3 Series questions.

Herminator

Herminator

Herminator

Associate
Joined
27 Jan 2005
Posts
790
Location
Newcastle
I'm looking into buying a car in the next few weeks and top of my list is a BMW 3 series, around 2003-2004 but I'm still undicided on what model exactly. It will probably come down to availability and spec but it would be nice to get an idea of running costs and potential problems. I'll be spending around 13k.

330d Sport was originaly the top of my list, from what I can tell it has slightly fewer problems than the 320d but it's not much thirstier. A coupe version would be nice but seems to have a high premium with the 3 litre engine and so it's out of my price range. The swirl valve problem on the diesels worries me a little, is it a big enough reason to avoid them all together?

Looking at fuel costs even though I'll be doing about 20k miles a year, there's not a huge rise in the amount I'd spend on a petrol over a diesel. With mostly motorway miles I'm guessing 35mpg in a 330i is doable and 45mpg in a 330d.... is this remotely accurate?
If so I worked out the difference is about £450 for a year in the petrol but it could be about £1.5k less to buy a petrol version 330 in the first place. Although there's the extra road tax to add for the petrol too.

A 330ci does appear to be available around my budget. I would want a facelift model, Sport version too. Failing that a saloon version would be ok with a good spec and can possibly be had for 1-2k less.

What are the servicing cost differences between the diesels and petrols? And servicing intervals?

I'll be favouring an automatic, if that makes any difference. I'd also have to have leather and as mentioned previously Sports spec.

Is there anything to look out for?

I'll also be considering an Alfa Romeo GT 1.9JTD - Alfa reliability reputation puts me off,
2006-07 Seat Leon TDI (preferably with DSG) a little dissapointed by the dull interior,
Possibly an Audi A4 or A3, would like a little more power from their TDI engines

I'll test drive all of these cars probably but the BMW's are my favourites at the moment. I've even considered the Z4 but insurance quotes were around £1600 for a 25 year old with 3 years no claims, which is more than I think is sensible to pay.

Edit- Almost forgot, what year did each of the 3 series models get a facelift? The coupe's seem easy to spot, very obvious exterior changes, but the saloons I'm not so sure on. Some seem to have Sat nav on the lower portion of the center console, yet others have in the the middle of the center console, is this part of the facelift/engine changes? or a later upgrade?
 
Last edited:
Not got much time but:

- No swirl flap issue on the 184bhp 330d manuals.
- 45mpg is doable on a motorway with the 330d.
- Servicing costs the same on both, around 13-15k miles.
- 330cd commands a big premium - not only are they the most desirable e46, but they are also all fairly new (launched in 2003).
- Saloon offers much better value for money if you like the look of them.
 
Saloon facelifted October 2001. Coupe facelifted mid 2003.

330Ci Sport introduced mid 2001. 330Cd Sport not until late 2003.

330d and 330i Sport both available throughout facelift Saloon range.

330i is faster but more thirsty. 330d is more economical but more technically complex with greater scope for large repair bills.

Two types of nav - Business and Professional. Business is crap, Professional has a 16:9 Widescreen monitor.
 
In 2003 the 330d was boosted to 204bhp. All facelift Coupes have a 204bhp engine. Got a 6 speed box as well.

330i remained at 231bhp throughout its production life.
 
Drive a 330i and 330d and go with the one your prefer. You can't really go wrong with either and they should all be reliable in the main and it really comes down to what you prefer in a car. My preference would be the pretrol but I have friends who felt the diesel was much better, so each to their own.
 
Well I'm favouring the diesel, as long as I can get a good spec 330d Sport in a colour combo I like. Of course driving one will tell me more. For the past few years I've been driving a TDI Polo and quite like diesel power, but it's been a long time since I've driven a decent petrol (only a couple of lazy engined American rentals)

Remapping is always tempting but then I'd rather have more chance of BMW support with a standard map, if the swirl flaps decide to visit the engine internals.

With the 330d getting more power in 2003, is there an easy way to tell with the automatics? Is a 03 or 53 car sure to have the 204hp engine and a 52 reg the older spec? or is there a less clear cut period of change?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom