The list just keeps growing!

Deleted User 234324

Deleted User 234324

Deleted User 234324

Permabanned
Joined
25 Oct 2004
Posts
9,078
The list just keeps growing! 330ci probs

Had my E46 330 Convertible now for just over 2 months and well the list of issues keeps growing.

So far the work that needs doing/been done

1: Thermostat
2: Vanos seals
3: Front Control Arm Bushes
4: Idle Control Valve
5: Intake Adjusting Unit

And to top that off, its burning oil, ~1 litre per 500 miles. Thinking of doilg a complete oil change, any recommendations on oil to use, put Castrol Edge 5w30 in it prior to the 500 miles done last week.
 
Last edited:
So that's why it was so cheap...

Unlucky. Although you could probably sell it without losing very much if you were so inclined.
 
No, but you might be able to find one without issues :p
The oil usage will start to annoy you very soon I suspect.
 
MadMossy said:
Have actually considered it but there's nothing else worth going for other than a 5 series but that would be no better than what I have i reckon.
Click to expand...

The 5 (an e39 for example) imo is a far better car than an e46.

As said, unlucky, sell it on whilst its still summer.
 
Dont really like the look of the E39's, E60's are what I prefer but in the price range I'd be looking at the problems will be the same if not worse.

Most of the work is done, and i've done some of it myself, so atleast I know its unlikely to go wrong again.
 
It all sounds like general wear and tear/failures that an older complicate car might bring, but the oil consumption seems massive. Is that normal for these engines?
 
Every single issue you've mentioned are pretty much common things, which is why I decided against spending nearly £10,000 on a 330ci after doing around about an hours reading.
 
I dont know why people think you can buy a 7+ year old BMW and expect it to run totally flawlessly and be as reliable as a brand new one. There is a catch with everything in life, the catch here is that just because you can afford the purchase price doesnt mean the cost stops there.
 
MadMossy said:
Had my E46 330 Convertible now for just over 2 months and well the list of issues keeps growing.

So far the work that needs doing/been done

1: Thermostat
2: Vanos seals
3: Front Control Arm Bushes
4: Idle Control Valve
5: Intake Adjusting Unit

And to top that off, its burning oil, ~1 litre per 500 miles. Thinking of doilg a complete oil change, any recommendations on oil to use, put Castrol Edge 5w30 in it prior to the 500 miles done last week.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the club! ...although I'm leaving it in a few days.

Sounds like you're having as much fun as I was/am there, although hopefully you don't have any nastier more difficult engine issues or gearbox problems to contend with. However, the burning so much oil part has me concerned.

It's all most likely just the culmination of a lack of regular and pre-emptive maintenance by the previous owner/s ...and now you're the one picking up the bills.

My 540i has some issues but doesn't burn oil. Not too sure what you can do about that. Maybe you've got worn piston rings or something.

I know what it's like to buy a car and just get a slew of issues thrown at you. It's not so much of a problem if they come steadily overtime and with some warning but when you get a load at once on a car you've so recently acquired it's pretty unpleasant and disheartening I know. You better figure out weather it's worth persisting or weather you should get rid of it quickly. Most of the stuff you mention is quite readily addressable on the M54 ...but that oil consumption may prove to be rather more difficult and expensive to sort.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom