330 - most recent engine upgrade

[dibbly_dobbler]

Evening Gents. Just a quick one for you - in my increasingly Welshbeef-like machinations I am now contemplating a 330 and I wondered if there was a sure way of identifying the ones with the upgraded engine (258 -> 272 with lower emmissions I believe ?). I've seen a few possibilities but in some cases it's not clear which they are.

Cheers, DD.

[gavmobile]

As a rule of thumb I've been using '57' plates to indicate it. However, I do realise that build date is not always the same as reg date, but as I said it's a rule of thumb and I've got a feeling the rear lights are subtly different too.

I've been looking at 330i's myself. What sort of spec are are after? And we've both got 130i's haven't we?

[dibbly_dobbler]

gavmobile said:

As a rule of thumb I've been using '57' plates to indicate it. However, I do realise that build date is not always the same as reg date, but as I said it's a rule of thumb and I've got a feeling the rear lights are subtly different too.

I've been looking at 330i's myself. What sort of spec are are after? And we've both got 130i's haven't we?

Hi Gav. I've well and truly disappeared up my own ar*e trying to decide what to replace the 130 with - it's a nightmare ! A 330i is definitely on the shortlist - would need to be an M for me and I would be happy with a manual or auto. for example this looks nice and is within budget (depending on what I would get for my 130 which is another matter altogether...) but it's the older engine. The 272 engine would be nice to have but they seem to be 2 or 3 thousand more which would stretch the DD finances - so once again I am undecided .

Other options are - an S3 (not practical enough as I can only afford a 3 door), an R32 (too heavy on the gas), another 130 (too similar to what I've got) etc etc - aargh !

I need help...

[blank]

Put the reg details into the DVLA website and check the CO2 emissions.

[jlbf]

Have a look at my two threads. There may be some useful info in there.
Good luck

http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a... EDynamic BMW's actual mpg compared to brochure survey

and http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a... 330d M Sport

[dibbly_dobbler]

Gentlemen - thanks all for the help and suggestions

A 330i MSport is still in poll position - only things left to decide are whether to hold off a bit and wait for a 272 engine and whether to go for manual or auto. Moosey - I take your point about the manual being the preferable choice but I do a lot of trundling around town these days so an auto does have some appeal...

Anyhoo I'm starting to bore even me with all this so I will try and lay off for a while !

(BTW - Now off to find a replacement 18" Goodyear RFT. The tyre pressure warning sensor came on this morning and found a nail in the offside front. Not repairable I believe so it looks like the thick end of £200 in the out column...)

[jlbf]

I have some more info you might find helpful: this is all info about the 330d.

E90 2008 model/build spec produced some time from Sept 2007. Most are 08 plates. For auto co2 175, BHP 231, Combined mpg 42.8, urban 31.4, extra urban 54.3. Tax band E. Not sure whether this has the aluminium block engine or not but it is fully efficient dynamic.

New new 330 built around Sept 2008, just coming in about now, Jan 09, are E90 LC1 (life cycle change car) - slightly different shape on bonnet, new engine, reduced co2 bringing it down to D band, IDrive featuring 7 shortcut buttons in centre console. Manual transmission also advises what gear you should be in for a given speed. For auto combined 45.6, urban 35.3, extra urban 54.3.
These figures given by dealer.

[dibbly_dobbler]

jlbf said:

I have some more info you might find helpful: this is all info about the 330d.

E90 2008 model/build spec produced some time from Sept 2007. Most are 08 plates. For auto co2 175, BHP 231, Combined mpg 42.8, urban 31.4, extra urban 54.3. Tax band E. Not sure whether this has the aluminium block engine or not but it is fully efficient dynamic.

New new 330 built around Sept 2008, just coming in about now, Jan 09, are E90 LC1 (life cycle change car) - slightly different shape on bonnet, new engine, reduced co2 bringing it down to D band, IDrive featuring 7 shortcut buttons in centre console. Manual transmission also advises what gear you should be in for a given speed. For auto combined 45.6, urban 35.3, extra urban 54.3.
These figures given by dealer.

Thanks jlbf - that's very thoughtful of you to post up this info.

I have been focussing on the 330i mainly because they seem to be a little cheaper and also the new 272 engine has such unbelievably good emmissions (ie 173). However the 330d would also be a lovely bit of kit and I'm sure I would be very happy with either - it will probably depend on which comes up first !

I phoned to enquire about this one (which did have a 272 engine despite what the advert said !) but it was sold. So I will wait until another comes along ...

[gizlaroc]

Definitely get the newer 272bhp version, it is so much better, it makes the 330d redundant imho.