E46 330 M Sport
Discussion
Hi, I'm looking at buying an E46 330 M Sport. Whats the best one to get, and whats the spec difference between the 330d and 330Cd?
They seem quite rare with manual gearbox's as far as I can see from searching in the classifieds and on Autotrader, so is the manual box not so good or just a general preferance for an auto box these days?
They seem quite rare with manual gearbox's as far as I can see from searching in the classifieds and on Autotrader, so is the manual box not so good or just a general preferance for an auto box these days?
Agree with this. I have had two 330Ci Sports now and they are great cars. Try and get a facelift if you can with the manual 6 speed.
I went from an auto 330cd to a auto 330ci both sports, the petrol is the better car to drive imo. The 330d was very impressive for a derv though, I only really got rid as i was worried about reliability with plenty to go wrong with them.
mpg, diesel did about 33, petrol does about 27...
Mine's for sale now.
mpg, diesel did about 33, petrol does about 27...
Mine's for sale now.
I believe the manual is the better gearbox with the 330Ci, whereas if I was buying a 330Cd I'd go for an auto.
If your budget can stretch to it, I would look for a post June 2003 registered Coupé or Convertible, as it would come with the updated front end (smiley face instead of sad face) as well as LED rear lights which brighten up the car no end.
If your budget can stretch to it, I would look for a post June 2003 registered Coupé or Convertible, as it would come with the updated front end (smiley face instead of sad face) as well as LED rear lights which brighten up the car no end.
rfn said:
I believe the manual is the better gearbox with the 330Ci, whereas if I was buying a 330Cd I'd go for an auto.
If your budget can stretch to it, I would look for a post June 2003 registered Coupé or Convertible, as it would come with the updated front end (smiley face instead of sad face) as well as LED rear lights which brighten up the car no end.
and a 6-speed gearboxIf your budget can stretch to it, I would look for a post June 2003 registered Coupé or Convertible, as it would come with the updated front end (smiley face instead of sad face) as well as LED rear lights which brighten up the car no end.
Options as a must:
Xenons
Sat Nav (imo without it the car interior looks ancient)
Leather
Bonus:
Nappa
Heated seats
bluetooth
I'm always going to say that with these cars always, keep them an auto. On a day to day commute you will be commuting during rush hours. When you do want some control the tip tronic does a perfectly fine job, even in auto it does a fine job. Never had a problem with it, never been that fussed as it always somehow chooses the correct/holds the gear for me.
This week I'm doing 1100 miles, so far I've covered 450, I'm pretty sure I would have shot my knee cap if it was a manual by now. WHen you're in the city centre with all those bus lanes, traffic lights, ped lights, zebra crossings, cars everywhere, 10 lane roundabouts then you will be heading over to my house to shake my hand to thank me you chose the Auto.
However when it needs a rebuild have a good £1400 handy.
Xenons
Sat Nav (imo without it the car interior looks ancient)
Leather
Bonus:
Nappa
Heated seats
bluetooth
I'm always going to say that with these cars always, keep them an auto. On a day to day commute you will be commuting during rush hours. When you do want some control the tip tronic does a perfectly fine job, even in auto it does a fine job. Never had a problem with it, never been that fussed as it always somehow chooses the correct/holds the gear for me.
This week I'm doing 1100 miles, so far I've covered 450, I'm pretty sure I would have shot my knee cap if it was a manual by now. WHen you're in the city centre with all those bus lanes, traffic lights, ped lights, zebra crossings, cars everywhere, 10 lane roundabouts then you will be heading over to my house to shake my hand to thank me you chose the Auto.
However when it needs a rebuild have a good £1400 handy.
Edited by 4nonymous on Tuesday 8th December 20:05
I'm another one who'll vouch for the auto petrol. Great combination of a big six and a decent autobox. I have Individual leather and trim but am missing the nav and xenons. Spent months looking for a Sport Touring auto in budget and with decent miles, so nav/xenons or not I had to have this one when it came along!
Averaging about 22-26mpg but I'm mostly short journeys in town at the moment. Not cool!
Averaging about 22-26mpg but I'm mostly short journeys in town at the moment. Not cool!
I'm another one who'll vouch for the auto petrol. Great combination of a big six and a decent autobox. I have Individual leather and trim but am missing the nav and xenons. Spent months looking for a Sport Touring auto in budget and with decent miles, so nav/xenons or not I had to have this one when it came along!
Averaging about 22-26mpg but I'm mostly short journeys in town at the moment. Not cool!
Averaging about 22-26mpg but I'm mostly short journeys in town at the moment. Not cool!
LordGrover said:
daveco said:
MPG around town with the petrol derivative is also about 25-30mpg.
Maybe on a run... my 10 mile 'commute' through the lanes, A & B roads I get 19-21mpg overall. NB. Mine's an auto though.
I purchased a 2002 330msport a few months back, I think I have one of the best spec'd ones out there too, I mean it has an electric blind in the back! 
But anyway, I have the auto one which i have retro fitted the M3 SMG Steering wheel and wired up the paddles to the sport mode! 
So, now it's a paddle shift. My MPG average around 25.
But anyway, I have the auto one which i have retro fitted the M3 SMG Steering wheel and wired up the paddles to the sport mode! So, now it's a paddle shift. My MPG average around 25. 
I have a 2002 330Ci manual Sport I bought back in Sept with pretty good kit level (no Sat Nav though). The tape player does make it look at bit dated but I didn't see it worth the extra premium for Sat Nav when I have it on my phone or can buy one for £100 that isn't 7 years old (yes I know you can update the s/w but that'd be more £'s).
9mile drive to work and back through plenty of traffic lights but some free flowing 40mph roads averages around 23/24mpg.
200mile trip to London sat with the cruise control set at 80mph gives around 32mpg
9mile drive to work and back through plenty of traffic lights but some free flowing 40mph roads averages around 23/24mpg.
200mile trip to London sat with the cruise control set at 80mph gives around 32mpg
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