My first purchase. 330d.

[Blueskys]

Auto boxes these days are wear items, especially if it's connected to a big engine driven a bit faster than average. It's not hard to see that a powerful engine with a more aggressive tune than factory could easily have a negative impact on the auto box. I suppose if auto boxes cost not much more than brake pads then it wouldn't really matter but if you are counting pennies I'd definitely take heed of the potential for the box needing attention in the not so distant future.

 

[Kish2604]

Op.. Good advice will be to have the oil sample checked by zf before purchasing the car, if they say the oil is beyond service life and do not want to offer the service then back away from the deal, however if the oil sample turns out good then it's a great buy for a very decent price.

This forum has been blessed with many 330d putting out some phenomenal numbers and most of those owners crossed the 200k kms mark while being tuned without the car grenading...

The zf box in the E90 330d/335i was definitely a big step up form the GM boxes on the e46...

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[Gizmo]

Remove the aggressive software and have the gearbox checked out by ZF in Meadowdale because 720nm on an auto box is a time bomb.

How are you able to tell that the software is aggressive?

Stock they make 160kw and 480nm on the flywheel at sea level, this one is making 200kw and 720nm on the wheels at reef level. Isn't it obvious?

The OP did not state whether it's flywheel or wheel power, however even if it were wheel power, do you release that these cars come de-tuned from the factory for emissions purposes?

There are M57's making 230wkw+ with no reliability issues, there's certain parameters that tuners do not exceed. The box is rated to 700nm, 20nm isn't gonna fry it.....

FYI there are cars with extremely aggressive maps that make absolute crap power..... Maybe do some research into what constitutes an aggressive map before making a bold statement as you have



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Were you born yesterday?. Since when do xcede give you flywheel power figures on their dyno printout?
Sure the m57 is a strong motor, I know because I have one but the motor isn't the issue here so I don't know why you insist it is. It's the aggressive tune that is overpowering the gearbox. The gearbox is more than likely toast by now and that is a R35k bill at least, when they have to replace almost everything inside from guys killing them with torque then the bill goes up to 50k.
Pick up the phone and speak to one of the senior technicians there, they will confirm everything I'm saying.

Sing, you just admitted the gearbox limit is 700 and the motor makes more than that at the wheels. That is all we need to know the box will go bang sooner or later...You don't need a technical background to know this...its basic math.

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OP, take kish's advice and have the oil sampled before you buy the car. Zf repair bill gets mighty big when you over torque the gearbox...I know this from having zf up rate GM boxes for 330i swaps.

 

[S1NGH 911]

Remove the aggressive software and have the gearbox checked out by ZF in Meadowdale because 720nm on an auto box is a time bomb.

How are you able to tell that the software is aggressive?

Stock they make 160kw and 480nm on the flywheel at sea level, this one is making 200kw and 720nm on the wheels at reef level. Isn't it obvious?

The OP did not state whether it's flywheel or wheel power, however even if it were wheel power, do you release that these cars come de-tuned from the factory for emissions purposes?

There are M57's making 230wkw+ with no reliability issues, there's certain parameters that tuners do not exceed. The box is rated to 700nm, 20nm isn't gonna fry it.....

FYI there are cars with extremely aggressive maps that make absolute crap power..... Maybe do some research into what constitutes an aggressive map before making a bold statement as you have



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Were you born yesterday?. Since when do xcede give you flywheel power figures on their dyno printout?

Are you blind? Did the OP mention where the Dyno run was conducted?


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[Gizmo]

Ok, now I know you just trolling again. Get lost!

 

[Rayzor]

Congrats, 330d is an epic machine. As already advised, get the box checked out. But I wouldn't stress about the torque figures. There are a few over 700nm and still driving without issues.

 

[sash]

I see so much emphasis on the gearbox, which while is at risk, it is also important to note things like service history, what parts were replaced recently etc.

The gearbox might be perfectly fine, but a dampener pulley, suspension refresh, mounting replacements will set you back easily r20k for Oem parts, less for good replacements. If you can diy that's good, but labor could easily go above 10k.

My aim is not scare you away from the deal, but rather ask the right questions.

A badly serviced, modded car is a ticking time bomb.....one that was serviced at shorter intervals , necessary preventative maintenance done can run like a dream.

 

[billionairebum]

I just want to say thank you to everyone for your input. It really is extremely welcoming and informative.

