330i 2006 - good choice?

[Lavo84]

Having changed jobs and a much smaller commute than before it is time for me to bin off the shed Jag I've been dailying and finally buy something a lot more fun!
I've always been a bit VAG or Renaultsport so think it is time to finally get a BMW and I think for my budget of around 4k the 330i is ticking all the boxes for me. I need the 4 door rather than coupe for practically, is there anything else I should be looking at or anybody with any experience running one who can give their opinion?
Cheers, Stu

[Lavo84]

Thanks guys lots of good info there I will check all that out. I have found one locally that has just had the rocker cover gasket etc done on it so that is a good start. Fast and competent sounds good to me right now haha must be getting on!!!

[Lavo84]

I'm going to test drive one at the weekend and see how i get on. The one I'm trying is the N52 engine with an auto box on 120k, a few C Class have been catching my eye but they're all C180s in my range so I don't think they would be close engine wise...

[Lavo84]

Great looking car, I have seen a few with the lemon leather I absolutely love it!

[Lavo84]

The 330D is/was in the running too, I just fancied giving the petrol a go as I have heard so much about it.
So I test drove one yesterday... 2006 auto... I did like it... But I didn't love it. I can't put my finger on why not, possibly I'm too used to the turbo power delivery at the moment from my last few cars or maybe I need to try a manual? It just seemed a little... Lazy? Lovely and smooth though... Lovely place to be too... I'm used to wringing the neck out of my little MX5 to get it moving so I have no issues with NA engines... I did really like the way it drove... Hmmm decisions hahaha sorry just writing exactly what Im thinking in the noggin! 😅