330i and 330d Weaknesses
Discussion
As far as I know the only weaknesses are the springs, particularly the rear and the front wishbones which are quite fragile. BMW's warranty won't cover suspension components after 60,000 miles.
Early diesels have been known to munch turbos but that was mainly the 320.
That's about it.
I would recommend you get heated seats, mine are bloody cold at this time of year, also desirable is leather, satnav, HK stereo(standard one is crap) power seats and bluetooth (BT is easy to retro-fit though).
Early diesels have been known to munch turbos but that was mainly the 320.
That's about it.
I would recommend you get heated seats, mine are bloody cold at this time of year, also desirable is leather, satnav, HK stereo(standard one is crap) power seats and bluetooth (BT is easy to retro-fit though).
I have just been through the same dilemma. I got a 330D and love it, torque and speed is awesome. maf sensors are a problem, just trying to sort it now, see my query today. I also have a Van Aakken chip fitted, altho it's unplugged while trying to fix maf problem, it unleashes more horses and the torque gain is mental.
muzzer79 said:
DJFish said:
bluetooth (BT is easy to retro-fit though).
How would one go about this?
Is it easy to retro-fit to all 3 series? I have a 2001 320 coupe and it would be handy..
It's easy, and indeed peasy as well.
If your car is pre-wired you can get the BMW kit and plonk it in thussly: www.hiunlimited.com/bluetooth_installation/bluetoothstart.htm
If you've got an 01 you probably won't have the pre-wiring so you're best off getting an aftermarket kit like a Parrot CK3000: www.parrot.biz/uk/products/ck3000evolution
Along with a wiring kit to make life really easy and allow steering wheel button integration: www.raysmith.co.uk/Hands-Free-Kits/CTPPAR001/
You simply whip everything out as detailed here: www.my330i.com/mod26.php#C plug the kit in and put it all back together again.
The only real arse pain is running the mic up into the roof lining, but you could always put it somewhere by the steering wheel.
Should take you less than an hour, no drilling required and it works a treat.
Here's mine:
fastandcurious said:
Sorry to start the thread on a negative note but I'm considering purchasing one of the above (touring) and would really appreciate some advice as to what their weaknesses/trouble spots might be?!
Many thanks for any advice you are able to provide me with.
CRAIG
Many thanks for any advice you are able to provide me with.
CRAIG
The diesel engine has more niggles than the petrol,they can be very expensive niggles aswell.The injectors can fail as can the turbo amongst others,make sure you have a dealer warranty.
Speaking from experience!
Roughly;
Suspension - common wear point on all BMWs, specifically rear radius arm outer bushes, and front lower balljoints. Rear top mounts take a hammering.
Body/Equipment - headlight washers (if fitted) are the work of the devil and commonly leak. Sticking door handles. Window motor regulators can fail. Sunroof visor runners prone to breaking - which can lead to the roof jamming and the motor catching fire.
Engine - 3.0 petrol = no real issues. 3.0d = dunno. Like most BMW sixes, Lambda sensors appear to be the most common wear outside of servicing. The biggest worry is oil consumption - all BM sixes consume oil at varying rates (up to 1 litre per 800miles is within tolerances) , there's no guarantee it's not been run dry at some point.
Transmission - automatics prone to failure around 70K mark, usually Torque Converter or 2nd gear. The yanks change the fluid every 15-30K miles. BMW GB maintain the box is sealed for life.
Have a browse of http://forum.e46fanatics.com - american board, but they do seem to unearth all the issues and then some.
Suspension - common wear point on all BMWs, specifically rear radius arm outer bushes, and front lower balljoints. Rear top mounts take a hammering.
Body/Equipment - headlight washers (if fitted) are the work of the devil and commonly leak. Sticking door handles. Window motor regulators can fail. Sunroof visor runners prone to breaking - which can lead to the roof jamming and the motor catching fire.
Engine - 3.0 petrol = no real issues. 3.0d = dunno. Like most BMW sixes, Lambda sensors appear to be the most common wear outside of servicing. The biggest worry is oil consumption - all BM sixes consume oil at varying rates (up to 1 litre per 800miles is within tolerances) , there's no guarantee it's not been run dry at some point.
Transmission - automatics prone to failure around 70K mark, usually Torque Converter or 2nd gear. The yanks change the fluid every 15-30K miles. BMW GB maintain the box is sealed for life.
Have a browse of http://forum.e46fanatics.com - american board, but they do seem to unearth all the issues and then some.
I've done well over 150k miles in a number of different E46's and I've had the following issues.....
330d - Plastic inlet manifold cracked, effectively turning it into a normally aspirated diesel.
2nd 330d - Butterfly in inlet manifold broke away and introduced itself to 4 valves and 1 piston. BMW replaced piston, 24 valves, head etc etc under warranty.
330i - My current leggy 330i has an issue with the rear light clusters. They both show as faulty on the dash, but work fine. Odd. It's 40 quid for a pair of bulb carriers, so I may replace them soon. Additionally, the rear springs were cracked but replaced under warranty. Mine is using about 300ml of oil every 1000 miles. It's now done 124k miles.
They're not bulletproof, but if maintained properly they're a good tool
Cheers
Matt
330d - Plastic inlet manifold cracked, effectively turning it into a normally aspirated diesel.
2nd 330d - Butterfly in inlet manifold broke away and introduced itself to 4 valves and 1 piston. BMW replaced piston, 24 valves, head etc etc under warranty.
330i - My current leggy 330i has an issue with the rear light clusters. They both show as faulty on the dash, but work fine. Odd. It's 40 quid for a pair of bulb carriers, so I may replace them soon. Additionally, the rear springs were cracked but replaced under warranty. Mine is using about 300ml of oil every 1000 miles. It's now done 124k miles.
They're not bulletproof, but if maintained properly they're a good tool
Cheers
Matt
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