Thinking about a BMW 330i
Discussion
I currently have an E92 320d coupe which I love but I find myself wanting to scratch the 6cl petrol itch.
Economy wise I know it makes no sense but I want to move away from diesel as all but one of my cars have been 2 litre 4cl diesels. I’m in the mood for something different.
Is there anything I should specifically look out for with either the 330 or 335i? Is it worth considering any other models?
Economy wise I know it makes no sense but I want to move away from diesel as all but one of my cars have been 2 litre 4cl diesels. I’m in the mood for something different.
Is there anything I should specifically look out for with either the 330 or 335i? Is it worth considering any other models?
How old? What's your budget?
If you decide to buy a pre 2010 335i, it'll be the N54 (twin turbo) model that is superb, but will be less reliable than the N55 (single turbo) model that replaced it. The earlier car has several expensive fail points: high pressure fule pump, turbo wastegate actuators, injectors, etc. all of which will cost well into 4 figures to fix. The N55 had these faults addressed and is likely to be the better buy.
The 330i with the N52 engine is arguably one of the most reliable BMWs made in recent years.
I've had an N55 135i for the last 5+ years and it's been marvellous...not the best car I've owned, but it has been my favourite! I bought an older 130i in a whim and like it so much I decided to trade down and pocket the difference in value. I miss the turbo torque and my modified suspension geometry and bushes, but at least the suspension has the potential to be rectified and recover from BMW's sabotage!
The 3 series is almost the same car under the skin, just a bit bigger and heavier. If you decide to buye either, do yourself a favour, have M3 lower control arms fitted - thye are only about £55 on Amazon: the slight negative camber transforms the slightly understeery, unstable disappointment, into a much more rewarding, neutral steering machine. there are no downsides to this modification.
Do it, you won't regret it. These 6 cylinder engines are delightful and reward in ways that your diseasels never could.
If you decide to buy a pre 2010 335i, it'll be the N54 (twin turbo) model that is superb, but will be less reliable than the N55 (single turbo) model that replaced it. The earlier car has several expensive fail points: high pressure fule pump, turbo wastegate actuators, injectors, etc. all of which will cost well into 4 figures to fix. The N55 had these faults addressed and is likely to be the better buy.
The 330i with the N52 engine is arguably one of the most reliable BMWs made in recent years.
I've had an N55 135i for the last 5+ years and it's been marvellous...not the best car I've owned, but it has been my favourite! I bought an older 130i in a whim and like it so much I decided to trade down and pocket the difference in value. I miss the turbo torque and my modified suspension geometry and bushes, but at least the suspension has the potential to be rectified and recover from BMW's sabotage!
The 3 series is almost the same car under the skin, just a bit bigger and heavier. If you decide to buye either, do yourself a favour, have M3 lower control arms fitted - thye are only about £55 on Amazon: the slight negative camber transforms the slightly understeery, unstable disappointment, into a much more rewarding, neutral steering machine. there are no downsides to this modification.
Do it, you won't regret it. These 6 cylinder engines are delightful and reward in ways that your diseasels never could.
Edited by Toed64 on Sunday 28th January 12:06
24lemons said:
Thanks. Age wise probably 2011-2012 budget up to £16000 or so. You could consider reducing your budget and buying a slightly older 330i as they are all tough and didn't suffer the mechanical fragility of the earlier 335is.
Interesting points on the 330i echos what I’ve read elsewhere. I can’t find many for sale though maybe my budget isn’t high enough!
I think your budget is fine - you should be able to get either model within your budget, so long as you stay away from the main dealers. There are not that many around - many more mature owners keep them for years.Interesting points on the 330i echos what I’ve read elsewhere. I can’t find many for sale though maybe my budget isn’t high enough!
Edited by Toed64 on Sunday 28th January 15:35
With the 330i N53 engine known weaknesses include coil packs and injectors. Injectors tend to leak and it is recommended to replace them all at the same time. They also require coding to the engine. Best to try and find out the latest version and see if the car is fitted with these.
Also worth checking the NOx sensor as if this is gone expect around a 10% loss of fuel economy. If you can it might be worth trying to run a fault report scan on a car using the Carly app. Should give a good indication of the cars health.
Another fault with these is the high pressure fuel pump.
If you do go to see a car see how it is on a cold start, the revs should settle and hold solid around 600RPM (not sure the exact figure), any misfire or stutter suggests an issue.
If the car <60k miles and has been serviced on time it is well worth taking out a BMW warranty, this also covers wear and tear so you can relax a little.
I have a 2011 330i and when it's running well it's a peach, the noise of the 6cl engine is beautiful! Pulls very strong.
I'd say to go for it, either get the BMW warranty or keep some money aside should these problems occur because when running right it really is a pleasure.
E90post has a lot of info and very knowledgeable members so definitely worth browsing on there.
Also worth checking the NOx sensor as if this is gone expect around a 10% loss of fuel economy. If you can it might be worth trying to run a fault report scan on a car using the Carly app. Should give a good indication of the cars health.
Another fault with these is the high pressure fuel pump.
If you do go to see a car see how it is on a cold start, the revs should settle and hold solid around 600RPM (not sure the exact figure), any misfire or stutter suggests an issue.
If the car <60k miles and has been serviced on time it is well worth taking out a BMW warranty, this also covers wear and tear so you can relax a little.
I have a 2011 330i and when it's running well it's a peach, the noise of the 6cl engine is beautiful! Pulls very strong.
I'd say to go for it, either get the BMW warranty or keep some money aside should these problems occur because when running right it really is a pleasure.
E90post has a lot of info and very knowledgeable members so definitely worth browsing on there.
Edited by iceyfuel on Sunday 28th January 18:00
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