330ci vs 330 ci sport?

330ci vs 330 ci sport?

Author
Discussion

pimpster

Original Poster:

148 posts

225 months

Thursday 20th July 2006
quotequote all
Hello all,

Well you lot have finally convinced me to get a 330 ci. Now I'm on the look out, I would like the "sport" version, I would just like to know how to tell a "sport" from a "non sport". As there are so many adverts which say "sport look-a-like", and I need to know that I'm getting the real deal!

Also, what's the difference between sport and non sport? And does the sport version come in tiptronic?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just excited!!

Cheers

(btw, the car will be around 2001 age)

Vee

3,101 posts

240 months

Thursday 20th July 2006
quotequote all
A Sport will generally have aluminium cube interior trim.
All will have MV alloys (255 rear, 225 front).
Steptronic was available on both Sport and SE.
A Sport has a body kit and the rear valance doesn't have reflectors.
A sport have M badges on the steering wheel, gearknob (manual) and sills.

pimpster

Original Poster:

148 posts

225 months

Thursday 20th July 2006
quotequote all
Thanks for that mate!

Just another thing, are the "Automatic" gearboxes the same as the steptronic ones? Or can you get automatic without the steptronic?

Cheers!

LMC

918 posts

219 months

Thursday 20th July 2006
quotequote all
Yup, what Vee says, it's cosmetic stuff really.
Try as I might, I couldn't find a sport version in the condition, mileage, history etc. I wanted. Settled for an SE with sports leather interior (higher lateral supports and much better than the standard)and 18" rims.

In all honesty I like the look of the sport better, mine has chrome window surrounds and I would've preferred black. And I like the 2 front splitters on the sport, which I ain't got. The sills are a bit nicer but no big deal IMO. Mine was already fitted with a lip spoiler on the boot, and TBH I ain't that bothered what the arse - end of my motor looks like !

All the differences mentioned above are easily rectified when the time comes. But for now I'm just enjoying driving it.

Les

LMC

918 posts

219 months

Thursday 20th July 2006
quotequote all
re the transmission - don't confuse automatic with SMG or steptronic, tiptronic or whatever. Automatic is "select drive" and go, while the SMG, steptronic is flappy paddles on the steering wheel: semi automatic (with the option to go fully automatic).

Les

vee

3,101 posts

240 months

Friday 21st July 2006
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SMG only comes on M3s.
The 330 did come with a variant of it called SSG.
It is rubbish and to be avoided by all accounts.

fergy

279 posts

229 months

Friday 21st July 2006
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"Splitter" came on the Clubsport, not on Sport models... and rubbed nicely on most speed humps as I found out...

baz1985

3,612 posts

251 months

Friday 21st July 2006
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E46 M3s are now hitting £15k; thats what I'd go for

Oakey

27,759 posts

222 months

Friday 21st July 2006
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baz1985 said:
E46 M3s are now hitting £15k; thats what I'd go for


Yes but they tend to be early, high mileage ones. The downside of which is an extended warranty is going to set you back nearly £1500-£2k a year!

marco

1,727 posts

290 months

Friday 21st July 2006
quotequote all
Aren't you forgetting the most important part - the M-Sports suspension pack?

I test drove quite a few 330Ci vs 330Ci Sport models and there was a huge difference in the way they handled. I think that the lowered, stiffened E46 is one of the nicest handling cars I've ever driven bearing in mind the size, space and comfort levels. The 18's make a difference too of course - note that if you add these wheels to a non-sport model then as ridiculous as it sounds, you must declare them to the insurance company.

Personally I'd never take a non sport over a sport model if they were within £500 of eack other.


Marco

LMC

918 posts

219 months

Monday 24th July 2006
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All 330 coupes have got sport suspension

adom

527 posts

245 months

Monday 24th July 2006
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Whatever you do, the sports seats are an absolute must in my book.

B17NNS

18,506 posts

253 months

Monday 24th July 2006
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doesnt the sport have an anthracite headliner as well?

flatty

8 posts

220 months

Monday 24th July 2006
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the best way to tell is it will say 330ci "sport" on log book!!
just bought a cab one, love it!!