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[axton.marinschek330i]

Hi guys, I've got a 01 330i e46 auto, it needs small patches and cleaning but is a great car, the one came to me and said he wanted an autobox car, he has a 03 320i manual that is spotless and he is willing to do a straight swap for my 330. Can you guys give me your opinion on this, because I love the grunt of the 330 but hate the problems of the autobox, and it's a gas gusler. I would love to know if this would be a lost or an investment. Thanks

 

[Gizmo]

Drive the 320i and then make your decision.

 

[mubeend]

I honestly wouldn't recommend the the 320i 6 cyl in manual ... that engine prefers the auto box due to it having a rather high power curve.

Fuel consumption can't be hugely different in regular driving.

From my experience , BMW auto boxes are really reliable. ..but obviously a pain if something does happen to give way.

 

[Maljan]

The '03 320i is actually a 2.2 liter and makes decent power, quite a nice car. However, the 330i has a lot more power and the difference in fuel economy between the two engines isn't very big. The manual might help in this regard. You will do a lot of shifting to keep the 2.2 moving along in the manner that you are accustomed to. Take it for a spin and then decide. Or change the oil in your autobox and keep it.

 

[Jamaine]

I have had both cars and both are awesome to drive. it all depends on what you want something cheaper to maintain (320i slightly) or something better to enjoy (330i) as for consumption 320i is lighter specially a manual but as Gizmo and Maljan said drive it and then decide. :coolShake:

 

[axton.marinschek330i]

Thanks guys, I think I should keep the 330 because my love for it is to strong for a downgrade, and I have like type of a daily car I use to go to near places, and my BMW I use when I wanna have some fun, but if there's not a big deference in the fuel consumption, I'll rather not swap it.

 

[Straight six]

Keep your car....

You have one of the best motors this company has ever built...Ever