Oppo school me on bmw 330i’s made from 2002-2006

"Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner" (gavinharter30) 10/03/2017 at 08:40 • Filed to: None

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Because the mini is on its last legs because everything breaks as soon as we start it, also because I’ve spent twice the amount that I payed for the mini just fixing the car, I’m looking for alternatives.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 08:41

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“quality” engineering by the same guys who did the MINI.

think about it.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 08:44

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Jumping from expensive mini repairs to potentially expensive E46 repairs is perhaps not what I’d recommend, unless you’re willing to pay out the nose for one with low miles and all updated services.

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > pip bip - choose Corrour 10/03/2017 at 08:47

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Good point

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/03/2017 at 08:49

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But a 330 is more reliable than a mini. I’ve seen some on my local cl with 200,000 miles. One with 271,000

Tripper > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 08:50

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Owner of an E46 M3 (2002) for almost 11 years. I have replaced one ignition coil and one throttle position actuator (very recently). Those have been the only “failures”. AMA.

I think Party-Vi’s got a 330.

I’ve also owned an 05 Cooper S, which was a gem until it wasn’t and then I found myself in a similar position. 

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > Tripper 10/03/2017 at 08:52

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Any big engine failures I need to be aware of?

adamftw > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 08:52

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Ya sure. It’s possible but it isn’t cheap. The motors and drivetrains are solid but the accessories and stuff are what gets you.

Nibby > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 08:52

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they’re fun but expensive to maintain. My cousin had a 2003 325xi since new until 3 or 4 years ago and he traded it in for a Wrangler cause he needed somehting more family friendly and the maintenance was just getting ridiculous... he said a lot of small annoyances like buttons, electrical stuff, but he had just under 100k on it

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > Nibby 10/03/2017 at 08:53

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I bet it’s nowhere near as bad in maintainance as the mini

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 08:53

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Toyota Corolla.

e36Jeff now drives a ZHP > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 08:55

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Reliable if maintenance has been kept up with, but if maintenance has been ignored, small issues will snowball into big issues. Cooling system is a weak point, needs to be replaced every 60-100k miles, if you don’t you run the risk of the expansion tank splitting and dumping coolant out, if that happens you have about 30 seconds to shut the engine off or the head will warp.

fuel economy is so-so, I can pedal it up to 30mpg if I’m really trying, but I usually sit around 26-28mpg.

It’s actually not hard to work on if you are that type, things are arranged pretty logically, and most things are fairly easy to get to. Parts aren’t cheap, but they aren’t (usually) stupid expensive, it actually seems to run pretty close to my wife’s Buick in terms of part costs.

There is a huge enthusiast base that is willing and able to help you troubleshoot issues with the car, check out e46fanatics.com.

It is fairly quick and handles quite well, steering feel is about as good as it gets.

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media 10/03/2017 at 08:55

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Good answer

Nibby > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 08:55

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I have no idea.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 08:56

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Most cars are more reliable than a mini. But just because you’ll have hopefully less unexpected failures with a high-mileage bimmer doesn’t mean it will be cheap to keep running...

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 08:59

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Sometimes you need to start from firm ground rather than flailing about in quicksand...it’s not exciting but it’s not asphyxiating either

Tripper > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:01

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On the 330, not that I’m aware of. There’s a rod bearing recall for the M3, but it’s very rare to find a car where that has not been completed.

I’ve had the VANOS “rebuilt” for preventative purposes. (around $800 from my Inde, but I’d do it myself if I had to do it again.) It is also worth mentioning that I have been fanatical with maintenance.

I’d go with a PPI on any used BMW, but as long as the car has been properly cared for I don’t think there is a ton you need to worry about.

Matt Nichelson > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:03

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I always liked the ZHP. If they’ve been well kept they can be great cars. Maintenance can be expensive for some things and the Vanos issue is common but seeing as how you own a Mini it may not be as bad.

