330i buying advice please!

[stringbag]

Hello! New forum for me!
I have just sold my beloved TVR and am looking for a '00/'01 (E46?)330i Touring auto to transport a rapidly expanding family around with a bit of style. I looked at the S4 and C class but have settled on the 330 - far better IMHO.
Anything I should look out for?
Any buying advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

[Darth Dave]

It's a bit quieter in here than the Tiv forum - less goes wrong

Take a few for a test drive and see what you think. Most people complain about offset pedals - not a problem on the auto, and the hesitant acceleration when you put your foor down on the 330.

Just make sure it's clean with a full BMW service history and you should have relatively few worries.

Have a browse through here and it may answer a few other questions you might have:

www.e46fanatics.com/faq/faqs.php

[baz1985]

Yep, full BMW service history + extended BMW warranty are essential. Usual, E46 issues: front ball-joints, rear top mounts/bushes etc.

Baz

[stringbag]

Thank Chaps, and great link.
Anyone know the spec difference between a 330i SE and a 330i sport?
Thanks
Stringbag

[adom]

Not totally sure on differences, but sport came with sports suspension as standard along with sports seats I think. Why an auto?? Manual all the way.

[andysv]

as i'm looking for a 330d sport, i know that the sport has the body kit, sport suspension, 18 inch alloys and slightly different interior trim, got to be the nicer car. they seem to be at least a grand or two more than an se on say an 02/03 plate.

[stringbag]

Auto? Missus has to drive it.
Thanks Andy, I had noticed a bit of difference, but then again the options list any beemer is quite long, so I suppose it depends upon what it was specced with.
I thought all the 330s came with sports suspension?
Guess I'm the stores/support waggon for Le Mans this year then!

[sjj84]

The sport has:
electric sports seats
bodykit
sports suspension
18" alloys
different interior trim
Can't think what else, they do command higher prices than the SE spec. Which ever you go for, make sure you get one with sports seats (an option in the SE) they are far more comfy than the standard ones.

[stringbag]

I have just been sent the brochure, and as far as I can see the differences are:
sports Seats, sports suspension, sports bodystyling, different alloys (18" v 17", M Steering wheel, Black interior trim, anthracite headlining, - all available as an optional extra on the SE.
Thanks. I am looking furiously!

[taccy]

Stringbag,

I bought a 2002 52 330 Ci M Sports coupe (auto) a month ago from main dealer and am loving it! I test drove a 325 coupe and was disappointed with the lack of 'go'. I was looking for a manual but after a long drive with the auto box, and playing around with the manual over-ride, got to like it. Handy for sitting in traffic during commutes. The sports suspension is great for fast b road fun. Also 2 kids in the back is fine. First BMW and impressed with how well put together the thing is.

Cheers,
Taccy

[scoobz]

They also get High Gloss Shadowline around the windows which is the black trim instead of chrome.

All optional as you say except the body kit.

To spec all that from new would be more expensive than a Sport so doubt you will find one with all that on it.

[stringbag]

Thanks everyone - Don't know how long it will take to find the right one, but I'll let you know when I've found it!