thanks all
Ci means petrol coupe, Cd is diesel coupe.
Both engine types have both trim levels - Sport & the more basic spec'd SE.
As you're pllanning on tracking it, the Sport would be the logical choice.
If ones being looked at are after 2000/1, then the rear subframe issue sould be of no concern.
If it's before then, I'd be wanting it to've been taken car of, esp as you're going to be tracking it.
Both engine types have both trim levels - Sport & the more basic spec'd SE.
As you're pllanning on tracking it, the Sport would be the logical choice.
If ones being looked at are after 2000/1, then the rear subframe issue sould be of no concern.
If it's before then, I'd be wanting it to've been taken car of, esp as you're going to be tracking it.
That's useful to know about the back susp esp as the ones I've seen have been 2000/2001... Thanks for your advice
Looks like ill narrow my search to just Tue sport model.
Are there any weight saving or rigidity benefits going for a coupe?
If you look on autotrader there are some decent looking examples starting from around 2.5 k.. maybe they're not that good?
Seem like a fantastic car for the money!
Looks like ill narrow my search to just Tue sport model.
Are there any weight saving or rigidity benefits going for a coupe?
If you look on autotrader there are some decent looking examples starting from around 2.5 k.. maybe they're not that good?
Seem like a fantastic car for the money!
git-r said:
I was hoping some of you guys might he able to give me some advice about the 330 petrol coupe or four door..
I'm looking to use it as an everyday car and occasional drift/track car (only when my my track car is broken) ..
I don't need 4 doors so am guessing the coupe would be best?
Can anyone tell me the difference between the CI and sport models?
Should I only consider the sport model or are there any others that would he as good for the odd trackday?
For around 3k it would seem I could get a pretty decent one... Would consider getting it lpg'd too if I really like it and want to keep it...
Thanks all
You might find this thread I started of some use (I'm still looking for a 330i):I'm looking to use it as an everyday car and occasional drift/track car (only when my my track car is broken) ..
I don't need 4 doors so am guessing the coupe would be best?
Can anyone tell me the difference between the CI and sport models?
Should I only consider the sport model or are there any others that would he as good for the odd trackday?
For around 3k it would seem I could get a pretty decent one... Would consider getting it lpg'd too if I really like it and want to keep it...
Thanks all
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
If you don't mind a slight thread hijack, could anyone tell me:
A) What potential faults to look for in a c80,000 mile 2001+ example??
B) What the main service intervals are at around this mileage??
Basically, is there a major service or any major faults that should have been seen to before this mileage, or more importantly, just after a service. For example, if I bought (and paid a premium for) a 79,000 miler, are there potential faults that would have been fixed on a cheaper 100,000 miler? Or is low mileage *always* a good thing??
Cheers.
git-r said:
That's useful to know about the back susp esp as the ones I've seen have been 2000/2001... Thanks for your advice
Looks like ill narrow my search to just Tue sport model.
Are there any weight saving or rigidity benefits going for a coupe?
If you look on autotrader there are some decent looking examples starting from around 2.5 k.. maybe they're not that good?
Seem like a fantastic car for the money!
Don't know about fantastic, but definitely good.Looks like ill narrow my search to just Tue sport model.
Are there any weight saving or rigidity benefits going for a coupe?
If you look on autotrader there are some decent looking examples starting from around 2.5 k.. maybe they're not that good?
Seem like a fantastic car for the money!
It's not the back-end suspension, but the sub-frame mounting point.
Use Google for that search parameter, and Turner Motorsport - all will be made abundantly clear.
Bushes are known to be weakish, and rear springs have been known to snap.
Many owners replace with poly bushes rather than rubber - some people consider this to be the wrong thing to do, but if you will be tracking the car, I'd say polys (if you need to do them yourself or already fitted by current/previous owner) would be a better suited option.
No weight benefit over the saloon (which could be had cheaper by virtue of not being just as desirable) until you opt for the Clubsport (a coupe).
dr_gn said:
A) What potential faults to look for in a c80,000 mile 2001+ example??
B) What the main service intervals are at around this mileage??
Basically, is there a major service or any major faults that should have been seen to before this mileage, or more importantly, just after a service.
For example, if I bought (and paid a premium for) a 79,000 miler, are there potential faults that would have been fixed on a cheaper 100,000 miler? Or is low mileage *always* a good thing?
