Had my car 3 years now.

BanziBarn · 01-04-2013, 07:37 AM

It’s now 3 years since I took delivery of my 330d.

This is the point at which I would normally be thinking about what car to get next – maybe not with any real intention to change, but knowing that if I did fancy something new that I could possibly justify it based on having my current car long enough.

It’s a bit different this time. I’ve just signed a contact to have my loft converted so any spare cash will be going into that. That of course leaves nothing for the M5 I was thinking about (In my dreams

).

But, I’m very pleased to say that despite this – I really don’t care!

I still love with my e90 as much now as when I got it. It’s been a really superb car.

Yes, I’ve had a few issues such as the Bluetooth packing up, and the traction control stopping me overtaking on motorways but these were fixed and the cars been great ever since!

The very worst thing about my BMW experience has been the dealer. My local dealer has been poor. Hard to get through to, don’t call you back, leave oil all over your leather after a service and then expect you to clean it up with some damp paper towel, and damage your body work without owning up.

But the car it’s self – great.

I still look forward to driving it, and never get bored of the grunt despite being very lucky to have recently ridden in many of the fastest cars on the planet! The 330d for me is almost everything I want from a car. It looks good, it’s built well with all the comforts and gadgets I want, it’ll keep up with the likes of R32s and yet can achieve over 50mpg (sometimes

).

I’ve had a lot of fun in the car, including taking it to Santa Pod were I was only narrowly beaten by my mate in his 335i, but of course got obliterated by my mate in his RS4  (sorry, can’t remember my pod time off hand).

The car has now done about 25k miles – lower than average. This rate of usage will continue so with any luck the 330 has quite a few years ahead of it before it starts to play up.

Also, when the car is sitting idle on my drive it’s not getting damaged! It’s still in pretty good shape – If you glance over it, it looks pretty mint still. I’ve never curbed an alloy, and nor has my wife (both VERY careful) and all of the bodywork scratches are such that you can only see them in certain light, or are easily covered by coloured wax or Poorboys. I reckon if I ever get the car detailed it would return to near showroom condition.

To be honest, the most damage has been done by the dealer and the bloody foxes who sit on the roof and clamber up the bonnet with their claws out (massive problem with these critters around my way).

Concerns for the future? My main one is with the DPF. It shows no signs of being a problem yet but with a lot of short journeys, this could be a potential issue.

My wife has the car during the day so I only drive it in the evening and weekends - but when I do get behind the wheel I always make sure the taps are fully opened to try and create as much heat as possible. Hopefully this will keep the filter clean. Well, this is the reason I give to the verbal speed limiter (the Mrs) when I pin her to her seat (insert your innuendo here

), but in reality, I just love feeling the 380 Ft lbs kick!

My only other potential issue going forward could be lack of boot space. I now have two children so we may come into difficulties. However, I’m not one of those people who at the first sniff of a child goes straight out and buys an Espace. The car has been fine with one kid and I reckon with the addition of a roof box, we’ll be able to cope OK on the few occasions in the year where the boot doesn't suffice.

Anyway, here’s to the next 3 years! Thanks to you all for the help and advice you’ve given me, and I hope you have a great 2013

Cheers!

rsmallwo · 01-04-2013, 07:46 AM

no more dealer visits when your out of warranty, you can get some quality service from a good independant. Not the same eye candy mind....

Thats reason enough to keep it!

BanziBarn · 01-04-2013, 07:51 AM

Will they still fix stuff under extended warranty?

rich1068 · 01-04-2013, 08:03 AM

You sound just like I did when I had my Octavia RS in 2002. Something in me just clicked with that car and I didn't even consider anything else until well after my usual itchy feet period. In fact it was originally on business contract hire and I even bought myself out of the lease just so I could keep it and do more silly things to it.

It even sounds like you're using the loft conversion as an excuse to keep it

Happy motoring!

BanziBarn · 01-04-2013, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich1068

You sound just like I did when I had my Octavia RS in 2002. Something in me just clicked with that car and I didn't even consider anything else until well after my usual itchy feet period. In fact it was originally on business contract hire and I even bought myself out of the lease just so I could keep it and do more silly things to it.

It even sounds like you're using the loft conversion as an excuse to keep it

Happy motoring!

Oct VRS one of the best cars out there, so don't blame you!

You're right about the loft

rich1068 · 01-04-2013, 08:07 AM

In fact I really hope my new one clicks like yours obviously does with you and the Octavia did with me. It's about time. After the Skoda I had a bells and whistles A3 which was as dull as ditchwater but looked nice, a Saab which was just a car and the E91 which was by far the most accomplished motor I've had but was plagued with faults.

All power to the 330d!

Hope · 01-04-2013, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanziBarn

My only other potential issue going forward could be lack of boot space. I now have two children so we may come into difficulties.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanziBarn

The car has been fine with one kid and I reckon with the addition of a roof box, we’ll be able to cope OK on the few occasions in the year where the boot doesn't suffice.

Banzi, don't tell anyone I told you this, but I don't think you're allowed to keep your kids in boots and roof boxes buddy

Have you tried the back seats?

BanziBarn · 01-04-2013, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hope

Banzi, don't tell anyone I told you this, but I don't think you're allowed to keep your kids in boots and roof boxes buddy

Have you tried the back seats?

You are actually allowed, my mate is a copper and he said that most police tend to ignore this practice because they know that in these tough financial times, not everyone can afford to upgrade to X5s.

dxb335d · 01-04-2013, 10:44 AM

Great review and glad your still enjoying the car. I can't remember your pod time either low 14 something wasn't it? Try dig it out.

Should have posted some pics too!

Hope · 01-04-2013, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanziBarn

You are actually allowed, my mate is a copper and he said that most police tend to ignore this practice because they know that in these tough financial times, not everyone can afford to upgrade to X5s.

Ok, thats good, I didn't know you can claim hardship. Better get reproducing

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Great review and glad your still enjoying the car. I can't remember your pod time either low 14 something wasn't it? Try dig it out.

Should have posted some pics too!

You don't want much do you?

BanziBarn · 01-05-2013, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Great review and glad your still enjoying the car. I can't remember your pod time either low 14 something wasn't it? Try dig it out.

Should have posted some pics too!

My best time was 14.197 seconds.

Max speed was 96.45mph (different run).

When I went up against my mate (335i) he did 14.37 vs my 14.5.

Here are some pics, but I think you've seen them a few times before!

rich1068 · 01-05-2013, 02:51 AM

Can't imagine why you'd want to keep that old shed

BanziBarn · 01-05-2013, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich1068

Can't imagine why you'd want to keep that old shed

Hard times mate

texasjohn · 01-05-2013, 04:02 AM

Lovely car. I'd have been more than happy with a 330d and in fact my ideal car would have been a 330d (245) manual with HK.

It's sods law though: I often have a look on AUC to see what's about and a couple of months before I bought there were a couple of 330d with the higher end sound systems. One was an SE manual with no nav in Monaco Blue which hung around for ages and then of course when in fact it was time to buy it had gone. There was only my 335i and some 320d's with the combo of a decent soundsystem and manual gearbox. I should probably have been sensible but I can nurse mid to high thirties on a run so it's not all bad.

dxb335d · 01-05-2013, 09:51 AM

Great pics, lovely looking motor.

We need more "recent" pics Banz.

BanziBarn · 01-05-2013, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Great pics, lovely looking motor.

We need more "recent" pics Banz.

It looks like a shit heap at the moment, badly needs a clean!

dxb335d · 01-05-2013, 10:25 AM

So does mine mate. Not been cleaned since Xmas Eve. Like to clean it minimum once a week but have been too busy.

Dr Dave · 01-05-2013, 01:54 PM

Weather is/has been shit. Mines hanging too.

zltm089 · 01-05-2013, 02:23 PM

nice pics!!!....

BanziBarn · 01-05-2013, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zltm089

nice pics!!!....

Cheers.

01-04-2013, 07:37 AM	#1
BanziBarn Lieutenant Colonel 106 Rep 1,800 Posts Drives: BMW 330D E90 LCI Msport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Had my car 3 years now. It’s now 3 years since I took delivery of my 330d. This is the point at which I would normally be thinking about what car to get next – maybe not with any real intention to change, but knowing that if I did fancy something new that I could possibly justify it based on having my current car long enough. It’s a bit different this time. I’ve just signed a contact to have my loft converted so any spare cash will be going into that. That of course leaves nothing for the M5 I was thinking about (In my dreams ). But, I’m very pleased to say that despite this – I really don’t care! I still love with my e90 as much now as when I got it. It’s been a really superb car. Yes, I’ve had a few issues such as the Bluetooth packing up, and the traction control stopping me overtaking on motorways but these were fixed and the cars been great ever since! The very worst thing about my BMW experience has been the dealer. My local dealer has been poor. Hard to get through to, don’t call you back, leave oil all over your leather after a service and then expect you to clean it up with some damp paper towel, and damage your body work without owning up. But the car it’s self – great. I still look forward to driving it, and never get bored of the grunt despite being very lucky to have recently ridden in many of the fastest cars on the planet! The 330d for me is almost everything I want from a car. It looks good, it’s built well with all the comforts and gadgets I want, it’ll keep up with the likes of R32s and yet can achieve over 50mpg (sometimes ). I’ve had a lot of fun in the car, including taking it to Santa Pod were I was only narrowly beaten by my mate in his 335i, but of course got obliterated by my mate in his RS4  (sorry, can’t remember my pod time off hand). The car has now done about 25k miles – lower than average. This rate of usage will continue so with any luck the 330 has quite a few years ahead of it before it starts to play up. Also, when the car is sitting idle on my drive it’s not getting damaged! It’s still in pretty good shape – If you glance over it, it looks pretty mint still. I’ve never curbed an alloy, and nor has my wife (both VERY careful) and all of the bodywork scratches are such that you can only see them in certain light, or are easily covered by coloured wax or Poorboys. I reckon if I ever get the car detailed it would return to near showroom condition. To be honest, the most damage has been done by the dealer and the bloody foxes who sit on the roof and clamber up the bonnet with their claws out (massive problem with these critters around my way). Concerns for the future? My main one is with the DPF. It shows no signs of being a problem yet but with a lot of short journeys, this could be a potential issue. My wife has the car during the day so I only drive it in the evening and weekends - but when I do get behind the wheel I always make sure the taps are fully opened to try and create as much heat as possible. Hopefully this will keep the filter clean. Well, this is the reason I give to the verbal speed limiter (the Mrs) when I pin her to her seat (insert your innuendo here ), but in reality, I just love feeling the 380 Ft lbs kick! My only other potential issue going forward could be lack of boot space. I now have two children so we may come into difficulties. However, I’m not one of those people who at the first sniff of a child goes straight out and buys an Espace. The car has been fine with one kid and I reckon with the addition of a roof box, we’ll be able to cope OK on the few occasions in the year where the boot doesn't suffice. Anyway, here’s to the next 3 years! Thanks to you all for the help and advice you’ve given me, and I hope you have a great 2013 Cheers! __________________ Black 330d E90 LCI M Sport Saloon Auto. Privacy Glass, Cream Leather, 6FL, I-Drive/Nav/Bluetooth, Alpine hifi upgrade. Last edited by BanziBarn; 01-05-2013 at 02:53 AM..
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01-04-2013, 07:46 AM	#2
rsmallwo Captain 40 Rep 939 Posts Drives: Z4 35i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Hull iTrader: (0)	no more dealer visits when your out of warranty, you can get some quality service from a good independant. Not the same eye candy mind.... Thats reason enough to keep it!
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01-04-2013, 07:51 AM	#3
BanziBarn Lieutenant Colonel 106 Rep 1,800 Posts Drives: BMW 330D E90 LCI Msport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Will they still fix stuff under extended warranty? __________________ Black 330d E90 LCI M Sport Saloon Auto. Privacy Glass, Cream Leather, 6FL, I-Drive/Nav/Bluetooth, Alpine hifi upgrade.
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01-04-2013, 08:03 AM	#4
rich1068 has left the building 90 Rep 3,359 Posts Drives: F30 330d M Sport Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	You sound just like I did when I had my Octavia RS in 2002. Something in me just clicked with that car and I didn't even consider anything else until well after my usual itchy feet period. In fact it was originally on business contract hire and I even bought myself out of the lease just so I could keep it and do more silly things to it. It even sounds like you're using the loft conversion as an excuse to keep it Happy motoring!
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01-04-2013, 08:07 AM	#6
rich1068 has left the building 90 Rep 3,359 Posts Drives: F30 330d M Sport Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	In fact I really hope my new one clicks like yours obviously does with you and the Octavia did with me. It's about time. After the Skoda I had a bells and whistles A3 which was as dull as ditchwater but looked nice, a Saab which was just a car and the E91 which was by far the most accomplished motor I've had but was plagued with faults. All power to the 330d!
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01-04-2013, 10:44 AM	#9
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 945 Rep 29,345 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	Great review and glad your still enjoying the car. I can't remember your pod time either low 14 something wasn't it? Try dig it out. Should have posted some pics too! __________________ 997.2 GT3
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01-05-2013, 02:51 AM	#12
rich1068 has left the building 90 Rep 3,359 Posts Drives: F30 330d M Sport Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Can't imagine why you'd want to keep that old shed
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01-05-2013, 04:02 AM	#14
texasjohn Lieutenant 42 Rep 492 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Lovely car. I'd have been more than happy with a 330d and in fact my ideal car would have been a 330d (245) manual with HK. It's sods law though: I often have a look on AUC to see what's about and a couple of months before I bought there were a couple of 330d with the higher end sound systems. One was an SE manual with no nav in Monaco Blue which hung around for ages and then of course when in fact it was time to buy it had gone. There was only my 335i and some 320d's with the combo of a decent soundsystem and manual gearbox. I should probably have been sensible but I can nurse mid to high thirties on a run so it's not all bad. __________________ F10 M5 CP. Previous: F31 340i, E90 335i SE, E87 130i, F10 550i, E92 335i, E61 550i, E90 335iM, E87 130i, E87 118d, Z4M, Z4 3.0i SMG, E46 330D, Z3M, Z3 3.0i, Z3 3.0i (USDM)
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01-05-2013, 09:51 AM	#15
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 945 Rep 29,345 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	Great pics, lovely looking motor. We need more "recent" pics Banz. __________________ 997.2 GT3
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01-05-2013, 10:25 AM	#17
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 945 Rep 29,345 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	So does mine mate. Not been cleaned since Xmas Eve. Like to clean it minimum once a week but have been too busy. __________________ 997.2 GT3
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01-05-2013, 01:54 PM	#18
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 111 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	Weather is/has been shit. Mines hanging too.
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01-05-2013, 02:23 PM	#19
zltm089 Banned 242 Rep 7,690 Posts Drives: 335i SE Coupe Space Grey Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: LONDON iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 335i [10.00]	nice pics!!!....
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