[fresh_e92]

Hi everyone,

New to the forum and hoping to get some advice.

At the start of August my leased Mercedes C250cdi goes back and I'm looking to replace it with an 2008-2010 e92 330i auto.

I'm looking to spend around 8-10k on a car and the reason for choosing the 330i over the 335i is that I want to experience a NA petrol straight 6.

I've done some homework on it and I know that some of the engines had issues with coil packs but wanted to get some advice from the forum members on what else to look for please?

I'm guessing at the age range I am looking at it will be the N53 engine so would really appreciate any pitfalls to look out for.

I have quite a bit of time to find a car so I'll slowly search and fingers crossed find the right car!

Cheers

[jamherber]

With the N53, look for evidence that the injectors have been changed and possibly the high pressure fuel pump as well. Make sure you keep £1500 in your 'war chest' for these issues. Also get the codes checked and look for NOx sensor errors (these won't illuminate the engine warning light but the sensor alone is circa £400 plus fitting).

It's a cracking engine when running ok though and substantially more economical than the N52 - have achieved some amazing mpg figure with our N53 330i.

[richk84]

I have a 330i N53 and bought it for the same reason as you, last NA straight 6. Its a great drive, sounds lovely and i love throttle response you get from a NA.

I had a few issues with mine in the first few weeks but I got mine from BMW so i just chucked it back at them and they replaced all the injectors and coils and its fine now.

If you can look out for Highline model, mine is one of these and has most options. Heated Seats, Front and Rear PDC, Pro Nav, Folding/Dimming mirrors etc.

If i was buying private or even from a indie garage I would buy Carly and run a scan on each potential purchase, see what faults you have before committing.

[smuler]

I'd make sure it didn't currently have run flats as they spoil ride and handling ; prior figment of them can damage wheels but I guess that's hard to check.
I only had 335i but generally speaking check all the history is recorded and oil changed every couple of years at the latest.

Probably a cheeky, comment, but can't you find a manual ;that's the best way to enjoy a N/A straight six. Autos are so uninvolving.

I'd consider a mint E46 330ci at your budget with residue for any maintenance or warranty. More driver feedback on the older cars.

Or get 335i if you want auto, it's notably faster which is all I thought when I moved up from my E46. I didn't get hung up on it being turboed

[Not a Diesel!!!]

See how it idles from cold should be rock steady on 600rpm.

Also when mine was running spot on the exhaust stayed clean. When it started to have problems they would blacken very quickly. This is old school test for how well a car runs. Clearly any overfueling results in more soot deposits.

I fitted new PBMW Exhaust 4 months ago and stayed clean as a whistle. But by this time it had everything replaced & walnut blasted so was probably the best it was ever running.

Even when I had problems economy was still good.

[Jamie_E92]

Originally Posted by smuler

I'd consider a mint E46 330ci at your budget with residue for any maintenance or warranty. More driver feedback on the older cars.

even after owning 22 of them , i do love them but theres no WAY i'd even consider spending over 3k on one now, not old enough to be a classic and at that awkward age where theyre all getting chavved up as you can pick them up for 100 quid on ebay.

totally agree about them giving more driver feedback but it would be ludicrous to spend anywhere near 8k on one.

OP, dont rule out the earlier N52 330i mate, they are a lot less problematic, however a lot rarer - especailly in the 330i layout rather than 325.

[E60525d]

Agree, the only E46 i would buy is an M3.

OP, with your budget you should easily pick up a N53 330i sport with reasonable milleage.

[fresh_e92]

Hi guys,

Holy thread revival! I rudely didn't reply but thank you all for the the suggestions. After a good few months I have almost settled on a 2011 E93 330i Msport Auto. I'll post up pics once I've got it but it seems to have all the toys.

Looking forward to the straight 6!

[Jet1990]

I have a 330i N53 that was misdiagnosed by bmw and resulted in all new injectors and coils been replaced under warranty. Turned out to be the HPFP sensor.

I'm selling mine very soon and id prefer it to go to an enthusiast. check out my recent thread in the classified.

[richk84]

Originally Posted by fresh_e92

Hi guys,

Holy thread revival! I rudely didn't reply but thank you all for the the suggestions. After a good few months I have almost settled on a 2011 E93 330i Msport Auto. I'll post up pics once I've got it but it seems to have all the toys.

Looking forward to the straight 6!

Congrats! You can't beat driving with the roof down hearing that straight 6!

[fresh_e92]

Originally Posted by richk84

Congrats! You can't beat driving with the roof down hearing that straight 6!

Thanks Hopefully will do a thread on it soon!

[tim.buckley]

My N53 has been nothing but trouble, and still is. It's a late 2007 car.

It had recall / warranty work at BMW before my ownership consisting of 2 x new injectors, 6 x coil packs, NOX sensor replacement.

Since I have had it, it's had new HPFP, low level fuel sensor, 6 x new plugs, 3 x new injectors latest revision 11, pair of manicats, full service. It only has a problem at cold start after being left all night, if you turn the engine off and on again it normally clears the engine light and drives fine.

Try and buy one with comprehensive warranty for at least 6 months that covers injectors and HPFP and doesn't have a maximum claim limit of £500 like some warranties do. If you buy one that has problems after a few days or weeks, unless you've bought it from BMW I'd give it them back and think of another engine variant or maybe different manufacturer altogether.

[Not a Diesel!!!]

Originally Posted by fresh_e92

Hi guys,

Holy thread revival! I rudely didn't reply but thank you all for the the suggestions. After a good few months I have almost settled on a 2011 E93 330i Msport Auto. I'll post up pics once I've got it but it seems to have all the toys.

Looking forward to the straight 6!

You need to get the Performance Exhaust. Ask Cotswolds for a price.

[Phil325i]

Originally Posted by tim.buckley

It only has a problem at cold start after being left all night, if you turn the engine off and on again it normally clears the engine light and drives fine.

It sounds like one (or more) or your remaining injectors is leaking overnight and causing you issues until the excess fuel burns off...

[tim.buckley]

Originally Posted by Phil325i

It sounds like one (or more) or your remaining injectors is leaking overnight and causing you issues until the excess fuel burns off...

I've had enough of it mate, lovely looking car but the stress and anxiety of wondering what it's going to do every morning is horrible. Can't afford to throw good money after bad. The last time I read the codes it has 7. Bank 2 is the problem now, saying that the precat lambda has two errors. All wiring checked after replacing the manifolds. Will replace the sensor prob in September after holidays. It drives fine once warmed up, only cold start issues intermittently. Other errors are mixture control ones and water pump. Will it ever stop?!

My other car, a Vectra VXR, is the most reliable car ever in comparison. Just normal servicing and wear and tear e.g. just changed the original battery from 2007.