As above - bushes, springs, sub-frame strengthening/repaired (up to mid-01, iirc), water pump, radiator bulging.B) What the main service intervals are at around this mileage??
Basically, is there a major service or any major faults that should have been seen to before this mileage, or more importantly, just after a service.
For example, if I bought (and paid a premium for) a 79,000 miler, are there potential faults that would have been fixed on a cheaper 100,000 miler? Or is low mileage *always* a good thing?
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=... - look also at links within. Bear in mind the US tends to waste good oil by doing 3.5K mile changes, so ignore that.
If you want to know how long the oil you've used is good for, get a £25-30 oil analysis done at 7.5K miles, which'll tell you how much neutralising remains within the oil, or if it's all been used.
There's more than just that, but Google will show who does it, and what it reveals about engine condition.
Mileage doesn't always reveal what you expect it to.
If two cars have done the same mileage, but one spends 90% of it's time cruising on the motorway to cover the distance, whereas the other is up & down the gearbox/revs in town conditions, then the latter has had the harder life.
Suspension too - motorways vs road humps here, there, and bloody everywhere!
And that's not even taking into account the servicing - some owners will try and make 3 services become just 2 to save some money.
So it's a combination of various things which will give you concerns or peace of mind for the one you're looking at with intent.
PJ S said:
dr_gn said:
A) What potential faults to look for in a c80,000 mile 2001+ example??
B) What the main service intervals are at around this mileage??
Basically, is there a major service or any major faults that should have been seen to before this mileage, or more importantly, just after a service.
For example, if I bought (and paid a premium for) a 79,000 miler, are there potential faults that would have been fixed on a cheaper 100,000 miler? Or is low mileage *always* a good thing?
As above - bushes, springs, sub-frame strengthening/repaired (up to mid-01, iirc), water pump, radiator bulging.B) What the main service intervals are at around this mileage??
Basically, is there a major service or any major faults that should have been seen to before this mileage, or more importantly, just after a service.
For example, if I bought (and paid a premium for) a 79,000 miler, are there potential faults that would have been fixed on a cheaper 100,000 miler? Or is low mileage *always* a good thing?
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=... - look also at links within. Bear in mind the US tends to waste good oil by doing 3.5K mile changes, so ignore that.
If you want to know how long the oil you've used is good for, get a £25-30 oil analysis done at 7.5K miles, which'll tell you how much neutralising remains within the oil, or if it's all been used.
There's more than just that, but Google will show who does it, and what it reveals about engine condition.
Mileage doesn't always reveal what you expect it to.
If two cars have done the same mileage, but one spends 90% of it's time cruising on the motorway to cover the distance, whereas the other is up & down the gearbox/revs in town conditions, then the latter has had the harder life.
Suspension too - motorways vs road humps here, there, and bloody everywhere!
And that's not even taking into account the servicing - some owners will try and make 3 services become just 2 to save some money.
So it's a combination of various things which will give you concerns or peace of mind for the one you're looking at with intent.
It's now crunch time. The Prelude's due for MOT in 10 days, and it definitely needs £250 on a windscreen. I might as well put that to a BMW. I decided on a 330i some time ago, but now it's time to actually buy...I'm crapping myself. I tend to keep cars a long time, so I need a good 'un! Budget £4k. Wish me luck!
Thanks again for the advice.
When you say budget of £4K, if that's all you've got to play with, don't overlook £3-3.5k ones and keep the extra as a pot to dip into.
If that's already covered, then your budget should allow you to look at £5K advertised ones.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
If that's already covered, then your budget should allow you to look at £5K advertised ones.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
PJ S said:
When you say budget of £4K, if that's all you've got to play with, don't overlook £3-3.5k ones and keep the extra as a pot to dip into.
If that's already covered, then your budget should allow you to look at £5K advertised ones.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Good point. I've saved up £4K for a car. I guess at this price point, £500 either way makes a big difference to potential repair costs.If that's already covered, then your budget should allow you to look at £5K advertised ones.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Seems like a buyers market (unsurprisingly).
Very good cars, I had one. Around 70-80k you need to make sure that various front suspension parts have been replaced, and also look out for deforming radiators as they can go around this mileage.
Look for one that's been serviced really well with no expense spared. Buy one that someone's owned for a long time (i.e. since back in the days when they were quite expensive to buy). This way you will be buying from someone who has had the money to maintain it well.
