Discussion
I am currenly looking to change from my 3rd Golf GTI to a BMW 330ci coupe. I am looking to spend about 10-11k. What are the main things to look out for on when buying a 330 with about 60,000 miles on the clock? The Golf I'm selling is a Mk4 REVO remapped to 200bhp with 236 lb/ft torque, so it is a fun, quick car to drive. Will the 330 give me the same or a better driving experience?
Cheers.
Cheers.
Look for a fully stamped service book with no huge intervals between services, if you test drive the 330 check for any crashing or clunking noises coming from the suspension on the front or rear; check for irregular tyre wear and any damage to the cabin such as worn patches on seats, the pedals, or gear knob which look like it's done more mileage than it actually has.
If in doubt get it checked out at an independent garage.
As for a driving experience, it'll be completely different to the Golf, I'd say you still will notice a difference in power as it's everywhere in the 330.
If in doubt get it checked out at an independent garage.
As for a driving experience, it'll be completely different to the Golf, I'd say you still will notice a difference in power as it's everywhere in the 330.
I've done 50k in my SE auto and love it. I've never had a car for so long.
I've had 5 Golf GTi's (Mk1 and MK2) and all the Corrados including 2 VR6's (still wish I had one of those as well though).
The 330ci cruises when you want a relaxing drive and goes pretty well when you want to push it a bit.
Plenty of other posts debate SE against Sport and 17" against 18" wheels - do you research and try them all.
I've had 5 Golf GTi's (Mk1 and MK2) and all the Corrados including 2 VR6's (still wish I had one of those as well though).
The 330ci cruises when you want a relaxing drive and goes pretty well when you want to push it a bit.
Plenty of other posts debate SE against Sport and 17" against 18" wheels - do you research and try them all.
the_g_ster said:
Do it, go get one ASAP.
Great fun, not too bad to maintain, and fast (but NOT mentally fast, a corsa VXR or diesel astra will show you up)
My arse! Those cars may feel quicker when the turbos kick in but the 330 is definitely quicker, the smooth power delivery can be deceptive though. Great fun, not too bad to maintain, and fast (but NOT mentally fast, a corsa VXR or diesel astra will show you up)
daveco said:
the_g_ster said:
Do it, go get one ASAP.
Great fun, not too bad to maintain, and fast (but NOT mentally fast, a corsa VXR or diesel astra will show you up)
My arse! Those cars may feel quicker when the turbos kick in but the 330 is definitely quicker, the smooth power delivery can be deceptive though. Great fun, not too bad to maintain, and fast (but NOT mentally fast, a corsa VXR or diesel astra will show you up)
I am talking e46 330 (convertible for me)
What's interesting is that the 231 bhp in a heavy car doesn't make it as fast as people think it is. Top end hatches are now getting pretty nippy, and though won't go round a bend some of the vauxhall turbos are savagely fast off the mark and the renault sports too.
The premium oil burners have it on the motorway too, there's no keeping up with a 123d as that is a beast.
It will be a different story for the new latest 330 as that puts down 286 I think, but I tend not to assume anything in the e46 now.
What's interesting is that the 231 bhp in a heavy car doesn't make it as fast as people think it is. Top end hatches are now getting pretty nippy, and though won't go round a bend some of the vauxhall turbos are savagely fast off the mark and the renault sports too.
The premium oil burners have it on the motorway too, there's no keeping up with a 123d as that is a beast.
It will be a different story for the new latest 330 as that puts down 286 I think, but I tend not to assume anything in the e46 now.
the_g_ster said:
I am talking e46 330 (convertible for me)
What's interesting is that the 231 bhp in a heavy car doesn't make it as fast as people think it is. Top end hatches are now getting pretty nippy, and though won't go round a bend some of the vauxhall turbos are savagely fast off the mark and the renault sports too.
The premium oil burners have it on the motorway too, there's no keeping up with a 123d as that is a beast.
It will be a different story for the new latest 330 as that puts down 286 I think, but I tend not to assume anything in the e46 now.
The coupe weighs a smidge over 1,500kg. It can get to 60 in low 6's and 100 in 16 or so meaning only the R32 Golf and S3 are quicker. I think EVO got it 0-60 time down to 5.8 too, AFAIK.What's interesting is that the 231 bhp in a heavy car doesn't make it as fast as people think it is. Top end hatches are now getting pretty nippy, and though won't go round a bend some of the vauxhall turbos are savagely fast off the mark and the renault sports too.
The premium oil burners have it on the motorway too, there's no keeping up with a 123d as that is a beast.
It will be a different story for the new latest 330 as that puts down 286 I think, but I tend not to assume anything in the e46 now.
There is another way...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/479583.htm
Same money, near-as-dammit fast as an M3, oddly more economical than a 330ci, and they certainly outrun Golfs and 123d
Oh, and you get the ride of an SE with better handling than the Sport.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/479583.htm
Same money, near-as-dammit fast as an M3, oddly more economical than a 330ci, and they certainly outrun Golfs and 123d
Oh, and you get the ride of an SE with better handling than the Sport.
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