e46 330i - Important decision

[Just Cruisin]

XMAX didn't you purchase your 318i recently? But not to worry I was actually caught in two minds:dunno: when I scouted for my beemer- 320i or 330i(but not less than 6 cylinders). Cos it would be a daily driver I opted for the 320i for the consumption. But since joining the forum and getting rave reviews of the 330i I think I should've gone that route.:banghead:I'm itching to do the same but alas- actually in the same boat as Freerider- will prob finish the term then dicide.:thinking: So best of luck with the search. So by the way if you are going to trade in your 318i swop your MP3 player with my cd player- I recently got a professional perfect working condition but its not MP3. If you don't mind-I'm also in Cape Town.Just asking nicely-very nicely.

 

[XMAX]

XMAX didn't you purchase your 318i recently? But not to worry I was actually caught in two minds:dunno: when I scouted for my beemer- 320i or 330i(but not less than 6 cylinders). Cos it would be a daily driver I opted for the 320i for the consumption. But since joining the forum and getting rave reviews of the 330i I think I should've gone that route.:banghead:I'm itching to do the same but alas- actually in the same boat as Freerider- will prob finish the term then dicide.:thinking: So best of luck with the search. So by the way if you are going to trade in your 318i swop your MP3 player with my cd player- I recently got a professional perfect working condition but its not MP3. If you don't mind-I'm also in Cape Town.Just asking nicely-very nicely.

no problem dude. no harm in asking but its been spoken for already. we have 3 other e46s in the family, all gunning for my mp3. I know for a fact that Gizmo has an oem mp3 player going for R2000. might be worth your while to pm him.

yip, you are right. i did just buy my 318i. actually wanted a 6cylinder a long time ago, but was against it cos i heared they had pathetic consumption. but after reading here, ive changed my mind.

bare in mind that my 318i was paid for in cash (saved for the past 3 years and borrowed a lil but yeah paid in cash), so i wont have any bank issues on the the trade in.

ill just wait for the dealer to get back to me.

@Freerider - the dealer is called Wheel Traders. theyve had this purple/blue 330i on sale for a while now. if you do happen to pass these guys please stop for a few seconds and check it out. dont make a special trip on my account. theyre on voortrekker rd, parow.

im not certain on this car but it seems nice, though very cheap for a 2004 model (this worries me cos you normally only get a 2001 /2002 model for that price).

 

[Just Cruisin]

Wow one big happy beemer family.:clap: Thanks for info but if I knew last week about Gizmo wanting to sell I would've gone for it.:banghead:I'm not dissappointed buying the cd player cos I was looking for one for sometime -I actually bought the Cd player last week for R1500 so it's going to be a little bit heavy on the pocket. Dash looks much better with a cd player than a tape deck-thanks anyway

I take it you would wanna keep the 330i for a long time if not forever- so take your time and get some of the experts on the forum to assist. Best of luck!:thumbsup:

 

[ruaangrobler]

...Think of the extra money you will be spending on petrol as awesomeness tax (someone used this before me on this forum but can't remember who, credit where credit is due) ...
My opinion is get a 330i

...and credit is claimed, thanks Sankekur.

@xmax - I'm a proud 330i owner (2003 5 spd individual, 132 000 kms). Things to remember:
1. Seriously consider waiting and trying to find a manual gearbox - I did a lot of research before I bought, and this was one seriously stressed fact.
2. Thing with the 330i, especially if you can find a nice model like the Individual, is that the people who owned it were usually really fond of there cars. I think this is a really important factor, since pride leads to proper care. I'm not saying 318i's etc aren't well looked after, but no dad is going to buy his ditsy little freshman daughter a 330i, nor his wife. They get the 318i's, so they can scratch the rims and ding the doors, and HE drives the 330i.
3. Engine wise, the M54(330i and 325i) motor is highly revered. It also formed the basis for the new 335i motors, as opposed to the newer 330i motor (I forgot the numbers now, N52...or something) - proof of BMW's confidence in it.

As for the awesomeness tax, mine is as high as it's ever been, since I am now averaging 20 km/h during the week since moving to Muizenberg. So she's around 13 liter/100km.

When I was in Joburg I averaged about 40-45 km/h, and got consumption of 10-11 liter/100. That's what I got out of my old 1300 Carb golf - so no complaints here.

It's in my opinion, the best balanced car around, comparing fun, luxury, comfort, design and costs.

