BMW 3-Series Saloon (1998 - 2005) 330i Sport 4d Auto (01) (2002/52) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Used to say you're a pratt, but I think they've all gone to drive Audi's now.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Most were a bit quiet on the subject.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No. As a car is does what it's designed to do extremely well, i.e. be fast, sporty and comfortable. However, to do that it compromises on ride and economy. In these days of Gatsos and speed humps, just doesn't make sense anymore, hence our move to a diesel auto with a far more wafting ride.
What are you likely to buy next?
We have replaced the 330i with a Volvo S60 D5 auto.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£10,000
When did you buy the car?
March 2007
Did you get a good deal and why?
Was easily the best price we could find for a 2002 330i sport at the time.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Had previously owned a small hatch and an MX5. Wanted a "sporty" 4 door saloon with plenty of toys.
What was the dealer like?
Very nice. Came with a 1 year warranty thrown in.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Fast and very competent with it. Not as fun as my previous MX5, but then it weighs 1500kg and can carry my sons baby seat in the back. Initial acceleration doesn't seem that impressive. However, doesn't seem to ever stop accelerating (I accidentally hit 130mph a couple of times, private road of course).
What's it like to park?
Easy, has parking sensors and better rear visibility than say a Lexus IS (which we considered).
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Initial problems with aircon, resolved by the dealer. All four of the 18" MV alloys needed refurbishment. Wishbone bushes needed replacing, which is a common E46 issue and isn't that expensive. The only really serious issue was a failure of the power steering pump, which was fixed by a main dealer for £480. Over three years of ownership and 30k miles, I didn't think that it was that bad.
What's most practical about your car?
Very very good seats, meaning that it can eat long journeys.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
This isn't a gadget car, it just everything well.
