Moving from BMW E46 Manual to E46 Auto

Over Clocker

Over Clocker

Over Clocker

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Hi guys, I currently have a BMW 320i manual, and due to a long running back problem, I am thinking about getting an automatic now to make my life easier and put less pressure on my back.

I love the E46, and am tempted to go for a 330i auto.

I have seen one, 2003 plate, 330i sport, auto box, sat nav, cream interior and dark blue exterior and am quite tempted.

First question, am I better off part exchanging or selling my car and then buying another one?

Second question, what is the 330i automatic like, or what is the E46 auto box like in general. I hate slow gear changes etc!

Any other advise?!

Cheers,

Mal
 
I liked mine, was perfectly acceptable for both long distance and having a wee hoon.

D is as you would expect, dull moslty.

S was more fun of course and you could then slam it up and down and it changed perfectly fine and seemed good enough.

I added a CSL flappy paddle steering wheel to mine and that obviously allows u to make the changes on the wheel which brought some more added fun to the mix. Dead easy to do its just sourcing the wheel thats the issue as sometimes expensive but i got an ebay bargain at the time. You also need an M3 flappy paddle slip ring to go on.
 
but does need some small cosmetic work and is due a service hence giveaway price
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So its a shed and it's due a service, whats the betting it needs an Inspection II with discs and pads all round and no change from £1k.

Why do you want to buy one from somebody who damaged it and cba to fix it?

Buy a lovely example from a really nice chap.

If it was small cosmetic work and a minor service he'd do it prior to sell and get proper money for it.
 
[TW]Fox;14720346 said:
So its a shed and it's due a service, whats the betting it needs an Inspection II with discs and pads all round and no change from £1k.

Why do you want to buy one from somebody who damaged it and cba to fix it?

Buy a lovely example from a really nice chap.

If it was small cosmetic work and a minor service he'd do it prior to sell and get proper money for it.
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Good point, I didn't really think about it like that, cheers mate.

I need to see a few cars, not sure if I prefer black interior or cream!
 
Over Clocker said:
I could go for a 2002/3 model 530i sport but can't decide whether I think the shape is dated or not!!
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It does look dated but not in a gash way, they are a fairly classic design IMO so will continue to look good for a fair few years yet.

They do need to be in sport trim for me though.
 
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Over Clocker said:
I could go for a 2002/3 model 530i sport but can't decide whether I think the shape is dated or not!!
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E46 is hardy super fresh anymore as it lacks BMW signature features like CELIS LED lighting and Angel Eyes, so in that regard it probably makes little difference. Neither look like brand new BMW's anymore.
 
Wolfchild said:
I liked mine, was perfectly acceptable for both long distance and having a wee hoon.

D is as you would expect, dull moslty.

S was more fun of course and you could then slam it up and down and it changed perfectly fine and seemed good enough.

I added a CSL flappy paddle steering wheel to mine and that obviously allows u to make the changes on the wheel which brought some more added fun to the mix. Dead easy to do its just sourcing the wheel thats the issue as sometimes expensive but i got an ebay bargain at the time. You also need an M3 flappy paddle slip ring to go on.
Click to expand...

Sorry OT but does the slip ring + CSL flappy-flaps (:D) = the same end result as a 330i with paddles from the factory or is there an advantage to custom installing a CSL paddle wheel and ring?

Be interesting to know ta!
 
mrk said:
Sorry OT but does the slip ring + CSL flappy-flaps (:D) = the same end result as a 330i with paddles from the factory or is there an advantage to custom installing a CSL paddle wheel and ring?
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A 330i with paddles from the factor has an SSG gearbox. This is the sort of thing you should avoid in the same way you'd avoid parking an S55 AMG with its keys in the ignition in Birmingham at night.

Adding paddles to a Steptronic 330i simply allows you to use the steptronic function from the wheel rather than the shifter.
 
I see, so this is what all those American guys have been doing to their 325s and 330s when they mention "paddle shifter mods" on e46fanatics.

Looking on piston heads there seems to be very very little in terms of "decent" 330i cars too which is a shame, they're all crap colour combos or crap condition or just plain dodgy.
 
The paddle shift mod is exactly what I just explained - replace the wheel for a CSL one and a little bit of wiring allows the paddles to work the Steptronic box.
 
I'd imagine the alcantara one would get rather damp if you your hands are wet/sweaty too :O
 
my neighbour had a 330i auto , fuel consumption was awful, loads worse than my M3 that I had at the time

other than that it seemed a nice car
 
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