Over the last 3 days I have spent a good 10 hours going over as many posts as I can find relating to the E90 in general including the 330d and the auto gearbox. I have created a list of the things that I recon may or may not need to be done. I understand that this particular vehicle may need at least an additional 10k thrown at it to make sure it is in 100% condition.

1: Gearbox Oil Service
2: Expansion Tank
3: Vibration Damper Pulley
4: Control Arm Bushes
5: Engine Mounts
6: Trailing arm bushes
7: Diff fluid replacement
8: Gearbox mounts
9: Brake Fluid Replacement
10: Power steering Fluid
11: MAF Clean
12: Battery possibly

I have looked around and it seems that the 330ds are rather scarce with lower milage in the E90 range. I feel that the price for the car, knowing that I will need to add a good 10k in, is still pretty good I think??

 

[tman]

I just want to say thank you to everyone for your input. It really is extremely welcoming and informative.

Over the last 3 days I have spent a good 10 hours going over as many posts as I can find relating to the E90 in general including the 330d and the auto gearbox. I have created a list of the things that I recon may or may not need to be done. I understand that this particular vehicle may need at least an additional 10k thrown at it to make sure it is in 100% condition.

1: Gearbox Oil Service
2: Expansion Tank
3: Vibration Damper Pulley
4: Control Arm Bushes
5: Engine Mounts
6: Trailing arm bushes
7: Diff fluid replacement
8: Gearbox mounts
9: Brake Fluid Replacement
10: Power steering Fluid
11: MAF Clean
12: Battery possibly

I have looked around and it seems that the 330ds are rather scarce with lower milage in the E90 range. I feel that the price for the car, knowing that I will need to add a good 10k in, is still pretty good I think??

One last thing, also get the shocks tested and measure the disk wear front and rear. At that mileage disks and shocks should have been replaced at least once.

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[Gizmo]

I'll be honest. 10k won't get far at all, it may just cover the service and one or two other small items but that's about it. I think you need to set yourself a bigger budget, looking at your list you will need close to 50k.

 

[shiven-zn]

Bro you considering buying a fantastic car...know that 1st. 2nd yes it's going to have some pros and cons... ie the huge smile on your face when u drive by some big cars on the highway :biglol:...and yes the chance that some major components may break. :smashScreen:

Please take all this in consideration before u buy.

If it was me.......I just buy that car :chef: lol I am a suckered for power lol .....

About the chance that something may break. ..:tiptoe:.....
Eish ...I will just press and pray :roflol::biglol:...that nothing breaks lol..

All the best bro

 

[billionairebum]

Thank you to everyone for your honest feedback.

UPDATE. So I went through and drove the car yesterday. It's F***** F***** F******ng fast. Too fast. Waaaaaaaay too fast. Drove beautifully when light on the throttle though.

Negatives
1:It will be on 180 000km by the time I buy it.
2: It is missing a few nice to haves ( Xenons, Auto Lights, Auto
Wipers probably a few things I am not aware of)
VIN:WBAVC96010ND38082 . (https://www.bmwvin.com/)
Positives
1: Sounds and looks it top top shape. Engine and gearbox feel great.
2: Brakes and Tyres and 80%.
3: Professional sound seems a bit better than business.
4: PDC front and rear. Spare wheel in boot.

I am not in a rush to buy a car which helps a lot. I guess I will have at least three months to make a decision.

 

[low_flyer]

Gizmo nailed this thread proper, R10k doesnt go far and GEAR BOX check it with ZF its a non negotiable.

PS they still drive beautifully into ZF offices before the load bang as they slap a R35k bill in front of you. i have mates that drive daily and have that attitude of my cars mint and then before they leave ZF its already on OLX

get it checked, power aint everything its alot of cash to waste while your burn more getting it back on the road.

 

[tman]

Gizmo nailed this thread proper, R10k doesnt go far and GEAR BOX check it with ZF its a non negotiable.

PS they still drive beautifully into ZF offices before the load bang as they slap a R35k bill in front of you. i have mates that drive daily and have that attitude of my cars mint and then before they leave ZF its already on OLX

get it checked, power aint everything its alot of cash to waste while your burn more getting it back on the road.

@OP its good that you are doing your homework. Keep it up, and make an informed decision, not an emotional one.

Take low_flyer's advice to heart, he has an 800nm+ 330d afterall :skit: