SanM
///Member
This is my first showroom post and hopefully not the last haha.
I've always been a secret admirer of the 330d, ever since a young boy when my uncle took me for a drive in his e46 330d. Back then, my only recollection was wondering why I was being surged into my seat the whole time during that drive; it felt like a roller coaster.
Fast forward a few years , ok quite a few years, and I've been blessed to own a fair share of cars in the forms of hatchbacks, hot hatches, m135i's (still one of my all time favourites) and recently my first responsible vehicle, the X3 (well, actually my wfies car now!).
After selling my wife's Mini (also an amazing car in its own right) and downscaling to one vehicle since lockdown (working from home), and subsequently since being notified that I'll be returning to work in a few months, I've been looking for a fun, reliable and good value vehicle.
After speaking with Llew and the Botha bro's (Ferdi and Schalk), I had an idea of what I should be looking at. It came down to a Z4, m135i (manual), Civic Type R and a 330d. After further introspection and a few test drives, I knew it could only be one vehicle, which best fitted the opportunity that became available.
The search for the 330d lci heightened. I can appreciate why these cars, in decent condition and spec, are so hard to obtain. There were literally only a handful around in the last 2 months, which were in a good condition, spec and respectable mileage. These cars can seem overpriced, but, if they've been serviced and cared for by meticulous owners, it's worth it. Hence, more important than mileage and price, I was looking for a car that had exceptional service history.
After many guys messing me around, I eventually found a good example, which was well looked after and had the spec which I liked. When test driving the car, I knew within the first 10 seconds that this was it.
Presenting my 2011 E90 330d lci, in space grey. It's an msport auto, with 164000km at time of purchase. It's got front and rear PDC, electric seats, pro navigation and a sunroof.
I would've appreciated Bluetooth music, and foldable rear seats, but can manage without those. The car is stock, currently
The drive is supreme. It's so smooth and pulls very nicely. There's not much turbo lag at all, and you get that initial jerk when just tapping the throttle which I love. I also like that there's no comfort, eco pro, sport modes etc. The vehicle drives as it's meant to be, all the time.
I was hoping to take her out on her first road trip to Clarens this past weekend, but I couldn't find a space saver tyre in time (the car has non runflats). I ended up using the X3, which I'm glad I did, in hindsight and which was a treat.
Anyway, here are a few initial pics. Will post a few more picturesque ones when she's cleaned up properly (rained the first day I got her haha).
A heartfelt thanks to the Botha bro's (Ferdi and Schalk) who have been really helpful to me, at all times of the day , in making this decision. They own 330d's themselves and were able to help me avoid some lemons and passed on advice regarding maintenance and spec. Seeing that whatsapp video of Ferdi's 330d annihilate an M4 inspired me and helped me make up my mind even faster!
Special thanks to Llew for also providing me with guidance and help; I still have my eye on that Type R (even more rare to find!), which hopefully will be next, bru
View attachment 3
View attachment 4
View attachment 9
View attachment 5
View attachment 6
I've always been a secret admirer of the 330d, ever since a young boy when my uncle took me for a drive in his e46 330d. Back then, my only recollection was wondering why I was being surged into my seat the whole time during that drive; it felt like a roller coaster.
Fast forward a few years , ok quite a few years, and I've been blessed to own a fair share of cars in the forms of hatchbacks, hot hatches, m135i's (still one of my all time favourites) and recently my first responsible vehicle, the X3 (well, actually my wfies car now!).
After selling my wife's Mini (also an amazing car in its own right) and downscaling to one vehicle since lockdown (working from home), and subsequently since being notified that I'll be returning to work in a few months, I've been looking for a fun, reliable and good value vehicle.
After speaking with Llew and the Botha bro's (Ferdi and Schalk), I had an idea of what I should be looking at. It came down to a Z4, m135i (manual), Civic Type R and a 330d. After further introspection and a few test drives, I knew it could only be one vehicle, which best fitted the opportunity that became available.
The search for the 330d lci heightened. I can appreciate why these cars, in decent condition and spec, are so hard to obtain. There were literally only a handful around in the last 2 months, which were in a good condition, spec and respectable mileage. These cars can seem overpriced, but, if they've been serviced and cared for by meticulous owners, it's worth it. Hence, more important than mileage and price, I was looking for a car that had exceptional service history.
After many guys messing me around, I eventually found a good example, which was well looked after and had the spec which I liked. When test driving the car, I knew within the first 10 seconds that this was it.
Presenting my 2011 E90 330d lci, in space grey. It's an msport auto, with 164000km at time of purchase. It's got front and rear PDC, electric seats, pro navigation and a sunroof.
I would've appreciated Bluetooth music, and foldable rear seats, but can manage without those. The car is stock, currently
The drive is supreme. It's so smooth and pulls very nicely. There's not much turbo lag at all, and you get that initial jerk when just tapping the throttle which I love. I also like that there's no comfort, eco pro, sport modes etc. The vehicle drives as it's meant to be, all the time.
I was hoping to take her out on her first road trip to Clarens this past weekend, but I couldn't find a space saver tyre in time (the car has non runflats). I ended up using the X3, which I'm glad I did, in hindsight and which was a treat.
Anyway, here are a few initial pics. Will post a few more picturesque ones when she's cleaned up properly (rained the first day I got her haha).
A heartfelt thanks to the Botha bro's (Ferdi and Schalk) who have been really helpful to me, at all times of the day , in making this decision. They own 330d's themselves and were able to help me avoid some lemons and passed on advice regarding maintenance and spec. Seeing that whatsapp video of Ferdi's 330d annihilate an M4 inspired me and helped me make up my mind even faster!
Special thanks to Llew for also providing me with guidance and help; I still have my eye on that Type R (even more rare to find!), which hopefully will be next, bru
View attachment 3
View attachment 4
View attachment 9
View attachment 5
View attachment 6
