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BMW 330ci Problems

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Good price for a 2001 BMW with low mileage?

It's very low mileage for the age of the car, is it genuine? If it is I would suggest a value of $8000-$10,000, depending on the condition.

Used BMW E46 review: 1998-2005

There's little doubt that BMW is the brand that paved the way for the plethora of other prestige brands that now litter our market, and the 3-Series was the BMW model that made the breakthrough.

NEW

The 3-Series was a prestige model that was tantalisingly within reach for people who wanted to move up from local models but couldn't afford the huge step up to a bigger Beemer or 'Benz.

The lowest model on the 3-Series totem might have only had a modest four-cylinder engine, but it had a blue and white spinner badge and that was enough for many buyers. The E46 was a marked step up in size and shape from the earlier E36, its proportions were more generous, its lines more plump.

But it delivered the same solid drive experience. It felt planted on the road, the steering was re-assuring, the ride firm without being uncomfortable, and the engines were smooth and responsive.

The range began with the four-cylinder 318i, which was generally panned by reviewers for being boring. Compared to the six-cylinder models that criticism might have had some merit, but viewed alone the four stacks up solidly against its rivals with decent performance around town and on the highway and quite acceptable fuel economy.

The rest of the range was powered by the marvellous BMW six-cylinder engine in various capacities and outputs, from the 2.2-litre at the lower end to the sizzling M3 atop the pole. A choice of manual, five and six-speed, and auto, also five and six-speed, was offered, and a sequential manual was also offered on the M3.

The levels of equipment varied enormously from the 318i to the M3. While the base car, the 318i, was reasonably well equipped it didn't have cruise control, to get that you had to step up to the 318i Executive.

NOW

The 3-Series was generally well built and has stood up quite well over time. The body remains solid and rarely develops any squeaks and rattles, the handling remains true and responsive, and the engines continue to deliver the same liquid smooth performance even when they've reached high miles.

For that reason they can be a little deceiving. While they might drive and perform impressively, they can develop issues as the kays climb that can be expensive to repair. BMW engines generally don't use oil, and they give little trouble, but they are known to leak oil. The leaks are usually picked up at service time.

The plastics BMW uses in and around the engine, particularly in the cooling system and engine ventilation system, go brittle with age and eventually crumble. Most mechanics report that once one goes it's a good idea to replace all the fittings because they'll all go and replacing them in one fell swoop avoids the expense of repeated trips back to the workshop to replace them as they fail one by one.

Radiators are another weakness, and they can be expensive to replace. Instrument clusters and A/C control panels are other weakness and are known to burn out requiring replacement.

Brakes are also an issue, the 3-Series tends to go through pads and discs every 50,000 km or so. Cheaper aftermarket parts are available to help keep the cost down.

If you're thinking of buying an E46 with more than 100,000 kays on the clock think about having a BMW specialist mechanic check it for you, it could save a lot of heartache later on.

It's also worth getting to know a BMW specialist mechanic to keep your car running smoothly without costing you a fortune. On the plus side even older, high mileage 3-Series are comfortable and drive smoothly.

SMITHY SAYS

Generally sound, but can be expensive as the kays climb. Shop with care.

BMW 3-series E46 1998-2005

Price new: $56,170 to $158,000
Engine: 1.9-litre 4-cylinder, 87 kW/180 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 105 kW/200 Nm; 2.2-litre 6-cylinder, 125 kW/210 Nm; 2.5-litre 6-cylinder, 125 kW/245 Nm; 2.5-litre 6-cylinder, 141 kW/245 Nm; 2.8-litre 6-cylinder, 142 kW/280 Nm; 3.0-litre 6-cylinder, 170 kW/300 Nm; 3.2-litre 6-cylinder, 252 kW/365 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed auto, 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed sequential manual, RWD
Economy: 7.2 L/100 km (318i), 7.6 L/100 km (320i), 7.5 L/100 km (328i), 8.0 L/100 km (330i), 7.6 L/100 km (M3)
Body: 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon, 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible
Variants: 318i, 320i, 323i, 325i, 328i, 330i, M3
Safety: ABS braking and airbags, plus ESP from 2004

COMING UP

Do you own a Holden Captiva? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.
 

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Used BMW 3-Series review: 2000-2005

You only have to look around you in the traffic to know that older 3-Series BMWs like the E46 318i and 320i are increasingly popular choices with young drivers.

Many are handed down from parents when moving on to newer models, others bought by well-heeled elders believing the small BMW to be a better and safer choice than a Falcon or Commodore for the youngsters, while others are bought by kids who just think they’re cool.

MODEL WATCH

The E46 3-Series was introduced in 2000 and built on the success of the E30 and E36 models that preceded it.

Sales increased with each new 3-Series to the extent that by the time the E46 came along the blue-and-white BMW badge was the one to have if you had ideas of moving up the ladder of success, or at least give the impression you were. Increasing new sales inevitably meant more used cars came on the market when those bought new were sold on so there was plenty to choose from and still are plenty on the market.

The E46 was built in South Africa and while the company insisted the quality was a match for the cars produced in Germany, the reality was that the quality was variable. The E46 was an attractive medium-sized four-door sedan with pretty lines and a nicely balanced shape. Buyers could choose between a four-cylinder model, the 318i, and a six-cylinder model, the 320i.

When launched the 318i had a rather lethargic 1.9-litre single overhead camshaft engine that produced 87 kW at 5500 revs and 180 Nm at 3900 revs. But in 2001 that was replaced by a 2.0-litre engine that put out 105 kW at 6000 revs and 200 Nm at 3750 revs, which thanks to its larger capacity and variable valve timing was a much better performer.

The 320i had a smooth revving 2.2-litre six, the sort that BMW is renowned for, and that produced 125 kW at 6250 revs and 210 Nm at 3500 revs. At first buyers of the 318i could only choose between a four-speed auto and five-speed manual, but from 2001 their choices were a five-speed auto or a five-speed manual. Those buying the 320i could have a five-speed auto or a five-speed manual.

Final drive on all models was through the rear wheels. All models also had independent suspension front and rear, braking was by discs all round, and the steering was by power rack-and-pinion.

Inside, the cabin was typically German with emphasis more on function rather than form. The fit and finish of the trim was generally good, the plastics of a high standard, and all controls were nicely laid out for easy use. The cabin was quite roomy for four adults, but five was a squeeze.

All had plenty of fruit with auto climate controlled air, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, and CD sound systems.

IN THE SHOP

Like all older cars BMWs suffer problems as the kays climb, their prestige image doesn’t mean they’re immune to breakdowns, and when they do break down they can be expensive to repair.

Before you buy a used BMW you need to forge a relationship with a reliable and experienced specialist in the marque who can service them and affect any necessary repairs at a reasonable cost. Independent service agents usually charge much less than a dealer, and can supply replacement parts at a much lower cost.

Having taken the plunge and bought a BMW anticipate oil leaks from the engine, coolant leaks from the engine and radiator, crumbling plastic engine fittings, worn suspension bushes and regular brake pad and disc replacements.

The body, paint and trim generally stands up well. They don’t suffer from rust to any degree, the paint doesn’t fade and the cloth trim takes quite a pounding.

IN A CRASH

A package of front and side airbags, plus ABS antilock brakes, traction control, with standard electronic stability control from 2003 make the 3-Series an attractive choice for parents worried about the safety of their kids.

UNDER THE PUMP

The 318i and 320i both use regular unleaded and are E10 compatible. BMW claimed the 1.9-litre four-cylinder 318i would average 7.0 L/100 km, at the same time claimed the 2.0-litre version that replaced it would average 8.3 L/100 km. The 2.2-litre six-cylinder 320i would average 8.1 L/100 km.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

Nigel Parsons has owned two E46 3-Series BMWs, and while he liked them he ultimately sold them because of the high cost of servicing as the kays climbed. Both had problems with their sunroofs when plastic hardware became brittle and broke, and both required new front brake discs on a far too regular basis.

"(I sold them) mainly because of servicing cost after the warranty ran out, it seems every service cost around $1000."

AT A GLANCE

Engines: 1.9-litre four-cylinder petrol; 87 kW/180 Nm, 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol; 105 kW/200 Nm, 2.2-litre six-cylinder petrol; 125 kW/210 Nm
Transmissions: Five-speed manual, four-speed auto or five-speed auto
Fuel: Regular unleaded or E10. 1.9-litre 7.0 L/100 km (official), 2.0-litre 8.5 L/100 km (official), 2.2-litre 8.1 L/100 km (official)

THE BOTTOM LINE

Safe and sound small car, but maintenance costs can climb substantially with high mileage.

RATING

2.5 stars.

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Which small car to buy

LIKE you, I prefer rear-wheel-drive cars for the way they drive and feel on the road. I'm also in favour of buying used BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes because you get to drive a better car than you might otherwise be able to afford, but they can be expensive to service and repair. For that reason I am loathe to recommend them. But I also agree that some of the cars coming from Japan look good, and I particularly like the new Lancer. I wouldn't be concerned about front-wheel drive at all, there's nothing wrong with the way they drive, handle, steer or brake.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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