But don't rush the buy, do your research, find out what to look for (lots of guides online concerning suspension issues, some gearbox issues, etc) - and try to find one that you can see is well looked after. I spent 6 months looking, and she's still not PERFECT, but nothing will ever be. Hold out for the optionals you want - sportkit, sunroof, sport seats...those things that make you feel special even before you buy the car.

Don't be scared to go up to joburg to get a nice one either, fly up, pay up, drive down. - a GREAT drive in a 330i. Usually more to choose from in Joburg.

@ freerider, where did you get your manual from? - I would love to work on my own car, but my knowledge is not much, nor do I have the space for it.

 

[XMAX]

...and credit is claimed, thanks Sankekur.

@xmax - I'm a proud 330i owner (2003 5 spd individual, 132 000 kms). Things to remember:
1. Seriously consider waiting and trying to find a manual gearbox - I did a lot of research before I bought, and this was one seriously stressed fact.
2. Thing with the 330i, especially if you can find a nice model like the Individual, is that the people who owned it were usually really fond of there cars. I think this is a really important factor, since pride leads to proper care. I'm not saying 318i's etc aren't well looked after, but no dad is going to buy his ditsy little freshman daughter a 330i, nor his wife. They get the 318i's, so they can scratch the rims and ding the doors, and HE drives the 330i.
3. Engine wise, the M54(330i and 325i) motor is highly revered. It also formed the basis for the new 335i motors, as opposed to the newer 330i motor (I forgot the numbers now, N52...or something) - proof of BMW's confidence in it.

As for the awesomeness tax, mine is as high as it's ever been, since I am now averaging 20 km/h during the week since moving to Muizenberg. So she's around 13 liter/100km.

When I was in Joburg I averaged about 40-45 km/h, and got consumption of 10-11 liter/100. That's what I got out of my old 1300 Carb golf - so no complaints here.

It's in my opinion, the best balanced car around, comparing fun, luxury, comfort, design and costs.

But don't rush the buy, do your research, find out what to look for (lots of guides online concerning suspension issues, some gearbox issues, etc) - and try to find one that you can see is well looked after. I spent 6 months looking, and she's still not PERFECT, but nothing will ever be. Hold out for the optionals you want - sportkit, sunroof, sport seats...those things that make you feel special even before you buy the car.

Don't be scared to go up to joburg to get a nice one either, fly up, pay up, drive down. - a GREAT drive in a 330i. Usually more to choose from in Joburg.

@ freerider, where did you get your manual from? - I would love to work on my own car, but my knowledge is not much, nor do I have the space for it.

hey man,

thanks for advice. now ive decided not to buy this 330i. i honestly feel that the mileage is too high, so im not going to buy it. it also does not have the individual kit which i love. and i will only buy a steptronic. i know, i know, i know.... what youre going to say on this, but ive really got my heart set on a steptronic 330i.

i was willing to take this car purely cos of the awesomness, but ive made up my mind that the 330 I want will come my way, and when it does i dont want to feel like an idiot for not waiting.

id prefer something with roughly mileage 130k or under. i guess that ill have to save up some more.. but its ok, it will be worth while.

Ruaan - thanks for the sensible advice - not that the others gave me kak advice. this makes sense to me.

 

[ruaangrobler]

It's a great pleasure mate. There's few enough topics on this forum that I feel I can really add value to, since I'm also pretty new at this and not too technically minded.

I'm glad you're deciding to wait, it'll be worth it. It's not the kind of thing you want to go 'second best' on.

The steptronics and autos in general have shorter lifespans than the manuals, especially if the car has more power or is driven hard...which you will do, trust me, but if you have your heart set on it, then go for it. Bonus is they also tend to lose value quicker, so you'll be able to pick up a steptronic easier(cheaper), I think :mmm: - Maybe use this to bargain down a price in the future.

Also try to make your purchase as comfortable as possible, i.e. don't drown yourself in debt. Wait a little longer and put down a fat deposit. This is sound advice for anything inn life, I think. Remember, the 330i (and most BMWs) are built very well and meticulously engineered, so they last well and can be driven...with ghusto...but IF something breaks, they cost quite a bit to fix...and that's when you want some spare cash.

I would recommend buying just post 120 000 kms - as the car would've just gone off motorplan, so it should've had all it's services (check it out first, of course), but will also have just lost a lot of it's value.

Any other questions? - keep posting, as there's usually someone here who knows a lot. And it's always to all our benefits.

But my rule is, buy comfortably, then you're not afraid to enjoy your car. And if you can find the individual, I would DEFINATELY recommend it. In my opinion, the 330i indiv is the best the e46 ever got in 4 door versions. It even has the black rooflining like the M's. And trust me, that is special every time you get in it. :drool:

goodluck with saving, and the hunt

 

[Sankekur]

hey man,

thanks for advice. now ive decided not to buy this 330i. i honestly feel that the mileage is too high, so im not going to buy it. it also does not have the individual kit which i love. and i will only buy a steptronic. i know, i know, i know.... what youre going to say on this, but ive really got my heart set on a steptronic 330i.

i was willing to take this car purely cos of the awesomness, but ive made up my mind that the 330 I want will come my way, and when it does i dont want to feel like an idiot for not waiting.

id prefer something with roughly mileage 130k or under. i guess that ill have to save up some more.. but its ok, it will be worth while.

Ruaan - thanks for the sensible advice - not that the others gave me kak advice. this makes sense to me.

Waiting for the right car to come along is the right thing to do as you will never be completely happy unless you actually got waht really wanted in the first place.
Make a list of thnigs that you want from a 330i then decide how important each of the things are, as this will make it easier to make quick decision about whether to even look at one that is for sale or not.

Edit: One thing I would suggest you look for is one with sport seats, as they are awesome (the seats that is)

 

[XMAX]

@ruaan - thanks again for the advice. duly noted and filed. i believe that the right car will come my way when im ready for it. so for now its just save, save, save, and prepare for the eventual purchase.

@Sankekur - thanks for the advice. i will do the list thingy. i agree with you about the seats. i have sport seats in my e46. theyre great.

 

[lohanj]

Hey XMAX, bought my 330ci two months ago and use it over weekends and some weekdays (I'm a biker IRL). I get 11l/100km, mostly city driving. Trying to get it below this takes effort, and looking at the consumption listed here I may have to check my filters, service history, etc. Perhaps a convertible is heavier, dunno.

My 2c:
* I'd wait for a manual. I don't know what the auto's characteristics are but I didn't even consider getting a 3l with an auto gearbox (I had put 200,000km on my automatic 2 liter Volvo and felt like doing work for a change!). I only disocvered a week into driving it that it will maintain the above-stall revs for you if you're in 1st gear and keeping your foot of the gas. Love it (I'm in Midrand, you see -- home of the gridlock).

* My mechanic only sang praise of the motor, more reliable than the smaller sizes. Only thing that laaaaaater may become a problem is the power steering pump, but I don't know how statistically significant that statement was

Other than that, nothing really to add except the old saying from The Power of One, "First with your head, then with your heart" -- applies to boxing as well as shopping

 

[freerider]

http://www.kalahari.net/books/BMW-3...ation-Onwards-Petrol-HA4067/632/29709124.aspx

http://www.kalahari.net/books/BMW-3-Series-Automotive-Repair-Manual/632/29982324.aspx

:thumb: price has come down since I bought

 

[ruaangrobler]

Freerider, thanks boet.

Of all the places I've looked, never thought to check Kalahari...a slow moment for me then I suppose. haha

Is there a good reason to get both? - is one better than the other?

I really do want to start getting into this, so excuse my pandora's box of potentially retarded questions...and thanks

 

[freerider]

I have the 99-03 one and sometimes I cant find what I need. I actually need to buy the 99-05 which is the updated version.

 

[Ephraimramodike]

..... @ALL...

You guys are seriously making me jealous with your 6 cylingers. My 318i gets to around 8.0 - 8.5l /100km in and around town. Long trips does 6-7l.

But ask Taffs, I'm in love the V6 engine sound... Now you guys really got me thinking about getting one too....EISH!!!

Great feedback!!

 

[freerider]

..... @ALL...

You guys are seriously making me jealous with your 6 cylingers. My 318i gets to around 8.0 - 8.5l /100km in and around town. Long trips does 6-7l.

But ask Taffs, I'm in love the V6 engine sound... Now you guys really got me thinking about getting one too....EISH!!!

Great feedback!!

:hammerhead: Its an inline 6 (I6) not a V6

 

[ruaangrobler]

Ah, cool. Thanks Freerider...for the book thing...not for beating Ephraim in the head :lmoa:

Don't worry Ephraim, we all start somewhere. But it's important that you know the difference, since the Inline 6 layout is a huge, no wait...HUGE...part of the BMW heritage.