E46 330d - Is this a bad idea? A few questions.

[the gymkhana fanatic]

Good evening members. Im new here, Infra007 said I should check the site out and its great to find so much information about BMW. I currently drive a 2004 Saab 9-3 Aero and the fuel consumption is killing me and obviously parts and maintenance is a bit of an issue. I do enjoy the solid feel of the car and the power is nice too but it needs to go. I have been looking at an E46 330d and have a few questions.

1. Which model has the 150kw engine? I really want this version over the 135kw version
2. What sort of tuning options are there? I hear you can get to around 180kw with a remap.
3. What sort of fuel consumption should I expect? Im currently getting about 13.l/100km around town and 9l/100km or better on the open road.
4. What things should I look out for when shopping around?
5. What is maintenance like?

Thanks a lot!

 

[Ga-3M]

Hey bud

1. Look for a late 2003 or onwards up to 2005, as this will be the 150kw version, and try your best to find a manual one, all 6-speed manuals are the 150kw version.
2. Software/Remap combined with a downpipe will get you 180kw and more at the engine.
3. Fuel consumption open road - 6.5l/100km, around town - 9l/100km, combined around 7.5-8l/100km.
4. Just check the history, make sure it's been serviced regularly.
5. Maintenance is not bad at all, these are strong motors, most of the time just normal wear and tear items.

E46 330d's are awesome cars. My dad had one, 150kw 6-speed manual, sold it to his friend at 205 000km with no major issues, his friend did a remap and drove it till 265 000km when he traded it in, was still running the original turbo with no major problems experienced.:coolShake:

 

[Waseem 333i]

Another easy way to check if its the 150kw version id the traction control button. DSC is the 150kw. Also the engine cover has more sliver. The 135kw engine cover the silver looks like an L.

Avoid the auto if you concerned about fuel consumption.

 

[tman]

Personally I would avoid the E46, and rather get the E90.

If your budget doesnt allow it, go for the 320d

 

[Ga-3M]

Personally I would avoid the E46, and rather get the E90.

If your budget doesnt allow it, go for the 320d

Have you ever had an E46 330d?

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If you looking at a comparably priced E90 320d compared to an E46 330d, the 330d would be my choice all day any day!

 

[RAArmstrong]

Personally I would avoid the E46, and rather get the E90.

If your budget doesnt allow it, go for the 320d

Have you ever had an E46 330d?

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If you looking at a comparably priced E90 320d compared to an E46 330d, the 330d would be my choice all day any day!

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Yep likewise.

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

Evening and welcome :coolShake:

Hmm that Saab will become rarer and rarer... Good cars!

I have never owned an E46, so I can't really comment.. GL with searching for one :=):

 

[the t shirts guy]

a bonus would be a 6spd M sport/individual with sun roof. also look for sub frame cracks.

 

[Waseem 333i]

Forget the e90. look for e46 330d in 6 speed 150kw. When you own one then keep in touch with me.

 

[Andy1GP]

All this talk is making me want another one. Our E46 330d is just as economical if not more so than the E90 320d I had. Both 6spd. I speak from experience.

The E46 is such a pleasure to drive, the E90 drives you :/

 

[Nikhil]

The E46 330d is epic and a sleeper of note with the right mods :rollsmile: