Buying a 330Ci on Sat - what to look for?
Discussion
Well I've sold my S2000 and am off to pick up a lovely looking 330Ci M Sport coupe (2003) on Saturday, but just wondering if there is anything in particular I should be looking out for on the car?
It's a 6-speed manual so any gearbox problems on them, as many seem to be auto's?
Also, anything else particular to the 3 series, 330's or coupe's in particular I should pay attention to or are they pretty solid so just the usual checks?
Cheers!
It's a 6-speed manual so any gearbox problems on them, as many seem to be auto's?
Also, anything else particular to the 3 series, 330's or coupe's in particular I should pay attention to or are they pretty solid so just the usual checks?
Cheers!
You are in the wrong frame of mind already - the way you say you are 'going to pick up' makes it sound like youve made your mind up before even looking over the car. This is dangerous as you'll be likely to miss stuff as you've convinced yourself its yours.
Go with a different attitude - just go for a look, and if its any good, buy it.
Go with a different attitude - just go for a look, and if its any good, buy it.
If it's 6-speed it's a facelifted model, so will have LED lights, new front end etc.
How many miles has it done?
Check service history is right and mileage corresponds with MOTs
Front end wishbones and bushes generally last about 60k, symptoms being wobbly steering, tramlining, knocking under braking (~£270 in parts to fix). It should feel very well planted on the road and not tramline or wobble about too much - don't hesitate to test drive another to check if you are not sure about it.
Wheels, tyres are expensive on the Sport, check they don't need replacing and the DSC system hates mixed tyre brands, so try and get 4 same tyres (front/rear widths are different)
Coolant system is a bit weak after 100k and budget on radiator, water pump, thermostat if you see any evidence of white residue on those parts (dried coolant) again, easy DIY or mechanic job
Check engine light - make sure it comes on with the igntion then turns off, if the light comes on at all then be very wary
Oil pressure light - if it comes on in yellow when you first drive away, the sensor is knackered and needs replacing (oil drain+£100) if it comes on in yellow when you stop or while you drive, the oil level is low and needs topping up (be wary of the owner's maintenance skills!)
Make sure you get two keys plus a valet key. (Had they stopped doing the wallet key at this point?)
How many miles has it done?
Check service history is right and mileage corresponds with MOTs
Front end wishbones and bushes generally last about 60k, symptoms being wobbly steering, tramlining, knocking under braking (~£270 in parts to fix). It should feel very well planted on the road and not tramline or wobble about too much - don't hesitate to test drive another to check if you are not sure about it.
Wheels, tyres are expensive on the Sport, check they don't need replacing and the DSC system hates mixed tyre brands, so try and get 4 same tyres (front/rear widths are different)
Coolant system is a bit weak after 100k and budget on radiator, water pump, thermostat if you see any evidence of white residue on those parts (dried coolant) again, easy DIY or mechanic job
Check engine light - make sure it comes on with the igntion then turns off, if the light comes on at all then be very wary
Oil pressure light - if it comes on in yellow when you first drive away, the sensor is knackered and needs replacing (oil drain+£100) if it comes on in yellow when you stop or while you drive, the oil level is low and needs topping up (be wary of the owner's maintenance skills!)
Make sure you get two keys plus a valet key. (Had they stopped doing the wallet key at this point?)
Check for even wear on the tyres, if not that suggests it's been neglected.
Check all the electrics, and look out at door rubbers etc too for seals. Rear springs can crack too so watch out for any odd noises too when you drive it.
You shouldn't really go far wrong with it, silly things happen like cables on the door mechanism too after a while and switches can pop a spring on the center console for the windows.
Check all the electrics, and look out at door rubbers etc too for seals. Rear springs can crack too so watch out for any odd noises too when you drive it.
You shouldn't really go far wrong with it, silly things happen like cables on the door mechanism too after a while and switches can pop a spring on the center console for the windows.
Fox- said:
You are in the wrong frame of mind already - the way you say you are 'going to pick up' makes it sound like youve made your mind up before even looking over the car. This is dangerous as you'll be likely to miss stuff as you've convinced yourself its yours.
Go with a different attitude - just go for a look, and if its any good, buy it.
I do take what you're saying, but this car does seem particularly good - photo's show it to be very well maintained, etc, and whilst they can lie, you often get a 'feeling' for a car I find (I change cars quite regularly).Go with a different attitude - just go for a look, and if its any good, buy it.
It has done 76,000 miles.
I have driven a couple of 330Ci's so should be able to tell if this one drives right, and will take note of all the points made below and check them all out.
How can you 'test' the cooling system, short of finding a very hot traffic jam on a very hot day somewhere?
Cheers!
Edited by Mike_C on Friday 13th November 11:20
I had a feeling when I bought my E46. Everything about the sale was right. Nice genuine bloke, FSH, loads of bills, new MOT, couldn't fault the car etc
The guy even lent it to me for the day to test drive and look over and under at my own leisure to make a decision.
The car was great at first, then spent the next 20 months being a disappointment, money pit and Friday afternoon car. After spending over £1000 trying to get it to drive straight I gave up and sold it.
The guy even lent it to me for the day to test drive and look over and under at my own leisure to make a decision.
The car was great at first, then spent the next 20 months being a disappointment, money pit and Friday afternoon car. After spending over £1000 trying to get it to drive straight I gave up and sold it.
bazking69 said:
I had a feeling when I bought my E46. Everything about the sale was right. Nice genuine bloke, FSH, loads of bills, new MOT, couldn't fault the car etc
The guy even lent it to me for the day to test drive and look over and under at my own leisure to make a decision.
The car was great at first, then spent the next 20 months being a disappointment, money pit and Friday afternoon car. After spending over £1000 trying to get it to drive straight I gave up and sold it.
Yeah, but there's always going to be oddballs like that, and if you didn't find any problems in a day, you'd still have bought it againt tomorrow without the benefit of hindsight.The guy even lent it to me for the day to test drive and look over and under at my own leisure to make a decision.
The car was great at first, then spent the next 20 months being a disappointment, money pit and Friday afternoon car. After spending over £1000 trying to get it to drive straight I gave up and sold it.
Of course if the car is a dog I will walk away, but I'm hopefull it isn't and just wanted to make sure I was covering all bases before splashing the cash!
I am really pleased with mine. Has a few niggles like the changer not working and the oil sensor is knackered.
Being an indiviual its got all the spec.
Definately look out for the bushes and make sure its had all the recalls done as mine being older still seems to have the super sensitve active steering that people complained about.
Being an indiviual its got all the spec.
Definately look out for the bushes and make sure its had all the recalls done as mine being older still seems to have the super sensitve active steering that people complained about.
Mines fully loaded too even with rear electric blinds! 
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