2003 BMW 330D 6 speed

[Andy1GP]

E46 320d vs E46 330d from the trawling I've done the 330d seems to be much more reliable. compression ratio for one is lower on the 330 at 18:1 opposed to the 19:1.

As far as the E90 is concerned I'm not sure. The 320d is still at a higher compression vs E90 330d and produces more power percentage wise per volume capacity. In my mind that equates to more stress.

Anyway we divulge from the topic,

You're going to be happy with your 330d :thumbs:

 

[SP33DYV]

In my opinion the 330d is more reliable. It has less stress on the motor (due to lower compression ratio and lower boost pressures) and is probably not driven as hard as a 320d. Just get the 330d:rollsmile:

 

[Leon]

Can't wait to test drive it

I've drive a E46 320d manual today at Perdeberg BMW,was quite good, but will compare when i have driven the 330D

Thanks andy!

How is the service cost?

 

[Rolf]

Do yourself a favour thereafter and testdrive an E90 320d as well.... :idea:

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

You gona love the tourque on the 330D

 

[Leon]

So took delivery of my 320D 2004 6 speed manual yesterday :rollsmile:
Lovely car to drive!!!

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

congratulations:joy:

now where is those pics?

 

[Leon]

I will post pics over the weekend

 

[Raybimmer]

320d - what happened to the 330d ?

 

[Leon]

Something didn't feel right on the 330d everytime i wanted to view the car something was wrong or the car was at the workshop

The 320D i bought from BMW in Paarl, with full history,car in very good condition,and we do business with them
So my gut feel says its a better buy, and cheaper!lol

 

[Raybimmer]

Yes and the 320d can be tuned to one Gazillion microwatts ...:roflol:
The 320d is a good car , the software upgrades seem good . obviously common sense and good driving will give good service .The extra cost of using premium lubricants is negligable compared to failure costs .
Good luck enjoy the torque !!

 

[graan13]

Leon PMed me and as it is in everybody's interest and I trust that Leon agrees so here is my reply in the open:

Leon quite franly.... I wouldn't like to touch an E46 330D with 163.000kms on the clock

The car WILL break and then its the software that gets blamed.
May I suggest -if thats an option- you look out for a E90 320d
Thats a far more reliable engine and it will give you by far more pleasure than the E46 330D

Greetings

Rolf

And if you really want to have software installed, you will get more reliable power out of the 320d with software, downpipe and exhaust than from a stock E46 330d

Both these claims are the biggest load of :bs:
Seriously - a 320 being more reliable than a 330???:biglol::roflol:
Zaleonardz' 530d has got close to 200k on the clock with software and pushing 600nm if memory serves me right and it still hasnt exploded.

Absolutely agree!! E46 330d is way more reliable than an E46 320d in general - you can alwats have a dud in any car but I know for a fact from BMW themselves that the 30d is more reliable than the 20d in the E46 guise

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

guys, lets now not hijack the man's thread further. He bought his car, and he is happy with it.:thumbs:

 

[Leon]

Lol, thanks!!
The 330d was R25,000 more, and something on that car didn't feel right

I am not the tuner kind of guy, like it standard
And i cruise at 110 most of the time,so no hard driving for the 320d
But will do all the services that is needed!

I would've loved the 330d and maybe it would've been more reliable, but everytime i went to drive the car,something was wrong with it
It was Forsdicks BMW's car, they gave it to burchmore for auction, so i passed that idea!

 

[Andy1GP]

How is the service cost?

Did a oil change, oil filter, Air filter, Fuel filter, fuel pump change this week. All came to around R2400. DIY.

Fuel pump was R1400 but got it for R890 at goldwagen :rollsmile: