BMW and M Power Owners
- Thread starter panthro
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Oh that doesn't mean you won't find a good one, but they will be rare. And likely priced accordingly. A 330i Touring sounds like a nice place to be. I'd likely be tempted more by an F30. A 328i Touring although not NA, will likely be in much better condition overall. Look for one after February 2015 though when they fixed the N20's timing chain issue.
You're not going to like my first answer: I would go a bit newer and get an F30, personally. My F30 is great for going to the dump! In terms of emissions and maintainable electronics, the F series is pretty manageable with ISTA and ESYS.
However, if you really wanted an E series, the E91 are pretty good cars, albeit with some compromises in creature comforts versus the F30.
I couldn't recommend an E46 due to the same reason as MissChief - they rust like hell, especially the rear arches. The arches also rust on the inner first, then the outer. By the time you see the rust on the outside, the inside of the arch has had it. Full chop out and weld in new metal job once it gets to that stage. In terms of performance; my mate had an E46 330Ci Clubsport a few years ago and it honestly was quite dull. For a car with supposedly 231 HP, it barely moved.
The issue with E46 versus the E91/F30 is that yes, whilst you are receiving a more simplistic car in terms of construction and build; they are older and very much experiencing the issues that cars have when they get to that age.
You can take the oil cap off and actually get your finger under the slack of the chain, when they're about to go
but at least you can spot it, to some extent.You still have the HPFP, turbo, and cooling system to still fail, along with the bottom end bearings writing off crankshaft. It's an awful engine.
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330ci without a turbo might not have had the straightline power but it's linear controllable power with hydraulic steering in lighter vehicle in the corners,
(needs to be a manual of course)
downsides of high VED and low mpg though - I'd add the cost of a HG to an older 100K+ car - most expensive thing I needed in 20years.
(needs to be a manual of course)
downsides of high VED and low mpg though - I'd add the cost of a HG to an older 100K+ car - most expensive thing I needed in 20years.
Thanks for the confidence vote! I have this engine and it's been faultless so far!You can take the oil cap off and actually get your finger under the slack of the chain, when they're about to go
You still have the HPFP, turbo, and cooling system to still fail, along with the bottom end bearings writing off crankshaft. It's an awful engine.
Being the key words here...hope you have BMW insured warranty!
But I jest, I'm sure there are reports of engine failures but I'm sure these are few and far between else we'd have heard more about it already, given that these engines are not new to the market. I wouldn't be too worried tbh.
Every car with hardly any oomph is controllable. That doesn't make it good. It was honestly a mediocre car at best. He switched to a 320d E92 after that which was leagues ahead.
I do, and I'm not. I change the oil yearly rather than waiting for the idrive to tell me. Mine is a September 2015 car. Revisions to the engine in Feb 2015 resolved most of the issues I believe as I did look into it before buying.Being the key words here...hope you have BMW insured warranty!
But I jest, I'm sure there are reports of engine failures but I'm sure these are few and far between else we'd have heard more about it already, given that these engines are not new to the market. I wouldn't be too worried tbh.
![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
A subscription to use a subscription
What a joke.
Is your mobile phone tariff free of charge?
The subscription covers, among other things, the cost of the mobile data connection to the car. Why would you expect to be provided with unlimited mobile data for nothing?
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The only thing a 320d did better than a 330i was use less fuel. It was inferior in every other respect. The E46 330i was an excellent car in its day and was easily quick enough for what it was.
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This wasn't during "its day" - this was a few years ago. Its day had long passed. It was a mediocre car at best. Times have changed and things have progresed. It, too, had the rusted rear arches.
The E92 was much nicer on the inside and was completely rust free. It's still rust free to this day - my other mate bought the car and still has it. I agree on the engine point of purely diesel versus petrol - petrol is better.
Great during its day or not, the reality is that it wouldn't be a great car to buy today (unless it has been meticulously cared for) based on Hades original question.
I reckon your mates E46 had a problem with it, which plenty of them do, poor maintenance and they will run sluggish.
I have a 330 Clubsport and it shifts for what it is and is still a great car for its age, I would choose it everyday over a 320D
But them being rust buckets is correct
I have a 330 Clubsport and it shifts for what it is and is still a great car for its age, I would choose it everyday over a 320D
But them being rust buckets is correct
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I remember how disappointed I was with the performance of my 330ci sport, back in 2002. But then I had just come from an E36 M3 Evo. I loved that car, but the E46 was an improvement across the board - apart from the steering wheel thickness, it felt too chunky after the E36. I chopped the 330 in after less than 6 months for a Mitsubishi Evo 8. Got all the performance I craved for and more, but it was a little bit like sitting in a bin liner in comparison 
Associate
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Anyone here moved from an M140i to a G20 330i?
Love the M140i but fancy something with a bit more space, also the suspension is just awful on our roads, it's so harsh and bouncy, especially where I live. I've not been out in a G20 yet but hoping it's not the same story on one with passive suspension, or are adaptive dampers the only way to go?
Love the M140i but fancy something with a bit more space, also the suspension is just awful on our roads, it's so harsh and bouncy, especially where I live. I've not been out in a G20 yet but hoping it's not the same story on one with passive suspension, or are adaptive dampers the only way to go?
My dad's 330i is fine on steel springs and 18" wheels. He's never complained about the ride, and I can't say it's particularly uncomfortable. He has the 'Sport' trim though, not M Sport.
Soldato
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Passive dampers on G20s are much more sophisticated than any generation of 3 series before - they’re very good on the standard 18 inch wheels when paired with non run-flats.
The adaptive dampers are still a step above, though, and would be my choice, given they’re paired with the upgraded brakes too, which offer better brake pedal feel.
The adaptive dampers are still a step above, though, and would be my choice, given they’re paired with the upgraded brakes too, which offer better brake pedal feel.