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > Tripper 10/03/2017 at 09:04

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Ok that’s good. I also had the vanos rebuilt on the mini, only to have it fail a couple thousand miles later

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > Matt Nichelson 10/03/2017 at 09:06

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I also like the zhp but most are out of my price range

Tripper > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:07

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How many miles on your cooper? Ours was fantastic then beat the piss out of my wallet from 90-110k miles. I took it to have it inspected and they wanted $2500 to pass, but said that it really needed $3500 to be road worthy. This was after I had them strap on a brand new set of tires! We traded it on a new Forester for my wife.

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > Tripper 10/03/2017 at 09:10

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Wierdly 68,000. Shouldn’t be this beaten up at that little miles

Matt Nichelson > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:13

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Understandable. I don’t think the Vanos issue is as common on the normal 330i. I’ve seen several high mileage examples that have been taken care of.

Sir Halffast > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:13

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They are cars.

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > Sir Halffast 10/03/2017 at 09:14

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Ok. Will keep that in mind :p

2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:17

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Get a Lexus or a Buick. Your already on a sinking German ship. Transfer over to something that’s gonna last

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > 2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered 10/03/2017 at 09:18

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But it’s a sinking British ship with a couple of German parts

Funktheduck > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:18

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If you want something affordable to buy and maintain: corolla/civic are the go tos. Depending on the year Mazda 3. I’m only familiar with the current and last gen. No issues. Last gen Celica if you’d like something sportier. Matrix/Corolla XRS.

Basically, if you don’t want to kill your wallet, stay away from luxury/near luxury until you can buy newer or have deeper pockets. Even the small normal stuff usually costs more.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:18

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It takes guts to have a car Nickel and dime you to death and then go look at a car from from the original car’s parent company. Although I’ve generally heard good things about E46s, cooling system and vanes are two general trouble areas if I remember.

Sir Halffast > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:19

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Glad to be of help.

2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:22

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It’s more bmw than anything else. You should get something good for the price of a used e46. I can think of several nice dd in that price range that will probably last 100x longer and let you down much less

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > 2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered 10/03/2017 at 09:24

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I’m definitely not looking for anything Honda

2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:29

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Why?

Not that I was suggesting that.

Used ls400 or a used gs300 would do it

NYankee1927 > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:29

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I have a 2004 M3 and it needed rod bearings at 110k miles. They are notorious for eating them up. Luckily it isn’t that hard of a job.

I also used to have a 2011 Mini and got rid of it becuase every repair started out with “remove the front bumper.” Overall they both have been equally unreliable (never left me stranded, knock on wood). But the BMW is so so easy to work on. Everything is logical and well spaced.

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > 2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered 10/03/2017 at 09:29

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Because every Honda where I live has been modified to some extent

2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:31

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I wasn’t trying to say Honda to begin with.

Again a used Lexus gs300, ls400

A grand prix gt

Or a regal gs

Would last 100x longer than a e46

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > 2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered 10/03/2017 at 09:35

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Can confirm that none of those are Honda’s, haha.

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > 2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered 10/03/2017 at 09:35

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Ok 

WilliamsSW > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:44

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I have an ‘00 323 Cic - - 1 owner car, and it’s been extremely reliable for 17 years. Different engine, of course, but the bottom line is that they’re very good cars IF the maintenance has been kept up - and they’re nightmares if not.

They’re also very well balanced and fun to drive. I would recommend the stick - I’ve heard that the automatics are just a bit frustrating to drive (from party-vi, BTW - he has a 330i, coupe I think).

My suggestion would be to find a well-cared for example with maintenance records and a stick. You can get a really fun car that way. Don’t be tempted by cheap, poorly maintained BMWs. I do believe that water pumps are an issue with the M54 engine (I have an M52), but that’s all that comes to mind, and it’s not firsthand experience.

Good luck!!

WilliamsSW > e36Jeff now drives a ZHP 10/03/2017 at 09:47

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Excellent advice across the board - but so much this:

Reliable if maintenance has been kept up with, but if maintenance has been ignored, small issues will snowball into big issues.

diplodicus > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:49

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If you want a BMW I’d go something older if you don’t mind working on it yourself. If you can find something cheap that has an M20 or an M30 series engine under 200k miles then it will have a lot of life left. Stuff will break because its old but parts are pretty cheap. Some stuff they don’t carry at autozone oreillys places so you have to order it and wait. For my e30 paying my indie to do the timing belt was 350$, replacing front control arms, lolipop bushings, inner and outer tie rods cost like 800$ for parts and labor. It was winter and my e39 was(is) occupying my garage. Can get brakes rotors and pads for around 250, remanned calipers are like 50$ with a 17$ core. Alternators 90$ or if your bearings are good a voltage regulator is like 20$ and you don’t even have to remove the whole thing.

Party-vi > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:50

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I’m at 197,000 miles in my 2002 330Ci. Parts can be expensive. I’ve never had a VANOS issue except for a leaking oil line. Cooling system parts (thermostat, water pump, expansion tank, hoses) are easy to replace, and you can get away with some inexpensive stuff. Plugs are easy to do but you better get the right ones. Suspension components are expensive as hell, as are all the exterior window trim and interior pillar trim. I have given up replacing my A and B pillar trim, as they always peel. The Steptronic transmission is slow and stupid, and flushing it is a PITA, but that’s only done every 50,000 miles or so. Sport package cars (some sedans, all 330Ci coupes) have staggered wheels, and tires can get pricey as well. Brakes aren’t bad at all price-wise. Also don’t waste any money on an intake or tune or exhaust unless you’re just looking for a better sound. There’s no good way to get more power out of a M54B30 unless you install a header (nixing the cats) or install ZHP cams (too much money).

You should go to ECS and look at maintenance part costs to determine if you want to get into this. BMW OEM front sport package control arms are $250 each.

Even with all the above, I love driving my car. It’s quick enough and handles like a mother fucker.

If you’re tired of spending money on your Mini, then an E46 330Ci/i is not the car for you. If you love doing your own work and having more shit to look forward to replacing, then go ahead and get one.

Party-vi > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 09:54

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The M54B30 engine in the 330 is a good engine, but unless you get service history plan on replacing the following as soon as you get the car:

Valve cover gasket (not so easy)

Spark plugs (easy)

Water pump (easy)

Thermostat (easy)

Expansion tank (easy-not easy)

Belts (easy)

Tensioners/pulleys (easy)

Transmission flush (if an automatic)

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > diplodicus 10/03/2017 at 10:13

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I’m also thinking on getting an e28 535. That or an e39 540

diplodicus > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 10:17

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As someone with an e39 540i if you think the mini is expensive stay away from that. the e28 though that is one that I want. If I didn’t have my 540i still in project mode I’d buy this one. https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/d/bmwi-5sp-manual/6296427508.html  

This guys been trying to sell this 535is all summer, it’s just priced way too high. https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/d/1988-bmw-535is/6292718380.html  

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 12:52

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Since my last reply was snarky, I’ll try to be helpful. I’ve always been intrigued by the Saab 9-3 from 2006 forward. The turbo ecotec is generally reliable, but they are saabs so they tend to have been driven by you know, Saab people, whereas the cobalt S with the same engine has probably been thrShed within inches of its usable life. And they have depreciated like crazy. They had some growing pains in 2004-05 but then got them pretty sorted afterwards. Prices tend to be good. Wagons are very attractive but hard to find one with a stick. Decent aftermarket for suspension and engine mods.

e36Jeff now drives a ZHP > WilliamsSW 10/03/2017 at 13:25

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I honestly believe that this in particular is part of the bad rep BMWs have for reliability. People ignore or are ignorant of small problems which then snowball into thousand dollar repairs. But if they had just fixed the problem when it started, it would have been a cheap, quick, and easy fix.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 10/03/2017 at 14:49

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I have a 2002 330i. It’s a lotta car for the money and it’s more fun than a Camry, but it’s a 15 year old German car. You’re paying for it one way or another and parts ain’t cheap. Decent pads and rotors are $400. Just know what you’re getting into. They’re not bad cars, but find one that’s been cared for and have some money on the side for repairs. Also a plus if you’re mechanically inclined. It’ll save you a lot of money since most jobs are labor intensive. The common oil filter housing gasket is a $5 part, but a few hours of labor.