320cd, 330cd Experiences??

[Undertay King]

Hi all,

Next car woes for PH discussion...

currently pedalling a Golf GT TDi 130, my first non-BMW (E21 323i, E34 535i). Now that I am earning, I am looking at newer/nicer stuff. As much as I would like to buy a TVR or S2000 at this point, high mileage (35k/year) rules those out. Also, having considered two cars I decided i wouldn't use the second very often so I might as well enjoy the high miles (I still own the 535i but it hardly moves because the Golf does everything it does, just cheaper). Therefore a fast diesel is going to be the sensible compromise again for a while.

Having looked at 330d touring's I discovered that the 330d and 320d were also available as coupes (and would allow bike transport to Wales etc. with the folding rear seats).

So, the point of the post, I have a few questions for anyone on here who has experience of an E46 320cd or 330cd?
Use it with seats folded at any point - how easy is it to pack bikes + camping kit?
Are folding seats standard?
What's the real world fuel economy like?
Have you had any problems (electrics, A/C, steering...)?
Any other comments?

Ta very much like.

[olf]

First answer is on mpg. I get 35-36 if I cane my 330d. My wife gets 42.

Main problems relate to front suspension components I believe.

[Undertay King]

Thanks Olf,

Is it just premature bushing wear do you know, or something more expensive?

(I get that on the 5 which has a heavy engine too)

[olf]

Others will know better but yes it's the heavy egine syndrome. I think some of the earlier years suffered from bent front suspension turret tops. Check out www.E46fanatics.com which is where I saw the info.

HTH.

[emicen]

The folding rear seats were an option I believe. "through loading rear seats" or something like that. Not a very commonly ticked option iirc.

[StuB]

I'd have thought the boot opening on the Coupe's might be a problem for you.

No problems with an E46 compact (folding rear seats and a hatch) and the Touring will also be fine.