Purchasing Used 330xi

[red48mgtc]

Hope I am in the right forum...
I am looking to purchase a 330xi with manual shift and would like to get input on any issues; reliability quality etc. that those who are already owners might have faced..
What is the best year? Any options not worth the cost?
Thanks,
Dave

[v.o.r]

diff people have diff opinions about the X personally i wouldnt buy a sedan thats an X it takes the fun out of it depends on wat kind of driver u are though but rear wheel is the best if u like to do stuff....if u know wat i mean as for relaiabilty and quality i mean its a bmw so im pretty sure its just fine but the thing thats running through my mind is that its rare to find X's so maybe maintenace or replacing parts to ur tranny or parts involed with the AWD might take longer or be a little more $$ thats my input on this i have a 2003 330i and i prefer it much better than an AWD BUT thats my opinion take care

[MixFlame]

the xi has a worse ride and is slower than the regular sedan. it is also higher than it off the ground. i'm not saying its a bad car, its just not as good as the sedan. as far as awd cars go though, its one of the best (if not the best.)

[j donald hunt]

Originally posted by MixFlame@Nov 28 2004, 05:17 PM
the xi has a worse ride and is slower than the regular sedan. it is also higher than it off the ground. i'm not saying its a bad car, its just not as good as the sedan. as far as awd cars go though, its one of the best (if not the best.)

[snapback]239051[/snapback]

I bought a 2001 in the spring with 50,000 km . Have put 18,000 since then, burned a light and the sunroof needs adjustment. The awd is hoot on the secondary roads. Replaced the brakes at 55K for 800 cdn.

\Looking forward to winter.

It actually is not slower off the mark than the 330i since the diff is lower. All in all I enjoy the car. MIne is a 5 speed, would get the 6sp if available.

go for it.

[red48mgtc]

Originally posted by v.o.r@Nov 28 2004, 06:20 PM
diff people have diff opinions about the X personally i wouldnt buy a sedan thats an X it takes the fun out of it depends on wat kind of driver u are though but rear wheel is the best if u like to do stuff....if u know wat i mean as for relaiabilty and quality i mean its a bmw so im pretty sure its just fine but the thing thats running through my mind is that its rare to find X's so maybe maintenace or replacing parts to ur tranny or parts involed with the AWD might take longer or be a little more $$ thats my input on this i have a 2003 330i and i prefer it much better than an AWD BUT thats my opinion take care

[snapback]239028[/snapback]

Thanks,
Here in the North East we get snow often alot.. I would like a fun reliable ride, I put around 30K miles a year on a car. My ES300 '93 with 5 speed is getting tired with 200K+ miles on it. I am sure the 330xi would be more fun than a front driver like my ES300. I don't expect the reliability of my Lex should I? My ES300 still has its original clutch and is so reliable that its is boring. I can honetly say the ES300 has needed nothing except maintenance items. I am just tired of it plus its starting to look a little tired. I need 4 doors to take out clients on occasion, plus the wife and kid need room. I probably won't buy new rather someone else pay the initial drop in value.
What years have proven to be the most reliable? any years I should avoid? Best year for performance?
In the past I have always done all my own maintenance. Is the 330xi owner maintenance friendly vehicle? Are well written shop manuals available?
I own an older 911SC and have done all repairs and am comfotable with the sometimes overly complex German designs.
Thanks

[rsn48]

I have a 2002 330xi. I don't pretend to be an authority on the difference between an xi and a ci "off the mark" time trials. I will say however that everyone I have let drive my xi have had smiles on their face when they have punched the accelerator.

And if you want a little rear wheel spin, don't forget you can turn off the DSC by holding down the button a couple of seconds. I live in the land of Whistler BC where driving in mountainous winding roads is a reality in the snow, and you don't even need winters on this puppy to get around in the snow and be doing better than most cars in the white stuff.