Used 2002 BMW 330D - Advice please
Discussion
I'm on the look out for a new car. I've had two E39s over the years and loved them. Both 528s, one automatic and manual.
I've got a budget of £1,500/£1,600 and was set on another E39 but came across a 330D that I'm drawn to.
Is there anything that I need to be aware of? I'm guessing it having 170k miles isn't anything to worry about?
Any advice would be great
I've got a budget of £1,500/£1,600 and was set on another E39 but came across a 330D that I'm drawn to.
Is there anything that I need to be aware of? I'm guessing it having 170k miles isn't anything to worry about?
Any advice would be great
Had an E46 previously and now have an E39 and also an E92 3.0d (same engine as what you're looking at) so I'll try my best!
E46 general - rust rust rust. Wings, arches, boot/rear slam, bonnet, quarter/bumper shuts. Heavy on the bushes, brakes and tyres same as E39s.
As far as the M57 engine goes its a solid one given it's maintained well, bin the swirl flaps, dpf and egr, a remap and you'll be good to go. They do suffer general diesel problems eg injectors, HPFP but not too much of a common occurrence, they can throw up some big bills if a few things go wrong though. We bought an E92 with this engine specifically because of the strength and the plan to whack the miles on (only on 120k currently). No timing chain problems like the more modern BMW diesels either. We average 45mpg in ours mapped to 270hp with a manual box.
E46 general - rust rust rust. Wings, arches, boot/rear slam, bonnet, quarter/bumper shuts. Heavy on the bushes, brakes and tyres same as E39s.
As far as the M57 engine goes its a solid one given it's maintained well, bin the swirl flaps, dpf and egr, a remap and you'll be good to go. They do suffer general diesel problems eg injectors, HPFP but not too much of a common occurrence, they can throw up some big bills if a few things go wrong though. We bought an E92 with this engine specifically because of the strength and the plan to whack the miles on (only on 120k currently). No timing chain problems like the more modern BMW diesels either. We average 45mpg in ours mapped to 270hp with a manual box.
Edited by turboflutter on Saturday 17th March 22:10
Bit more advice or opinions. The one I was looking at I'm getting, I have a strange feeling about it. Its from a dealer, I can't find the MOT history and when asking about the previous VRM he never mentions it, but answers all the other questions. He then says that its a cat C (which wasn't mentioned on the advert). Now I know cat C isn't the end of the world, but I can spend the same amount of money and get one that isn't. I've decided to go with my gut and leave this one.
I still want a 330. What was drawing me to the first one was it was a manual. I've found another that looks good from the advert (and is a lot closer!). Its a automatic though. My first E39 was a auto and I didn't have a problem with it at all. Am I thinking it will be the same with this? Anything to look out for in the auto?
I still want a 330. What was drawing me to the first one was it was a manual. I've found another that looks good from the advert (and is a lot closer!). Its a automatic though. My first E39 was a auto and I didn't have a problem with it at all. Am I thinking it will be the same with this? Anything to look out for in the auto?
Early signs of autobox failure can be harsh downchanges and a shudder when the torque converter locks up. I had an auto and the box died at approx 220k miles. It had one oil filter change in its lifetime. I converted it to manual. I don’t really think the oil and filter and solenoid change prolong the gearbox life on the GM box. This is based on a conversion with an autobox rebuilder that I sold my scrap box to. The fuel consumption is better on the manual but it may need a clutch and or flywheel at some point.
If you want to remap the 330d the auto is also already past the torque limit for he gearbox as standard.
If you want to remap the 330d the auto is also already past the torque limit for he gearbox as standard.
helix402 said:
Early signs of autobox failure can be harsh downchanges and a shudder when the torque converter locks up. I had an auto and the box died at approx 220k miles. It had one oil filter change in its lifetime. I converted it to manual. I don’t really think the oil and filter and solenoid change prolong the gearbox life on the GM box. This is based on a conversion with an autobox rebuilder that I sold my scrap box to. The fuel consumption is better on the manual but it may need a clutch and or flywheel at some point.
If you want to remap the 330d the auto is also already past the torque limit for he gearbox as standard.
Many thanks! Found another manual one in the same town, so will have a look at both of them and go from there If you want to remap the 330d the auto is also already past the torque limit for he gearbox as standard.
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