E46 330i ADVICE

[firaz]

I apologize for reviving this old thread but im also considering a e46 330i in the near future :fencelook:

I wanted to know is there anyone who owned/drove both the face lift and pre-face lift 330i but in manual.

Cosmetically the face lift is better but performance wise ? I read the 5 speed box of the pre face lift was much quicker then the 6 speed

And is there a big difference in fuel consumption with mixed driving ?

Hi there!!!

I've owned 2 e46 330i individuals.
The first was a facelift 2002 which was a 5 speed and my current one is a 2004 6 speed.
The six speed only came out in 2003. I find my 6 speed to be much quicker than the 5speed I owned. Plus its lighter on fuel. Probably gotta do with the gear ratios.
As for pre vs post facelift, not only do they look better but as far as I know there were changes made to the suspension and power steering systems. From what I've heard is that the facelifts feel much better to drive!

Oh and don't ever think twice of buying a e46 330i!
They awesome machines, and when I take it easy I get 650+ km on a tank, so fuel efficient as well.

Regards

 

[Doomsdaya]

Thanks Firaz :thumb:

After speaking to a few friends who owned an E46 330i, all of them regretted selling it and some going as far as saying its better than a E90.

As for the problems mentioned in this thread, seems more like common BMW problems which isnt so bad.

Will definitely consider 1 soon :ty:

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Is the pre-facelift worth looking at, seeing that it is 5 speed manual ?

Sorry to go off topic, but you not by any chance the same Yuben that owned that Lasacla Sti you biught from Jaco?

 

[Yuben]

Yep

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Hey welcome buddy, how you been?

 

[Yuben]

Hey bro, always been here, in my days of BMW, trying to get another one now:idea:

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Best choice bro:thumbs:

 

[Kurt Adv]

I just bought a 2002 330i manual, exclusive, and I love it....my previous car was a '95 325i, the 330i is lighter on fuel without a doubt, and the extra performance is great, fantastic car......

 

[Yusi]

Thanks guys, do you perhaps know of any clean examples for sale?

hi Yuben. i have a 2002 330i Individual SMG for sale +- 130000kms, silver with black leather, full house, durban car, let me know.

 

[infidel]

i bought one in Jan this year and I'm enjoying it
doesnt compare to my previous e36//M3 but its a good car
if its welll mentained and looked after it should serve you well

 

[Yuben]

Thanks guys, do you perhaps know of any clean examples for sale?

hi Yuben. i have a 2002 330i Individual SMG for sale +- 130000kms, silver with black leather, full house, durban car, let me know.

Howzit dude, thanks, but I just bought a 2003 330i M 6speed last week:inlove:

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Time to update that signiture

 

[Yuben]

:sorry:

 

[Zaydy]

Hi Guys,

I have been reading through this thread as I've came across a 2003 E46 330i individual 6spd with 125 000km and has full franchise service history.

I'm definitely considering buying this car as it seems to be in pristine condition from the pictures I've seen. I've had a look at the service history of the car which was sent to me from bmw and it has been very well maintained. The only problem I'm encountering at this point is the car is 1200km away from me and I don't have the time to go and physically have a look at the car, however someone will be going to view the car on my behalf and have aa technical inspection on the car.

My only concern is, is it wise to be looking at a car like this based on its 13 years of age and given the fact that its a 330i. The seller is asking for R115k after negotiation which I think is reasonable based on the low millage and condition it is in. I know this is an iconic car and is an individual spec so I already know what responses you guys will be giving me.

if there's any advice you guys can give based on this day and age that would be of importance I would highly appreciate it.

Thanks
Zayd

 

[Fordkoppie]

If it is this car:

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bak...dual-6+speed-manual/1001727802990910001671509

....then perhaps you should read this:

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=75807&pid=1210355#pid1210355

 

[Kurt Adv]

I drive a 2002 330i, love it, now has around 295000km, bought it at 170000 more or less, still goes like hell, very little trouble, have replaced the radiator, header tank, power steering pump, AC pump is noisy, but I have another one I am going to have reconditioned then fit, I do not drive economically, I get around 9.5L/100, it is lighter on fuel than my previous 325i,
It is fairly expensive to service, parts cost around R2K, the full synthetic oil it uses is not cheap, luckily I can service it myself...plugs only get changed every 2nd service....
I am really enjoying it, would have preferred the 6 speed, but am happy with the 5 speed.
I have had very little drama....my wife's 120i has given way more problems, and is more expensive to run than my 330....

 

[Zaydy]

If it is this car:

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bak...dual-6+speed-manual/1001727802990910001671509

....then perhaps you should read this:

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=75807&pid=1210355#pid1210355

Yes, it is that one.

I need 2 more posts to view that thread.:smashScreen:

---

I drive a 2002 330i, love it, now has around 295000km, bought it at 170000 more or less, still goes like hell, very little trouble, have replaced the radiator, header tank, power steering pump, AC pump is noisy, but I have another one I am going to have reconditioned then fit, I do not drive economically, I get around 9.5L/100, it is lighter on fuel than my previous 325i,
It is fairly expensive to service, parts cost around R2K, the full synthetic oil it uses is not cheap, luckily I can service it myself...plugs only get changed every 2nd service....
I am really enjoying it, would have preferred the 6 speed, but am happy with the 5 speed.
I have had very little drama....my wife's 120i has given way more problems, and is more expensive to run than my 330....

I've been after this car for almost 2 years and the problem is I can't seem to find one in a good condition. I drove one recently and all I can say is what a solid a car.

I'll probably have it as a weekend car for travelling long distances.

 

[Pho3niX90]

If it is this car:

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bak...dual-6+speed-manual/1001727802990910001671509

....then perhaps you should read this:

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=75807&pid=1210355#pid1210355

Yes, it is that one.

I need 2 more posts to view that thread.:smashScreen:

---

I drive a 2002 330i, love it, now has around 295000km, bought it at 170000 more or less, still goes like hell, very little trouble, have replaced the radiator, header tank, power steering pump, AC pump is noisy, but I have another one I am going to have reconditioned then fit, I do not drive economically, I get around 9.5L/100, it is lighter on fuel than my previous 325i,
It is fairly expensive to service, parts cost around R2K, the full synthetic oil it uses is not cheap, luckily I can service it myself...plugs only get changed every 2nd service....
I am really enjoying it, would have preferred the 6 speed, but am happy with the 5 speed.
I have had very little drama....my wife's 120i has given way more problems, and is more expensive to run than my 330....

I've been after this car for almost 2 years and the problem is I can't seem to find one in a good condition. I drove one recently and all I can say is what a solid a car.

I'll probably have it as a weekend car for travelling long distances.

---

In short. The milegae has been turned back.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

 

[Tjoppies]

thread revival... :biglol:

getting between 13.5-15l/100KM , which seems well above normal ?

Mornings is bumper-bumper traffic on the school run and into work , total trip about 15km, no highways

and in other news....pfffff , 330i - WHAT A FCUKIN CAR! cant imagine that i would sell this one.

 

[Jeremy.d]

thread revival... :biglol:

getting between 13.5-15l/100KM , which seems well above normal ?

Mornings is bumper-bumper traffic on the school run and into work , total trip about 15km, no highways

and in other news....pfffff , 330i - WHAT A FCUKIN CAR! cant imagine that i would sell this one.

Lmao. This is some resurrection:biglol:

I haven't done too much commuting in my 330i, but it seems I get between 13-14....Does the OBC show l/100km or km per l? I dont remember, but i get one of those:biglol: