e46 330i - Important decision

[XMAX]

Hi all

ive seen a few 330i's going for a decent price (R100k), and im actually considering trading in my 318i to get one, but i need to make sure that its the right decision.

i have 2 important questions.

The most important - Economy

i know that this is a 170kw 6 cylinder monster. im sure that id love this fact.

But what kind of economy can be expected from this car. i would be using daily to work and back (city driving). and do some long distance runs over the weekends (trips to durbs).


Next question - Reliability

how reliable are the 330i's after say 170 000km. I dont want to buy this car then have to pay more than the purchase price on repairs.

Sure i will have a warranty on it, but thats beside the point.

 

[Sankekur]

Economy is pretty good but won't be as good as your 318i, but it won't be much higher than the 318's.
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) The extra you pay is worth it trust me, one you press the accelerator into the carpet you won't care anymore.

I don't have much experience with it at higher mileages but it seems to be the predominant opinion that BMW 6 cylinder engines are rock solid if well looked after.

My opinion is get a 330i

 

[Legacy]

As to the first question, this is mr_arbee's 330i's economy:

As to reliability I have a E46 318i and its reliable but not great and everyone I know with 330i's have had less problems with their cars than I have had on mine.

 

[naushad]

everyones scared of the bigger motors, believe me if u find a gud 1 with books, just take it over and maintain it, it will last a long time!!!

 

[freerider]

they are piss easy to maintain and work on, i bought a heynes manual for my 6cylinder and do all my own work, except the oil services because i maintain a fsh with legit stamps. I've even had my vanos off to do new seals.

Just check the cars history with bmw, if there is no extensive motorplan claims its probably a good one. Just make very sure that it had all its services on time.

the 320 325 and 330 are pretty even when it comes to consumption, i drive with a rather heavy foot and in town i do a constant 11l per 100km, open road i do between 7and 8l per 100km

 

[andrewbuch]

I feel the 6 cyl are more fuel efficient that the 4cyl as it comes down to power to weight..

I get about 10l/100 in town (Access test menu 5 as I dont have on board computer) but got 7l/100km on the hiway trip to the dastek dyno day, our 2004 318i gets about 11 to 12 km/l in normal driving as its a auto but got 7.5l/100km Average from JHB & week in durban & back to JHB..

Think Gizmo said his average is about 9l/100 in his 330i

 

[XMAX]

thanks for the reply guys.

im currently looking at 2 cars. both in capetown. both have 170k mileage.

form the responses, the 330i seems like it might be a good idea to buy.

just waiting for the dealers to call me back.

 

[Taffs]

Id agree with all the comments here, my 320 averages bout 9.0L but drops with the occasional long distance drives plus you will just simply fall in love with the sound of a 330i.
GO FOR IT!!! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[Sankekur]

Agreed the sound of the 330i is awesome, especially the low end growl, ohh just thinking about it now makes me feel all warm and fuzzy :clap:

 

[freerider]

Id agree with all the comments here, my 320 averages bout 9.0L but drops with the occasional long distance drives plus you will just simply fall in love with the sound of a 330i.
GO FOR IT!!! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

amazing, my friend used my car for a week a while back, and he had teh consumption at 9.2/100, I only see that when I'm on the open road, and NEVER in and around town.

 

[freerider]

thanks for the reply guys.

im currently looking at 2 cars. both in capetown. both have 170k mileage.

form the responses, the 330i seems like it might be a good idea to buy.

just waiting for the dealers to call me back.

If you need someone to test drive and take loads of pics for you, just shout.

 

[Kisho135i]

330i is a lovely car. Good idea, wont regret. Just make sure you buy 1 in good condition.

 

[Taffs]

Id agree with all the comments here, my 320 averages bout 9.0L but drops with the occasional long distance drives plus you will just simply fall in love with the sound of a 330i.
GO FOR IT!!! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

amazing, my friend used my car for a week a while back, and he had teh consumption at 9.2/100, I only see that when I'm on the open road, and NEVER in and around town.

All depends on how you drive, my consumption gauge is always below 10l when im driving, i try an keep it that way so roughly i get about 9.0, once i press it i notice after a while that it averages about 10L....My car has only 106000 on the clock, not too sure if mileage could affect this also....

 

[freerider]

I've had mine since 73k kms on the clock, it now has 139k, and the consumption has been very stable over this period. I think its just my driving style.

 

[Taffs]

I've had mine since 73k kms on the clock, it now has 139k, and the consumption has been very stable over this period. I think its just my driving style.

BTW, my car is Steptronic....not (Step no tronic) lmao, still remember that thread, funny.
+1, def the driving style.

 

[peanuts]

330i.... Dont even think twice...

Just buy it.

 

[XMAX]

@Freerider - thanks for the offer. I will definitely take you up on it if the deal seems good. + im also looking for a steptronic (also not a step no tronic). i dont want a manual, cos i feel the steptronic is better (my opinion)

@Taffs - thanks for the feedback. + it was a pleasure meeting you. hope you get the mag fixed.

@Kisho. thanks bud. i will be very careful when choosing my car. i currently have a very nice 318i, and im not willing to move backwards just for a lil extra power

 

[Taffs]

Np Xmax,

Although 330i is the best and top of the range but what bout a 325i Individual/Sportpack. When i was shopping around it was almost impossible to get a 325i Ind, they are scarce. Hows the power on a 325i?

 

[Arbee]

My Brother in law had a prefacelift 330 individual, he sold the car at 330 000km. The guy who bought the car is a rep and travels to CT once a month for business, being a rep, he needs a car so he drives from DBN to CT and back on a monthly basis.

The car had its services when the was due, all common faults where repaired when they wore out, eg: Water pump, steering pump, expansion bottle.

It depends on you, if you look after the car it will look after you.

Edit to add: Just chatted to Bru in law, the guy who bought the car has just clocked 400 000km and the car is still going strong.

 

[Sankekur]

Around 140kW power and 250Nm torque I think. (for the 325i)