What 330 to get (e46)
Discussion
Hey
Been thinking about a 330 for a while now, just a bit confused and need some help.
1) Whats the main difference between the 330ci and 330ci sport? loads of ads just say 330ci. Is there a page i can go to that list all the difference with pictures?
2) Whats the speed and performance actually like? I know not to expect a world beater and to be honest i currently drive a modded MR2 turbo 297bhp and previous cars included 3 GT4s, Golf GTi and an E36 M3 (SMG).
3) SSG/Manual? For some reason the idea of the semi auto box appeals to me, im from and work in central london and sometimes using a stick shift is just not ideal, Is the SSG really that bad? I know its bit like the SMG I from the E36 but more refined.
4)What sort of trim interior should i be looking at? Do they all come with memory seats? Is the Satnav tv tuner unit actually any good?
Think thats about it guys, i've tried to look for a buyers guide etc but cant find anything so turned to here.
So i'd be looking at 01/02 probably coupe although if i can get a convertable i will do.
Actually im having a massive toss up between another E36 M3 evo converts, 330ci e46 and M3 e46(althought running cost slightly putting me off but in best position moneywise then ever at moment)
Thanks guys.
Really appreciated.
Been thinking about a 330 for a while now, just a bit confused and need some help.
1) Whats the main difference between the 330ci and 330ci sport? loads of ads just say 330ci. Is there a page i can go to that list all the difference with pictures?
2) Whats the speed and performance actually like? I know not to expect a world beater and to be honest i currently drive a modded MR2 turbo 297bhp and previous cars included 3 GT4s, Golf GTi and an E36 M3 (SMG).
3) SSG/Manual? For some reason the idea of the semi auto box appeals to me, im from and work in central london and sometimes using a stick shift is just not ideal, Is the SSG really that bad? I know its bit like the SMG I from the E36 but more refined.
4)What sort of trim interior should i be looking at? Do they all come with memory seats? Is the Satnav tv tuner unit actually any good?
Think thats about it guys, i've tried to look for a buyers guide etc but cant find anything so turned to here.
So i'd be looking at 01/02 probably coupe although if i can get a convertable i will do.
Actually im having a massive toss up between another E36 M3 evo converts, 330ci e46 and M3 e46(althought running cost slightly putting me off but in best position moneywise then ever at moment)
Thanks guys.
Really appreciated.
Sport and non sport models are very different looking. you should be able to tell them apart by their bumpers (although some retrofit the sport bumpers on non sport models)
Other differences include sport suspension, sport seats, black window trim instead of chrome. these are the main give aways, it should be easy to tell and it does say sport on the log book if you are still unsure. the price difference is around £1000 too.
Performance is fantastic but having a 300bhp mr2 may dim this for you? HOWEVER the noise these things make should more than make it up for it
Go for leather and as many goodies as you can. the earlier 01/02 satnav may be a waste of time and very rare, anyone have more details on this?
Running costs between 330s and m3 is massive £300 for insp 2 over £800 minimum for an m3
I am just putting my 51 plate 330ci sport (auto tiptronic transmission)up for sale, to not turn your thread into an advertisement message me your email address and i can send you some details if your interested?
Other differences include sport suspension, sport seats, black window trim instead of chrome. these are the main give aways, it should be easy to tell and it does say sport on the log book if you are still unsure. the price difference is around £1000 too.
Performance is fantastic but having a 300bhp mr2 may dim this for you? HOWEVER the noise these things make should more than make it up for it
Go for leather and as many goodies as you can. the earlier 01/02 satnav may be a waste of time and very rare, anyone have more details on this?
Running costs between 330s and m3 is massive £300 for insp 2 over £800 minimum for an m3
I am just putting my 51 plate 330ci sport (auto tiptronic transmission)up for sale, to not turn your thread into an advertisement message me your email address and i can send you some details if your interested?
Edited by taylor86 on Tuesday 8th June 07:03
Most covered in the post above.
All 330s have electric memory seats.
Watch for SEs pretneding to be Sports 'cos it has the bumpers innit'.
Interior headlining should be black. Wheels wider at the rear (255) than the front (225).
Tyres are expensive so watch you don't end up with things like Wanli, Maxxis, etc.
Most importantly, steer well clear of the SSG cars.
It is NOT the same gearbox and the M3 SMG box, despite what the seller will tell you.
SSG is problematic and will cost lots to repair. Stick to a manual or normall steptronic.
All 330s have electric memory seats.
Watch for SEs pretneding to be Sports 'cos it has the bumpers innit'.
Interior headlining should be black. Wheels wider at the rear (255) than the front (225).
Tyres are expensive so watch you don't end up with things like Wanli, Maxxis, etc.
Most importantly, steer well clear of the SSG cars.
