E46 330d/i?

[1lum1nat1]

Hey guys

Was in Queenstown this weekend for a wedding, the first time i've had the Audi on the open road since owning it for almost 10 months now. Was a pretty decent experience, but nothing to write home about. I missed the 330i so bloody much it's not even funny.

My fuel consumption is 10.3km/l with town driving and 12.65km/l on the open road with 4 people's luggage and averaging 140 and the odd stint at 160.

Now I'm really considering a diesel. My future brother in law (5 days left) had a Polo tdi sportline, I LOVED this car, but he had to replace a turbo at 46k and I'm from what I could gather they like to pop turbo's, so I'm scared to go that route, but would love to.

The alternative is a 330d, or I could just get me another 330i, but this time a manual.

Can anyone give me some reliable info regarding the polo? Whats should one look out for on the 330d, keep in mind I'll be looking for a manual and what should one pay for a 2004/5 with lowish km's (what would you guys consider - netercol/P1000)

Thanks for any and all advice.

 

[P1000]

There is a 330d somewhere on this forum that I would seriously consider if I was looking. Apparently had a new turbo about 30000km ago. Will search for it quickly.

In the mean time, on the Polo: There is a couple of issues with the turbo on that one. Firstly, if it is the 96kw one, they go through turbos quite quickly due to a software oversight causing an overboost condition that the turbo does not like. This was fixed through a software update that also meant you are downgraded to 8xkW. The second biggest problem with the turbo is that it is an integrated unit, meaning that to replace it, means to replace the manifold + integrated custom turbo = R45k for a new turbo (it might be possible to use a turbo on which this one is based, and just swap the CHRA, but this is not recommended on a VNT turbo). On the BMW diesels, you can get a garret replacement from the importers for less than R10k.

Back to the 330d check this one out: http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=13816&highlight=330d
IIRC, you are in bloem? So it might be difficult to go and view this car, but if you are serious, maybe arrange to meet the seller halfway in kroonstad maybe? That car is the one to buy of all the cheapish x30d's since it has got the uprated motor, with the GT2260 turbo, meaning less lag than previous models and more power. It also has the 6 speed manual, which means there is quite a bit of headroom should you wish to go for a remap. Just remember to treat the turbo well, and it will treat you well.(although it remains a service item imo) And that the suspension might need attention.

 

[Coisman]

imp:
Dude, firstly talk price, how much you want to spend on buying the car??

 

[1lum1nat1]

Coisman, depends on what I'm getting.

Thanks P1000. Are there any realiability issues with regards to the 330d? What preventative maintenance will you do? Do the diesels also suffer cooling issues like the petrols with regards to expansion tank etc?

What do controls arms and bushes set one back?

What about a 2005/6 120d?

 

[james]

Get the diesel. Petrol is good. Torque is addictive!

 

[Coisman]

imp:
That's why I asked about price.
Depending on the price you might be able to get a car still under motorplan.
1 series is very small in the back, so if its just you, then fine,
but as soon as you need to loead people, then go 3 series.
Go look through the dealer listings at bmw:
http://www.bmw.co.za/products/automobiles/premium_selection/bps/bps_search.asp?DC=
you can get a 116i or 320i(E90) for R139k, both still under motorplan :dunno:
So your choice really...

 

[1lum1nat1]

Well, I think the torque of a diesel might be the selling point at the moment. I might be looking at R150k.

What should a 2005 330d sell for?

 

[Coisman]

Well, I think the torque of a diesel might be the selling point at the moment. I might be looking at R150k.

What should a 2005 330d sell for?

imp:
At the dealerships... don't think so.
Other dealerships maybe. Here in Pretoria you might be able to get a neat one.
In bloem... I can't say.

---

imp:
check this...
http://www.coronamotors.co.za/wvehicles.php?page=vehicleDisplay&autocode=CCI298

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http://www.cittoncars.co.za/show_available.php?dealerId=1
llok up the 330d for R135k

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imp:
some nice bm's here...
http://www.carstogo.co.za/frame_show.html

---

These are all within 2 blocks here in Pretoria, in gezina area.
hope it helped.

