Why are there plenty of 330i auto's?
Discussion
Just wondering about these two. The Mercedes C320 and BMW 330i se.
The Mercs the softer compact cruiser, whereas I'm guessing the 330i is the small sports saloon - neither being hard core or anything.
Merc's are invariably found with auto transmission - a manual would, dare I say it be frowned upon (Mercs don't have a good rep for smooth manuals) but the BMW 330i seems to be found in both manual and auto guise in similar sorts of quantities.
Why would someone order an auto 330i? Isnt it like tying Usain Bolts shoe laces together? The C320 isnt really sporting so why is the 330i which has the sporting flavour so hobbled? I like autos but fitting such a gearbox to a smallish "sporty "car seems a bit weird.
Just looking for a bit of perspective, if I could accept an autobox in a 3 series then it would open up more potentially tidy examples in my budget of 3Kish.
Cheers.
The Mercs the softer compact cruiser, whereas I'm guessing the 330i is the small sports saloon - neither being hard core or anything.
Merc's are invariably found with auto transmission - a manual would, dare I say it be frowned upon (Mercs don't have a good rep for smooth manuals) but the BMW 330i seems to be found in both manual and auto guise in similar sorts of quantities.
Why would someone order an auto 330i? Isnt it like tying Usain Bolts shoe laces together? The C320 isnt really sporting so why is the 330i which has the sporting flavour so hobbled? I like autos but fitting such a gearbox to a smallish "sporty "car seems a bit weird.
Just looking for a bit of perspective, if I could accept an autobox in a 3 series then it would open up more potentially tidy examples in my budget of 3Kish.
Cheers.
If we are talking E46, then the percentage of cars sold as a diesel was much lower than today, therefore a comfortable all round car (especially SE specification) would include an auto gearbox and highest output engine available (other than the M3). Well, that's what I imagine when I see 330i/330Ci auto (as a friend is looking for one!).
The e46 3 series is hardly a sporty car. It's a nice compact saloon with a bit of shove and as most people used them to get to work and back / cruise the motorway networks, an auto is not a bad choice at all.
If you are looking for a b-road driving tool, I doubt either of your choices will offer up much reward.
I had the 3.0lt engine in a 5 series with an autobox. I thought it worked well.
If you are looking for a b-road driving tool, I doubt either of your choices will offer up much reward.
I had the 3.0lt engine in a 5 series with an autobox. I thought it worked well.
The 330i suits the auto, the manual 'box from between mid 2005 and mid 2011 was a pig, well the clutch and flywheel to be fair, and unless you get a good one it can ruin the car rather than enhance it.
Also, the 330i SE is hardly what I would call 'sporty', neither is the M-Sport for that matter. They are nicely balanced for an everyday car and offer far more feedback than 99% of things from the VAG group, but hardly a car that really benefits from being a manual imho.
Also, the 330i SE is hardly what I would call 'sporty', neither is the M-Sport for that matter. They are nicely balanced for an everyday car and offer far more feedback than 99% of things from the VAG group, but hardly a car that really benefits from being a manual imho.
Fair comments, granted the 330i isn't a sports car but surprised that it isn't seen as sporty I thought it was - I must be getting old.
Perhaps I ought to try a 330ise auto - previous auto cars I've had have been large, heavy and probably slightly under powered - they weren't fun in anyway.
I'm assuming that an auto 330ise doesn't have that weighed down, lethargic feel a lot of auto cars seem to be.
Perhaps I ought to try a 330ise auto - previous auto cars I've had have been large, heavy and probably slightly under powered - they weren't fun in anyway.
I'm assuming that an auto 330ise doesn't have that weighed down, lethargic feel a lot of auto cars seem to be.
k out of it then the manual box was pretty good, problem was that it was one journey out of a hundred.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff