Choices Choices...

[Arbee]

Hi Guys,

Ok, so i bought a 2004 320 (6cyl) Face-lift with Mtech1... Its got 72 000km on the clock and its steptronic, silver with black leather! Was going to keep it for a while as the mileage is very low but the day i told a friend in DBN about it he said he will buy it from me, im still thinking about it...

This morning, i get a call from my Father in Law (a real BMW fanatic), he just purchased a 2004 330d Individual, just like my 330i but in Scarab Green, 130 000km Steptronic with Tan interior (I think, he said its exactly like mine except for the exterior colour) sunroof and its also Steptronic.

Now, mileage plays a big part and im not much of a fan of Diesel but after driving my uncles 330d E90, i much like the kick when the turbo spools.

This will be a daily drive until i decide to sell... Hence, steptronic!!

What would you take?

PS: Im NOT selling my 330i...

Thanks
Arbee

 

[Sankekur]

330d, the bigger diesels are just a bit more reliable from what I can gather, I have no personal experience though. I like the 6-cyl 2.0l BMW engines, but not as a daily

Edit: it should also be noted that the consumption of the 6-cyl 2.0l will not be that much better than any of the other 6-cyl engines, but with the others you at least get proper performance.

 

[Fordkoppie]

Wasn't the e46 320i a 2.2L?

 

[moranor@axis]

i would not look at anything under a 323i so i would get the 330d...

 

[Sankekur]

Wasn't the e46 320i a 2.2L?

If I am not mistaken the pre-face e46 320i had the M52B20 engine and the facelift 320 M54B22 or B23, to sure, but basically the old 323i engine with a change in name. (I will just have to check to make sure though)

 

[P1000]

Go for the 330d. Just keep 22k in a bank account for a gearbox overhaul around 180kkm. The rest of the drivetrain is rock solid. I have read stories of these engines with 1000 000km on, running on 3rd turbo, without the engine ever being opened. My 530d is at 277kkm, the gearbox might need an overhaul in the next year or two, still original turbo, injectors etc. And these don't mind what diesel/kerosene you put in the tank.

 

[msm]

Take the 330d. Just make sure you go to Shaun (TuneTech) and do a gearbox oil replacement (or at least check the level) ...

EDIT: And for the 3 blokes that chose 320, have you ever driven a BMW 6 cylinder diesel ????

 

[moranor@axis]

the pre-face e46 320i was 2.0l a six cyl only really works from 2.5l up
which the e46 323i is...

 

[Arbee]

Wasn't the e46 320i a 2.2L?

Could be true, all i know is the Badge says 320i and it sound like a 6Cyl

 

[Hellas]

Diesel, but I'm biased

 

[Arbee]

Ok, looks like the POLL is going the way i want it too..

I got the 320 with me now, actually gone for a valet today. Its nice, but thats just about it... Nothing to shout about!

How nice will my garage look with 2 individual in individual colors? :excited:

 

[Sankekur]

Wasn't the e46 320i a 2.2L?

If I am not mistaken the pre-face e46 320i had the M52B20 engine and the facelift 320 M54B22 or B23, to sure, but basically the old 323i engine with a change in name. (I will just have to check to make sure though)

Checked

The 1998-2000 model 320i's came with the M52 TU B 20 engine and from then on it came out with the M54B22 engine.

 

[freerider]

Wasn't the e46 320i a 2.2L?

If I am not mistaken the pre-face e46 320i had the M52B20 engine and the facelift 320 M54B22 or B23, to sure, but basically the old 323i engine with a change in name. (I will just have to check to make sure though)

1/2 correct

Preface was M52B20 which was a 6cyl 2lt and had no guts at all, hence the upgrade to the M54B22 which upped the capacity to 2.2lt and the kw and torque quite a bit.

The M52B23 has a different bore and stroke to the M54B22.

Oh and the TU stands for technical update

 

[Fordkoppie]

:thumbsup:

 

[MikeR]

Diesel...that motor is bullet proof mate.
But I wont do the Auto Box (they call it Steptronic-fancy name for auto :hammerhead: ) I doubt they will ever bring out another manual for the diesel :thinking: :dunno:

 

[Arbee]

Diesel...that motor is bullet proof mate.
But I wont do the Auto Box (they call it Steptronic-fancy name for auto :hammerhead: ) I doubt they will ever bring out another manual for the diesel :thinking: :dunno:

Car will be sent to Tune Tech for Preventative Gearbox maintenance and service and watever once i get it... It will have to be auto, with the new tolling systems, im going to be using the back road more often.

 

[UpNcOmiNg!]

330d...Easy!! :thumbsup:
Then give it to me

 

[Arbee]

Update...

Sold the 320i, Father in law is keeping the 330d which is cool, it means that i have a car when i fly down to dbn,

Had the pleasure of driving a 2010 X5 with full sports kit (3.5d Xdrive), loved it so i made an offer... Way out of my budget so the 330 might be for sale soon :thinking:

BTW: The 330d hauls. Its hard to keep the traction light off in boost.

 

[AshG108]

BMW Whore!!! hard choice Arbee, the 320i 6 cylinder is an awesome tone but then the 330d is a power hungry machine too....like you said choices choices....

good luck bru!

 

[Arbee]

Pic of the X

Sorry for crackberry photo.