Bmw 330

[Daz5774]

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

[BILLY-R5GTT]

Have you thought about an M3 for a little extra? :)

[Lewis]

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/f91/e46-330d-auto-gearbox-failure-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.

[Mr_Dave]

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/classifieds/used-cars/bmw/e36-m3-92-99/bmw-3-series-m3-evolution-coupe-1998/937533

:)

[Trevhib]

I'd go for the 330d for £2.5k.

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/bmw/e46-3-series-98-06/bmw-3-series-e46-330d-se-2001/894818

Adding another £1k and the facelift with 201bhp would be the ideal.

[Shane P]

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 .

[Scoff]

330d respond well to a remap, try 450lb/ft !

[Robbo]

love mine. also check subframes for cracking

[Trevhib]

Is that the 330cd?

Looks really well.

:)

[Robbo]

Is that the 330cd?

Looks really well.

:)


330ci

[Daz5774]

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.

[Trevhib]

Even thirstier. :(

[michael tierney]

love mine. also check subframes for cracking
i heard the floor cracks around the differential mountings......deffinetly check that out....its double skinned and a very expensive repair!

[markey b]

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:

[The new Bill J]

E46 M3's are around the 5k mark,

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:

[markey b]

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:

'good' ones are around the 7k mark, i nearly got one the other week but would have meant selling the 5 :disagree:

[The new Bill J]

'good' ones are around the 7k mark, i nearly got one the other week but would have meant selling the 5 :disagree:

It's a good job I didn't get one then :laugh:

When I was looking six months ago, a good one would set you back over 10k!

[Daz5774]

Been to pick up my new 330 today! What do you reckon? :)

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n603/Daz5774/adc088d97910b08677dd49d35b3daaf3.jpg

[Nottswoody]

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..

[Daz5774]

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!