It is NOT the same gearbox and the M3 SMG box, despite what the seller will tell you.
SSG is problematic and will cost lots to repair. Stick to a manual or normall steptronic.
Hey
I think i got it wrong, the 330ci has the manaual gearbox, the normal tiptronic (which looks like the SMG I stick) and the rare SMG paddle shift which i think they call that the SSG.
I know to stay clear of the SSG/SMG on the 330 but would be interested in the normal tiptronic box.
I know to you guys the sport model and non sport model is easy to spot but im still having problems lol, i normally look for the skirts but i will use some of the info here to help me now.
And also your 330ci sport sounds good but i need to sell or p/x my car first so its probably not ideal for you. Thanks again though.
I think i got it wrong, the 330ci has the manaual gearbox, the normal tiptronic (which looks like the SMG I stick) and the rare SMG paddle shift which i think they call that the SSG.
I know to stay clear of the SSG/SMG on the 330 but would be interested in the normal tiptronic box.
I know to you guys the sport model and non sport model is easy to spot but im still having problems lol, i normally look for the skirts but i will use some of the info here to help me now.
And also your 330ci sport sounds good but i need to sell or p/x my car first so its probably not ideal for you. Thanks again though.
The Sport is more taut, it sits a little lower and I think it looks a lot better, although after 60-70k miles to retain tautness on either version the front suspension bushes should be replaced. This is a pretty routine matter and usually picked up at service.
When looking at a particular car, you can phone any BMW dealer, give them the registration and they will tell you the car's spec, in terms of factory options specified. This will show the Sports as distinct from the SE wannabees. Sport suspension is a bit hard around London but compensates when you are out in the country.
They are more fun than their outright performance would suggest. There are lots of cars around that are quicker than 6.5 secs 0-62mph / 15 secs quarter mile these days but as someone else said, they make a great sound (keep the windows open and look for walls & bridges to reflect the sound back at you), and can perform the role of refined & fairly luxurious long distance GT if you want, while also retaining the ability to attack curvier roads with precision if you press on. They seem to come to life as you push harder, revealing a whole different personality from the laid-back demeanour that they have when you are just pottering.
I expected mine to be all efficiency and competence but not much character. I couldn't have been more wrong about the character. There are not many cars where admiration keeps on increasing as the years go by, but these are seriously well-rounded pieces of engineering which demonstrate that German engineering doesn't have to be bland, anodyne and cold.
Only criticisms are (1) that you can't often hear as much of the engine as you'd like. People outside the car get more of a treat than those inside in terms of sound, and (2) a slight throttle delay with the DBW system. It's not a lot and it's not enough to spoil the driving experience (I believe earliest ones were the worst), it's just a slight niggle.
The risk with some cars is that, having become quite cheap to buy, you might find cheapskates who are only borderline in their ability to buy the car have cut corners on servicing. For this reason, I'd seek cars that have been owned by the same person since the days when they used to be expensive to buy. Also, full history is essential, preferably with main dealers, partly as a signal that money has not been tight (likewise 6 months road tax would be a negative sign in this regard, as would cheap tyres). They use oil so you should seek to judge if the owner is a mechanically-sympathetic enthusiast who will keep an eye on things like that, rather than just a poser.
When looking at a particular car, you can phone any BMW dealer, give them the registration and they will tell you the car's spec, in terms of factory options specified. This will show the Sports as distinct from the SE wannabees. Sport suspension is a bit hard around London but compensates when you are out in the country.
They are more fun than their outright performance would suggest. There are lots of cars around that are quicker than 6.5 secs 0-62mph / 15 secs quarter mile these days but as someone else said, they make a great sound (keep the windows open and look for walls & bridges to reflect the sound back at you), and can perform the role of refined & fairly luxurious long distance GT if you want, while also retaining the ability to attack curvier roads with precision if you press on. They seem to come to life as you push harder, revealing a whole different personality from the laid-back demeanour that they have when you are just pottering.
I expected mine to be all efficiency and competence but not much character. I couldn't have been more wrong about the character. There are not many cars where admiration keeps on increasing as the years go by, but these are seriously well-rounded pieces of engineering which demonstrate that German engineering doesn't have to be bland, anodyne and cold.
Only criticisms are (1) that you can't often hear as much of the engine as you'd like. People outside the car get more of a treat than those inside in terms of sound, and (2) a slight throttle delay with the DBW system. It's not a lot and it's not enough to spoil the driving experience (I believe earliest ones were the worst), it's just a slight niggle.
The risk with some cars is that, having become quite cheap to buy, you might find cheapskates who are only borderline in their ability to buy the car have cut corners on servicing. For this reason, I'd seek cars that have been owned by the same person since the days when they used to be expensive to buy. Also, full history is essential, preferably with main dealers, partly as a signal that money has not been tight (likewise 6 months road tax would be a negative sign in this regard, as would cheap tyres). They use oil so you should seek to judge if the owner is a mechanically-sympathetic enthusiast who will keep an eye on things like that, rather than just a poser.
Edited by a_bread on Tuesday 8th June 11:59
MikeM3Power said:
thanks for your post 'a bread' and other posters.
Im put off with high mileage? Should i be?
Any info on the tv satnav unit, the widescreen one not the earlier half screen one.
I think mileage is important but can be a crude measure. A really well maintained car with 100k miles which has always been carefully warmed up before any hard driving, and which has spent most of its miles fully warmed up doing long distance trips, will be a far better bet than one with 60k of mostly urban miles, serviced late, driven without sympathy etc. I've driven one with about 140k on the clock which felt quite fresh, although personally I'd worry about potential bills. Mine's in the 70s and feels really fresh & taut. Im put off with high mileage? Should i be?
Any info on the tv satnav unit, the widescreen one not the earlier half screen one.
Maybe they are just generally good at hiding their age. I hear there are "some dogs around" but the only negative outward signs I've ever really seen have been badly kerbed alloys. Full history and a well informed owner who's had it for years and no expense spared, would be a good sign.
Don't know about the TV/satnav although I think if you have the satnav you can't have the multi-CD changer in the back, but I might be wrong about that. The Harman Kardon speaker system is pretty good and a nice step up over the standard one.
On a more mechanical note, the steering on models after about mid-2001 has a more weighty feel to it following revisions. I've always kept Michelin Pilot Sport tyres on mine, which are about £170-£180 each at the front (225/40x18) and £240-£270 each at the rear (255/35x18), at least that's the case on the Sport version (does SE have different sizes?) but they perform well and last very well. You should incorporate tyre wear into the price you pay for the car because the implications of tyres near the end of their life are quite significant, can be £850-900 for all 4.
Edited by a_bread on Tuesday 8th June 13:27
I think the reason a lot of early ads are listed as just '330ci' is because the coupe was only available in one flavour to start with, then when the sport came you had SE and Sport as options, then with the MY02 builds you could add M-Sport which gave the body kit we all know well along with the other bits that were on the sport.
A word of warning. Be careful if you're looking at 2001 or earlier. The early E46s are prone to the rear subframe brackets trying to remove themselves from the foor pan of the car. This involes cracking and tearing of metal and is not pretty. The problem was rectified with the facelift (51 plate IIRC)
See the link below for more info.
http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TI...
See the link below for more info.
http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TI...
I have a fully equipped 2005 330Ci M-Sport with leather, sunroof, HK sound, folding mirrors and tv/sat nav and though many do not rate it, I find the dvd based nav very competent, as it has yet to fail me. And by the way it CAN be confgured for 7 digit p/code entry, if you get the later mk4 version.
To my eye, the sports and non-sports are very easy to tell apart and once you know the visual cues its easy, from any angle, and as others have said, the Sports are definitely the ones to go for.
To my eye, the sports and non-sports are very easy to tell apart and once you know the visual cues its easy, from any angle, and as others have said, the Sports are definitely the ones to go for.
Devil2575 said:
A word of warning. Be careful if you're looking at 2001 or earlier. The early E46s are prone to the rear subframe brackets trying to remove themselves from the foor pan of the car. This involes cracking and tearing of metal and is not pretty. The problem was rectified with the facelift (51 plate IIRC)
See the link below for more info.
http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TI...
Very very rare and unlikley on 330s. Issue was sorted by late 1999, 330s came out in 2000.See the link below for more info.
http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TI...
Vee said:
Devil2575 said:
A word of warning. Be careful if you're looking at 2001 or earlier. The early E46s are prone to the rear subframe brackets trying to remove themselves from the foor pan of the car. This involes cracking and tearing of metal and is not pretty. The problem was rectified with the facelift (51 plate IIRC)
See the link below for more info.
http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TI...
Very very rare and unlikley on 330s. Issue was sorted by late 1999, 330s came out in 2000.See the link below for more info.
http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TI...
330ci M-Sport
330ci SE
Now, the sport was pretty much an SE but with MV I alloys, sports steering wheel, sport seats, aluminium trim and sport suspension.
Hence why some 'sports' look like SEs, I think it may still just be a 330ci on the V5 and one of the options is 'sports package' rather than being a true 330ci sport.
330ci SE
Now, the sport was pretty much an SE but with MV I alloys, sports steering wheel, sport seats, aluminium trim and sport suspension.
Hence why some 'sports' look like SEs, I think it may still just be a 330ci on the V5 and one of the options is 'sports package' rather than being a true 330ci sport.
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