 

[netercol]

i think p1000 has pretty much summed it up..

on a differant note, i often wonder if the whole turbo failure thing on turbo-diesels are not exagerated to a large extent. you only ever hear about the failures on forums such as these, never about the 95% that never gave trouble. and due to the bad press people are often left with the impression that all turbo-diesels are just waiting to fail. added to this the fact that if a TD just burps the first thing the mechie wants to replace is the turbo, and the whole thing gets blown out of proportion.

the 330d P1000 mentioned is a beaut, ive been toying with the idea of getting it for my gf, and getting rid of her mini cooper, seeing as how i just cant keep her out of my car

not much more i can add that has not already been said, except maybe that if reliability of a 330d is going to affect your peace of mind, it might be better to stick to what you know and buy a 330 petrol again.. just dont go and testdrive a 330d then, you might not be able to decide

 

[james]

150k is more than enough for a good E46 330d 2004/5.

 

[Hellas]

I read up of 3 cars that used the same GT1749 turbo. Was the E46 F/L 320d, tdi polo and one of the Jettas. Stupid that they should go and 'hardwire' the turbo to the Polo.

 

[Sankekur]

on a differant note, i often wonder if the whole turbo failure thing on turbo-diesels are not exagerated to a large extent. you only ever hear about the failures on forums such as these, never about the 95% that never gave trouble. and due to the bad press people are often left with the impression that all turbo-diesels are just waiting to fail. added to this the fact that if a TD just burps the first thing the mechie wants to replace is the turbo, and the whole thing gets blown out of proportion.

+1

I found this to be true for most things as forums are usually place for the "super user" types that have problem and are researching a possible solutions. That and the fact that most people who post on forums usually do so because they have problem of some sort

 

[Coisman]

on a differant note, i often wonder if the whole turbo failure thing on turbo-diesels are not exagerated to a large extent. you only ever hear about the failures on forums such as these, never about the 95% that never gave trouble. and due to the bad press people are often left with the impression that all turbo-diesels are just waiting to fail. added to this the fact that if a TD just burps the first thing the mechie wants to replace is the turbo, and the whole thing gets blown out of proportion.

+1

I found this to be true for most things as forums are usually place for the "super user" types that have problem and are researching a possible solutions. That and the fact that most people who post on forums usually do so because they have problem of some sort

imp:
Lucky on this site/forum there is allot of advice givers as well :thumbsup:

 

[1lum1nat1]

I also think ajm's 330d is the ideal car, but I I have to convince two other people as well.

I don't want to do something that does'nt get my future father in law's approval. Sounds funny, but we've got a great relationship and more than that they basically take care of me. He feels ajm's 330d mileage is too high. He feels if I want to change I need to go newer and better, but at this point in time I can't justify spending more, since I've had trouble free driving with the Audi, it's still under motorplan untill Feb next year and it's in mint condition.

I guess my ass is itching.

 

[zaleonardz]

1lum1nat1...

I may have the perfect car for you, but you need to think big

My pride and joy, I need to downscale a bit for a bit.

Car is in excellent condition, its got just over 109k on the clock, FSH, and had a new turbo from BMW at 97k or something like that.

There are a few stone chips, and its had the front bumper respraied by previous owner, I did quite a bit of cosmetic work on the car. I am looking for around 230k ish, but can negotiate. Give me the asking price and I'll do 4 new tires (which it needs) and replace the windscreen due to chips.

Under the motor plan, the previous owner replaced the interior trim panels, so they still look brand new. Leather is in good shape, everything works.

I can honestly say, that there are no known problems with this car....

I am seriously considering an E60 M5 or a 550, but would be nice if I can sell the 7, save a deposit for a few months first....

 

[1lum1nat1]

HEHE bud, I'd love to own a seven one day, but thats way out of my price league at the moment. We all know you take proper care of your cars, so there's no question about the condition of the car. Good luck with the sale though.

 

[zaleonardz]

 

[Coisman]

imp:
One day when I grow up I will drive a brand new top of the range bmw... :shocked: