BMW E46 330i

Jays72T · 02-28-2010, 11:06 PM

Been looking for a new DD and seriously looking at a 2001 330i 5spd w/ sport package, 73,000 mi. records, etc.. I've been reading the forums but would like to hear any stories or insights you might have.

Thanks,

Tim Hancock · 03-01-2010, 03:52 AM

I bought an '03 330i Sport 5 speed 1 1/2 years ago for my wife and it had similar mileage on it. It has been trouble free thus far. It is noticably quicker than my old 305k '92 325i daily driver. I hope it proves to be as trouble free.

Halm · 03-01-2010, 04:13 AM

We have an '04 330i, auto, now with 80k. Excellent car. Trouble free. If you are going to have a problem it will be with either the water pump or the cooing expansion tank, so just monitor those.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Depends on whether you get auto or manual. BMW says their tranny fluid is lifetime, which is total BS. Problem is that it will go on the original fluid for at least as long as your CPO warranty is good for and, after about 60k miles, the consensus is that it's better to not mess with it anymore. Of course, if you do change it, it could void the CPO warranty. I didn't haven any problems with mine and it was a great car. Kinda happy I got rid of it at 88k miles with a few mos. of CPO warranty left.

Rot 911 · 03-01-2010, 05:15 AM

Have a PPI done to make sure it doesn't have a cracked rear sub frame. 80K miles is also about time to rebuild the cooling system: expansion tank, water pump, thermostat and hoses. I did mine on a Saturday morning. Took about 3 hours start to finish and cost around $250. Other than window regulators (easy and cheap fix) not much else to worry about. If you buy it let me know. I have a Bentley manual I'd be willing to sell you.

David · David's Garage

Front suspension bushings, rear wheel bearings, and window regulators, otherwise they were a good model.

Nine17 · Nine17's Garage

My 2004 E46 325i 5-speed Sport Package has had 101K mostly trouble-free miles. The mid-cycle (cat-eye) cars took care of the window-regulator problem and the rear-subframe issue is known and mainly on abused cars. I had a bad LF wheel bearing; the knob on the head-unit failed; Starbucks shorted the door lock console switch. That's about it. The ATF issue is well-known, but you probably want a manual anyway. The 330i has some real cojones but you might consider a 325i. The manual tranny car has a different final drive than the Steptronic 330i's and is actually a pretty quick and slick little ride.

Edit: Duh, just had front thrust bushings done as well.

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

my 2000 had a SRS light the dealer couldn't shut off. Suspension bushings all kinds of things were goofy on that car.

I wasn't sad to see it go.

rjp

matthew-s · matthew-s's Garage

I own pretty much the exact same car you are looking at (same mileage too). I've owned mine since 2003. Mine is manual, I'm not sure if you are looking at AT or Manual. I think it's an amazing car.

I can't add much to what others have said. I did the window regulators, front control arm bushings, brakes, fluid changes myself. The only issue I had with it was a blown water pump ~60k miles. That one surprised me - it was on my to-do list, but I did not expect it to go at 60k.

I don't believe I have any issues with my rear-sub frame, but I'll be looking at mine more closely this spring when the weather is better (and when I replace my rear shocks, which are blown).

It is a very easy car to work on, and there is quite a bit of DIY info out there on them (some of which you need to take with a grain of salt - just keep in mind the source).

It makes me a little sad that they sell for so little now. There are pretty good deals to be had, I would think.

I guess I can't let that bother me. I've taken very good care of mine - that said, I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off - which to be honest, I don't see happening for a LONG time (fingers crossed).

Matt.

Jays72T · 03-01-2010, 09:58 PM

Wow Tim, 305k miles on the e36!! I hope the same from my next car.

I know about the rear subframe issue and it looks like BMW is covering it until 09/10 but only if it's cracked, they wouldn't do anything to preventive. Tuner offers a good kit to fix this and I think it's better then the factory but you have to do it or have it done.

Good info about the DIY cooling system rebuild and if I get car I'll take you up on the Bentley, thanks Kurt.

I plan to make an offer tomorrow, so we'll see how it goes.

Thanks.

Carrerax · 03-02-2010, 03:50 AM

FYI, I bought a 330i as a DD last month. got a smoking deal. 2001 black/black 5 speed, sport , premium. 3 owner clean title. 83k miles. The body is 9 out of 10 and so is the interior. clean carfax with all original paint. Brand new tires and front brakes. I got it for $8750. Have to travel 10 hours to get it though. Smoking deals are out there.

mattdavis11 · 03-02-2010, 04:08 AM

I'll echo what others have said and add to the list the sensor on the oil pan. I've worked on enough 330's to know I don't want one. They are fun to drive though.

Carrerax · 03-02-2010, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattdavis11

I'll echo what others have said and add to the list the sensor on the oil pan. I've worked on enough 330's to know I don't want one. They are fun to drive though.

Mine does need that sensor. Im planning on doing it next oil change. The cars are really easy to work on if you are mechanically inclined. Great fun for the $ IMHO.

Monza_dh · Monza_dh's Garage

Like the others, I have the same car and love it. I have an '02 Sedan manual, sport with factory 18's. I also have a Dinan stage 3 (chip, throttle body, CAI, SS exhaust) setup which make the car much livelier and responsive. I bought it used 5 years ago and just hit 102K on it.

I've been thru a few sets of tires, pads, rotors, and front control arm bushings, fixed two window regulators with the plastic clips and have done eveything else myself (I alos need th eoil pan sensor). I also replaced shocks and rear bushings recently and the car drives great. I think the car is solid as a rock and is a great all around DD. You cant go wrong espcially at the pricepoint they are selling for now.

Good site: e46fanatics.com

Tim Hancock · 03-03-2010, 03:24 AM

What is this oil pan sensor being mentioned?

mattdavis11 · 03-03-2010, 04:04 AM

There is a sensor attached to the bottom side of the oil pan, it measures critical levels I guess. Anyway, when it fails the idiot light stays on. Another problem I've dealt with is the neutral safety switch, or the clutch pedal sensor (whatever it's called) they fail and it won't crank. Jumper the switch when it happens, if you don't want to get towed home.

Jays72T · 03-09-2010, 09:06 PM

Quick update: I picked up the car tonight and it's a blast. Will post some pics tomorrow.