E46 330d

[ettas13]

Currently have a e46 330i m sport 5 speed manual, car needs very minor tlc, drove my friends e90 330d lci auto was stage 1 and a absolute monster. Looked into them but n57 isn't for me with a timing chain in the back, I don't have the tools to pull a engine. There's a 2003 e46 330d manual executive up for sale, 85k is the price with 191k on the clock with service history, 2 issues with the car is driver window makes scratching noises going up and down, the lid to the sunroof needs to be clipped in and the dash is displaying the abs and traction light, probably a faulty module, buddy of mine can plug in his obd module and scan the erros, probably a faulty unite I think? I'm no diesel scientist, I've only worked with tuned petrol engines, wanting to experience gapping people whilst getting 10+km/L lol. What do you guys think of the price, what should I look out for any ideas to the lights on the dash? I know m57 is reliable and very much tunable will probably stick between a stage 1/2 build, are they still reliable at stage 2? Fuel consumption stock vs tuned.
Anything I need to know would be appreciated and worth taking the risk on a diesel and selling my 330i?
Have a lekke evening everyone

 

[Riaad]

TLDR - timing chain failure of N57 engines in SA is extremely rare AFAIK.

 

[kingr]

My BIL has pre-lci E90. I'm not sure if it's the same engine, has run up to 250k km with no issues. Only normal servicing is done, the car is stock though.

 

[kingr]

with my recent experience with owning many old cars, it's not worth selling one old car to buy another. As time goes on, old cars require much more fixing up / maintenance to keep going. I feel that you do someone a favor if you sell them your reliable old car (that you mostly maintained and fixed yourself), I also don't think moving over to a 330d e46 is an upgrade, it's the same platform and the 330i is already a high specced car. So in this scenario, I don't think this will be a wise move.

 

[maverick328]

I currently drive the E90 330d LCI with Stage 1. I previously drove the E46 330i FL in auto. The E46 was an absolute pleasure to drive with that iconic 6 cylinder tone and reliable as ever.

However, the E90 is on another level. Very different driving pleasure and tons of power and torque. Yes, I've had my fair share of maintenance bills but it's worth every cent spent.

Given that you prob want to stick to a budget, I would recommend that you check the service history good and proper on that 330d. Check the maintenance/wear items to see if they have been replaced. Engine lights can be costly as well. Those engines are also pretty good at lasting forever but with the proper maintenance and servicing.

Good luck

 

[Schalk94]

Currently have a e46 330i m sport 5 speed manual, car needs very minor tlc, drove my friends e90 330d lci auto was stage 1 and a absolute monster. Looked into them but n57 isn't for me with a timing chain in the back, I don't have the tools to pull a engine. There's a 2003 e46 330d manual executive up for sale, 85k is the price with 191k on the clock with service history, 2 issues with the car is driver window makes scratching noises going up and down, the lid to the sunroof needs to be clipped in and the dash is displaying the abs and traction light, probably a faulty module, buddy of mine can plug in his obd module and scan the erros, probably a faulty unite I think? I'm no diesel scientist, I've only worked with tuned petrol engines, wanting to experience gapping people whilst getting 10+km/L lol. What do you guys think of the price, what should I look out for any ideas to the lights on the dash? I know m57 is reliable and very much tunable will probably stick between a stage 1/2 build, are they still reliable at stage 2? Fuel consumption stock vs tuned.
Anything I need to know would be appreciated and worth taking the risk on a diesel and selling my 330i?
Have a lekke evening everyone

The E46 330d is a good car,but it is in a totally different league than the E90 LCI in terms of performance. You would be very lucky if you even get close to stock e90 LCI numbers with a stage 2 E46.If the performance of a tuned E90 LCI is what you are after,the E46 330d is going to leave you disappointed unless you spend a lot of money on BT etc.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

The E46 330d is a good car,but it is in a totally different league than the E90 LCI in terms of performance. You would be very lucky if you even get close to stock e90 LCI numbers with a stage 2 E46.If the performance of a tuned E90 LCI is what you are after,the E46 330d is going to leave you disappointed unless you spend a lot of money on BT etc.

This is so true. Knew a guy with a e46 330d and the road performance on my e90 Lci 320d when it was stock was not far off from it.
If you going to upgrade just go for the e90 else keep and enjoy your e46 330i. They are amazing cars.