newbie here, want to buy a 3 series diesel, have questions.

[georgezippy]

hello all, I discovered this forum browsing the interweb for info on the 320d and 330d.

For many years I have been into fiddling with old cars and have had a succession of ultra reliable classics. Currently driving an early sierra 2.0iS.
With fuel prices getting silly I am after a diesel car but am fussy about what I drive, I want a RWD hatch/estate and there's only really the 3 series touring that is out there that satisfies my requirements, everything else is FWD or van shaped and I'd rather eat my own poo than have one of those.
Obviously the 320d would be a bit more economical than the 330d but what really is the difference? I mostly will drive it on faster roads, not in town, and will want a manual, is it worth getting the 330d for that extra welly?
What does chipping do to it?
I'll be looking for a 1998 - 2002 car as can't afford a newer one, is there anything I should especially look for on a car of that age? I will insist on FSH and under 100k. Unlike most,i'd rather have as few toys as possible as they only add weight and go faulty, could this fact help me get a cheaper one?

[Methane Bloke]

I had a 2000 manual 320d SE Touring. Good car, ultra reliable and averaged 46 MPG over 50K miles. It didn't have any options apart from a 6 disc changer, mats and metallic paint. My wife had a 2002 330d Sport auto saloon. Obviously the 2 litre was much better on fuel but not an awful lot slower. The 2.0 litre models generally are less specced up so that may be what to go for.

Regards

Chris

[dxb335d]

The 330d will be much quicker as standard than the 320d. Both are prone to turbo failure tho. Should do delve into some heavy research before purchasing.

Both will be rewarding to drive and respond well to Chipping/Re-mapping as any turbo car.


Good luck with your search, try BMWland.co.uk for info on failures.


Carlos

Edited by dxb335d on Tuesday 15th January 22:53

[NickXX]

Avoid the 320d if you're going for 1998-2002. The 330d of this age is much more reliable, with the 320d prone to swallowing bits of its manifold and munching turbos. Manual 330d is best bet for reliability (auto has the flappy bits in the manifold which can break off).

Remapping can take them up to 230bhp from 184bhp with mammoth torque (500Nm from the stock 390Nm). If you get one, you should really be remapping it as it transforms the car.

Edited by NickXX on Tuesday 15th January 23:57

[georgezippy]

dxb335d said:

The 330d will be much quicker as standard than the 320d. Both are prone to turbo failure tho. Should do delve into some heavy research before purchasing.

Both will be rewarding to drive and respond well to Chipping/Re-mapping as any turbo car.


Good luck with your search, try BMWland.co.uk for info on failures.


Carlos

Edited by dxb335d on Tuesday 15th January 22:53

Thanks for the info, I have read about the flaps, certain older 330's don't have them - is that so, which years shall I go for, will these older ones have a 5 or 6 speed manual?

[MattOz]

georgezippy,

Older manuals are 5 speed. There was a facelift and bhp increase as well as the introduction of the 6spd manual box in mid 2003. Most 53 plate 330d's are the 204bhp 6spd facelifted versions. There are some late registered 184bhp 5 spd cars on late 03 early 53 plates.

My 2003 53 plate 330d ingested one of the butterflies from the plastic inlet manifold that resulted in a knackered piston, 24 valves, a new head etc etc. ALl under warranty and it went better when it came back!

Some turbos die, but it's usually down to owner neglect, long service intervals and not allowing the turbo to spin down before turning the engine off after a good run. I've done 250,000 miles in 5 different 330d's and have never had an issue with turbo failure. No doubt that's just cursed my current 330d! I make sure that I change my oil and filter every 10k miles as the dealer service intervals are approx 20k.

If you want more info, drop me your number and I'll bore you about my 7 years in and out of 330d's! LOL

Matt

[996 sps]

Got an 05 plate 320CD M Tec Sport, lovely car never had no issues let the turbo cool down after its had a bit of run!

[NS24]

Is there a way to tell the difference between the 2003 184bhp & 204bhp versions at a glance?

ta

[Vee]

NS24 said:

Is there a way to tell the difference between the 2003 184bhp & 204bhp versions at a glance?

ta

If manual, 204s have 6 speed, 184s 5 speed gearboxes.
Also, the 204 saloons have MV2 wheels. The 184s have MV1.
Weren't all 53 reg cars 204 bhp ?

[NS24]

It's a 2003 330d touring auto, it has what looks like MV wheels - but again I didn't realise there was an MV1 & MV2!

(edit) Just had a quick search & yep there is a difference in wheels!

thanks again

Edited by NS24 on Tuesday 29th January 12:09

[ol]

Go for the 330d.
I've got a 320d and compared to hte 330 they're underpowered.

The main turbo problems are with the early facelife (2001-2002) 320d's. These are the early 150bhp models. The older ones (pre 2001) are the 136bhp ones, which although the turbo is more reliable is very slow.

Have you been on www.bmwland.co.uk ?? Thats one of the best places for BMW info. Search the forums for 320d turbo failure and be prepared to read for hours!