Advice needed on buying 330d E46

[stiaan]

So, after selling my beloved E90 320d, I was looking for a X3, but decided to buy a older, cheaper car for now, finance a small amount, pay it off in a year or so, and then search for my dream X3.
I've came across this car, I'm actually planning to view it this weekend.

2002 330d auto (auto is a must for me haha)
198 000km

According to the owner FSH @ Helderview BMW, going in for 200 000km service tomorrow.

She said she owned it for 6 years now, and no breakdowns, just spend on normal wear and tear items.

Anything specific I must look for when viewing, as I am planning keeping it for quite a while, and don't want to buy a money pit. And what are fuel comsumption like on these auto's?


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[DieselFan]

The GM autobox on those cars is not good. Fuel consumption depends on how you drive but around 6-7l/100km open road and 8-9 mixed.

 

[ChefDJ]

IMO the 330d is one of the best cars you can get, especially for the price. If the car was looked after and driven decently, the box should hold out. I don't have the 330d but I have the 530d and it's on 266k km. The engine and gearbox are both still smooth.

I've learnt that the cooling system on them is a common problem so have it checked out. Contact BMW with the VIN and ask for a report on what has been done on the car.

Consumption and power mix is unbeatable.

 

[Andy1GP]

Exciting Times

Call BMW and have a CIA report on the vin number pulled. See what has been changed and when. Brakes, Turbo, cooling system etc.

Typically at that age they all need the following replaced unless there is supporting invoices.

Thermostat (signs - water temp won't peg on the centre when cruising)
Expansion tank (will kill the motor quickly and it's not that expensive)
Centre bearing (up to you but it will be finished)
Guibo - aka prop coupler (up to you but it will be finished)
Front lower control arm bushes (probably has been replaced at some point)
Fuel filter (dealers never replace this)
Air Filter
Vacuum lines (cheap in parts heavy in labour)

Those are off the top of my head now. Also the cars normally appear to drive ok with most of these items needing replacement. They will need to replaced though.

I would recommend having the gearbox oil changed for peace of mind as well as the following easy DIY's for longevity.

EGR delete
Clean the intercooler and boost pipes
Clean the intake air temp sensor
Replace the engine breather (loo roll type) with the newer vortex type (found on e90s they are interchangeable) note do the breather whilst doing the air filter. It's a lot of stripping to get to either one, and both are accessible doing either job. Saves time

The list might seem long, but it gives you an idea what to look out for and what to budget for.

Other things if you want a really good nic car.

Diff bushes
Engine mounts
Viscous fan
Budget for turbo overhaul or replacement.

Hope it helps without putting you off

 

[netercol]

andy has not left much to add, i will just add that i am absolutely no fan of the E46 330d in auto, i have personally been involved in too many horror stories with that SPESIFIC model/engine/gearbox combination..

the engines are rock solid though.

your choice at the end of the day though..

 

[Nikhil]

yeah Andy has covered everything. I love mine :rollsmile:

 

[DieselFan]

Andy what centre bearing are you referring to?

 

[Nikhil]

Andy what centre bearing are you referring to?

The carrier bearing Alexi, the one that sits just before the Universal joint on the Prop shaft.

 

[DieselFan]

Oh I thought so. Alright.

 

[stiaan]

Got the pics from the owner, Im going to try get the vin nr so can get the history @ BMW.

Thanks for all the feedback guys, you just scare me a little with the remarks on the gearbox, would buy a manual, but my wife is going to drive it the most in town, and she and a car with a clutch pedal isnt good buddies haha

 

[PizzaBoy]

What are you paying for the car? I wanted to trade mine on a golf 6 Tdi and the dealers dont want to pay for it, they all wanted to give me between 40k and 60k for my 2003 330d (And in very good condition) the trade is 89900 and retail is 107000. If you want to buy one try and get it for around R60 000 otherwise you will be stuck with. This is what they want to pay me R40 000 for.

 

[stiaan]

This one is 2002, they advertise it for R69 000, but I was thinking of offering around R60k, depends on the condition when I see it, and depends on what maintanance has been done. I'll see on saturday.

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[DieselFan]

There was an engine change if you didn't know. After 2003 150kw before 135kw

 

[Solo Man]

As far as I know the autos also had swirlies so it is a must to remove them as soon as you get the car Stiaan!!! The manual shift cars did not have the swirl flaps in, so it is a bonus getting a manual shift. I am not sure about the 2003 onwards manuals (think they had swirl flaps - Barkie should be able to remark on that!!) My previous 2003 E39 530d had 240k on the odo when I sold it and the gearbox was still as sweet and smooth as ever.

 

[///Moose]

The manuals from 2003 had swirls as well.

 

[stiaan]

Julle maak my bang nou

I dont want to spend more than +- R65k on a car now, but I also dont want a Tazz or a Citi Golf

---

Soooo, who has a decent 3 series diesel automatic car for me for around +-R65k?

 

[Solo Man]

As jy more oggend baie vroeg by my is kan ons gou gaan kyk na daai vrou se 330d outo. Need to go do a pick up at the airport at 9. Want to leave here at 07h00 as I need to return plugs supplied wrongly at Masterparts. Can drop you off at the lady and pick you up at 09:30 if you do not take the car!!??

 

[stiaan]

As jy more oggend baie vroeg by my is kan ons gou gaan kyk na daai vrou se 330d outo. Need to go do a pick up at the airport at 9. Want to leave here at 07h00 as I need to return plugs supplied wrongly at Masterparts. Can drop you off at the lady and pick you up at 09:30 if you do not take the car!!??

Dankie vir die aanbod Johan, maar ek moet werk, en so naby aan maandeinde is daar nie tyd vir n halfdag afvat nie. Baie dankie elkgeval:ty:

 

[stiaan]

I called BMW today with the vin nr of the car, in 2008 there was a repair done, description: swirl flap came loose R44 000? I suppose hat couldn't be a engine's price in 2008?

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[DieselFan]

Sounds like it ate a swirl flap. Not sure what an engine costs now or then.