Look for one that's been serviced really well with no expense spared. Buy one that someone's owned for a long time (i.e. since back in the days when they were quite expensive to buy). This way you will be buying from someone who has had the money to maintain it well.
Thanks for comments lads
I did actually do a search before posting but obviously not a thorough enough one!
sonce found a few threads relating to my question...
Basically it's coming down to spending a godd 2k more to get a sport ...
As was pointed out it's not easy to get a 330 sport for 3k... there are some about but only with medium miles...
Test drove a 530i SE - what a stunning car! Am quite sure a 3 series with thet engie and harder suspension will more than tick the boxes!
Looking like I'd need to spend a good 5k to get a nice low mileage 330 sport coupe.. for that money the e36 m3 must be a consideration???
Hmmmm There's a 330i sport coupe on autotrader... 1 owner, FbmwSH, 60k, black with black cloth m seats.... looks beautiful... However, there's also e36 m3's with 60 ish k + fsh for around that...???
will keep you all posted...
I did actually do a search before posting but obviously not a thorough enough one!
sonce found a few threads relating to my question...
Basically it's coming down to spending a godd 2k more to get a sport ...
As was pointed out it's not easy to get a 330 sport for 3k... there are some about but only with medium miles...
Test drove a 530i SE - what a stunning car! Am quite sure a 3 series with thet engie and harder suspension will more than tick the boxes!
Looking like I'd need to spend a good 5k to get a nice low mileage 330 sport coupe.. for that money the e36 m3 must be a consideration???
Hmmmm There's a 330i sport coupe on autotrader... 1 owner, FbmwSH, 60k, black with black cloth m seats.... looks beautiful... However, there's also e36 m3's with 60 ish k + fsh for around that...???
will keep you all posted...
that's not an easy dilemma to resolve. One of them is quicker and more raw, but a fair bit older and comes with higher maintenance (and other) costs. The refinement difference may be a factor on long journeys too.
I can tell you that you can pilot a 330ci sport very enjoyably across huge swathes of western Europe, including Alpine passes, and get out at the end feeling comfortable, unstressed and having had a satisfying drive. You will glance at the mpg and be pleasantly surprised.
I can tell you that you can pilot a 330ci sport very enjoyably across huge swathes of western Europe, including Alpine passes, and get out at the end feeling comfortable, unstressed and having had a satisfying drive. You will glance at the mpg and be pleasantly surprised.
M3 will be bigger bills when it goes wrong, poorer fuel economy, isn't as tractable as the 330 - needs revved to enjoy (much like a Honda and its VTEC).
So price might be the same, but you're not comparing like with like - two very different cars designed for different driving/drivers.
Cloth would be a harder car to sell on - if it's a Sport, then it's probably Alcantara (synthetic suede) - so bear that in mind.
So price might be the same, but you're not comparing like with like - two very different cars designed for different driving/drivers.
Cloth would be a harder car to sell on - if it's a Sport, then it's probably Alcantara (synthetic suede) - so bear that in mind.
A lot of Sports have leather seats. One of the things you gain on a sport is extremely good supportive seat shape.
Btw all this talk on ph of finding 330s for 3k, or even less, is not necessarily very representative. A non-Sport saloon with lowish spec / high mileage, maybe, but the coupe shape tends to add a premium, I'd guess 20%, then the sport vs SE thing probably a similar amount.
The age such cars will be when they're 5k, you need a good eye on service history and buying privately can help give you a flavour of how the car's been treated too by giving you a chance to chat to the last owner. Maybe it's just me but I do set some store in the impressions you get from a face to face chat.
Btw all this talk on ph of finding 330s for 3k, or even less, is not necessarily very representative. A non-Sport saloon with lowish spec / high mileage, maybe, but the coupe shape tends to add a premium, I'd guess 20%, then the sport vs SE thing probably a similar amount.
The age such cars will be when they're 5k, you need a good eye on service history and buying privately can help give you a flavour of how the car's been treated too by giving you a chance to chat to the last owner. Maybe it's just me but I do set some store in the impressions you get from a face to face chat.
Again thanks for all your help folks
I have now bought myself a very clean 2000 330 se saloon
It's only done 48k and has 9 BMW stamps till 40k.. it is 2k overdue an oil service now so I need to find a decent garage in south east london..
So happy with it!
I would have paid more for it but the seller let me have it for 2750!
I drove back from Bedford to south London and apparently managed 32.8 mpg! That's outrageous!
I didn't realise it didn't have a cd player until I couldn't find the cd changed anywhere lol... Will see about getting a second hand harmon kardon system or otherwise just pay to get a pro install..
Can't believe how lovely it is to drive on themotorway!
So quiet and comfy. A massive step up from my Nissan almera 1.4!
Thanks again all,
Sam
I have now bought myself a very clean 2000 330 se saloon
It's only done 48k and has 9 BMW stamps till 40k.. it is 2k overdue an oil service now so I need to find a decent garage in south east london..
So happy with it!
I would have paid more for it but the seller let me have it for 2750!
I drove back from Bedford to south London and apparently managed 32.8 mpg! That's outrageous!
I didn't realise it didn't have a cd player until I couldn't find the cd changed anywhere lol... Will see about getting a second hand harmon kardon system or otherwise just pay to get a pro install..
Can't believe how lovely it is to drive on themotorway!
So quiet and comfy. A massive step up from my Nissan almera 1.4!
Thanks again all,
Sam
git-r said:
Again thanks for all your help folks
I have now bought myself a very clean 2000 330 se saloon
It's only done 48k and has 9 BMW stamps till 40k.. it is 2k overdue an oil service now so I need to find a decent garage in south east london..
So happy with it!
I would have paid more for it but the seller let me have it for 2750!
I drove back from Bedford to south London and apparently managed 32.8 mpg! That's outrageous!
I didn't realise it didn't have a cd player until I couldn't find the cd changed anywhere lol... Will see about getting a second hand harmon kardon system or otherwise just pay to get a pro install..
Can't believe how lovely it is to drive on themotorway!
So quiet and comfy. A massive step up from my Nissan almera 1.4!
Thanks again all,
Sam
Sounds like a steal! Well done.I have now bought myself a very clean 2000 330 se saloon
It's only done 48k and has 9 BMW stamps till 40k.. it is 2k overdue an oil service now so I need to find a decent garage in south east london..
So happy with it!
I would have paid more for it but the seller let me have it for 2750!
I drove back from Bedford to south London and apparently managed 32.8 mpg! That's outrageous!
I didn't realise it didn't have a cd player until I couldn't find the cd changed anywhere lol... Will see about getting a second hand harmon kardon system or otherwise just pay to get a pro install..
Can't believe how lovely it is to drive on themotorway!
So quiet and comfy. A massive step up from my Nissan almera 1.4!
Thanks again all,
Sam
On the CD player front, the standard BMW Business CD player is a straight swap, takes 10 minutes. The later ones (maybe post 2003 from memory) also have aux-in capability for ipods etc.. I bought mine for about £120 from ebay.
Hope that helps.
git-r said:
Again thanks for all your help folks
I have now bought myself a very clean 2000 330 se saloon
It's only done 48k and has 9 BMW stamps till 40k.. it is 2k overdue an oil service now so I need to find a decent garage in south east london..
So happy with it!
I would have paid more for it but the seller let me have it for 2750!
I drove back from Bedford to south London and apparently managed 32.8 mpg! That's outrageous!
I didn't realise it didn't have a cd player until I couldn't find the cd changed anywhere lol... Will see about getting a second hand harmon kardon system or otherwise just pay to get a pro install..
Can't believe how lovely it is to drive on themotorway!
So quiet and comfy. A massive step up from my Nissan almera 1.4!
Thanks again all,
Sam
Nice one, congratulations.I have now bought myself a very clean 2000 330 se saloon
It's only done 48k and has 9 BMW stamps till 40k.. it is 2k overdue an oil service now so I need to find a decent garage in south east london..
So happy with it!
I would have paid more for it but the seller let me have it for 2750!
I drove back from Bedford to south London and apparently managed 32.8 mpg! That's outrageous!
I didn't realise it didn't have a cd player until I couldn't find the cd changed anywhere lol... Will see about getting a second hand harmon kardon system or otherwise just pay to get a pro install..
Can't believe how lovely it is to drive on themotorway!
So quiet and comfy. A massive step up from my Nissan almera 1.4!
Thanks again all,
Sam
Was it this one by any chance? (X681 MDX)
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
I spoke to the guy about it on Sunday morning, but he told me he'd sold it for the asking price of £3200.
Edited by dr_gn on Wednesday 27th July 10:15
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff