I'm looking at getting a BMW 330 petrol (around 2002 plate) as they're a lot of car for the money. Has anyone had one before? What sort of things should I be looking out for? Also is the auto gearbox a no no?
Cheers
Daz
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I'm looking at getting a BMW 330 petrol (around 2002 plate) as they're a lot of car for the money. Has anyone had one before? What sort of things should I be looking out for? Also is the auto gearbox a no no?
Cheers
Daz
Have you thought about an M3 for a little extra? :)
I've heard the automatic gearboxes can give up around the 140k miles mark.
However that isn't a definite point where they fail some fail earlier some later.
The problem is explained a bit here http://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/...re-why-t94783/
It may not be the cause of failure but it certainly can't be helped by the oil being classed as a "lifetime" oil, thus not being changed at set intervals.
I'd avoid the auto. My mates 330 packed in around 100k. Proper bag of spanners. Plus they drink fuel for fun.
As billy says, get an M3! I picked up my E36 evo a few years back now, 80k miles and cost me £3500. Spent about £1k replacing all the suspension rubbers, brakes and some suspension upgrades (koni's/ eibach's etc).
Drives really nice, fast, pointy front end and still does 28mpg, 32+ on a motorway run. Done about 40k in it so far, just keeps on trucking! All I'd say is that if you're looking at any bimmer with a reasonable engine in it, 80-100k and all the suspension rubbers will need replacing, be it a 330, E46 M3 or whatever, so just get an evo!
http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/c...pe-1998/937533
:)
I'd go for the 330d for £2.5k.
http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/c...se-2001/894818
Adding another £1k and the facelift with 201bhp would be the ideal.
The window regulators and the GM module tends to fail, common problems. If you get a diesel one then the things to watch out for are the intake manifold swirl flaps,blocked EGR valves and breathers :-) Also the front headlamps cloud over and the handbrakes are terrible ! I've got a 52 facelift touring .
330d respond well to a remap, try 450lb/ft !
love mine. also check subframes for cracking
Is that the 330cd?
Looks really well.
:)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trevhib
330ci
Thanks for the replies guys. I've found one with a SSG (Sequential Sports Gearbox)
Are these to be avoided or are they ok? It has got full BMW service history.
Even thirstier. :(
i heard the floor cracks around the differential mountings......deffinetly check that out....its double skinned and a very expensive repair!Quote:
Originally Posted by Robbo
E46 M3's are around the 5k mark, not bad considering they were nearly 50k new...
i know what my next car will be :agree:
For a good one? I doubt it! I was looking at these a while ago. I'd still love one, but something's putting me off :scratch:Quote:
Originally Posted by markey b
'good' ones are around the 7k mark, i nearly got one the other week but would have meant selling the 5 :disagree:Quote:
Originally Posted by The new Bill J
It's a good job I didn't get one then :laugh:Quote:
Originally Posted by markey b
When I was looking six months ago, a good one would set you back over 10k!
Been to pick up my new 330 today! What do you reckon? :)
[IMG]http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/...d35b3daaf3.jpg[/IMG]
Nice BMW bud.. Might brake the 5 and buy one :) used to have a 325i when I was single and living at home it was the only way I could afford the fuel.. The 5s goin to feel old after BMW comforts..
Nooo don't brake your 5! :) I'm lucky, I don't do many miles so able to have something like this. Can't believe you get all this car for only a few grand!