BMW 3-Series E46 (1998 - 2005) - buying e46 330d sport

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Sun 17 Feb 2008 14:19
buying e46 330d sport - volcane
My current car has died (see thirst for coolant on technical) and need a new (to me) car.

I have always wanted a 330d (see post over two years old) and am taking this opportunity to get one (03,04 e46 204bhp sport with some spec). Am I mad?? newer cars don't seem to have a feeling of quality anymore eg 1 year old jetta sport 140 tdi feels much inferior to swmbo 05 Bora 130 highline, standard spec levels aren't great there seems to be evidence of cost cutting that can be seen, so maybe plenty where you can't see it?

The e46 330d got nothing but praise at the time so it still has to be a good car??

do I take the plunge???? what should I watch out for??
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Sun 17 Feb 2008 14:49
buying e46 330d sport - gordonbennet
Go on get one, RWD handling for pleasure and safety, very tough rust resistant body, well made.

Immense and efforless power, get an auto and enjoy.

Not a lot goes wrong that i'm aware of, (320td in the family), do check the front suspension well, the bushes can become soggy leading to spongy steering, but its an easy repair at a good indy.

The only other problem is that they do have a similar plastic inlet manifold to the 320td, and they have been known to split and deposit the manifold flaps into the engine with disastrous results, have a browse on BMWland for this problem (its rare though).

Also turbo's can fail (i'm sticking my head up again and wondering if these stupid over long oil change intervals could have a bearing..no pun intended)

Check to see whether the suspension is maybe too hard for you (it is for me in the compact).

Oh and two other things, the headlamp flasher may be worn out due to overuse, and the indicator stalk may be siezed up, not for the same reason, tee hee.

Bet if you get an auto one of these, you'll never go back to a manual.

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Sun 17 Feb 2008 15:25
buying e46 330d sport - Pugugly {P}
I am totally biased. After the E39 530d probably the best car in this price range. Turbo problems and manifold issues tend to be with the 320d. Get one with a history - BMW or a specialist indie. Get yourself a third party warranty (Warranty Direct I would suggest). Enjoy it. I loved my manual E46.
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Sun 17 Feb 2008 18:07
buying e46 330d sport - frazerjp
Something to be put in mind, if it's an automatic, it'll be 25% thirstier then the manual version, despite the auto being easier to drive due to snapping torque at 1st gear.
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Sun 17 Feb 2008 18:23
buying e46 330d sport - Pugugly {P}
On that subject you should easily get 40mpg + in a manual (driven with some restraint)
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