Advice needed for bmw purchase

[zhandre1991]

Hi all

A friend of mine wants to purchase a BMW 330d 2001 model with 210 000kms on the clock, would it be advisable to buy this car and what are the things to look out for?? Would really appreciate all the responses

Thanks

 

[sash]

I am no E46 diesel specialist but i would say service history, must be complete and traceable. Look for major parts that have been changed and establish why they were changed. Auto gearboxes need to be scrutinised futher, changes should be smooth and hunting for gears should not be a problem.

 

[Nikhil]

Ok it must have a full service history, check if the turbo was replaced, is it an auto? if you get lucky the gearbox would have been replaced under m/p. knocking from the rear could be rear diff mounts. also front control arms tend to go often on any E46. :thumbs:

 

[GPGrobler]

Also for some reason on the diesels the ASC gives problems, make sure the ABS/ASC unit is in good working order.

Also: you always have to consider the reason why the car is being sold.

 

[Nikhil]

Also for some reason on the diesels the ASC gives problems, make sure the ABS/ASC unit is in good working order.

Also: you always have to consider the reason why the car is being sold.

never heard of that failing before, the braking systems on the 330i and 330d are identical.

 

[RAArmstrong]

Also for some reason on the diesels the ASC gives problems, make sure the ABS/ASC unit is in good working order.

Also: you always have to consider the reason why the car is being sold.

never heard of that failing before, the braking systems on the 330i and 330d are identical.

+1.

 

[ChefDJ]

No difference in braking systems between 330i and 330d, nor 530i and 530d :thinking:

 

[zhandre1991]

Thanks for all the help and I passed on the comments to him:ty:

 

[DieselFan]

Also for some reason on the diesels the ASC gives problems, make sure the ABS/ASC unit is in good working order.

Also: you always have to consider the reason why the car is being sold.

Dude where do you get your info from? Have you ever even owned a bmw diesel?

___

On topic: the 135kw 330d is more solid then the 150kw 330d. The 135kw has a cast manifold and the 150kw has a steal manifold which cracks. The 135kw 330d turbo spools later and lasts longer whereas the 150kw turbo will have boost from lower rpm and wear more.

They are great cars. All the common e46 things would need checking like control arms, cooling system etc.

If and when your friend gets the car the EGR should be cleaned. He should order swirlflap blanking plates from ebay.

Is it an auto or a manual? The ONLY major problem with these cars is that the autoboxes used are not good. They are GM boxes which are rated for 360nms and the car makes 390nms... So they DO NOT last.

If I were buying I would stay clear of a e46 330d auto. I would look more for a Facelift 150kw 6speed manual. They are scarce and you will spend alot of time trying to find a good example. Even though they are more problematic. It has more power. Or if your friend would be happy with the 135kw get a 5 speed manual.